BBQ Pilgrimage to Texas

DMW

cazzy said:

The best BBQ in Houston (and possibly all of Texas) is at Kileen's BBQ in Pearland Texas.  Ronnie Killen owns and runs one of the best steakhouses in the country for the last several years and decided he wanted to open a BBQ joint.  

I've had all of the Lockhart (as good as advertised) and Luling bbq, and I've had Franklin's, and I will say that for me Killen's and Franklin's are tied for best in Texas (and therefore best on earth  ) )

Only problem with Killen's is they are only open until they sell out.  Which is usually 1pm.  Best time to get in line is around 9:30 or 10am

Sorry sir. As much as Ronnie has tried to one up Franklin...use his meat distribution company, copy his trio of sauces, his product doesn't compare nor is he as consistent. Don't get me wrong, he serves great bbq and is the best in the Houston area. He's just not close to Franklin or La Barbecue.

I can't compare since I haven't had a chance to try Franklin's. But...I had Killeen's and it had an odd flavor. I think it was the smoke being used as I picked up the same flavor in both the brisket and beef rib.

The pecan pie was absolutely amazing at Killeen's.

Tspud1

Isn't Salt Lick the place that doesn't take credit cards?

Tspud1

There is an app for your phone that shows best BBQ, Texas Monthly BBQ.
This magazine rates BBQ in Texas and updates ratings frequently. It has reviews from
users of app and writers from the magazine.

cazzy

Tspud1 said:

There is an app for your phone that shows best BBQ, Texas Monthly BBQ.
This magazine rates BBQ in Texas and updates ratings frequently. It has reviews from
users of app and writers from the magazine.

The app is good cause it will give you spots, but it's based off the TX BBQ Monthly Top 50 list from 2008. A lot has changed since then, especially now that Daniel Vaughn is the BBQ Editor.

GQuiz

@cazzy is the Oracle when it comes to the barbecue scene. Depending where you stay in SA, I'd also throw Two Brothers on West Ave as a viable choice along with the Big Bib on Austin Highway. Back in 2008' I hit Texas Monthly's top 5 in one day. Snow's in Lexington had the best brisket I've ever sampled. But I haven't done the little 2 step in Austin with Franklins and La Barbecue, yet. I'd also be curious as to what Pecan Lodge in Dallas offers.

cazzy

GQuiz said:

@cazzy is the Oracle when it comes to the barbecue scene. Depending where you stay in SA, I'd also throw Two Brothers on West Ave as a viable choice along with the Big Bib on Austin Highway. Back in 2008' I hit Texas Monthly's top 5 in one day. Snow's in Lexington had the best brisket I've ever sampled. But I haven't done the little 2 step in Austin with Franklins and La Barbecue, yet. I'd also be curious as to what Pecan Lodge in Dallas offers.

Two Bros...NO NO NO NO NO NO.

Been there twice and it was horrible both times. Their pitmaster (Emilio Soliz) left and is now running a Food truck, so I'm sure it's gotten worse since then. Stay away!

GQuiz

Really? Dang it. Was there a few months ago and it was solid. Sad to hear it's fallen on untastey times. Go to Rudy's. You would think San Antonio would have someplace truly worthy (other than Cazzy's house).

tksmoke

Had a down day today with maintenance and weather issues - was all ready to head to Pearland, thinking Killen's BBQ, but administrative BS kept me working until about 1:30.  As it turns out, Killen's BBQ isn't open Monday anyhow.  So I got a reservation at Killen's Steakhouse for dinner.  It certainly lives up to the rave reviews.  Most Excellent!!!  Everything.  I started out with a Moscow Mule - perfect!!  Then moved on to crab cake appetizer -- the best I've ever had.  The Akaushi Wagyu Ribeye was also the best I've had.  Like butter...  The creamed spinach was great, and the carrot cake was also most excellent.  Tomorrow the weather may not be good enough to fly, and if I can get out early, I may head back to Pearland for Killen's BBQ, and then go on a real road trip to Austin, planning on Franklins Wednesday.  If anyone wants to join the festivities, call me to confirm times, etc.  805 570-7877

tksmoke

For an encore, I did return to Pearland.  Arrived at Killens BBQ about 11:30 and did the line thing for around a half hour; not bad!!!  Now I'm not much of a line person, but I figured I'd better get in practice for tomorrow at Franklin.  Yes, I headed out to Austin after a wonderful lunch.  Tomorrow morning I'm gonna find out what it's all about.

I'm not sure there are enough superlatives to express how good the BBQ was at Killens.  I had brisket, their spicy sausage, and a beef rib, along with coleslaw and potato salad.  Throw all the superlatives at each - it was great!!!  OK - now there is a new standard for brisket.  And the spicy sausage was a close second.  As was the beef rib. 

I drove to Austin, even though I really felt like a nap.  Heck I'm still full.  The first thing they said when I checked in is that they have a free dinner.  Not sure I'm eating again ever (or at least until tomorrow at Franklin).

The adventure continues ...

Legume

Wish I could join you tomorrow, but schedule won't allow

cazzy

tksmoke said:

For an encore, I did return to Pearland.  Arrived at Killens BBQ about 11:30 and did the line thing for around a half hour; not bad!!!  Now I'm not much of a line person, but I figured I'd better get in practice for tomorrow at Franklin.  Yes, I headed out to Austin after a wonderful lunch.  Tomorrow morning I'm gonna find out what it's all about.

I'm not sure there are enough superlatives to express how good the BBQ was at Killens.  I had brisket, their spicy sausage, and a beef rib, along with coleslaw and potato salad.  Throw all the superlatives at each - it was great!!!  OK - now there is a new standard for brisket.  And the spicy sausage was a close second.  As was the beef rib. 

I drove to Austin, even though I really felt like a nap.  Heck I'm still full.  The first thing they said when I checked in is that they have a free dinner.  Not sure I'm eating again ever (or at least until tomorrow at Franklin).

The adventure continues ...

That standard will be demolished and reset tomorrow sir.  Glad you liked Killen's BBQ!  

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Had a down day today with maintenance and weather issues - was all ready to head to Pearland, thinking Killen's BBQ, but administrative BS kept me working until about 1:30.  As it turns out, Killen's BBQ isn't open Monday anyhow.  So I got a reservation at Killen's Steakhouse for dinner.  It certainly lives up to the rave reviews.  Most Excellent!!!  Everything.  I started out with a Moscow Mule - perfect!!  Then moved on to crab cake appetizer -- the best I've ever had.  The Akaushi Wagyu Ribeye was also the best I've had.  Like butter...  The creamed spinach was great, and the carrot cake was also most excellent.  Tomorrow the weather may not be good enough to fly, and if I can get out early, I may head back to Pearland for Killen's BBQ, and then go on a real road trip to Austin, planning on Franklins Wednesday.  If anyone wants to join the festivities, call me to confirm times, etc.  805 570-7877

I'll meet you at franklins.

tksmoke said:

For an encore, I did return to Pearland.  Arrived at Killens BBQ about 11:30 and did the line thing for around a half hour; not bad!!!  Now I'm not much of a line person, but I figured I'd better get in practice for tomorrow at Franklin.  Yes, I headed out to Austin after a wonderful lunch.  Tomorrow morning I'm gonna find out what it's all about.

I'm not sure there are enough superlatives to express how good the BBQ was at Killens.  I had brisket, their spicy sausage, and a beef rib, along with coleslaw and potato salad.  Throw all the superlatives at each - it was great!!!  OK - now there is a new standard for brisket.  And the spicy sausage was a close second.  As was the beef rib. 

I drove to Austin, even though I really felt like a nap.  Heck I'm still full.  The first thing they said when I checked in is that they have a free dinner.  Not sure I'm eating again ever (or at least until tomorrow at Franklin).

The adventure continues ...

I may be available tomorrow. What time you heading down there?

The Cen-Tex Smoker

Whatever became of this? Did you make it?

tksmoke

@Cen-Tex - I can't believe I missed your post.  I went to Franklin this morning, and did the required 3 hours in line.  Worth every minute.  It was GREAT!!!  Even worth the drive back and forth from Houston.  It's hard to believe they have a line like that every day, and sell out every day.  I did the brisket and the sausage - it exceeded my expectations.  The brisket bark was fantastic!!  I also had to try the bourbon banana pie.  Now I really will never eat again (oh, ok at least until tomorrow).  All in all, it was a great experience - the highlight of my Texas trip so far. 

With the weather improving for tomorrow, I'm back to work, making hay while the sun shines.  If you are in the Houston area, I'd love to get together in the evening.  I'll be here through Saturday at least, then it looks like I may be heading to Dallas.

cazzy

tksmoke said:

@Cen-Tex - I can't believe I missed your post.  I went to Franklin this morning, and did the required 3 hours in line.  Worth every minute.  It was GREAT!!!  Even worth the drive back and forth from Houston.  It's hard to believe they have a line like that every day, and sell out every day.  I did the brisket and the sausage - it exceeded my expectations.  The brisket bark was fantastic!!  I also had to try the bourbon banana pie.  Now I really will never eat again (oh, ok at least until tomorrow).  All in all, it was a great experience - the highlight of my Texas trip so far. 

With the weather improving for tomorrow, I'm back to work, making hay while the sun shines.  If you are in the Houston area, I'd love to get together in the evening.  I'll be here through Saturday at least, then it looks like I may be heading to Dallas.

So, on scale of 1-10, where do you put Killen's brisket vs Franklins?

The Cen-Tex Smoker

tksmoke said:

@Cen-Tex - I can't believe I missed your post.  I went to Franklin this morning, and did the required 3 hours in line.  Worth every minute.  It was GREAT!!!  Even worth the drive back and forth from Houston.  It's hard to believe they have a line like that every day, and sell out every day.  I did the brisket and the sausage - it exceeded my expectations.  The brisket bark was fantastic!!  I also had to try the bourbon banana pie.  Now I really will never eat again (oh, ok at least until tomorrow).  All in all, it was a great experience - the highlight of my Texas trip so far. 

With the weather improving for tomorrow, I'm back to work, making hay while the sun shines.  If you are in the Houston area, I'd love to get together in the evening.  I'll be here through Saturday at least, then it looks like I may be heading to Dallas.

sorry I missed you man. This is F1 week so I imagine the line was a bit more angry than normal. I'm sure there were some interesting people in line today! Im not going to be in Houston this week but glad you made it to Mecca. It's the best. Period.

tksmoke

I really liked the bark on Franklin's, and I preferred the Franklin smoke flavor.  The point was incredible, as it was at Killen's, but the flat was surprising - sooooo tender and moist.  I'd have to say that Franklin's was great, and I would give it a 10.  Killen's was also very good - it would be hard to quantify it, but if Franklin was a 10, Killen's was something less.  Now, I did prefer Killen's spicy sausage to Franklin's - just personal preference for spicy.  Both were excellent. 

tksmoke

I really wish I had more time to explore the area.  Austin looks like a city with some character!!  And I would have loved to have the time to get to Salt Lick and some of the other incredible BBQ places.  Austin was actually on my list for the survey I'm flying - typically, that changed yesterday, so I won't be heading back any time soon (at least until the company changes its mind again).