Barbecue Inn

Was doing a fried chicken comparison between here and fins and feathers. Since they are pretty close to each other. Fried chicken was great and perfectly hot and crispy without being dry. Service was great and everyone was helpful and kind.

Alright, let me tell y'all about Barbecue Inn in Houston. Now, don't let the name fool you! yeah, they do barbecue, and they've been slingin' it since 1946, but somewhere along the way, they decided to bless the world with some fried chicken. And buddy, Houston has been better for it ever since.This ain't one of those fancy, bougie barbecue joints with craft cocktails and some dude in a leather apron tellin' you about "elevated smoke profiles." No, sir. The menu here hasn't changed since your granddaddy's heyday, and the décor looks like it was installed when Truman was still making decisions. Vinyl booths, simple service, and the kind of no-nonsense, old-school charm that says, "We've been doin' this longer than you've been alive, so just sit down and trust us."Now, let's talk about the real reason we're here: the chicken. Lord have mercy. This ain't just fried chicken—it's almost a religious experience. We're talkin' perfectly crispy, golden-brown skin, juicy, tender meat, and a flavor that'll make you rethink every other piece of fried chicken you've ever put in your mouth.I called ahead for takeout because I was already sweating with anticipation. The staff? Sweet as can be. My order was ready right on time, but let me tell ya—when I got that bag in my car and that smell hit me, I almost had to pull over in a gas station parking lot just to take a bite. It smelled that good.Now, they fry this chicken fresh to order, which means no sad, soggy bird sittin' under a heat lamp. I got three pieces of dark meat—a drumstick and two thighs, which, as any true fried chicken connoisseur knows, is the best way to go. That's a generous portion too, so respect to them for that. And before they rang me up, they even double-checked that I got the dark meat I asked for. That's how you know a place actually cares.Came with a side salad and a piece of old-school, no-frills bread, because they're keepin' it classic. Hell, they even threw in a little parsley for that retro, mid-century touch.And just in case you think I'm just talkin' outta my butt here, both Southern Living and Travel + Leisure have named this some of the best fried chicken in America. So yeah, this ain't just me ramblin'. It's the real deal.Oh, and don't even think about rolling up there on a Sunday or Monday—they're closed. Probably because frying chicken this good takes some serious recovery time.Bottom line? If you love fried chicken, you owe it to yourself to make a pilgrimage. Just be warned: once you've had it, all other fried chicken might start tasting like a disappointment.

Food was fresh & on time! Fried chicken takes 30 minutes to cook, so my fried shrimp came out hot as the yard bird! Server was a little inattentive, letting my drink glass being empty more than a couple of times! Food was delicious!

Lunch at the Barbecue Inn on Friday at noon. I ordered the regular 7 piece fried shrimp plate with a garden salad and fries and a Diet Coke. The cost was $26.80 including a 22% tip,I've been to the Barbecue Inn a few times and the mains are always excellent but the sides are hit and miss.In this case the fried shrimp were excellent. Perfectly golden fried in a crisp flavorful batter. Not over or under cooked. Among the best fried shrimp I've had in Houston. The sides were a miss. The lettuce and tomato salad is true to its name with just lettuce and chopped tomatoes. An average sized serving with some lettuce that was on its last day. I had the fries which were not fried crisp enough and became soggy and lacking in flavor as they quickly became cold. They were not hot upon arrival at the table.Other sides would be better choices. I've had potato salad, onion rings, and mashed potatoes before which were all very good.The service is always great and brings a smile when your sever greats you with a big hello!I'll definitely be back when in the neighborhood for fried shrimp, fried chicken, or ribs and make different choices on my sides.

Our server, who has been there forever apparently, has been curt every time we have visited(3x). Which ultimately leads me to this review.If you don't get the chicken you'll be wasting your time. This sides are not good and the food is over priced.They put so much ranch on that tiny salad that it felt like soup. Let alone it was just iceberg lettuce and tomatoes. No crunch to the catfish.