Barbecue Inn

We decided to take a drive and try to a new place. We liked the variety of the menu and the diner vibe. The servers were very friendly and the food was good. It is an older establishment and very casual atmosphere. Glad we made the stop.

Heard all about how great it is so decided to try it and we were let down. The food was okay, the service was good, and the dining room was rustic but maybe I had high expectations after reading the reviews. The prices are pretty high compared to other similar restaurants we've tried lately and for a place that's been in business so long I guess I expected more.

I've worked nearby for about 10 years and have never visited since it seemed like a tourist restaurant. After hearing about a coworker visiting recently and reading about the amazing CFS from the news again, I decided to try it out. There's plenty of parking in the front and back. The exterior looks a little dated, but the inside is pretty cute from what I could see. It's pretty dimly lit inside with an interior that reminds me of Luby's x Saltgrass x Denny's x Japanese coffee shop. The waitresses wear a dark uniform. There's a counter in the front like other diners, but it seemed to be a place where the staff congregate usually as everyone sat at the booths or tables. The dining population is on the older side with a mix of business, friends and family gatherings. There were large historical photos about the restaurant on the walls. Glass panels separating booths depict Houston/ Texas motifs like the oil derrick and state outline. The furniture is well-used but not torn. There's (2) individual toilet rooms. The female room is lockable with a stall that also locks and a sink. I was surprised to receive crackers, instead of bread, with the butter-like spreads. The chicken fried steak was pretty good and arrived as (2) small patties. I liked how it was crispy and tasted like my grade school versions. The mashed potatoes were smooth with a little bit of skin. The warm green beans were cooked in a mix of oil, water, and black pepper, which was different to me. The coconut meringue pie was sweet, creamy, and cold. I was disappointed that the dish comes with a toasty slice of white bread instead of a dinner roll and that the white gravy didn't have a strong black pepper flavor. My waitress was pretty nice in offering recommendations of what she liked and what customers liked and offered to replace my green beans if I didn't like them.

Went back with another friend who wanted to try the fried chicken. (They loved it!) I decided to try the ribs. They were tender, juicy, flavorful, and expertly cooked. These are not baby back ribs though big, thick yummy ribs. Nice portion which I shared. Okay, traded for a fried chicken leg. lol. The bbq sauce was a red more vinegar based sauce. Not too sweet or thick like a ketchup based bbq sauce. Frankly, the ribs are so good that you do not even need the sauce which is why it is served on the side. We tried the onions rings which were perfect. Light, crunchy, not greasy. I don't eat a lot of fried food as it does t sit well with me and I don't feel good after eating it. I didn't have that issue here at all. Service is friendly. This place is just fantastic. Almost forgot! The potato salad and baked beans were just about perfect. I would definitely Italy have all that again though now want to continue to try other menu items.

My wife had the fried chicken ( all white )and she let me have some of the (Enormous breast) and it was tender and juicy. The wings were just OK. I had the fried shrimp and they were fresh and done very well, I had the baked potato and it had all the toppings on the side, which I like. Wife had the fries and they were good. We started with a salad and it was iceberg lettuce and tomato's cut into manageable pieces, nothing fancy but very fresh. Ok Salad dressings, ranch and blue cheese. Service was prompt and food was brought out without much delay. Overall value was good. You could split the fried chicken platter unless you're a real big eater.

The BEST food and service in Houston! I've never had a bad meal here. Not only is it the best barbeque, but best fried chicken,and chicken fried steak too. it's old school service meaning ...it doesn't get any better than this!love,love,love

In business 60 plus years I think. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Everything is delicious There. Nuff said

Barbecue Inn is "famous" for its fried chicken. Prior to this review, my previous 3 star gives my take on that reputation. Since it had been 4 years since my last visit I had the opportunity to return and decided to try something else on the menu for a change. In thinking back to previous visits in the past I think I have always ordered the fried chicken.It was for lunch and the front parking lot was full but fortunately the back lot wasn't. I do like the interior of this restaurant for nostalgic reasons. It reminds me of non-chain table service restaurants from the 60's and 70's. You are seated and immediately brought a basket of saltines, Captains wafers, Melba toast and butter. The waitress calls you "honey" or some other southern expression of a warm greeting and then pulls out her notepad and asks what can I get you, 'hun? My waitress named Liz was the perfect professional of the likes you rarely see anymore. I decided to go with their "famous" French fried shrimp (7) with sides of fries and baked beans for $22. Their fried shrimp is highly regarded. During the approximately 20 minute wait I noshed on the wafers and Melba toast which were so good. The shrimp definitely tasted "French fried" and they were good tasting but the fries were overdone and too crispy. I like dark brown fries but these were too crunchy and I didn't eat many. The baked beans were good tasting. I gave this meal a 3 as the shrimp didn't stand out to me and the fries were disappointing. I returned a couple of weeks later with a friend who insisted on wanting to try the chicken. On that visit I opted for the chicken fried steak (1/2 portion) with sides of mashed potatoes and gravy and green beans for $12.50. This meal was much better. I'm glad I ordered the 1/2 portion because this meal was plenty to satisfy my appetite. I really liked that white creamy gravy over the spuds with some skin mixed in and the tasty chicken cutlet. Also the green beans were flavorful and well seasoned. This meal was a 4 and one I would reorder for a return visit.I do like Barbecue Inn but more for the ambience and table service than the food. You will get a decent meal if you come here but I can only give a 3 score overall.

This is a family restaurant with incredible shrimp and crab. My family has been coming here since the early 1960s and I think the food quality has remained great through all these years. Great long-term wait staff that provide great service. The ambiance is quiet and understated.

Use to work there founded sum better left ASAP took my last check was told I didn't go to school. Clean old food with vinger and still serve. Management not considerate rude and back of house is dirty. Cook name Jerry doesn't wash his hand not once during the shift been there 25 years. 0 recommendationsGood try they gon deny everything I got pictures of them having me serve old food. Had to do wat I have to do