Gabby's BBQ Introduce
For over four decades, Gabby's BBQ has been a cornerstone of Houston's barbecue scene. A family-owned and operated institution since 1978, this restaurant is dedicated to the art of slow-smoked Texas Hill Country barbecue. It's a place where tradition meets taste, offering a wide array of classic smoked meats and hearty sides that have earned it a loyal following. Located in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area, Gabby's BBQ provides a welcoming, casual, and cozy atmosphere that feels like a true local gem.
The menu at Gabby's BBQ is a testament to the rich flavors of Texas barbecue. From platters and sandwiches to meat by the pound, there is a variety of options to satisfy any barbecue craving. The restaurant prides itself on meats smoked on-site daily, ensuring the freshest and highest-quality product. This dedication to craft is evident in every bite, from the tender pulled pork and juicy sliced brisket to the flavorful sausage and moist smoked turkey. Beyond the traditional barbecue offerings, the menu also features a "Hill Country Cooking" section with items like Chicken Fried Steak and Chicken Fried Chicken, further solidifying its status as a destination for classic comfort food.
Gabby's BBQ is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience built on a foundation of family and customer care. The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, making it a great spot for groups and families. The attention to its customers, as noted in a review, is a key highlight, with staff who are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. This "family-like establishment" feel is a rare and valued quality that sets it apart from many other dining options. Its reputation as a place that serves local specialties, combined with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Houston barbecue experience.
Gabby's BBQ is located at 3101 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018, USA. This location places it in the heart of the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area, a vibrant and accessible neighborhood. The restaurant is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive, offering comprehensive accessibility features including a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. These amenities ensure that all customers can dine comfortably and without barriers, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to serving the entire community.
For those arriving by car, Gabby's BBQ provides a free parking lot and free street parking, which is a significant convenience in a bustling city like Houston. This takes the stress out of finding a spot and allows for a smooth visit from arrival to departure. The strategic location on North Shepherd Drive makes it easily reachable for locals and visitors, whether they are coming from within the neighborhood or from other parts of the city. The ease of access, combined with ample and free parking, is a key highlight that makes it a practical choice for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
The restaurant's focus on accessibility and convenience is a major reason for its local popularity. The combination of a central location and thoughtful amenities demonstrates a commitment to providing a pleasant experience for everyone. This dedication to customer convenience is what makes Gabby's BBQ a reliable and cherished spot in Houston's dynamic food scene.
Services Offered:
- Dine-in: Enjoy a meal in the casual, cozy, and family-friendly atmosphere with seating available.
- Outdoor Seating: A great option for enjoying your meal in the open air.
- Takeout: Grab your favorite smoked meats and sides to enjoy at home.
- Delivery: Have your order conveniently brought right to your door.
- Drive-through: A quick and easy option for picking up your food on the go.
- Catering: Services available for large groups, parties, and events, with options for full service or delivery and setup.
Features and Highlights:
- Fast Service: Known for its efficient and prompt service.
- Great Dessert: The peach cobbler is a standout, highly recommended item.
- Great Beer and Tea Selection: Offers a variety of beverages, including beer and both sweet and unsweet tea.
- Serves Local Specialty: Specializes in authentic Texas Hill Country BBQ.
- Family-Friendly Environment: A comfortable and welcoming space for families and groups, complete with a kids' menu and high chairs.
- Bar Onsite: A place to enjoy a beer or a cocktail with your meal.
- Menu Diversity: Features an extensive menu with barbecue plates, sandwiches, salads, and "Hill Country Cooking" specials.
- Catering and Party Packs: Offers comprehensive catering services and party packs for events of all sizes.
Contact Information:
Address: 3101 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018, USA
Phone: (713) 864-5049
What is Worth Choosing:
Gabby's BBQ is a worthwhile choice for its exceptional combination of delicious, authentic food and a genuinely friendly, family-like atmosphere. The positive feedback from customers, particularly about the quality of the food, underscores its appeal. The ribs, both Baby Back and Spare, are highly praised for their perfect tenderness and smoky flavor, with one reviewer noting they "pulled perfectly off the bone." The smoked turkey, often a challenging meat to perfect, is highlighted as "moist, with a great Smokey flavor," which is a rare and significant accomplishment.
Beyond the main meats, Gabby's BBQ excels in providing a memorable overall dining experience. The peach cobbler is repeatedly mentioned as a "must try" and the "star of the show," even winning over a self-proclaimed non-fan of the dessert. This kind of standout item speaks volumes about the quality and care put into every dish. The variety of menu options, from the "Texas BBQ Pie" to a selection of classic sides, ensures that every guest finds something to love, even if they have a specific preference. The presence of a self-serve condiment bar with a variety of toppings, including sour cream, is a unique and appreciated feature that adds to the customizable nature of the meal.
While a few reviews have mentioned some minor issues, the overwhelmingly positive sentiment focuses on the high quality of the food and the top-notch, friendly service. The fact that the establishment is family-owned and operated for over 40 years is a testament to its enduring commitment to its craft and its customers. The restaurant also caters to a variety of needs with its numerous service options, including drive-through, takeout, delivery, and a robust catering service for events. Its dedication to providing a family-friendly environment with a kid's menu and high chairs makes it an excellent option for a casual meal with loved ones. Overall, Gabby's BBQ is a celebrated local gem that provides an authentic, high-quality, and welcoming barbecue experience that is well worth choosing.
Gabby's BBQ Menu
Salad
- BBQ Chef Salad $13.75
- Chicken Tender Salad $13.75
By The Pound
- Pulled Pork (TPD) $9.50
- Smoked Turkey (TPD) $10.65
- BBQ Chicken (TPD) $9.25
- Jalapeno Link Sausage (TPD) $9.55
- Baby Back Ribs (TPD) $14.75
- Spare Ribs (TPD) $16.50
- Brisket (TPD) $0.00
- Original Link Sausage (TPD) $9.55
Party Packs To Go
- #6 - Rib Tailgate Party $164.75
- #4 - Family Pack Spare Ribs & Beef Brisket Combo $87.50
- #1 - Family Pack Beef Brisket Combo $61.75
- #2 - Family Pack Pork & Chicken Combo $51.50
- #3 - The Office Party $162.25
- #5 - Family Pack Pork Spare Ribs $80.60
Na Beverage (Tpd)
- Dr Pepper $3.00
- Fruit Punch $3.00
- Starry $3.00
- Orange Crush $3.00
- Water $0.00
- Lemonade $3.00
- Sweet Tea $3.00
- Root Beer $3.00
- Big Red $3.00
- Pepsi Zero $3.00
- Unsweet Tea $3.00
- Pepsi $3.00
Bakers & More
- Jumbo Locked & Loaded $7.75
- Chicken Tender Basket $11.60
- Texas BBQ Pie $12.95
- Texan Burger $9.75
- Meal 'N A Peel $14.75
- Brikset Tacos $13.50
Little Bites
- Mozzarella Sticks $6.95
Crispy fried cheese sticks served with a zesty marinara sauce, perfect for appetizer or snack.
- Fried Mushrooms $6.95
Texas Bbq Plates
- The Greatest (TPD) $22.65
- Sausage Plate $13.00
Original or jalapeño. served with choice of two sides.
- Turkey Plate $16.45
Served with your choice of two sides.
- The Texan $17.75
- The Sampler (TPD) $21.95
- Pulled Pork Plate $14.00
Served with bbq sauce and choice of two sides.
- Chicken Plate $14.85
- Brisket Plate $19.00
Served with bbq sauce and choice of two sides.
Pick A Side
- Mashed Potato (TPD) $3.50
- Cole Slaw (TPD) $3.50
- Loaded Mac & Cheese (TPD) $4.49
- French Fries (TPD) $3.50
- BBQ Sauce (TPD) $5.50
- Fried Okra (TPD) $3.50
- Mac & Cheese (TPD) $3.50
- Red Beans & Cajun Rice (TPD) $3.50
- Potato Salad (TPD) $3.50
- Green Beans (TPD) $3.50
- Creamed Corn (TPD) $3.50
- Ranch Style Beans (TPD) $3.50
- Side Salad (TPD) $3.50
Ribs
- 3 Rib Dinner $17.00
- 4 Rib Dinner $18.50
- 4 Rib Basket $18.25
- Baby Back Ribs Half Slab Plate $20.00
- 3 Rib Basket $16.75
- Spare Rib Plate - Half Slab $21.72
Desserts
- Banana Pudding (TPD) $4.50
- Peach Cobbler (TPD) $4.25
- Pecan Pie (TPD) $5.50
Bbq Sandwiches
- Turkey Sandwich $10.00
Served with bbq sauce and your choice of two sides.
- BBQ Chicken Sandwich $10.00
Served with bbq sauce.
- Original Link Sandwich $9.55
- Chopped Beef Sandwich $11.75
- Jalapeno Link Sandwich $9.55
- Sliced Beef Sandwich $11.75
- Pulled Pork Sandwich $9.55
Served with bbq sauce.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich $10.00
Kid's Menu
- BBQ Plate $8.40
Chicken, beef or link. served with one side and a drink.
- BBQ Sandwich $7.95
Served with brisket, turkey, chicken, sausage or pulled pork. served with one side and a drink.
- Mac & Cheese Bowl $6.95
- Chicken Tenders $6.65
Served with one side and a drink.
Hill Country Cooking
- Grilled Chicken Plate $13.75
- Chicken Fried Steak $14.75
- Chicken Fried Chicken $14.75
Gabby's BBQ Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Gabby's BBQ Photos










Gabby's BBQ Location
Gabby's BBQ
3101 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77018, USA
Gabby's BBQ Reviews
brisketbaked potatodrive thruturkeygreen beanspeach cobblerokramashed potatoesred beans and ricecreamed corn
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Was a pleasant surprise to try some new BBQ and come up with a local gem.The service at Gabby's BBQ was top notch, friendly, educational as first timers (asked for their top sellers), checked on us after we ordered multiple times. You could fell the family like establishment here, and the attention to its customers. Which I feel is highly missed by owners these daysHighly suggest trying the RIBS & Turkey. Normally, I'm not a fan of Turkey. But this was moist, with a great Smokey flavor.The Ribs pulled perfectly off the bone. Awesome smoke w that sweet glaze. Fair warning, it can get a little sticky, but well worth the mess. ;)The brisket & sides were ok, just nothing special here. If you're a fan of Mac & cheese, it was very cheesy. Wasn't a fan of the runny sauce, but could just be preference.The Sausage would be another great choice. Wish I could show the juiciness of each slice.Finally the star of the show: Peach Cobbler!!! Wow! I myself don't like peach cobbler. But the cinnamon crust, the flavor was just perfection. This is a must try for everyone that steps in.Overall it was a great experience.We will definitely be back for more.What was your favorite item?How was your experience?Hope more try and learn about Gabby's Bar B Q, think some of the other joints could learn a thing or two from their meats.@follow for moreUntil next time.
August 04 · Stoc Ish (Stocish)The food was pretty good and they had decent portions. One thing that was lacking for me was the barbecue sauce- which helps greatly to contribute to the taste of my barbecue. Their sauce was very watered down both in the bottle as well as when you asked the counter. The people were nice but didn't go out of their way about anything.I liked the fact that they had a typing bar where you can get your extra toppings though... that is not common with many restaurants of this type. They even had sour cream on it- although it wasn't covered.One thing I was very disappointed about is the fact that the menu states kids 12 and under eat free on Sundays but they did not uphold that nor did they offer any discounts- even when ordering the kids meal with the child in view. I feel as if businesses should honor what they say they offer and I was definitely disappointed by that.Overall it was a pretty average experience that I will not break my neck to go back to- as I've been to some better barbecue spots in the city.
March 29 · J. HinesGabby, I love you, but clean your fountain drink machine please. Mold is visible from afar, other than that, this is the best place ever, I'd eat here 3x a day every day if I could!
August 20 · TThe food is good but the serving size for a BBQ plate is tiny! I spent $21.00 on small sides & a very little of BBQ. This serving is for a child.
August 03 · Andrea HerreraThis was my first time here I work right down the street and always wanted to try this place so I decided to stop in and take it to go order on a Wednesday evening. It was not busy at all. I decided to do the sampler plate which is three meats and two sides. I declined the sides I didn’t want any sides. I just wanted to try the meats yet I was still charged the same price which was around $21.My order consisted of spareribs, sausage, and brisketBRISKET - dry with no flavorSAUSAGE- very basic didn’t have any type of barbecue flavor whatsoever. It’s like they just took sausage and threw it in the microwave or something I don’t know I’ve had better sausage store-bought along with barbecue sauce. The barbecue sauce was not good at all. I’ve had better store-boughtSPARE RIBS- had a good spice rub on it however the meat was a bit tough and chewy.Overall I was greatly disappointed in my meal. Try out way better BBQ spots in Houston!
April 17 · T. Tucker
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