Popped into The Pit Room while in the Lone Star State. The atmosphere was very casual with a laid-back vibe, and the service was friendly. We tried a few of their breakfast tacos — simple, well-executed, and satisfying. Overall, a great local spot, perfect for a change of pace and worth a return visit. Saluti
Overview
If you're looking for a place in Houston that serves up mouthwatering barbecue with a side of Texas charm, The Pit Room at 1201 Richmond Ave. is a must-visit. This local favorite has earned a reputation for offering some of the best smoked meats in the city, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Texas barbecue or a first-time visitor, The Pit Room delivers an experience that's both unforgettable and flavorful.
The Pit Room’s menu is a tribute to traditional Texas barbecue, featuring slow-cooked, smoky meats like brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and ribs. The brisket, in particular, is the star of the show here. Cooked to perfection, it’s tender, juicy, and packed with a deep, smoky flavor that only comes from hours of careful smoking. The bark on the outside of the brisket is perfectly seasoned, adding just the right amount of crunch before you dig into the melt-in-your-mouth meat inside. If you're craving something a little different, their smoked turkey and chicken are also popular choices that provide a lighter, yet still satisfying, alternative to the heavier meats.
What really sets The Pit Room apart is its attention to detail and the care they put into every dish. The smoked meats are complemented by a variety of sides that round out your meal. The mac and cheese, for example, is rich and creamy, with a hint of smokiness that ties it nicely with the meat. The potato salad is another fan favorite, with just the right amount of tanginess and crunch. Even the coleslaw is done right, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the meats.
A standout feature at The Pit Room is their dedication to the quality of the ingredients. Every cut of meat is selected carefully, and the use of oak wood for smoking ensures a deep, rich flavor profile. It's clear that they take the craft of barbecue seriously. The result? A plate of food that’s packed with authentic taste and a touch of Texas pride.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at The Pit Room is laid-back and welcoming. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic vibe that feels like home. Whether you're dining in or grabbing a meal to go, the service is always friendly and efficient. The staff is knowledgeable about the menu and more than happy to offer recommendations, whether you’re unsure about what to try or have specific preferences.
If you're in the mood for a casual bite, The Pit Room offers an ideal setting to enjoy some of the finest barbecue Houston has to offer. It's not just about the food; it’s the experience. The combination of delicious meals, friendly service, and an inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for everything from a quick lunch to a laid-back dinner with friends or family.
The Pit Room's location in the heart of Houston adds to its accessibility, making it easy for both locals and visitors to swing by. Whether you're exploring the city or living right around the corner, this restaurant is a go-to destination for those who appreciate quality barbecue done right. It's the kind of place where you'll leave satisfied and already thinking about your next visit.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Serves local specialtyPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lotPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 7342 reviews
Delicious food! Brisket, ribs, and jalapeño sausage were amazing! Turkey was dry and salty. Fav side: corn. People serving food were very friendly. The cashiers were a bit impatient. The staff in the bar area were super friendly. The place needs a bit of cleaning, especially the restrooms.
it is the first time for me here, waiting time around 15 minutes or less. I got the 3 meats with 2 sides.. brisket, ribs and jalapeno sausage. All are yummy and tasty. Brisket is tender and full of taste. Rib was good and sausage is outstanding. Sides were mac n cheese and smoked beans, mac was little bit tasteless, beans was perfect. Staff were great welcoming and super friendly. Outdoor dining place is amazing .. All with tax and tips cost around 35 bucks. Recommend
9.0 while in town I had to check out a BBQ spot and I decided on the Pit Room. Stopped by around 6pm and the place was packed with a line but it went fast. I ordered a little bit of everything that they had, was disappointed the beef ribs were out. The food was bbq to perfection and the mustard sauce was next level. My favorite was the sausages and brisket. If you are in the area be sure to check this place out.
Amazing authentic Texas BBQ for lunch and dinner and a really nice tex-mex breakfast as well. Meat cooked to perfection, great flavors and portions, nice sides and very good value for money. Very strongly recommend. Our favorites were the Brisket and ribs for dinner and the brisket tacos for breakfast. The meat just fell off the bone and were so juicy. I liked it more than Katz in New York. The cookies and blue bell ice cream were decent. The free pickled vegetables bar is quite nice and they also have an assortment of different beers. Ample classical seating and parking.
We had relatives visiting from Louisiana who were craving some good BBQ, so we tried to find something close to where they were staying and ended up stumbling across this place. Honestly, what a great find! At first we thought the little ordering area was the only seating. Nope. Take a short walk past the wood pile and the smoker, and suddenly there’s a whole bar area and tons of outdoor seating. Super cool setup. The food was solid. We ordered the beef ribs, brisket, venison sausage, and regular beef sausage. For sides we got the elote (which was freaking delicious), green beans, and potato salad. I do wish the ribs had a bit more seasoning, but the BBQ sauce made up for it. It was really tasty without being overly sweet. Overall, all the meats were tender and nicely smoked. Great spot, especially if you’re looking for BBQ and some relaxed outdoor vibes.
We literally had this as a must try list of places in Houston when visiting from NZ, and it didn’t disappoint. Breakfast tacos 10/10. So glad we visited. Friendly staff, quick service. Delicious food. So glad we had it on the list of must dos.. Love the authentic bbq Texan vibe. Not pretentious at all. Well done team.
Gotta love bbq in Texas, especially in Midtown/Montrose Houston. The service was friendly and welcoming. The beer was cold, served in iced pint glasses. Our bartender was super helpful and gave us a few samples before we found our perfect draft/draught beer for our meal, a local favorite, Blue Tile IPA. From a non-Texan perspective, we thought the bbq was amazing. We tried the brisket, venison sausage and chicken. The sides were great, we went with Mac & cheese and coleslaw. The pickle buffet was to die for. The in-house bbq sauce was delicious. Pro-tip: Don’t miss out on the salsa in the pickle bar! The ambiance was chill, laid back and welcoming. The weather was great so we sat outside, can’t beat November Houston weather.