If you’re visiting Houston and are looking for authentic Texas barbeque, you’ll want to avoid disappointment. So, here are some things you must know.

First, it’s gotta be big. The meat’s gotta be smoked. And it must use traditional Texan cooking methods. Don’t settle for an electric grill or some out-of-state chain trying to pass as Texan. 

At Goode Co. Barbeque, we’ve been preparing mesquite-smoked meats in Houston since 1977 – the way true Texans do it. Our sauces, rubs, and sides are handcrafted, and we use only the finest USDA meat cuts. 

So, you’re in the right place. Here’s what we consider the must-try, best Texas BBQ meats:

What Are The Must-Try Texan Specialties Meats?

Beef Brisket

Beef brisket is Texan BBQ royalty. You’ll find it at any authentic restaurant, family barbeque, or rodeo cookout. Taken from the breast of the cow, the cut is a hard-working muscle that provides very rich and juicy meat. 

But it’s the authentic Texas barbeque techniques that make trying brisket a must. Smoked low and slow, the brisket maintains a juicy and tender interior, with a smoky and flavorsome ‘bark’ exterior. 

At Goode Co. Barbeque, we apply our hand-blended signature rubs before spending hours watching over the pits to give that unbeatable taste. Now I’m hungry!

Pork Ribs

You can get pork ribs anywhere in the world, but unless they fall apart with a gentle bite, then they’re done wrong! Here in Houston, our ribs are mesquite-smoked until tender and are big. 

Served with some Jalapeño Cheese Bread, and you’re eating like a true Texan.

Czech Sausage & Jalapeño Pork Sausages

In the 1800s, German and Czech immigrants arrived in Texas, searching for land opportunities. They also brought over sausage recipes that have remained part of our food culture to this day. 

At Goode Co. Barbeque, we first started making sausages when an old Czech immigrant who settled in Weimar, Texas, decided to retire. His pointers let us craft our varieties, which we grind, stuff, and smoke every day. 

So, if you want a taste of Texan history, go for a Czech sausage. And if you want a spicy kick that reflects traditions south of the border, go for Jalapeño pork sausages!

Texan Sandwiches and Po-Boys

Sandwiches are an easy way to get a mouthful of all the best flavors and textures at once. Here in Texas, we love that and pack our buns with handcrafted ingredients such as pulled pork, tender brisket, or smoked chicken breast. You can also pile it high on jalapeño cheese bread. 

But if you want something a little different, then opt for a Po-Boy. Although originating from Louisiana, Texans are no strangers to Po-Boys, and tend to feature a combo of any meat you crave. 

Sandwiches are also a convenient way of clearing up all those leftovers the day after the barbeque.

Hearty Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes can be a full meal in themselves, and here in Texas, we don’t hold back in loading them. 

Stuffed potatoes are the most common, with meat taking the primary role. We split open the potato and load it high (we mean high) with chopped beef, smoked sausage, turkey, or chicken. Combined with some butter, cheese, sour cream, green onions, bacon, and BBQ sauce, and you’ve got a smoky plate of pure comfort food. 

Alternatively, you can go for the classic loaded baked potato, where meat is more of an add-on. Here, we Texans get a regular old baked potato and throw on any selection of toppings you can want – from shredded cheese and jalapenos, to green onions and spicy sausage. 

Classic Southern Sides

A Texas barbeque isn’t complete without sides – that’s just a plate of meat (albeit, a very delicious plate of meat). You deserve more! Here are some classic southern sides we serve on our menu at Goode Co. Barbeque:

Coleslaw

When house-made, a creamy and tangy coleslaw complements the rich, savory nature of barbeque meat like brisket. Served cool, it’s also very refreshing, which makes it a staple of summer cookouts in Houston.

Jalapeño Pinto Beans

Mexican-style Jalapeño Pinto Beans are a juicy side that provides a delicious side to any barbeque meat and a real kick of southern spice. They’re made of a mix of rich tomatoes, onion, jalapeño pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. 

Jambalaya Texana

Jambalaya Texana is another hearty, filling side that can even be enjoyed as a complete meal in bigger quantities. We combine spices, chilies, and tomatoes with ranch-style beans and tender cuts of barbeque meat for a smoky, spicy, and frankly mouth-watering result. 

Potato Salad

Potato salad is an American classic as much as a Texan one. Usually made with soft potatoes, crunchy celery, and a hint of mustard, it’s a very refreshing side that goes well with mesquite-smoked meats. 

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing side, perfect for all ages, and one that you’ll find at any authentic Texan barbeque. 

Although it’s always relatively heavy, a great mac and cheese should have a sauce with an ultra-smooth texture and a cheese punch that you’ll keep coming back for. 

Jalapeño Cheese Bread

A fresh homemade Jalapeño cheese bread is versatile to be enjoyed for sandwiches, with other sides, or just alongside drinks. It’s authentically southern and adds a truly homemade feel to the barbeque. 

What Desserts do Texans Eat at Barbeques?

Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie

Ok, maybe you’ve had pecan pie before. But have you had a Texas pecan pie? They’re bigger, gooier, and richer than anywhere else.

At Goode Co. Barbeque, we use fresh Texas pecans harvested from the banks of the Brazos River, which are then sealed in a gorgeous layer of gooey, Goode-ness. It’s the ideal way to end a barbeque. 

Chocolate Cream Pie

Alternatively, another rich Texan dessert is a buttery, chocolate cream pie. Top it with a generous layer of whipped cream for the experience. 

Handmade Texan Pralines

Finally, a handmade, Texas-sourced praline offers a slow, rich, and sweet dessert that can even come in extra chewy varieties. They’re crowd-pleasing and can even be taken home if the cookout guests are ready to consume them all at once. 

Experience Houston, TX BBQ at Goode. Co Today!

Goode Co. Barbeque offers arguably the most authentic Texan barbeque experience in all of Houston. Our pits haven’t stopped smoking since 1977, and our staff would love to welcome you either for a simple restaurant visit or for a fully private barbeque for your event. 

Our family-friendly atmosphere and old-school Texan ambiance can be found at The Original, just off Kirby Drive in Houston, as well as our Memorial location off of I-10 and our Cypress location off of Highway 290 

Advance booking for groups is highly recommended and can be made by calling 713.522.2530 or via our online form here.