Killen's Barbecue
3613 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581, United States+1 281-485-2272
About This Place
Located in the heart of Pearland, Texas, Killen's Barbecue stands as a beacon for true barbecue enthusiasts seeking an authentic Texas smokehouse experience. This acclaimed barbecue restaurant masterfully combines traditional techniques with a refined touch, earning its place as a Texas Monthly Top 100 BBQ award winner and a must-visit destination for anyone craving bold, expertly smoked flavors.
From the moment you step inside Killen's Barbecue, the atmosphere strikes a balance between casual warmth and understated elegance. Thoughtful details like fresh flowers on each table create a welcoming ambiance that feels both relaxed and special—a perfect setting for savoring standout barbecue. The spacious, clean dining room invites guests to settle in comfortably, whether they arrive for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner.
Killen's menu is a celebration of smoked perfection, with a spotlight on classic BBQ plates that showcase the rich flavors of Texas-style barbecue. Their Beef Ribs are legendary—thick, juicy, and so tender the meat nearly falls off the bone. The Brisket, with its beautiful bark and melt-in-your-mouth texture, exemplifies the careful balance of smoke and seasoning that Killen’s is famed for. For those who appreciate variety, the Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends offer a savory, caramelized bite that delights the senses and lingers pleasantly on the palate.
The sides at Killen's perfectly complement the mains, enhancing the overall feast without overshadowing the stars. Creamy, deeply comforting Mac and Cheese offers a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, while the Baked Beans bring a smoky sweetness with just the right kick of flavor. Even the humble Potato Salad receives a deliciously fresh twist. And for a touch of Southern tradition, the Banana Pudding and Pumpkin Pie make delightful conclusions to any meal.
What truly elevates the Killen’s experience is their trio of house bbq sauces, available at every table, each crafted to enhance the meat with just the right notes—whether you prefer tangy, sweet, or a robust smoky profile. Paired with a glass of their perfectly brewed Sweet Tea or one of the refreshing fountain drinks, every bite feels thoughtfully curated to satisfy your cravings and keep you coming back for more.
Real customer reviews attest to the exceptional quality and consistency that Killen’s Barbecue delivers. Nora Hudson raves about the tender brisket and the pork belly burnt ends that she calls “to die for,” while Claudius Rhoden praises the perfectly balanced brisket sandwich and the rich, gooey mac and cheese that offers pure comfort. First-timers like “Hello” marvel at the juicy beef rib—often known to sell out quickly—and the flawless sides that accompanied their meal.
While parking can be a bit tight, additional space behind the building and the spacious indoor dining room ensure a convenient and pleasant visit. Whether you’re a barbecue aficionado or a curious newcomer to Texas smokehouse fare, Killen’s Barbecue delivers an unforgettable meal marked by robust flavors, quality ingredients, and an inviting setting that feels like a true taste of Texas hospitality.
If you’re in Pearland or visiting the Houston area and hunger for barbecue done with passion and precision, Killen's Barbecue should be at the top of your list. Come prepared for a smoky, savory journey where every bite tells a story of craftsmanship and love for great food.
Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery On-site services Takeaway Dine-inHighlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great dessert Great tea selection Serves local specialtyPopular for
Lunch Dinner Solo diningAccessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort foodDining options
Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating Table serviceAmenities
ToiletAtmosphere
Casual Cosy TrendyCrowd
Groups Tourists University studentsPlanning
Usually a wait Accepts reservationsPayments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cardsChildren
Good for kids High chairsParking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot ParkingOpening Hours
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Monday
Closed -
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 07:00 PM -
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 02:00 PM -
Thursday
Closed -
Friday
11:00 AM - 09:00 PM -
Saturday
11:00 AM - 09:00 PM -
Sunday
11:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Map & Directions
Visitor Reviews
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Nora Hudson
3 week agoThe restaurant was nice and clean. The food was excellent and fresh. Brisket was delicious, nice bark and very tender. Mac and cheese was great, potato salad was good. Pork Belly Burnt ends were to die for! I highly recommend you give it a try!
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Claudius Rhoden
2 month agoKillen’s BBQ delivers a solid Houston barbecue experience. The brisket sandwich was outstanding, with the perfect balance of lean and fatty cuts that melted together in every bite. The sweet BBQ sauce complemented the meat without overpowering it, adding just the right touch. The mac and cheese was rich and gooey, offering real comfort-food vibes, while the beans packed a nice, flavorful kick. From start to finish, it’s clear Killen’s takes pride in quality. Definitely one of the finer BBQ options Houston has to offer.
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Hello
3 month agoI got there right when they opened and tried their beef rib, which I heard sells out fast — and it did not disappoint. The meat was incredibly juicy! For sides, I tried the cream cheese, the mac & cheese, and the mashed potatoes, and all were amazing. I didn’t get to try their BBQ sauce — I actually forgot — but everything I did have was absolutely delicious. It was my first time trying BBQ in Texas, and it was truly a memorable experience.
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Fusako P
3 month agoProbably some of the best bbq I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. Parking is a bit small, but they do offer additional parking behind the building. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very classy, with flowers decorating each table setting, it almost felt as if we were under dressed, but it was still casual and welcoming. They have three different signature bbq sauces on each table, coffee, tangy, and sweet. My family and I ordered multiple dishes and side dishes, ranging from the two meat plates, the nachos, and one kids chicken tender plate. The brisket was juicy, tender, and packed with smokey flavor. Absolutely delicious without bbq sauce. The pork ribs were perfectly cooked, smoked, and while a little on the tougher side, it was still phenomenal. The sausage was a bit spicy, but good nonetheless. The brisket nachos were fulfilling, packed with meat, loaded, the queso made the chips soggy fast, but was still delicious. Even the kids chicken tenders were crisp and delicious. Each meat plate came with pickles, pickled onions, jalapeno, and two sides. White bread was offered on request. The cream corn was creamy, rich, deliciously buttered and flavorful. The mashed potatoes were smooth, gravy delicious and not too peppery for white gravy. The macaroni and cheese is not the Kraft kind, but made in house and cheesy, big macaroni noodles, and one of the best Ive ever had. The potato salad was okay, while it was still good, it was a little on the sour side. Dessert was of course ordered at the end and the creme brulee cheesecake is to die for. The sugar layer on top was carmelized and had that perfect crack when broken through with a spoon and the cheesecake itself was smooth and velvety. The pecan pie was a little more on the crumbly side, as the pecans fell apart, rather than stuck together, but it was still delicious and sweet. A delicious bbq place, worth the drive, as we were staying in inner Houston. Huge recommend.
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Ronald Freitag
4 month agoReview: Solid Smoke from a Texas Monthly Top 100 Winner This family-style barbecue joint, which boasts the prestigious title of a "Texas Monthly Top 100 BBQ awards” winner, offers a relaxed, sit-down dining experience with plenty of seating. While reservations are available, the ample space suggests walk-ins are welcome. The overall impression is that this is a spot delivering a consistent, reliable BBQ experience—good, but perhaps not the groundbreaking culinary journey some might expect from a Top 100 contender. The Meats: Hits, Standards, and Surprises The Brisket delivered a nice, assertive smoke flavor and a satisfyingly crusty salt and pepper bark. The only minor flaw was a texture that edged toward mushy, but overall, it was a respectable slice. The standard Ribs were exactly what most people look for: fall-off-the-bone tender with a good bit of chew and a standard, appealing glaze. They were a pretty standard offering. For the Sausage, we sampled the basic double-grind beef, as the popular jalapeño and cheese option was unfortunately sold out. It featured a great snap to the casing and a mild, pleasant pepper flavor—a good, basic sausage. The undisputed champion of the meal, however, was the Brisket Burnt Ends. These were a highlight, featuring an excellent crunch on the bark and incredibly tasty, fatty pork flavor, perfectly balanced by a sweet honey glaze. They are a must-try. Finally, we tried the French Toast Brisket Sandwich. This item is certainly polarizing. While the sugary, churro-like combination of sweet bread and savory brisket didn’t win me over personally, my partner thoroughly enjoyed it, and it proved sturdy enough to take home for a second meal. The Sides: Room for Elevation While the meats were reliably good, the sides were consistently characterized as standard and in need of elevation. The Creamed Corn, while tasty, was fairly standard and could benefit greatly from additional seasoning to make it stand out. Similarly, the Broccoli Cheese Casserole and Mac and Cheese both delivered standard, acceptable flavors but were ultimately bland. Neither side offered the spicy kick or unique twist that would elevate them above their competitors. They taste okay, but they won't be the reason you remember the meal. The Verdict This restaurant is an excellent destination if you are looking for a reliable, family-friendly, everyday BBQ meal. It’s good, the portions are satisfying, and the service (sit-down ordering) is efficient. However, if you are seeking an adventurous culinary experience that stands out dramatically above the competition in the crowded Texas BBQ scene, this spot might not fully deliver. It’s a solid choice, but doesn't necessarily rise above its competitors.
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Nicholas Stevenson
4 month agoFor living in Texas I was never really the biggest BBQ fan. The lines are long, the dishes are over priced, and the tastes would just fall short of the mark for me… but Killen’s helped change my mind Sure there is still going to be a line, and the meal isn’t exactly inexpensive, but I was delighted with the flavors and the meal itself Located in Pearland, this BBQ location is worth the visit. There’s plenty of parking, there’s a covered outdoor eating area, and the interior is deceptively spacious. There’s entryway leading to the order counter will probably have a line, and if it gets too long they will ask that anyone outside the door leave the door closed until there is room inside to keep the restaurant nice and cool. I will also say the interior is more trendy, clean, and inviting than some of the other BBQ spots that use a more rustic vibe The menu has all the classic meat and side offerings. There are specials and deals. Everything is presented on a digital menu above the line or written within eyesight The line went relatively quickly. The staff were friendly and efficient. And the meal was delicious. This was some of the best brisket and turkey I’ve ever had at a BBQ place. VERY tender and flavorful Some tips: I’m a sauce guy, and I really appreciated the varieties of BBQ put out at every table. The tangy Carolina mustard-esque sauce was my favorite. Also, if you want extra bread just ask, and if you want to make a brisket sandwich on your own, ask them to shop the brisket and they will and place it in a bowl for you. They are also have Togo and catering options Cheers!!
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Jennifer Caballero
4 month agoWOW! I’d heard so many good things about this BBQ spot in Pearland, so I finally had to try it for myself and it absolutely lived up to the hype! The meat was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. We added the potato salad and mac ’n’ cheese on the side, and let me tell you… both were just as delicious. And the sauces? Definitely a big plus — they really elevate everything. If you’re in the area, this place is a must-try!
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Ryan Jaeger
4 month agoI've had a lot of BBQ in Texas and Killen's has been the most flavorful I've had, so far... The staff were very attentive to gluten sensitivity. The atmosphere was very cozy for a BBQ joint.
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