Gatlin's BBQ

Late lunch on a Friday and the vibe was calm, easy, and chill. Upon entering, you're hit with the smell of smoke meat and love. Counter service establishment where the cashiers are friendly and love to recommend items on the menu. Pick your seat and wait for your order buzzer to go off. Pick up your meal from the counter where "mother" asks if you want bread, pickles, onions, and peppers to go with your meal. Say grace and enjoy the flavors! I had the brisket and spicy sausage... both were flavorful and the brisket was so tender. The spicy sausage wasn't really spicy to me but maybe my tolerance is different. My two sides were good, some steps away from great . If you're ever in the area, check them out and see for yourself.

This is one of the better bar b q places in Houston. It's a bit pricey but it's one of the best you can get out here. I went for breakfast one day to try it out. I wouldn't really recommend their breakfast but the other items are pretty good

My family and I were coming back from vacation in Galveston, and I had to get some true-Texas-Houston-based BBQ. We are big Michelle Wallace fans on Top Chef, so that lead me to trying out Gatlin's. Outstanding all around from all seven of us. The sides really shined as well. Those sweet potatoes! I don't think I'll ever have better. Great smoke on all the meats, and still tender/juicy.

Barbecue was overall pretty good and the options for sides was really nice. Food came out pretty fast and it wasn't too bad for barbecue made in *Texas*. Ribs, baked beans, and venison sausage stood out as really good.

My first attempt at coming here was on July 4th; I know, crazy right? I can't find the pictures, but if I do, you'll see the line was to the back of the restaurant. Side note, I stood right in line and met some friends, who are now showing me around Houston; so, it's a very sociable place too. It was so many people that the business started running out of food. But the really lovely thing, the staff let us know they were running out of food instead of just letting me and the others stand there. A little backstory I saw the owner on one of the morning shows here in Houston, and the bbq was looking really tasty, and I had just moved here too. So, right away, I said that's where I'm going. Well, I didn't make it to the counter on July 4th, but I made it this time. I ordered the combo plate, ribs, and brisket, and my sides were sweet potato and macaroni and cheese. And just like the host stated on the entertainment show, Gatlin BBQ is a staple, and you can't go wrong. The meat was literally falling off the bones, and I really enjoyed the sweet potatoes and macaroni cheese. This place really put a lot of love in their side orders. Speaking of sweet potatoes, there's a large baked potato on the menu; it's massive, the person in front of me ordered that, and it's not the usual baked potato. It's such a cute place inside, very spacious, with two full rooms; plenty of seating. I like the pictures and writings on the wall because I love to read while waiting in line when I go anywhere. I wanted to take more pictures, but people were sitting in that direction. To tell you a little secret, I had just left my orthodontist to get my braces adjusted, some brackets and bands were added, and because the ribs were so tender, I was still able to eat my meal and enjoy every bite.

First time visit!! I had heard so much about this place for years! I just happened to be in the area. The staff was least that friendly not rude but not friendly either.I ordered traditional sausages, pork ribs and brisket, along with potato salad and beans. Dessert I purchased German chocolate cake.The mean brisket and ribs need some seasoning or marinading. BBQ sauce has a pretty good flavor. Sausage are good . Sides potato salad and beans are pretty good.The wait for the food seems long , since I was the only one there. Over 8 minutesConsidering the food and service I don't have to return!!!

Stopped in yesterday for breakfast tacos. They were fantastic! And huge. Very good quality. The brisket was sliced brisket and a good portion. They serve breakfast 7-10 am. Stop by and try one to support a local restaurant.

Still my favorite bbq in Houston. The brisket and wings are always cooked to perfection and with the best flavor. You can't go wrong with any of the wing flavors... but the house wings are probably my favorite. For sides, go with baked beans, Mac and cheese, collard greens. The fried okra is good too. A glass a wine and a cold beer and you're in for a great meal. Ran into Greg, the owner, on our most recent visit. Had a great chat about Gatlin's newer restaurant: Fin and Feather. He was trying out a new recipe, the Jamaican lobster roll, and gave us a taste test. A curry sauce with habaneros and plantains on the side. The salt and spice and flavor profile was aaaahhhh-mazing. Really looking forward to popping over to Fin and Feather and trying it out next.

1st time visitor and I have to say, the dirty rice and yams are good but the portions are small. The rib tips were okay and the sausage dried out before I could really enjoy it. I got brisket but didn't enjoy it since my order was messed up and instead of lean I was given moist, meaning "fatty". Service was exceptional and the staff made me feel welcome. Very clean and comfortable setting.

The food is always tasty and enjoyable. My family and friends know I'm extremely picky about my food, how Gatlin's is a constant when I have a taste for bbq. The down-home service helps too. You never know if you're talking to the owner or a server because everyone treats you like a guest at their dining room table!The ambiance is comfortable, heartfelt and loving. This is definitely a jewel of the Oak Forest area......and if they haven't sold-out for the day, please do not forget the dessert. You will not be disappointed!