Thelma’s BBQ is also one highly recommended to me, although I haven’t had a chance to try it yet.

I was in Houston last year and went to Luling City Market http://www.lulingcitymarket.com The Brisket was good and the Smoked Sausage kicked ass. So far it’s the best bbq I’ve had in Texas to date.

If you want good cajun, with a lively atmosphere, try the Magnolia Grill http://www.magnolia-grill.com I was quite impressed with the stuffed redfish.

Here is an excerpt of my trip report from last year
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I finally arrived in Houston and realized I had very little time before the Astros game began, only a couple of hours. After finding out that my downtown hotel offers free shuttle service to the Ballpark, I chanced it and drove to the Magnolia Grill. I got there and it was packed and there was a life band on the deck. I decided to go for the Stuffed Red Snapper and started off with the seafood Gumbo. The fresh bread comes with a hint of butter and garlic, I promised myself I would only eat half, but ended up eating the whole thing (about 4 pieces) The Gumbo was ok and was generously loaded with Shrimp. But the Snapper stuffed with Crabmeat was absoluely delicious. It was Cajun spiced and came with Mashed Potatos (homemade) and a vegetable medely. Definetely one of the highlights of the trip.
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I returned to Houston in the Afternoon and checked out Luling City Market on Richmond Avenue. I ordered the BBQ Beef Brisket and Sausage Combo which came with Potato Salad, Beans and White Bread. I added some Pickles and Hot Peppers and a Glass of Ice Tea (apparently unsweetened is the only choice in Texas) I’ll tell you the Brisket was probably some of the Best I ever had, on Par with Leos in OK City. and The Sausage, let’s just say it kicked ASS and had packed a punch like you wouldn’t believe. The BBQ sauce was quite interesting, unusual for Texas had slightly sweet mustard/vinegar consistency but it was really good and complimented the smoked meet quite well. Again the sides were nothing special. But the Brisket and Sausage were definetly another highlight of the trip

Skinsfan….The Houston area has several really excellent ‘que venues, several of which can be found by drilling through a few of the forums here. Rodney is absolutely correct in his assessment of Goode & Co….really good (and affordable) BBQ is a great setting. Grab a cold "beverage" out of the cooler and move down the line picking what suits your fancy. Then head outside to one of the covered tables to take in the smell from the smokers. Do not bother with Papadeaux. They also are a chain, and the one here in the northern burbs of Chicago is overpriced and (IMHO) mediocre at best.

Just got back from art car weekend in Houston. While I’m hardly an expert or a local, I loved Goode Co. (reviewed on roadfood, which is how we found out about it). We ended up having dinner there Friday and Saturday. The Czech sausage, sweet water duck, and (of course) brisket were all amazingly good. Mmmm… smoky…