Big city smoke means choices, and in Houston the map is wide enough that distance matters as much as appetite. Pick a neighborhood first, then pick a meal, because traffic can turn a simple craving into a commitment.

Truth BBQ pulls people across town for brisket, while The Pit Room gives you late hours, loud tables, and a menu built for groups that cannot agree on one meat. Both places reward an early arrival, especially on weekends.

Gatlin's BBQ carries a neighborhood feel, and it reminds you that Texas BBQ is not only about lines and photos. It is about a plate that shows up hot, a cutter who knows the slice, and a table that stays full even when the day is busy.

Go early if you want ribs before they thin out, and save room for smoked sausage if you like snap. Do not over order on the first pass, because you will want to sample more than one style on the next visit. Bring a friend and split plates.