Pinkerton's Barbecue Introduce
Pinkerton's Barbecue is a name synonymous with authentic, top-tier Texas barbecue in the heart of Houston. This isn't just a place to grab a quick meal; it's a destination that captures the essence of what makes Texas BBQ so legendary. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with the irresistible aroma of slow-smoked meats, a promise of the deliciousness to come. The atmosphere is laid-back and lively, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Whether you're a lifelong Houstonian or just passing through, Pinkerton's offers a taste of true Texas tradition that will have you coming back for more. It's a culinary journey that honors the craft of smoking meats and brings people together over a shared love for great food.
The restaurant has earned a stellar reputation not just for its food but also for its commitment to consistency and quality. As one satisfied customer put it, Pinkerton's "hits dead center of where Texas BBQ lives," a testament to their dedication to perfection. The care and attention to detail that goes into every cut of meat and every side dish is evident, resulting in a dining experience that is both comforting and exceptional.
Pinkerton's Barbecue is located at 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009, USA. The location is easily accessible, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors exploring the Houston area. Accessibility is a top priority, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a fantastic meal. For those driving, free parking is available both in a dedicated lot and on the street, taking the hassle out of finding a spot.
The restaurant’s placement in a vibrant part of Houston makes it a great anchor for a day or night out. Its prominent location on Airline Drive is well-known and easy to find, so you won't have any trouble navigating there. The building itself is a beacon for barbecue lovers, with a welcoming facade that hints at the smoky, savory goodness waiting inside. The ease of access, combined with the ample parking, makes Pinkerton's a stress-free choice for lunch or dinner plans. It’s a spot that truly feels like a local gem, cherished by those who know and appreciated by all who discover it.
Pinkerton's Barbecue offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a convenient and enjoyable dining experience for all.
- Onsite services: Enjoy the full restaurant experience with friendly, efficient staff ready to serve you.
- Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout option allows you to enjoy Pinkerton’s delicious food wherever you are.
- Dine-in: Settle in and enjoy the lively, casual atmosphere with your meal.
- Outdoor seating: When the weather is nice, you can enjoy your barbecue on the outdoor patio.
- Catering: Pinkerton's can bring their signature barbecue to your next event, making it a guaranteed hit.
In addition to these services, the restaurant is well-equipped to handle various dining situations, from solo meals to large groups. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full, sit-down meal, Pinkerton’s has you covered. The staff is known for being friendly and making guests feel right at home, which adds to the overall positive experience. The focus on providing multiple service options ensures that the restaurant can meet the diverse needs of its customers, solidifying its place as a top-tier dining establishment in Houston.
What truly sets Pinkerton's Barbecue apart are its unique features and highlights that enhance the overall experience.
- Fast service: Despite being a popular spot with a line, the service is remarkably fast, so you won't have to wait long to get your food.
- Great beer and cocktail selection: The bar offers a fantastic array of local and craft beers, along with a creative cocktail menu to perfectly complement your meal.
- Serves local specialty: The menu is a celebration of classic Texas barbecue, with a focus on high-quality, smoked meats that are a local favorite.
- Bar onsite: A full-service bar provides a great spot to grab a drink while you wait or to enjoy with your food.
- Casual and cozy atmosphere: The restaurant has a relaxed, comfortable feel that is both trendy and welcoming, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Good for kids: High chairs are available, and the menu includes options that are appealing to younger diners.
- Suitable for groups and solo diners: The space is flexible, accommodating both large groups and individuals looking for a great meal.
These highlights contribute to the restaurant's reputation as a place that is more than just about the food. It's about the entire experience—the lively atmosphere, the friendly staff, and the little details that make a big difference. The combination of a stellar menu and a great environment is what keeps people coming back and recommending Pinkerton’s to their friends and family. It’s a place where you can relax, enjoy great food and drinks, and feel like you're part of the local community.
For more information, or to place an order, you can contact Pinkerton's Barbecue directly.
Address: 1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009, USA
Phone: (713) 802-2000
The location is a key part of the Pinkerton’s experience. Situated in the heart of Houston, it serves as a central hub for barbecue lovers. The physical address is easy to find, and the phone number is readily available for any questions or inquiries. While the line can be long, it’s a testament to the quality of the food and the high demand. Plan for a wait, but know that it will be well worth it once you taste the food.
Choosing Pinkerton's Barbecue is about more than just satisfying a craving; it's about experiencing the very best of what Texas has to offer. The brisket, with its "perfect bark and juicy center that melts in your mouth," is a standout, widely praised for its exceptional quality. The ribs are "fall-off-the-bone perfection—smoky, tender, and packed with flavor," a testament to the pitmasters' skill.
The sides are equally celebrated, with the mac and cheese described as "creamy, cheesy comfort food done right." And you absolutely can't skip dessert. The Smoked Bread Pudding is "next level," a rich, warm, and perfectly sweet ending to an unforgettable meal. These descriptions from real customers highlight the consistent excellence across the entire menu.
Beyond the food, Pinkerton's is an experience. The atmosphere is laid-back yet lively, and the staff is incredibly friendly, making you feel "right at home." It’s a place that appeals to a diverse crowd, from college students to families and tourists, all united by a desire for delicious, authentic food. The dedication to their craft is clear in every bite and every interaction, making Pinkerton's not just a meal, but a genuine Texas barbecue tradition.
Pinkerton's Barbecue Menu
Meats
- Beef Ribs $31.00
lb
- Pulled Pork $20.00
lb
- Smoked Sausage $5.50
(Jalapeño Cheese) Link
- Boudin $8.00
Link
- Turkey Breast $19.00
lb
- Sandwich $10.00
(Pork, Turkey, Sausage)
- Brisket Sandwich $15.00
- Brisket Sandwich $13.00
Sides
- Potato Salad
- Cole Slaw
- Jalapeno Cheese Rice
- South Texas Beans
- Mac & Cheese
- Smoked Duck & Sausage Jambalaya
Desserts
- Aunt Ruby's Blueberry Cobbler $5.50
- Smoked Bread Pudding $6.50
- Bananas Foster Pudding $5.50
Pinkerton's Barbecue Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- 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
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pinkerton's Barbecue Photos










Pinkerton's Barbecue Location
Pinkerton's Barbecue
1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009, USA
Pinkerton's Barbecue Reviews
jambalayajalapeno cheese sausagebread puddingboudinbacon mac and cheeseglazed ribscheese ricejalapeño cheeseblueberry cobblertexas monthly
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Solid hammer throw that hits dead center of where Texas BBQ lives. This is one of those places that has earned the hype and sweats the details bringing consistency and food excellence. I will be dreaming about this one for a long time. Brisket, w/ends, turkey along sides of slaw and bacon mac…snuck a blueberry cobbler in. Every single piece of this puzzle was a 100% smoke show! Absolutely divine!
August 22 · Thomas BPinkerton’s BBQ delivered a knockout meal from start to finish. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone perfection — smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. The brisket had that perfect bark and juicy center that melts in your mouth. Pair all that with their mac and cheese, which is creamy, cheesy comfort food done right, and you’ve got a plate worth dreaming about.And don’t even think about skipping dessert — the bread pudding is next level. Rich, warm, and just the right touch of sweet to end the meal on a high note.The atmosphere is laid-back but lively, and the staff couldn’t be friendlier — they made us feel right at home. Pinkerton’s isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. I’ll definitely be back!
June 03 · Andrew FranklinFound this place unexpectedly. Drove 30 min in the opposite direction to give it a try. It was worth the drive.In the pictures-Brisket-Pork Ribs-Jalapeño Cheddar sausageThis place was incredible. Service was amazing. Food was amazing. This is what I pictured true Texas bbq. Thank you for an amazing food experience.
August 19 · Lonny Laven🔥 **Pinkerton's Barbecue – A Texas BBQ Dream!** 🍖🤠If you're craving **authentic, smoky, melt-in-your-mouth BBQ**, Pinkerton's Barbecue is the place to be! 🏆 This Houston gem serves up **legendary brisket** with a perfect peppery crust and caramelized fat that will have you coming back for more. 🥩💨🌟 **Must-Try:**- **Brisket** – Tender, smoky, and packed with flavor! 🤤- **St. Louis-style ribs** – Glazed to perfection with a sweet, tangy sauce! 🍖🔥- **Mac & Cheese** – Creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of black pepper! 🧀✨- **Smoked duck & sausage jambalaya** – A unique, flavorful twist! 🍛😋The **rustic Texas vibes** 🏡, friendly service 🤗, and mouthwatering sides make this spot a **BBQ lover’s paradise**! Whether you're dining inside at the long community tables or soaking up the Houston sun on the patio, **every bite is a celebration of Texas BBQ**! 🌅🍽️💯 **Rating:** 10/10 – **BBQ bliss!** 🔥💛
May 27 · Stinger GT2 tvThe wait to this restaurant is probably longer than what I'm used to. But let me tell you that it is well worth it. The ribs are so delicious and fall off the bone. The beef ribs are apparently so good that you have to be there before 12 because they always run out. In my opinion, the sides weren't as good as the meat.Well worth the detour to dine in on our trip back home.
August 02 · Jose Velasquez
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