The Best Barbecue in Pearland

The line forms before the doors open at eleven, and the crowd moves fast through what was once Pearland's first school cafeteria. This is a serious Texas barbecue joint with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, where the beef rib comes off the smoker out back with a crust of salt and pepper and a give that a spoon could handle. The pork belly burnt ends in pepper jelly sauce are the kind of thing your cardiologist would prefer you not know about.

1. Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand
2. AAA Approved
3. Texas Monthly Dishes We Wanted Seconds Of: Churro French Toast Brisket Sandwich · The Best Things in Texas

This Pearland outpost of a Houston barbecue mini-empire started small in Acres Homes and picked up an Anthony Bourdain nod on the way to four locations. It's a casual counter-service joint where the baked potato can weigh ten pounds and feed fifteen, which is less a side dish than a group project. Ribs, links, and chicken round out the plates, and you can also buy the stuff at Kroger, in case a drive feels like too much.

1. Houstonia The Best Barbecue Restaurants in Houston