Gatlin’s BBQ, a family-run gem in a Garden Oaks strip mall, serves up irresistibly smoky meats and heartwarming Southern sides in a cozy, neighborly vibe.
"Southern-style sides make the best companions for great barbecue, and no other place gets that like Gatlin’s BBQ in the GOOF neighborhood. Gatlin’s gets busy, especially on the weekends, but the wait is best used to make the tough calls like what meats and sides you can’t live without. Your combination should at least include the brisket that all but shimmers on your tray and the smokey traditional pork sausage. As for the sides, a tray isn’t complete without the spice of dirty rice, the fried okra that’s tender but never mushy, and the candied yams that are sweet enough to count as dessert." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"The charming barbecue spot Gatlin’s BBQ feels too good for an unassuming strip mall in Garden Oaks. At any point, you’ll see Mama Gatlin tending to the front counter, bringing food to folks’ tables, cracking jokes with regulars, and even finding time to help people bring leftovers to their cars. You come to Gatlin’s BBQ for consistent, juicy barbecue, Southern-style sides, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you stumbled into a kind neighbor's cookout. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"Gatlin’s BBQ serves up St. Louis-style ribs, classic brisket smoked to perfection, and plenty more meaty delights. Try the pastrami turkey sandwich, the smoked chicken wings slathered in Thai chili or raspberry-habanero sauce, and Cajun-style dirty rice. Stopping in for lunch? The baked potatoes here are legendary." - Brittany Britto Garley, Eater Staff
"Pisces, it’s time to spend time reconnecting with your childhood self. This Mercury retrograde, you should catch up with your friends, siblings, or someone you’ve known since you were a kid. The best place to do that is at Gatlin’s BBQ, a counter-service spot in Garden Oaks known for juicy barbecue, Southern-style sides, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like you stumbled into a kind neighbor's cookout. There can be a bit of a line to get to the counter, but that gives you and your friends time to strategize your three-meat plate (just be sure the brisket makes the cut). Between the trays full of smoked meat and the loyal, chatty regulars, Gatlin’s BBQ feels like a fun cafeteria, and it’s exactly where you should take a walk down memory lane with friends. " - gianni greene, chelsea thomas
"Gatlin’s decadent barbecue and craveably sweet, balanced sauces were a welcome addition to Houston’s barbecue scene in 2010 when Mary and Henry Gatlin opened the barbecue spot in Houston Heights." - ByKayla Stewart
