Went there today to have shrimp it was really good

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.

Their fried chicken is really good and the chicken fried steak is crunchy perfection.

Over the years, I’ve dined at BARBECUE INN dozens of times, and it’s always great. Today, for the first time ever, I did not order barbecue, but opted for the SEAFOOD PLATTER. OH - MY - GOODNESS….. it was SO GOOD! Huge Jumbo fried shrimp - cooked PERFECTLY, and big beautiful oyster - again, cooked perfectly. But the “HANDS DOWN WINNER” on the plate was the STUFFED CRAB. I’m a 69 year old native of Houston, and I have had lots of stuffed crab - - - but THIS stuffed crab was THE BEST I HAVE EVER PUT IN MY MOUTH! The service is always stellar, and I always leave at least 20% tip, just because I love being called “SWEETHEART!” Todays great food, great service, and numerous “sweethearts” earned my server a 50% tip!

Lol oh gosh! The food was tasty and the atmosphere was like a time warp into the early 80s!

One of the Oldest restaurants in Houston Therefore one of the best - although the name implies (and is) great BBQ; the seafood and Fried Chicken is why we’ve gone there since 1974!!

If you are looking for food that reminds you of old fashioned home cooking, this is the place. The absolute best ranch dressing, homemade cocktail sauce and service.

Rebecca is awesome and I always want her to be our waitress I have nothing against the other waitresses but she treated me and my patient awesome he is 73 years old.... add the food is real good we've tried different things on the menu before

Excellent fried chicken; crispy coating & chicken still moist. Pleasant staff: all smiles and very helpful.

I completely fell in love with this place! It’s very 50s /vintage & clean. Everyone was friendly. Ask for Rebeca, she was super fast and attentive.

Maaaaan this was soooo good we got the chicken breast and cat fish fried up it’s not to crunchy nor heavy nor seasoned. It’s exactly like the pictures I can taste the menu Maine hold up! Live close by we r regulars now

Been here a few times nice place and wait staff is wonderful. Also make sure to get a piece of pie it’s wonderful.

I went here because my grandfather took us here and I had not been since he passed. It had not changed. The service was great as was the food. The lunch special is a great price. The area it is in is mixed with scketchy and nice. But don't let that scare you. The food is wonderful. The prices are a little on the high side but for the amount and quality of food, it is worth it. The average plate was about 20. The lunch special was cheaper. I remember my grandfather would bring the whole family, about 20 of us. It is still that kind of place.

Fantastic fried chicken in a great atmosphere of good food and friendly wait staff

+3

I've been coming to this joint for years. Teresa (one of the waitress's) is always kind and accommodating to our needs each and every time we come. She's been there 31 years and have showed that outstanding service every visit! OH and the food is GREAT!!

Walking through the door is like stepping back into a diner from my childhood. The decor probably hasn't been updated since the Nixon administration, but it's spotlessly clean. Their menu isn't large, but what they do has been perfected over the past several decades. The fried chicken is some of the best I've ever had, and I fully understand why they've received national acclaim for it. The waitstaff is friendly, and knows repeat customers by name. Frankly this place should be on everyone's dining bucket list.

Excellent service from Maria. The food was prepared to order so it was hot and fresh. It tastes like grandmas chicken.

When I walked into the Barbeque Inn, I felt like I was walking into the restaurant where I worked in high school. A very old time feel where waitresses wear uniforms and are polite and friendly. I wanted to try everything. So, I started with the ribs appetizer. They tender and smokey. The sauce is a little sweet with a hint of spice. I would have liked more spice, but I think it was very tasty and went well on the ribs. For my entre I ordered the all dark meat fried chicken. It came with one leg and two thighs... Perfect! They were juicy and hot and messy... Perfect! To complete the message I had the coconut meringue pie. It was a slice of heaven for me. I highly recommend this place.

Everything was delicious and tasted homemade from scratch! Service was great and the overall atmosphere felt cozy and welcoming. We'll be back!

This is a great little restaurant with big portions of food. It is more of a local cafe than a BBQ joint. They have all types of great food choices from BBQ to chicken fried steak to salads. I had the ribs and they were great. The service was perfect. We will go back again

This restaurant was from another time and it was great. The waitresses had uniforms and Maria was so sweet to us. Asking if it was our first time, it was and then giving recommendations of the most popular items. I went with the Southern Fried Chicken and it did not disappoint. There was a 20 minute wait but it was so worth it. No restaurant, other than fast food, fries Chicken any more and Barbecue Inn does it the best. So juicy and flavorful. I will definitely be a long time customer like all the other patrons we saw.

The Fried Chicken was very good, the Mashed Potatoes were not Instant Potatoes. Recommend this place.

Theresa and Laurie were both incredible servers. The food was absolutely amazing. Melt.in your mouth fried chicken.

+2

When you walk into the restaurant it fells like you walked into a time capsule, which is very cool. We came here for lunch and the restaurant was very busy, the waitress was running around the whole place making sure everyone was taken care of, despite being so busy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a waitress work so hard in my life!! The fried chicken and shrimp are some of the best I’ve ever had. Fantastic food and service! I would highly recommend this restaurant!

Barbeque Inn knocked it out of the park for this year's fried chicken birthday splurge. Crispy, perfectly seasoned and succulent, I can't imagine how fried chicken could be any better than this. As a bonus, the onion rings and mashed potatoes were also great. Extra thanks to Maria, who did a wonderful job waiting on us. We appreciated her warmth and helpful advice on the menu.

Been going here for years. Never had the BBQ, but have been told it’s good. My family are seafood lovers. Tdy we had fried shrimp & stuffed crab. Yummy, yummy!

Felt like a trip to the past. Great food, excellent service and nice atmosphere. It was worth the hour drive!!

I’ve been eating here since I was a kid with my parents. The food and service is always top notch. I always get the chicken fried steak.

The BBQ Inn has been a family favorite for generations—literally. My great-grandfather started going when they first opened, and now five generations of my family have enjoyed their incredible food. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and no matter how many times I go, I can never get past the shrimp and oysters. They’re just that good—perfectly fried, crisp, and full of flavor. I’ve heard the fried chicken is outstanding too, but I just can’t bring myself to skip the seafood. It’s a true Houston institution, and I hope it never changes!

Barbecue Inn did not disappoint! Love the sassy waitress too… I gave her some of my sass. #fun #yummy

Since the 1940's great then and still great now. I prefer the fried shrimp 🍤 but all food is good. I have never had anything I didn't like.

We have been back two more times now, the same waitress waits on us and she's sweet as can be 🤗 and the chicken fried steak is amazing!! You can cut it with a plastic fork it's so tender, but still crispy outside of course. I literally cut it with a plastic fork seriously. But of an older crowd usually but definitely more quiet than any other place you go to at lunchtime that's for sure 😊

They have the best fried shrimp! The downside is it's quite a bit extra for a baked potato.

The fried chicken is a must! I’ve also had the cheeseburger, the ribs and shrimp appetizer. All great southern comfort food from this neighborhood gem.

Had dinner at this establishment, the atmosphere was a retro feel, the barbecue was succulent and so tender it was practically falling off the bone.

A cool retro staple for Houston. The pulled pork sandwiches were delicious. Love the retro vibe.

I have never had brisket so tender in my life!!! Very generous portions! So delicious and the lady from Cuba working in the front is extremely polite! I'll most definitely be back

My meal was outstanding. The homemade thousand dressing was top notch. The chicken was outstanding. The kitchen messed up my order. Took long time to come out. My waitress stayed on top of this. The owner covered my meal. Outstanding service and took the extra mile to please this customer. Bravo

+2

We ate here twice within 24 hours and bought a T-shirt: that pretty much says it all. Barbecue Inn has the best shrimp with homemade dill tartar sauce in Houston, and the lemon meringue pie is magical. The service is Southern charm at its finest. Owner David is a true Southern gentleman, and service was exceptional with Theresa. The chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy, barbecue sauce, baked beans, brisket, fried chicken, and St. Louis style ribs were all infused with traditional, homemade charm. Barbecue Inn should be on any Best of Houston list.

+5

This place is always awesome. Typically I get, everything, because it's all good! They have a relatively small menu but several items available different ways. Some of my favorites and the Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Shrimp, Stuffed Crab, Cheese Burger, Any of the BBQ Plates, French Fries, Potato Salad, Garden Salad, AND THE PIE DON'T FORGET THE PIE!

+2

This place is a fixture in Greater Heights and easy to see why it's lasted for over 60 years. The food is great, the staff is SUPER friendly and the price is right. It should be called Seafood and Barbeque Inn because the shrimp and fish are fantastic!

Homemade fried chicken is amazing! Service is very good. Old southern style feel! Great Houston history!

Barbecue Inn is a great experience. It’s an old-school Houston restaurant, and we’ve always appreciated stepping back in time so to speak to enjoy a meal here. It’s easy to get to at 43rd and Yale and has two parking lots available for easy parking. I appreciated that they made it known that masks are still to be worn inside. When you walk in, you’re welcomed into a very warm atmosphere that feels homey and “classic” from the dining counter to the etched divider glass with Houston scenes. The menu is definitely on the side of comfort food, and no one will leave hungry. The wait staff are pleasurable and efficient, just what you should expect from a place like Barbecue Inn. Definitely worth a try if you’ve never been.

+5

Best fried chicken ever!! Haven't been there for years since we moved. Drove 45 minutes and it was well worth it! Delicious food. Excelente service. Will be going back for sure!

Garden Oaks/Heights staple for generations! They have an excellent Chicken Fried Steak! I get it with the baked potato! I also love their fried shrimp! Fresh, bright, and always butterflied! Fried chicken is a WIN - just be prepared to a little longer wait - because it’s fried to order! Don’t forget the pie! Prompt service from friendly folks!

This is an old-school Texas diner that exceeds expectations. The fried chicken has a top-notch crunch and flavor. It's made fresh from scratch. The service makes you feel like you're a lifetime patron. The decor creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The third-generation owner chatted us up like we were old friends. We'll be back!

The food was amazing in the day was even better. And our waitress, you couldn't ask for any better service. And there is lemon pie was absolutely amazing

Mostly good, they missed giving me what I ordered, beef and ribs, only got beef.

We finally tried Barbecue Inn after a friend had been recommending it for a while, and it did not disappoint! He got the chicken wings, I had the chicken fried steak, and my husband ordered the chicken fried chicken.. everything was delicious and full of flavor. We also loved learning about the restaurant’s history. There’s something so special about a generational spot with such rich roots in Houston. We’ll definitely be back!

I’ve been going here since 1975. Visited recently and was disappointed in the French fries. I think they were frozen fries and not the fresh cut fries they have been serving for years. I for one am willing to pay for the fresh cut fries I’ve enjoyed for years.

Sara

The best fried chicken ever!! And, the caramel cheesecake!!! Almost ate all the cheesecake before the pic was taken. 😋 Excellent customer service! 👍

George Sandstedt

Our server Maria was waaaay too sweet and attentive! We don’t deserve her! The food was just like my memaw made it! The family vibes are warm and welcoming! We have to come back to try all the pies!

Cynthia Blair

The barbecue Inn has the best fried shrimp and chicken fried steak they’re known for their baked potatoes, which are always large and delicious. Their service is impeccable and they’ve been here since 1946. It’s a great place to take your family to. Martha our waitress was very attentive. Great smiles. ❤️

Al Brien

Atmosphere is retro 1970s, plain simple and clean....our waitress was attentive even after two drinks were spilled 😳, food for comfort...we had the fried chicken and green beans....not greasy at all and very crispy...green beans were a little over cooked but eaten too 😀 the menu is easy prices are good.

Mike Roper

The Fried Chicken is world class. The mashed potatoes with white gravy was great too. Fast and polite service.

Lee Atkinson

Lots of food! A white meat fried chicken plate has a wing and TWO large breasts, and 2 sides. My wife and I could have easily shared one plate. Very tender & juicy. Elizabeth took excellent care of us!

Fahad Al-Momen

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Barbecue Inn in Houston, and I can't say enough about how wonderful the experience was. This spot truly captures the essence of Southern cuisine. I ordered the fried shrimp, and my friend went for the fried chicken—both were absolutely delicious, as were the side orders. Every bite felt like a warm taste of Southern comfort. And the atmosphere—just wow. The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. It really felt like stepping back into a happy, nostalgic era. To top it all off, I ended the meal with a slice of their apple pie, which instantly brought me back to cherished memories of enjoying apple pie with my dad. It was that good. If you're looking for authentic Southern flavors and a welcoming vibe, Barbecue Inn is a must-visit. Five stars all the way!

Isak Perez

Vintage dinner experience. We got the brisket because they were out of the ribs, not until we were leaving we found out the famous chicken is the way to go but that's for next time, the server was the cherry on top (server 7? It said on the receipt) with her southern accent. The beans and potatoes were really good. The brisket was tasty. Will return

Tom Finlay

I loved this place and can't believe I waited so long to try it! It's a legendary Houston classic restaurant since 1946. Their menu is classic Southern favorites including fried chicken, fried catfish, chicken fried steak, and of course barbecue. The atmosphere was a bit nicer than I expected from an older place with nice decor, tables, etc. The decor was sort of 1980s style and colors (think browns and earth tones and wood) but all nice and the furniture and chairs were comfy and looked new. They have a friendly, professional hostess that guided us to the table. The friendly and courteous waitress soon greeted us and brought crackers and butter. We tried the Southern Fried Chicken plate ($18.95) and a mixed barbecue plate of ribs and brisket ($19.95). We also had onion rings as an appetizer since the chicken can take 20 minutes or so. The onion rings were crispy and excellent. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious with a nice bark. The brisket was good. The BBQ beans were awesome. The BBQ plate looked small but had a lot of food on it. The fried chicken arrived sizzling hot and had to sit for several minutes to cool. It had a very crunchy skin , very flavorful. It was well done and extremely juicy and flavorful all the way down to the bone. It was the BEST fried chicken I've ever had! HUGE portion. Couldn't finish our food, took plenty home. All of the staff were friendly and professional, better than many "upscale" places that are more expensive - Martha was our waitress and she was excellent. This place is worth the drive as a destination restaurant 👌

Eddy Roger Parker

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.

+2

Rob M

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!

Gregory Ford

12/30/23 UPDATE: Still awesome. Liz is the best server, ANYWHERE. Homemade Ranch dressing is incredible. --------------------- BBQ Inn is a Houston landmark and tradition. Love this place. We call it, with the greatest of respect, OTM (Our Time Machine). Retro from 70s, but looks like brand new and CLEAN as can be. Fried chicken and fried shrimp are over-the-top AWESOME. Must try both. Known Nationwide. That is what we ALWAYS get. Try a half order of their fried shrimp as an appetizer. You will not believe how flavorful the shrimp tastes. Best I've ever had. NO CONTEST. And their homemade salad dressings are incredible. Ranch and Thousand Island. Everyone is great at BBQ Inn, but if you are lucky enough to sit in Liz's section you will not be disappointed. She is mega rockstar! Remember, this is OSC (Old School Cool). Fantastic people. Fantastic food. Fantastic environment. Clean. Clean. Clean. Enjoy!!! P.S. Reminder to try half an order of fried shrimp as an appetizer. SERIOUS FLAVORTOWN.

+2

James Zipperer

I can honestly say that Barbecue Inn is a very unique family friendly restaurant in a part of Houston that you just wouldn’t expect to find it. It has that southern feel and hospitality that you might expect out in the country. All of the staff were super nice and very welcoming. We didn’t have to wait long for a table and were greeted by our wonderful waitress Laurie as soon as we were seated. In my opinion, every restaurant could stand to have a few Lauries. We ordered the ribs to start, the fried chicken, fried catfish, and chicken fried steak. The kiddos had a burger and a stuffed baked potato. The ribs came with sauce m, but they didn’t need them. They were so good. I don’t even know if the sauce was any good. I didn’t need or care to try it. The fried chicken was was slightly greasier than I prefer, but it was super juicy and crispy and tasted great. I have to say the same for the fried catfish. However, I come to expect catfish to be a little greasy. The tartar sauce was really great. Also, I ordered the catfish fillet plate and added on a chicken thigh because I just had to try both. My wife had the chicken fried steak and I liked it. I didn’t pay too much attention to it because I was digging my catfish and the gravy wasn’t my favorite. I tried it on a few fries and it was a little bland. Needed both salt and pepper. That said, the fries were great as well. My kiddos liked their burger and baked potato, but they both liked the fries more than anything. But they’re kids, they’re always going to finish the fries first if you’re not paying attention. Unfortunately we were able to try any of their homemade pies because they take a week off during July 4th so they didn’t have them made. The food is worthy of a second visit, but my goal next time is to devour their pecan and coconut cream pies. Thanks again Laurie for your hospitality and professionalism. Your bubbly personality was amazing and we can’t wait to come visit you again!

+26

Jim Gossen

I have been eating here for over 50 years and it’s as good or better than it’s ever been. Food is delicious. I normally come for the fried chicken, which nationally know for but today it was seafood. Fried shrimp and a stuffed crab. Service was great and Houston is lucky to have the wonderful family run restaurant for over 77 years

+17

Good food and service. Love the atmosphere. Takes you back to a simpler time. Food is reliably good always.

Good food and service. Love the atmosphere. Takes you back to a simpler time. food is reliably good always.

Good food and service. Love the atmosphere. Takes you back to a simpler time. Food is reliably good always.

Good food and service. Love the atmosphere. Takes you back to a simpler time. Food is reliably good always.

The service is excellent! The food is excellent! \nThe friendliness is excellent! Love this place.

Their BBQ is great! But oddly enough, their fried chicken is amazing. Served in a dimly lit and yesteryear setting that only adds to the experience, the waitstaff was attentive and could deftly a…

Their bbq is great! But oddly enough, their fried chicken is amazing. Served in a dimly lit and yesteryear setting that only adds to the experience, the waitstaff was attentive and could deftly ans…

I went here for lunch and had their 1/2 chicken fried steak special. it came with green beans & mashed potatoes w/ gravy, for a really good price point. \n\nThe steak was so tender that I didn't ne…

Always excellent food and service. I had delivery so I can say what the ambiance was but it has always been clean and friendly when I ate there.

We arrived a little before noon and didn’t have a problem getting a table. Service was prompt and a little abrupt, but she looked pretty busy with other tables. Our order was taken and the food arriv…

This is an old-school Texas diner that exceeds expectations. The fried chicken has a top-notch crunch and flavor. It's made fresh from scratch. The service makes you feel like you're a lifetime patro…

This is an old-school Texas diner that exceeds expectations. The fried chicken has a top-notch crunch and flavor. It's made fresh from scratch. The service makes you feel like you're a lifetime pat…

This is an old-school Texas diner that exceeds expectations. The fried chicken has a top-notch crunch and flavor. It's made fresh from scratch. The service makes you feel like you're a lifetime p…

Wonderful food. Best grilled chicken salad I’ve ever had. Everyone I was with enjoyed their meals from shrimp to brisket.

Wonderful food. Best grilled chicken salad I’ve ever had. Everyone I was with enjoyed their meals from shrimp to brisket.

This place is awesome. Stuck in time. Waiting for Alice, Flo, of Helen to show up as our waitress. The atmosphere is old school. They show up with a basket of crackers and butter. Remember those da…

This place is awesome. Stuck in time. Waiting for Alice, Flo, of Helen to show up as our waitress. The atmosphere is old school. They show up with a basket of crackers and butter. Remember those da…

Stopped with friends. I had the chicken fries chicken breast. It was wonderful. Hot, taste and moist with great flavor. Came with a large side salad that was fresh. Very personable wait staff. Fo…

Good food, service and friendly customers. We made friends with a couple we met on the way into the resturant.

Loved my server .... She was great .. and food was good...

+6

Our friend introduced us to what she called her favorite "hole in the wall". I'm all for venturing to new places. When we got there I recognized it. It's one of those places you pass by, but never been in. It has a very nostalgic feel about it. I love down home grub which this place does well. I had the ribs which melted in my mouth. My friend let me try her chicken fried steak which is yummy. Going to get that next time. And the word is that the fried chicken is awesome. Will be coming back for sure.

I stopped by late on a Saturday afternoon. They were busy but were practicing social distancing. I ordered brisket dinner with baked beans and potato salad.It was good but a bit expensive. My server was very friendly, and my meal was served promptly

Nice quiet restaurant. Definitely a favorite among long time customers. Food was cooked to order and was fresh. Lovely long time waitresses. Teresa was so nice and attentive. Very family oriented. A little disappointed with the Chicken Fried Steak. Many reviews rated the Chicken Fried Steak as excellent. It was good, but maybe I was expecting more because of the neighborhood reviews? Not sure. However, I will say the Southern Fried Chicken was very tasty.

+6

Service was nice and prompt and the food was pretty good. Ribs were a little more lean than I like, but still flavorful. Fried chicken was nice and crispy! Even after sitting there for several minutes, I bit into the chicken and it was still hot and steaming on the inside! I read that BBQ Inn has been around for decades so they definitely know their fried chicken. Stepping into this place was literally like stepping back in time.

Andrew Longwell

My mom and I both got the chopped beef baked potato. We were both quite satisfied. It is a family style location with quite a history. We split a piece of buttermilk pie which my Mom kept thinking it had coconut in it. I will go back.

Brent Braveman

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.

Service was good, the dinner not so much, I ordered the southern fried chicken after reading the reviews and safe to say is, the chicken was crispy but didn't have any flavor whatsoever, same thing w…

Service was good, the dinner not so much, I ordered the southern fried chicken after reading the reviews and safe to say is, the chicken was crispy but didn't have any flavor whatsoever, same t…

service was good, the dinner not so much, I ordered the southern fried chicken after reading the reviews and safe to say is, the chicken was crispy but didn't have any flavor whatsoever, same thing…

I have been dining at barbecue Inn for over 50 years. I had never been disappointed. ​Last evening I had the seafood Platter. I was so disappointed. The food was the worse I have eaten there or…

I have been dining at barbecue Inn for over 50 years. I had never been disappointed. ​Last evening I had the Seafood Platter. I was so disappointed. The food was the worse I have eaten there or any…

I have been dining at Barbecue Inn for over 50 years. I had never been disappointed. ​Last evening I had the seafood Platter. I was so disappointed. The food was the worse I have eaten there or any…

In search of the best fried chicken in Houston and a lot of people recommended barbecue inn. Arrived about 1pm on a Saturday and the place was fully packed with a mostly older crowd (55+). We tal…

In search of the best fried chicken in Houston and a lot of people recommended barbecue inn. Arrived about 1pm on a Saturday and the place was fully packed with a mostly older crowd (55+). We talke…

Chicken fried steak was fried hamburger patties. shrimp and chicken were excellent. "..................................

An old blast from the past! Food is still good and service spectacular! Still wear uniforms. It may be call bbq inn, but their fried chicken and shrimp is why I go!

This was our first visit to this Houston institution, which opened in 1946. Their claim to fame is, ironically, fried chicken, so that's what we ordered. The dining room was pretty full for lunch. …

Wait staff was nice and attentive. The food was good and felt like a nice southern restaurant. I got the Chicken Fried Steak lunch platter and it was good and not terribly expensive.

The service was extremely SLLOOOOWW ! And the food was boring and overpriced. They need to take some tips on salad making from our local salad restaurant that has more than just iceberg lettuce and…

I have eaten there for 60 years. It was always a great go to. Sadly, it has really lost its way as so many older establishments have. The service wait staff is greatly reduced, quality and taste of t…

I have eaten there for 60 years. It was always a great go to. Sadly, it has really lost its way as so many older establishments have. The service wait staff is greatly reduced, quality and tast…

Saw this place on Texas Country Reporter. Happened to be passing through and wanted to eat here. food was really pretty good but expensive. $17.25 for fried chicken with 2 sides. $9.35 for a …

Saw this place on Texas Country Reporter. Happened to be passing through and wanted to eat here. Food was really pretty good but expensive. $17.25 for fried chicken with 2 sides. $9.35 for a ch…

Saw this place on Texas Country Reporter. Happened to be passing through and wanted to eat here. Food was really pretty good but expensive. $17.25 for fried chicken with 2 sides. $9.35 for a chee…

It breaks my heart not to be able to give 5 stars. My family has been coming here since the days when it was an old white wooden house. I always get the fish and it's always been cooked to perfection with a great flavor. This time it was just a hard, flavorless shell that separated from the fish. I had raved to my friend about how the food has been consistently excellent for the past 61 years. For the first time I was disappointed. I thought maybe they were training a new cook? She got the hamburger and said it was just average. Thankfully the atmosphere was as it's always been. Our server wasn't the warmest at all. Something else that was in the past consistent, the warm, welcoming waitresses. We had a Hispanic lady that wasn't the best in service either. We had to ask another waitress for what we needed. She was very helpful and friendly. Sad to see the quality is no longer up to the standards it's been for over half a century.

Our family has been coming to BBQ Inn for 50+ years. We have such great memories there. However the last 2 times we have been very disappointed. The batter for the shrimp and chicken fried steak has changed and not for the better and the pie is different also. It’s sad but we may not be back☹️

We traveled across Houston to eat here. It is known for its fried chicken. Of course, I had the chicken. It was a bit overcooked and didn't have much flavor. My wife had the seafood platter. When she got her plate, it was minus the oysters. We informed the waiter, and she had neglected to tell us they were out of oysters. When we ordered dessert, they were out of the lemon pie. I guess we caught them on a bad day.

Quick Summary - overall nice place to eat. Friendly staff. Full Review - I have broken it down into categories to help explain the stars better. Staff - Friendly and courteous they tend to not check to often on you which doesn't count as an issue to me. Many others in the restaurant were called by name by staff so theu have a strong repeat clientele. Food - This was a mixed bag. I ordered a chicken fried steak with fries. I had a shrimp cocktail appetizer and a piece of carrot cake. So first up the chicken fried steak was done really well. Unfortunately the white country gravy most prominent flavor was flour. Gravy was not seasoned at all. After adding salt and pepper myself it got a lot better. Fries were fries nothing made them stand out. They were cooked well. The shrimp cocktail was a disaster. Way over cooked shrimp were dropped on s bed of lettuce and had cocktail sauce poured on them. 4th is was not worth it at all. Also dinner came with a salad that was just iceberg lettuce and some tomato chunks. I added some cheese to it to help. It was not good. Lastly the carrot cake. Better than average and really tasty. Decor and atmosphere - The place is like walking in a 1950's family restaurant. Not as a gimic but it literally wasn't remodeled. While not bad it is drab and not inspiring. Most of the restaurant is booths and packed tightly so sound and noise can be a lot when place is full. Cleanliness - they won big time here. Super clean. Overall thoughts - I will give them a try to see how the bbq is again bit the rest of the menu seems standard to sub par. It not inspired dishes at all. But the clean friendly atmosphere is nice. Overall a decent but not great place to eat.

I ate here years ago and was not impressed. This place is always on the short list for best fried chicken in Houston. So I decided to try it again. The chicken was hot and moist, but pretty bland. The breading just crumbles off. The lunch meal was $16. Comes with four pieces and two sides. I picked the salad as one side. Was pretty big. It was just lettuce and chopped tomatoes. The house made blue cheese dressing was good. I like they give you melba toast with it. The other side was green beans. Which were also good. Pretty expensive for diner food. Most of the lunch menu was at least $15 without a drink. The staff was very courteous and made sure we were taken care of. Still baffled that this place is always ranked so high on the fried chicken list. Ceiling is pretty grimy looking too.

Sorry to say the 3 ribs were the worse I've ever had . The onion rings were good but I've had better. They were better than a fast food onion ring. I did not hear any one of our 17 women complain or rave about their food. I sat next to a lady that said she had been comming their since she was 3. She had shrimp. On a Tues after 1 pm it was not real busy.

Deborah Swanson

The fried chicken and mashed potatoes were good. Coconut pie was OK. The green beans were mush, absolutely awful, overcooked to death. The cream gravy had no flavor or seasoning. It was like flour and milk. Still using iceberg lettuce. It's time to upgrade the sides.

Bobby Balderas

Last night my family celebrated my 64th birthday and I had been wanting the Southern fried chicken from BBQ inn for the longest, it has been years since I last ate there. Well they decided to have a little get together at home and so we ordered our meal for pick up. I must say I was highly disappointed in my meal, first off the pieces were so small, they barely gave me any fries and it just didn't seem that fresh. My daughters had burgers which were fine and a baked potato, again small. The fried shrimp my wife ordered wasn't bad, but again very few fries. Guess I will go back to LA Lucha for my fried chicken fix.

bry roby

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.

Best thing about this place is the service and ambiance. It was a very nostalgic trip down memory lane that reminded me of diners from my childhood. \n\nThe service was amazing! Prompt, friendly, and…

For all the hype and the many years in business, we were expecting more. Anyone who claims this as the best fried chicken hasn’t spent much time down south. I can name 5 places just in TN, GA, LA…

The ribs were not ribbing at all. I definitely got a tough over boiled piece that definitely didn't fall off the bone. There's no bottle water for those who can't drink out-of-state water, so carry your own.

They have been around forever and have a lot of great reviews, I had family members to me that since I was going to be just blocks away that I should go for lunch. Maybe I ordered wrong, I was not impressed, I didn't finish my food. The service was good, but with tip I paid $28 for a mixed fried chicken plate 4 piece with fries and green beans, and it tasted like gas station food that had been sitting around all day. This was 1pm on a Wednesday. I got more business by there again so maybe I will give them another chance and try the bbq. I will update this afterwards.

I have been going to Barbecue Inn for over sixty years. I now live out of state and had to come to Houston for an event. I was looking forward to eating here, I was very disappointed in the quality of the food. The chicken fried steak didn’t taste the same, the French fries which used to be hand cut were fast food quality and cold. My wife had the fried catfish and the breading was thick and it used to be light and tasty. I know things change but as great as Barbecue Inn has always been they should do better. I won’t be eager to eat here again on my next trip home.

I REALLY hate to make negative posts but sometimes a meal is very disappointing! I will start with the positive, the wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Now the bad, I originally ordered Chicken Fried Steak. What I received was LITERALLY 2 hamburger patties breaded, fried, and covered with gravy. It had very little taste and the texture was soo off. I got my waitress attention and what I can only guess was the head waitress offered to bring me a different meal which was much better. She didn't say it exactly but it appears this is their new norm which makes absolutely no sense. This place is a Houston landmark but might be quickly falling which is sad.

Christina Byrne

Terrible food. Shrimp not de-veined. BBQ potato was a build your own bowl of meat and a small foil wrapped potato... No sauce no beans, no effort. Food for half of our party arrived 45 mins after the first half got theirs. The salad was just a plate with iceberg lettuce on it...no other veggies or toppings. Just go to Pappas.

We have been a fan of bbq inn for thirty years. Always the best fried shrimp and bbq chicken. Today July 14th my son picked up supper. We were so so disappointed. My husband’s oysters were ve…

I've been thinking about this post a lot and I have to say, I'm really disappointed in the lack of diversity in the staff, I've been coming to this restaurant for 30 years and it's sad to see that they haven't made any changes, I hope they take this feedback seriously and make some changes, it's not just about the food, it's about the experience and the people, I want to feel welcome and included when I eat out, and right now, I don't feel that way, I'm hoping they will take this opportunity to make some positive changes and create a more inclusive environment for all customers. The staff in your kitchen and the buss boys are always black! I asked the question today. In the 30 years that I have been coming here why are there no black people upfront. The Hispanic manager replied “ma’am I don’t know”. As I was leaving, I asked a white manager who has been there for years the same question and she said “They are NEVER going to CHANGE that! I responded “ they since they WON’T change it I will NEVER eat here again!

Fried chicken way overcooked, only vege green beans... Limited menu

This is the worse restaurant I’ve ever eaten at! I’d rather starve than ever eat here again. If you’re considering eating here do yourself a favor and find something else. Food is unseasoned, tasteless, and overpriced.

The Server was definitely the best part of my experience here. She was nice and extremely helpful. But also had too many guess for one person to cover so wait times for refills on drinks were a slight problem. The place seemed to be on the older side of things and was very outdated. My partner and I had the fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, white gravy, fries, ribs and crap balls. We left out of the establishment thinking to ourselves that The Barbecue Inn was like a high priced Luby’s. Iykyk… the only thing we both enjoyed was the mashed potatoes. Everything else had the flavor of a doorknob. Especially after reading reviews of this place having some great fried chicken I had faith it was at least be good. But we were surprised to be so disappointed in the lack of flavor of the chicken. If the prices of the chicken was $5.00, I would still be disappointed. So the fact that they charged $18 for was absurd.