Pinkerton's Barbecue is a Texas barbecue restaurant founded by Grant Pinkerton in 2016. It grew from a backyard hobby into one of Houston's best-known smokehouses. The original on Airline Drive in Houston Heights holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and there are now locations in Upper Kirby and downtown San Antonio too. Below are the current menu prices, hours for each location and what to order.
About Pinkerton's Barbecue
Pinkerton's serves Central Texas-style smoked meats with a Southeast Texas and Louisiana accent. Brisket and ribs share the menu with boudin links and a duck & sausage jambalaya, a side you won't find at most Texas barbecue joints. Meat is sold by the pound or in sandwiches. Like most serious Texas barbecue joints, every location stays open "until sold out," so the most popular cuts can run out before closing.
Pinkerton's Barbecue Menu and Prices
Prices below come from the Houston Heights menu on the official website. Other locations may differ slightly.
By the Pound
- Copper Creek Prime Brisket (sliced or chopped): $35.00/lb
- Beef Ribs: $38.00/lb
- Glazed Pork Ribs: $26.00/lb
- Dry Rub Pork Ribs: $26.00/lb
- Chopped Pork Shoulder: $23.00/lb
- Turkey: $24.00/lb
- BBQ Chicken Thighs: $21.00/lb
Links
- Regular Sausage: $6.00
- Jalapeño Sausage: $6.00
- Jalapeño Cheese Sausage: $6.00
- Boudin Link: $8.00
Sandwiches
- Brisket Sandwich: $15.00
- Man Bear Pig Sandwich: $13.50
- Chopped Pork Sandwich: $13.00
- Sausage Sandwich: $13.00
- Sliced Turkey Sandwich: $13.00
Sides
- Jalapeño Cheese Rice
- Grant's Potato Salad
- Tangy Coleslaw
- South Texas Beans
- Rosemary Bacon Mac & Cheese
- Duck & Sausage Jambalaya
Desserts
- Bread Pudding
- Aunt Ruby's Blueberry Cobbler
- Bananas Foster Pudding
What to Order
For a first visit, get a half pound of Copper Creek prime brisket (sliced, with some fatty end if you like it rich) and a few glazed pork ribs. Then add the duck & sausage jambalaya and the jalapeño cheese rice as sides. If you're with a group, add a beef rib, the restaurant's biggest showpiece at $38/lb. For one person, the Man Bear Pig sandwich ($13.50) is the playful house sandwich, and the brisket sandwich ($15) is the classic. Finish with Aunt Ruby's blueberry cobbler or the bananas Foster pudding.
Locations and Hours
All three locations are closed on Mondays and close early if they sell out.
Houston Heights (original)
1504 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009 · (713) 802-2000
Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday–Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM
Upper Kirby
3801 Farnham St, Houston, TX 77098 · (832) 404-8993
Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM; Friday–Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM
San Antonio (Downtown)
107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 · (210) 983-0088
Tuesday–Wednesday and Sunday 11 AM – 9 PM; Thursday–Saturday 11 AM – 10 PM
Tips for Visiting
- Go early on weekends. Lines build at lunch, and beef ribs and brisket are the first to sell out.
- Order by weight. A half pound of meat per person, plus a couple of sides, is a good starting point.
- Check the location. Make sure you've got the right address. Hours are the same at the two Houston shops but differ slightly in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinkerton's Barbecue
How much is brisket at Pinkerton's Barbecue?
Copper Creek prime brisket, sliced or chopped, is $35 per pound. Beef ribs are $38/lb and pork ribs $26/lb on the current Houston Heights menu.
What are Pinkerton's Barbecue hours?
All locations are closed Monday. The Houston locations are open Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday 11 AM–9 PM and Friday–Saturday 11 AM–10 PM. San Antonio closes at 10 PM Thursday through Saturday. All locations close early if they sell out.
Where are Pinkerton's Barbecue locations?
1504 Airline Dr in Houston Heights, 3801 Farnham St in Upper Kirby, Houston, and 107 W Houston St in downtown San Antonio.
What sides does Pinkerton's serve?
Sides include jalapeño cheese rice, Grant's potato salad, tangy coleslaw, South Texas beans, rosemary bacon mac & cheese and duck & sausage jambalaya.
Is Pinkerton's Barbecue in the Michelin Guide?
Yes. The Houston Heights location on Airline Dr holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Prices and hours were checked against Pinkerton's official website on October 26, 2026. Barbecue prices change with beef costs, so confirm before you visit.
