Truth BBQ (Houston, Texas) Full Review

Leonard Botello IV, pitmaster and expert in the art of live fire cooking, is the owner of the Truth BBQ. He opened the first location in Brenham, Texas in the summer of 2015. In January 2019, Botello opened his second location Truth BBQ Houston, in the historic Houston Heights neighborhood.

Both locations take pride in making everything fresh daily from scratch. The infamous homemade sausage (house sausage plus jalapeño cheddar and spicy pepper jack) has customers raving, and the process can often be observed while you are waiting in line.

Leonard Botello has hosted dinners for No Kid Hungry and The James Beard House. He appeared on Food Network’s Chopped and won the competition. Leonard has been featured multiple times at the New York City Wine & Food Festival. Lines to Truth BBQ are often out the door and some returning customers have even recommended bringing water or a chair as you can wait a long time in the hot Texas sun. But, the food is worth the wait!

Truth BBQ Food

Brisket, pulled pork, house sausage, and smoked turkey are available in plates or sandwiches, and the popular Brisket Boudin is well-known in the area. Meats can also be purchased by the pound in vacuum-sealed bags. Tater tot casserole is one of the best-loved sides, followed by the homemade mac & cheese. Also available are beans, brussel sprouts, potato salad, and corn pudding. There is also a limited dessert menu.

Truth BBQ offers national shipping, gift cards, tutorials, hands-on classes as well as delivery and curbside pickup. They can also be found at various BBQ festivals throughout Texas.

Atmosphere

Truth BBQ has a relaxed, down-home feel that is quintessentially Texan. The dining area is small and cozy, with picnic tables and wooden benches for communal seating. The walls are adorned with photos of the pitmaster and his team, as well as vintage signs and memorabilia. The smell of smoke and sizzling meat fills the air, creating a mouth-watering ambiance that sets the tone for a memorable barbecue experience.

Truth BBQ Menu

The menu at Truth BBQ is simple and straightforward, with a focus on traditional Texas-style barbecue. The star of the show is undoubtedly the brisket, which is slow-smoked for 18 hours over post oak wood until it is tender and flavorful. The brisket is served sliced or chopped and is accompanied by a variety of homemade sauces and sides.

Other menu items include pork ribs, sausage, turkey, and pulled pork, all of which are cooked with the same care and attention to detail as the brisket. The sides are equally impressive, with options such as mac and cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw, all made from scratch using fresh ingredients.

Service:

The staff at Truth BBQ is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about barbecue. They are happy to answer any questions and offer recommendations on menu items and sauces. The line can be long, especially on weekends, but it moves quickly and efficiently. The pitmaster himself is often present, chatting with customers and overseeing the cooking process.

Taste

When it comes to taste, Truth BBQ does not disappoint. The brisket is the standout item, with a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth flavor that is unrivaled. The bark is perfectly crisp, and the meat is tender and juicy. The pork ribs are also exceptional, with a perfect balance of smoke, seasoning, and tenderness. The sausage is flavorful and well-seasoned, and the pulled pork is moist and delicious.

The sides are equally impressive, with the mac and cheese being a standout. It is creamy and cheesy, with a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds a satisfying crunch. The potato salad is also noteworthy, with a tangy, mustard-based dressing that pairs well with the smoky meats.

Truth BBQ Price

The prices at Truth BBQ are reasonable, considering the quality of the food. A pound of brisket costs $22, while a half-pound of pork ribs costs $13. Sides are priced at $3.50 each, and drinks are $2.50. While it may be a bit more expensive than some other barbecue joints, the quality of the food and the overall experience makes it worth the price.