My favorite ribs, brisket and queso. Don’t overlook the Texas chocolate cake at the end!

Great food! The meat was tender and very flavorful!

A+++ BBQ in Houston. It always surprises me that this place doesn't constantly have a line out of the door. The meat is top tier but the sides can't be beat as well. For sure a hidden gem in our city.

Always great service. Everyone is so nice and the food is amazing.

Texas Heritage (formerly Pizzatola’s) is a great BBQ spot in the heart of Houston with table service. When you go get the spareribs (best in town) and the Brisket. the Beans with all the fixings is also a must. Save room for their Banana Pudding. Enjoy’

The brisket was very tender and moist. The pulled pork was very good too. The best sides imo were the smoked brussel sprouts and potato salad. Service was super friendly. I’m definitely going back with a bbq craving hits.

Came for the food and history, stayed for the sweet hospitality .. and the banana pudding!

Me and a couple of my barbecue buddies recently headed to a seriously old-school barbecue joint in The Heights area of Houston called Pizzitola’s Bar B Cue. The sign out front says “Serious Bar B Cue Since 1935” (oddly, the sign on the side of the building says “since 1934” – not sure which is correct. But either way, that is a long time). Any place that has been open that long has to be doing something right, so we had to try them. Entering the building, the first thing we noticed was how truly old-school the place is. It definitely looks and feels like it has been around for a long time. Another thing that is different from most BBQ joints I’ve been to was that they had table service – they actually seated us and gave us menus. Very interesting, and definitely not like so many Hill Country meat market-style joints.The other sign out front, but directly on the building, says “Houston’s Home for Spareribs”. So naturally I had to give them a try. And since this is a Texas BBQ joint, I had to try brisket as well. The waitress came and took our orders, and strongly recommended the beans as a star side dish. So I ordered both the beans and potato salad. The brisket – I was very happy to have gotten some lean and some moist. It was hard to judge the bark, given the way it had been sliced in the back and plated (I always prefer to see the meat being sliced). Even so, the smoky flavor was excellent, and the fat was well-rendered. Given how challenging it is for them to cook briskets on their ancient pits, I was impressed. You see, the fire in these pits is right at the edge, not off in a firebox separated from the cooking chamber, like so many modern offset pits. The heat nearest the fire is way too hot for the cooking a brisket low-n-slow. So all throughout the cook, the pit men and women have to rotate the briskets back and forth from the near end to the far end in order to not cook them too quickly or dry them out. Pizzitola’s pits are Houston’s last remaining “grandfathered in” open brick pits from a bygone era. The pork spareribs – in a word, they were sublime. The simple salt & pepper rub was all they needed to be delicious (from what I saw/tasted, they don’t mop them). The meat was so tender and flavorful, with perfectly-rendered fat. Bite after bite pulled away from the bone cleanly, but did not just fall off like happens with oversteamed ribs. The beans, as recommended by our waitress, really were very tasty, with plenty of salty flavor and some good chunks of meat. The potato salad was fine – nothing to write home about, but certainly nothing to complain about either. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to try Pizzitola’s, they are definitely worth the drive to experience this unique old-school barbecue joint from another era. They’re not even hard to get to – less than a quarter mile south of I-10 on Shepherd.

+6

Everything was great. Expensive but the food was delicious and service was good. Had the Brisket Mac and Cheese and it was very good. Jalapeno cornbread was good. Brisket potato was huge

The food is great, I really liked the smoked cabbage, ribs, and brisket. I didn't try the chicken but it looked great. The "Prices" are very reasonable and their food has history. Everyone that works here, tells the recipes history as if they're telling you the history of their lineage. The founder love baseball so much he would close down every year to go to the world series. They have an interesting story about the baseball bat that hands on the well. It shows the time period and the stresses that people had at the time. It tells about how the owner didn't trust banks, and why should he. They had just tried to take everyone's money which was part of the great depression. If you want non-commercial, real food this is your place. Top stop of my trip so far.

+2

The brisket was chef's kiss! My kids loved the pineapple coconut cake too!

Love this place!!! Great staff, delicious BBQ, and no lines to order. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

Walked in to this historic BBQ Spot! Open since 1938 and the food was glorious! Meats perfectly cooked, falling off the bones and flavorful! Totally recommend!

Best bbq stuffed baked potato ever!! And impeccable service. Cindy is the absolute sweetest server, go see her at this amazing Houston institution!

Best ribs anywhere and the top and side brisket is killer.

Pizzitola's is my go to place for BBQ. Love the three meat dinner with ribs, sausage, and brisket. Enough left for another big meal.

Heritage BBQ is the place to be! Great experience and even better food. I highly recommend the BLT Sandwich.

I ordered the brisket enchiladas which were fantastic.. there is so much flavor packed into those enchiladas & the brisket was tender. The beans & veggies were great too. My friend ordered the fajitas & said that the chicken & brisket was great. I tried some of the chicken & loved it. I definitely recommend!

Truly an experience. Amazing BBQ, I can't pick a favorite as everything was very good. The restaurant really is a classic BBQ place, with lots of great memorabilia and an authentic experience.

Great family owned BBG joint. Only thing better than the food (particularly the ribs) is the service.

Great food, with good selection. Atmosphere was also very good!

The brisket and turkey were excellent. Great service from Leisa and Esteban. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

A great, locally owned, pit BBQ restaurant. I usually get a brisket sandwich with pinto beans and tater salad. Always perfect. I have also had their beef ribs and turkey. Both smokey and perfect. The staff is super friendly and there is plenty of parking. Update 2024 - Still a great BBQ joint. They have added some fantastic new sides and menu items to better compliment their delicious meats. My favorite side thus far is the cabbage.

If you’re visiting Houston, you got to try Pizzitola’s! From the service to the bbq, everything was phenomenal!

Fantastic food and service. The baked potato was great!

Best Burger in town!! Tim and his staff are awesome. The food is great, the service is great. Overall 10/10

Has really good food!! Leisa and Esteban are so kind and attentive!!

I walked and immediately knew I was in the right. I was cheerfully greeted by all. the service was outstanding and the atmosphere was had great vibes. This is my first visit and well worth the drive. I came for a quick bite and ordered more for later. I will gladly come again very soon and i highly recommend this place to everyone looking for the best bbq... this is it!!! Tim was amazing and pleasantly added to my awesome experience and the quality did not disappoin

Great place to eat!! We go weekly! Leisa and Cindy will take great care of you. Tim is pretty amazing to!!!

This is the best barbecue spot in Houston, every plate was delicious. The waiter Esteban went out of his way to make me feel welcomed and provided the best customer service. I really recommend this place and will be coming back with all my family.

I’ve been dining at Pizzitola’s for 25 years. The food is excellent. The staff has become family. Truly a restaurant with an amazing serving staff that will serve you delicious melt in your mouth brisket, fall of the bone ribs, succulent smoked turkey with amazing sides. Oh and the homemade banana pudding is wonderful. 10 ⭐️s for Pizzitola’s

Pizzitola’s is a houston classic. True Texas barbecue served alongside some old fashioned hospitality. The ribs here is the speciality. But come in on a Friday or Saturday to try their brisket enchiladas. Seriously some of the best enchiladas in the city. The staff here is awesome. They go the extra mile for the devoted regulars and newcomers alike!

This spot is absolutely incredible!!! The ribs are off the charts fantastic!!! I loved the turkey, it was super juicy - not dry at all! Brisket and their enchiladas were 10/10! Highly recommend for the next time you’re craving some delicious BBQ

+5

We were first-time Pizzitola's diners tonight. I had the Friday Enchiladas (brisket enchiladas). They were perhaps the best brisket enchiladas that I have ever had as a lifetime Texan. The green beans with carrots and tomatoes were also flavor-packed and exceptional. Monday night update: killer ribs, brisket, beans, cabbage, banana pudding and chocolate sheet cake.

+1

Great place to visit why’ll in Houston Texas customer service was great. The food was perfected and very fresh to order glad I stopped.. Me and my family will be back..

This family owned business has been around for decades. Besides great BBQ they always reinvent items, like brisket enchiladas and BBQ fajita It’s old school looking but reliable. They run out of stuff which tells me it’s good

Absolutely one of the best barbecue joints in town! The best ribs without a doubt! Everything is delicious and the service is impeccable. 5 stars!

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST BBQ EVER!!! Great friendly ownership and staff. My new favorite place to eat BBQ in all of the Houston area…and I even got BBQ and Banana Pudding to go, after we dined in!

Great food and great service! Stopped here on my lunch break got the loaded baked potato with brisket it was a 10/10 definitely will be back soon!

I am shocked at this place. This has been the best bbq spot I have ever tried. Every single dish was spectacular. Waitress Esteban was very nice and welcoming, would recommend 100%. Try it out and you won’t regret it!

Solid Texas Style BBQ. If someone comes to town asking about authentic bbq, this is where you should take them. From the baked potato to the sliced brisket, I haven’t had anything here that isn’t delicious. I’m OG, just a chopped brisket sandwich is what I crave… it’s here.

Such an amazing BBQ restaurant with a wonderful history! They just updated their menu with new sides, salads, and sandwiches to complement the delicious traditional BBQ.

+2

Recommended from a good friend. All meats were unreal Brisket moist with nice bark Turkey super moist with nice coating of black pepper Ribs fell apart Coleslaw, corn, Mac n 4 cheese We will be back.....great food ..great service...great old school feel ❤️❤️

+3

The staff was welcoming, friendly, and attentive. The manager/owner was absolutely delightful! Thank you for being here and for such a wonderful dining experience. <3

Monday night they are open. Not Sunday. I like that. It was a quiet night. The 2 meat plate with jalapeño sausage and brisket was calling my name. It was served with 2 sides. I chose the cabbage and coleslaw. It also came with light bread, onions, pickles, jalapeño and sauce. The cabbage is a meal on its own. It had bacon and other meat to give it a smokey flavor. Slow cooked and good! The slaw was creamy and good. The sausage was very chessy and meaty with a great flavor. Now the brisket. It had a good bark lots of flavor, tensor, cooked to perfection. I also has the pineapple coconut cake that is made in house. That cake is very good. It was a huge slice. They also have Pecan, chocolate and Nana pud'n.

+4

The friendliest staff. Met the owner and had a personal tour! We're big bbq fans and while we love our hometown KC bbq (Jack Stack!) We love trying other regions styles. Texas is brisket country and this place doesn't disappoint. It's been a Houston staple since the 30's. The pits are original and unique. And the method is unique and provides outstanding taste. Owner Tim would love to explain it all if you're lucky enough. We began a friendly discussion about regional bbq styles and differences with our server Esteban and he did his best to make sure we had a full experience of trying the best of Texas style and Pizzitola's original taste. He brought out several different sauce styles to try. He even included a sweet dark almost KC sauce for me to try. Everything was great! Brisket- best I've ever had! Texas 1. Pork spare ribs, no sauce, awesome. Still want my KC sauce. Texas 1, KC 1. Pulled pork, no sauce, very nice. Tied. Smoked chicken breast, Pizzitola's 1. (NO contest, strictly a cooking secret.) Pinto Beans, have never had beans like this! Texas 1. Street corn- OMG!!! L Beats out our Jack Stack cheesy corn without a fight!! Banana pudding made over the pit?? Yes please!!! But when you find a place that can combine the best two food styles on the planet, Mexican and bbq, you have a very special place indeed. Try the bbq fajitas! They are soo amazing! This KC girl tips her hat and curtseys to Pizzitola's! Thank you for your hospitality! Come to KC and see us when you can!

+6

We really enjoyed this place. We got here around 11:20, and this place filled up by the time we left around 12! The ribs were great, and I love a good mustardy potato salad! The green beans were there special, and they were also super good. 10/10 would recommend and come back!

A friend and I shared a plate of the Friday special, brisket enchiladas in flour tortillas with a side of green beans and black beans. And a half order of the ribs. I’ll start out by saying that we really enjoyed both dishes. (Many years ago I had a bad experience here with the ribs. This was a place that I told people was “historically significant” because of that experience.The ribs I had that time tasted of Kingsford charcoal or creosote and they were awful. As if the pit had never been cleaned. And I never went back until today.) They are currently using post oak and I am pleased to say that the ribs were good. I would eat them again. The barbecue sauce was sweet but good. The enchiladas were very tasty and I would order them again. The black beans were extremely creamy, probably because of the introduction of some cheese into the beans and I would absolutely order those again. Highly recommended. And so pleased that the ribs taste good.

Bbq was phenomenal and service and ownership is awesome‼️ This place has a long rich history here in Houston and I can definitely see why. Well worth the trip here and I’ll be a regular customer for now on for sure.

Food was good and people so kind and sweet! You can feel the love in this place. Lot of regulars. Beans were awesome! Turkey very good. Mixed vegetables very good. Everything hot!

Great food, and pales only in comparison to the service and hospitality. We come here every time we are in Houston. This trip - brisket burger and turkey sandwich, jalapeño cornbread, corn; & spareribs!

Food is always amazing. I had the brisket enchiladas this time. I have eaten here several times. Everything has been great.

Best brisket I’ve had in a long time I will definitely be adding this to the Htown food tour

I’ve tried just about everything but the pork and it’s all super good. The thing I love the most about this place is their chicken! Bone in or bone out! It’s the consistency here that makes it so good because there’s never a time I’ve been here where it’s lackluster at all! Things from the street corn, Mac n cheese, smoked Brussels sprouts, all the way down to the staff is a warm welcome that everyone in Houston should enjoy. The Mac and cheese alone would make a grown man shed a tear! Finally tried the salad they had and oh my lord I was honestly impressed with just HOW GOOD they made it! Normally a salad is alright from most places but this one I plan to put into my usual rotation!! 2/6/26 I’ve never had the chocolate cake before but as someone who isn’t the biggest fan of chocolate I actually loved it!2/10/26 Tried the brisket burger as well as the cornbread! Both worked great ordered together! Taking the jelly like habanero sauce and putting it with the cornbread was to DIE FOR! 2/26/26

AMAZING food and the staff/service is just as wonderful! Brisket and street corn are must haves. We were in town from Pittsburgh and couldn’t go home without getting some Texas bbq, this place was recommended and did not disappoint. We’ll be back!

Stumbled across this little gem. The food, the atmosphere, but especially the staff…AMAZING!! Definitely coming back and bringing my crew to chat with Cindy. She’s been here for 30 years!

When we came in instantly we were greeted and they were very attentive!!!! The food was delicious!!! We had ribs and they just fell off the bone!!! The Turkey was another story so moist and delicious!!!! The Brisket was so delicious and smokey I even at the fat 😋

Old style home vibes from this place. I had the ribs pulled pork and brisket. As well as the brisket queso. Pulled pork was the star of the show. Brisket was amazing. Very respectful and caring staff. Feels like a good ole mom and pop bbq spot. Will be coming back.

Ribs here are so much better than Pinkertons and truth bbq. Staff is so friendly. If you want that old school bbq like it use to be and very reasonable prices. Do not miss this place.

When you want to get the best BBQ there is, come to Pizzitola’s. The food is incredible, the ribs are hands down the best we’ve ever had. The brisket is phenomenal. A friend recommended trying the baked potato with BBQ chicken and that was so satisfying as well. The atmosphere is as genuine and welcoming as it gets. The staff are friendly, fun, and personable. I felt like I was hanging out with family. Go to Pizzitolas next chance you get.

Loved the baked potato and the pork spare ribs are a must! Service is great and the food is good EDIT: the weekend Brisket Enchiladas are so dang good!

Big as your face baked potatoes stuffed full of brisket. Delicious food. Great folks and atmosphere.

10 out of 5 stars! Me and my family love coming to pizzitola’s! The service never fails to impress us with their welcoming hospitality. There is never a day where we don’t come looking forward to visiting. Along with the service, the food is just as spectacular. Fresh, full of flavor and great tasty sides. Come experience pizzitola’s yourself and they will never fail to make you feel at home.

I had such a satisfying meal here. The baked potato was perfectly cooked and full of flavor, and the pork spare ribs were incredibly tender and delicious, definitely something I would order again. The staff made the whole experience even better with their friendly and attentive service. Everything came out fresh and tasted amazing. This place truly delivers on both quality and hospitality.

Been coming here for 30 years. Their ribs are my absolute favorite and are one of, if not the best in the world and yes I have been to Franklin and LA BBQ and all over Lockhart. The ribs are outstanding. The rest of their BBQ is also outstanding and this is one place where the sides are as good as the meats. Still killing it after all these years!

Andrea Kessel

Stopped by Pizzitola’s Heritage BBQ today and I’m so glad we did… The menu is amazing. Everything is made from scratch. The Brisket Enchiladas were so good, but Mama Pizzitola's Famous Banana Pudding elevated the meal to the next level of goodness… No wonder the place has been around since 1935!

Jack Kessel

Warm and welcoming with great service! BBQ was top notch and the pickled vegetables were amazing! If you’re there on a Friday/Saturday the brisket enchiladas are amazing!

L. Jenkins

This is hands down the best barbecue in Houston you can argue with whoever you want. The service is talked to you the atmosphere is nice and gentle and the food is amazing. I guarantee if you come eat here you probably will be biased to any other barbecue you ever have afterwards

CRZY GIRL

Mmmm…my 1st & unfortunately last time only because I’m moving outta state. I wish I would have known about this place before I moved. Food had so much flavor mmmm and service was excellent! Thank you for your hospitality. I enjoyed very much. Lunch time is busy as it should be thanks y’all best bbq I’ve had in a super long time!

Ashly D

The service, food along with the atmosphere was unbelievable. Cindy our server was great and pleasant. We will be back my baked potato 🥔 was to die for.

Gerald King

I cannot believe that this is the first time I've been here during my entire life living here in Houston AND being a graduate of St. High School. I'LL BE BACK! Loved the brisket enchiladas with jalapenos on top. ( Fridays and Saturdays only)

Sean Carter

This place smells so good when im driving by,so finally i decided to actually try this place.I am very glad i did cause Holy Moley the Brisket Enchiladas were heavenly! The lady that helped us very attentive to us and i enjoyed her good hospitality.

Drea Castillo

Best bbq in Houston? I think so!! This place had such amazing food all around. The brisket enchiladas my bf ordered blew my mind they were so flavorful I got a classic dinner plate of brisket with potato salad and pinto beans - brisket was tender and smoky alone but the BBQ sauce compliments the brisket soooo well, potato salad and beans were just as delicious :-) Service was excellent and the gentleman who took our order was kind enough to make suggestions Honorable mention to the house made lemonade it was perfect combination of sweet and tangy! Please try this place!

Jeremy Dees

Go visit Pizzitola's as fast as you can. I stopped by a few weeks ago for the first time looking for a new bbq joint and I was amazed and kind of mad at myself for having never been here before. We stopped in a Saturday afternoon and tried the weekend special brisket enchiladas and a 2 meat sampler plate. All of it was amazing. The brisket enchiladas were so good I came back a week later to have them again. Easily one of Houston's best local dishes around. Don't sleep on it. As for my bbq parter, they got a 2 meat plate for $16 which was unbelievable. It came with 3 pork ribs and 2 generous slices of brisket. I couldn't believe how low the price was for the amount we got. The ribs were easily the highlight of the plate but the brisket came correct on its own as well. The sides we got were good but hard to focus on next to the bbq. Next we got a slice of chocolate cake at the recommendation of by bbq partner and when I thought I couldn't eat another bite I found myself eating most of the cake. The service was top notch and very friendly and attentive. The dining room was very clean and had many tvs around with various sports games on. 10 out of 10 recommend if you're in the mood for great bbq and don't need the hassle of line waiting.

Bobby Roland

Hidden gem; finally stopped in to check it out and was glad I did! The brisket and ribs were tender/tasty; the corn and the pecan pie (cooked on the pit!) were great specialties. I’ll definitely be back soon.

Anu Matorin

Big shout out the the rocking food & service!! The epic brisket burger is melt in your mouth & the ribs are delicious. The green beans are so flavorful & the cornbread is divine! Thank you Cindy for all your recommendations & the hospitality This place is a Houston icon!!! Can’t wait to return. Ready to try the nachos & the rest of the menu items !!

Timothy J Stapleton

What a gem. I’ve probably driven by it 1000 times and never noticed it. It gives old-timey, hole-in-the wall, iykyk vibes with the regulars chatting up a storm, country music playing, waitress checking on you like a mother hen. But enough about the charming ambience- the food is the real star. I got pulled pork and fatty brisket, mac n cheese and beans. It came with a pitcher of bbq sauce that had a nice kick to it. The pulled pork came with a side of sweet bbq sauce- also delicious. Generous portions (I have to take home half). I can’t wait to come back. Did I mention it’s been around 90 years? That’s centuries in Houston years. This place has stood the test of time and is still delivering.

Sophia Dean-Johnson

Tim, Everything was executed beautifully for our dads Surprise 90th birthday celebration. The venue was ideal for this event. All aspects were well managed. The food was served hot, and the staff and waitresses ensured that drinks and food were consistently available. They were very attentive to our guests and exceptionally friendly. Family and friends remarked that “the staff and waitresses were excellent”. Overall, I found it to be absolutely perfect and remarkable. A 10 out of 10. I would strongly recommend Pizzitola's Heritage BBQ for any catering, celebrations and social events. Sophia

Mark Wachowicz

Came here after living in the area for a decade and having never been here I regret never coming before. The brisket queso was so good and the ribs, brisket, and sausage plate were even better. The owner Tim introduced himself and the service could not have been better! 10/10 Food Service and Vibe

Robbie Page

Couldn’t recommend this place enough. The locals say it’s way better than Truth bbq. And the best part, there’s no line! We had great table service and everyone was very friendly. Amazing food. This is the go-to local home town barbecue joint. Ask for Cindy and Esteban when you come in, they’ve been working here for 30 years

+1

Nathaniel Hooten

Great historical place with great food and desserts. The people that are there have been there a long time and they are great. The food is always amazing. The BBQ is some of the best and the ribs were awesome. The chocolate sheet cake was truly phenomenal. Overall, highly recommended if you have not been before you will not be dissappointed.

+9

Brian Carpani, GeckoMediaGroup

This is a great spot for the friendliest of service and great food. We lucked out and they had an extra contender which is the big 7lb beef shank that we shared. Absolutely amazing as it was tender , juicy and enough for 3 people. The street corn is probably one of the best corn dishes I've had as well and the cornbread is .yummy also. Overall a great spot and just wish I saved room for dessert as it looked great as well.

+10

Steve Ruiz

I was in Houston for a week for work and tried exploring a few bbq spots during that week and this place was by far the best. The brisket had lots of flavor, great bark, turkey had good flavor as well and the smoked street corn was delicious and not something you typically see as a side menu option at a bbq restaurant. The service was great, very kind and welcoming. It was the end of the day, they were out of ribs and Mac and cheese so I didn’t get to try those, but if I’m ever in town again I plan to return to this restaurant

+3

If you are looking for Texas BBQ that’s the place . Old and traditional . The highlights for me are the potatoes salad and the BEST BBQ BRISKET i have ever eaten. The Brisket is so soft that melts That’s 10 ⭐️ Brisket . The overall price is a little expensive. The sides for 4,75 is pricy But if you love BBQ you Have to go there.

There is an excellent customer service focus. The employees were well trained. The brisket was very good and have healthy portions . The atmosphere was nice very clean and well maintained. Great place for lunch or when the desire for barbecue hits.

Victoria Sledz

They are a popular bbq place and with good reason. The service is outstanding. It’s one of the few BBQ spots that provide table service and their staff is great. Despite getting busy quickly at lunch time, they checked on us often. I had the their ribs, turkey & brisket and it was delicious- a combined pound of meat. I opted for the Texas Caviar & Brussels sprouts and I was very pleased. The restaurant is rather historical. Restrooms were clean. Plenty of free parking.

+4

Food was great and service but i refuse to pay additional fees for using a debit card. 3.8 % who walks around with cash anymore.

Doctor B. (TechDiva)

Pizzitola’s Heritage BBQ offered great customer service, but I was disappointed with the small portions and lack of seasoning. The chicken was unfortunately undercooked. While the staff was friendly, the quality and quantity of the food did not meet expectations.

The ribs were old and hard/crusty/very dry. The brisket wasn't fresh or that good compared to upper BBQ places. The chicken was good. The sauce was good. The service was wonderful.

Food was horrable don't know why all the reviews say best bbq they even had lol the bbq was average the sausage had no flavor but cheese not jalapeño the meat was dry and rubbery with a pepper flavor only the best thing Was the pickles lol see pictures attached and follow me on Google reviews for more travel spots and food

If I could give zero stars I would hold. The heavy set manager or either owner is prejudice and has a nasty attitude. The worst tasting bbq in the state of texas. I see why it was empty when I arrived there. The employees are decent, I just know he gives them hell on the daily. Go to The Pit Room if u want good food and service. I will never patronize them again.