Although the acclaimed original location in Brenham is little more than a roadside shack, this Houston Heights sequel from owner and pitmaster Leonard Botello IV is a gleaming model of modern efficiency. Inspector notes: "Fortunately, the cooking still has plenty of soul: the brisket is expectedly solid, while smoked pork ribs and house-made sausages are a cut above. Surprisingly, sides like collards, beans and corn pudding—or even the more rarified tater tot casserole with crisp fried onions— might even be the highlight, offering the flavorful, rib-sticking quality of lovingly homemade dishes. If, somehow, you manage not to fill up on the tantalizing savory options, those with an implacable sweet tooth can tip the scales with hefty slices of house-made cake.". Copyright from top to bottom: Jessica Attie/Blood Bros BBQ, Jessica Attie/Blood Bros BBQ, Brisket & Rice, Brisket & Rice, Debora Smail/KG BBQ, Debora Smail/KG BBQ, Bill Kramptz/Pinkerton's BBQ, Ben Yanto/Pinkerton's BBQ, Jenn Duncan /The Pit Room, Jenn Duncan/The Pit Room, Ben Sassani/Truth BBQ, Ben Sassani/Truth BBQ

The basics: Before the world was turned upside-down, everything felt right when owner-pitmaster Leonard Botello IV brought Brenham’s finest barbecue joint to H-town, landing a spot inside the loop in an unprecedented move. No longer barren of brisket, Washington Avenue now draws enthusiasts near and far. Hit it up to snag fatty, 18-hour-smoked Brisket and succulent and crisp Burnt Ends, peppery Pork Ribs, and sides from old-school Tater Tot Casserole to a Corn Pudding that you absolutely need in your mouth right now.

At Truth, there are two decisions you'll have to make: Should you Instagram yourself by the "Love Texas" sign before or after you inhale your meal. And which trio of proteins to get on your three-meat plate (brisket, housemade sausage, and pulled-to-order pork are all options). Sides include decadent mac n' cheese with crumbled bacon on top and slow-cooked collard greens.

Truth BBQ is undeniably popular with Houstonians—there’s usually a line extending out the door on any day. A classic example of new-school barbecue, the focus here is on Truth’s crown jewel, the moist brisket. But our choice is the expertly seasoned smoked turkey with added baked beans to make it a true cowboy experience.

Truth BBQ, 110 South Heights: The only Houston restaurant in Texas Monthly’s top 10 is Leonard Botelllo IV’s expansive joint at the intersection of South Heights Boulevard and Washington Avenue. (Even if you’re just in the vicinity, Truth BBQ is an irresistible temptation. I was recently down the street on an errand, and the wafting oak wood smoke coming from Truth was like one of those beckoning cartoon fingers.)( Of course you’re going to get brisket ($36-per-pound price be damned) and ribs, but Vaughn’s pro tip is to not sleep on the Smoked and Fried Tea-Brined Pork Chop, which is served with pepper relish and only available Friday through Sunday. Vaughn also noted that, unlike many barbecue restaurants, there are actually some good vegetables there thanks to dishes such as roasted glazed Brussels sprouts and the kale Caesar.

Following the success of his small roadside shack in Brenham, self-taught pitmaster Leonard Botello IV made big waves by bringing his famed Central Texas-style barbecue to a sparkly new outpost on Heights Boulevard in Houston, which he runs with his wife Abbie Byrom. Botello’s expertise with live-fire cooking and producing brisket, Carolina whole hog, house-made sausage and smoked pork ribs have made him a household barbecue name in Texas. Go for the barbecue, stay for: a towering slice of layer cake in flavors like coconut, triple chocolate and banana caramel.

Award-winning pitmaster Leonard Botellos IV’s busy corner roadhouse on a stretch of Washington Avenue is a far cry from his humble start in a shack located off the freeway circling Brenham. He and his team are still cranking out contemporary craft barbecue with its first-rate smoked brisket and a selection of house-made sausages, such as jalapeño-cheddar or spicy pepper jack. The sides — in addition to classic coleslaw, baked beans and potato salad, specialties include tater tot casserole, corn pudding and crispy-sweet Brussels sprouts — continue to shine.

When we say that Truth BBQ is one of the best places to grab Texas barbecue in the whole state, we mean it. Expect a line out the door of this building, a former car repair shop turned restaurant space, any day of the week, but it’s worth the wait to get a taste of their tender cuts of turkey, garlic-flavored sausage links, and cheesy tater tot casserole. And, while it may be tempting to stuff yourself silly with their savory offerings, save room for a hefty slice of their banana caramel cake at the end of your meal.

Truth BBQ has an Authentic Centra Texas Style Craft BBQ restaurant with a unique touch of Southern food. This restaurant has been featured in many outstanding media outlets such as the Food Network, Chopped Grill Masters, The New York Times along with many other amazing networks. Truth BBQ gives the amazing tastes of classic smoked meats that come with a menu of housemade sides that complements the desserts and drinks they serve like different flavors of cakes along with beer.

With the wide selection of cakes Truth BBQ has to offer, it would be a no-brainer to grab something sweet after your meal. The lauded barbecue joint has layer cakes, available whole with five-days notice, or by the slice at the restaurant in varieties like triple chocolate, coconut, and banana caramel. Among other worthy desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding is the tres leches cake ($8), offered only on Saturdays and Sundays.

While everyone has their favorites, pitmaster Leonard Botello IV is known for making the best barbecue in Houston. Launched in Brenham in 2015, Truth made its way to the corner of Washington Avenue and Heights Boulevard in 2019 with rave reviews. Like many places, the brisket here is king, but it’s impossible to go wrong with any of its other smoked meats or sides, which include corn pudding and its legendary tater tot casserole.

Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV brings Central Texas traditions to Houston with meats that could make a vegan reconsider. The brisket is smoked to perfection, with a bark that crunches like caramelized gold, and the housemade sausage is a smoky revelation. Pair your tray of goodness with sides like tater tot casserole, and grab a seat in the rustic, industrial dining space adorned with neon signs and vintage touches.

January 20th, 2019 was the moment of truth — the very day hotly anticipated Truth BBQ threw open its doors. The cherished Brenham smokehouse had arrived after an almost two-year wait, and it didn’t disappoint. Throngs of barbecue lovers flocked to the spot, especially since the original joint had landed a Top 10 ranking in Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints list.

A loaded tray featuring Truth BBQ's juicy ribs, succulent turkey, and plenty more. Leonard Botello IV has become a doyen of Central Texas barbecue since opening the snug first location of Truth BBQ in 2015 on a highway connecting Houston and Austin. Truth became a barbecue institution, and in 2019, he opened a large, sleek Houston outpost.

When it comes to barbecue, you can’t go wrong with Truth BBQ. According to Pham, this is one of the “top-quality craft BBQ” spots in central Houston. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV runs a tight operation that consistently lands on Texas Monthly’s best BBQ lists, and with fans often lined up around the block, this one is worth a visit.

Truth BBQ got its start in Brenham, TX before moving into Houston and spreading the wealth that is slow-cooked brisket. You may have to face long lines to get your hands on juicy pulled pork, ribs, and sausage, but it’s sure to be worth it. Just remember to save room for the sides; they’re a standout for the barbecue restaurant.

The original Truth BBQ took over an old barbecue joint on the highway between Houston and Austin and quickly became a destination; the Houston location opened in 2019 and is a must-visit for classic CTX 'Q. Tues-Fri 11AM-3PM & 5PM-7:30PM, Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-4PM, Closed Mon. 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

TRUTH BBQ is celebrating National Margarita Day with the $12 Rancho Lewis Margarita. Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Truth BBQ is serving the Rancho Lewis Margarita ($12), made with blanco tequila, Maria Spirits Co Orange Liqueur and fresh lime juice, available frozen or on the rocks. 110 S Heights; truthbbq.com

Located in the Heights neighborhood, Truth BBQ believes in “pushing the boundaries of traditional BBQ” with dishes like Carolina-Style Whole Hog, Boudin Smoked Sausage, and Pastrami Brisket, according to its website. Everything is made in-house, including the sausage. Location: 110 South Heights Boulevard

Owner and pitmaster at TRUTH BBQ Leonard Botello IV is relentless in his pursuit to “honor the legacy and history of Texas barbeque while pushing the industry forward.” His restaurant in Houston continues to prove its metal while affirming this message, having received multiple prestigious BBQ awards.

Truth BBQ is celebrated for its Central Texas-style barbecue, particularly its moist brisket and flavorful ribs. The establishment has garnered numerous accolades and is known for its dedication to quality and consistency. The Houston location offers a spacious dining area and a welcoming atmosphere.

Dishing out central Texas style barbequed prepared "the hard way," Truth BBQ is something special. Visit this popular spot in the Heights to experience a true Texas vibe and meal. What to order: Truth is probably best known for their brisket, but don't sleep on the fried chicken.

Find noteworthy renditions of brisket at Hill Country purist Truth BBQ and modern Feges BBQ — as well as at the Asian-inflected Blood Bros. BBQ, where it’s also chopped and served in fried rice. Beyond barbecue, kolaches are another pan-Texan delicacy of old European origin.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (53 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Barbecue- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007-5807- Read more on Tripadvisor

– Rating: 4.5 / 5 (48 reviews)– Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5)– Type of cuisine: American, Barbecue– Price: $$ – $$$– Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007-5807– Read more on Tripadvisor

JK: Truth BBQ in the Heights (110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007). Easily the best BBQ I’ve had inside the loop. Waiting in the line there that typically extends outside doesn’t sound so bad right about now.

110 S Heights BlvdHouston, TX 77007(832) 835-0001 Visit Website Open in Google Maps. Truth BBQ is a rustic, counter-serve pit stop for classic smoked meats with housemade sides and cakes plus beer.