Outstanding!!! That BBQ Brisket Biscuit… yummy melt in yo’ mouth - I got an egg over medium on top. My son had chicken & waffles… he says the chicken is fire 🔥 (very very good). The staff efficient, professional and very accommodating!!! Thank you Sweetning for the Birthday wishes 🍗 🥰❤️💋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dana Durley
Bbq was good brisket was a little dry. Sides were out of the world. The sliced white bread seemed hard like it had been last out all day. But good overall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Linda Mccoy
I was headed to another B-que spot in the Heights. My sister convinced me to go to Gatlins I was hoping it would be a better experience this time. Their staff needs customers service training .They look and act very unhappy. The atmosphere in there was very dark. I didn’t really enjoy my food because of the attitude they were giving for no reason. I spent $30 plus at Lunch and I really hate I made the stop. 2nd time there and attitudes are worst. Man they represent you and your name. I am a stickler for customer service your product can be trash but if you services me correctly. I will come back cause it could have been a bad day. Do better with greeting your guest. I would rather spend my money where I’m appreciated not tolerated.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
Kok Jeff Tan
The biscuit was very good. But the brisket was not very good.
Johnnie Marshall
Very great people great atmosphere very great food just Family filling awesome place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
rauf diab
Went in for the great barbecue, but saw the Red Fish sandwich special. All I can say is wow, that was an awesome choice. So juicy, on great bread and real chips
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nachelle Scott
We arrived around 12:30 on Labor day and they were sold out of a few items, so we tried the burger. It the patty was too salty and the fries were okay. We also added a some brisket and jalapeño cheese sausage to our order to sample it.The sausage was super fatty and lacked texture and the brisket lacked flavor.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
J M
Can’t go wrong with good BBQ and home made cake. The staff treat you like family. A must try if you are in the area!
This was my 2nd time eating here. Whenever I am in Houston it will always be my first stop. The food is amazing and seasoned with perfect flavor. I had brisket chopped and beef sausage. Excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eduardo Aranda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The best BBQ I’ve ever had! The meat was perfectly smoked, tender, and packed with flavor. The service was quick and super friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect for bringing family or friends. I’ll definitely be coming back for more! 🔥🍖
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marcus Noland
Black family-owned barbeque restaurant. A variety of barbequed meats the menu, but the brisket is the king. You can add sauce, but it isn't necessary. Range of sides include collard greens, okra, and yams. Friendly staff. Worth the drive. A family favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Moist Brisket
Lee B
Review: Gatlin’s BBQ – A Fortunate Wrong Turn
I made a wrong turn yesterday and ended up near Gatlin’s around lunchtime. My friend Kim has sung Gatlin’s praises more than once, and finding myself in the neighborhood, I figured it was time to find out what all the fuss was about. Let me summarize my experience in one sentence:
It was the best barbecue I’ve had in a very long time—including my own, dammit.
Wanting to try a bit of everything, I ordered enough for four people and am still working my way through a glorious rack of spare ribs, a pound of brisket (half moist, half lean), and some cheddar jalapeño sausage. Here’s the breakdown:
The Sausage: The casing had that perfect snap—crisp without being chewy. The grind and meat composition were spot on, with not a speck of gristle (which is rare these days). The pork and spices came through clearly, with the jalapeño adding a gentle kick instead of overpowering the flavor. Now, I’m usually not a fan of cheese in my sausage and would love a jalapeño-only option, but I’ve got to say—the cheddar worked. It was high-quality, creamy, and well-balanced. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I liked it.
The Brisket: Absolutely on point. Classic Texas-style brisket with a bold peppery bark and deep smoky flavor. I would take this over Franklin’s in Austin without hesitation. It was perfectly tender, even the lean slices, and full of rich flavor. My only (minor) critique: it was sliced a little too thin, which made it fall apart more than I prefer. I like a slice that pulls apart cleanly but holds its own on the tray. Yes, I’m nitpicking—but if you know BBQ, you know.
The Ribs (My Personal Benchmark): These are the real deal—meaty, full-sized spare ribs, not dainty baby backs. I’ve had the honor of being on a BBQ team that won Grand Champion in ribs at the Houston Rodeo Cook-Off two years running, so I don’t say this lightly: these ribs were competition-level. The rub was just right—simple, balanced, and not competing with the smoke or the meat itself. I ate so many I’m still full today. My only critique? I’d like just a bit more bite. A rib should pull cleanly off the bone, not fall off it entirely. Again—nitpicking. IYKYK.
Honorable Mention: The Sauce. I usually go without sauce, but I gave this one a fair shot—and I’m glad I did. It’s just about perfect. A balanced blend of spice, tomato, vinegar, and sweetness. Honestly, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear I made it myself. And I might take credit for it the next time I host a backyard BBQ.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Varun Chandrashekaran
Found this place through the food network show BBQ brawl. When celebrity chefs endorse a restaurant it is imperative to try it. I was glad I found this place in Houston, TX. The raspberry habanero wings were perfectly smoked and extremely flavourful without being ridiculously spicy. The pulled pork was juicy and tender. The portion size is massive and I was able to get two meals out of it. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Houston. The reason I gave four stars for the atmosphere is because the seats were not comfortable. A minor headache one can overlook over the wonderful food and staff.
Outstanding!!! That BBQ Brisket Biscuit… yummy melt in yo’ mouth - I got an egg over medium on top. My son had chicken & waffles… he says the chicken is fire 🔥 (very very good). The staff efficient, professional and very accommodating!!! Thank you Sweetning for the Birthday wishes 🍗 🥰❤️💋
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bbq was good brisket was a little dry. Sides were out of the world. The sliced white bread seemed hard like it had been last out all day. But good overall.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
I was headed to another B-que spot in the Heights. My sister convinced me to go to Gatlins I was hoping it would be a better experience this time.
Their staff needs customers service training .They look and act very unhappy. The atmosphere in there was very dark.
I didn’t really enjoy my food because of the attitude they were giving for no reason. I spent $30 plus at Lunch and I really hate I made the stop. 2nd time there and attitudes are worst.
Man they represent you and your name.
I am a stickler for customer service your product can be trash but if you services me correctly. I will come back cause it could have been a bad day.
Do better with greeting your guest.
I would rather spend my money where I’m appreciated not tolerated.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 1
The biscuit was very good. But the brisket was not very good.
Very great people great atmosphere very great food just Family filling awesome place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went in for the great barbecue, but saw the Red Fish sandwich special. All I can say is wow, that was an awesome choice. So juicy, on great bread and real chips
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We arrived around 12:30 on Labor day and they were sold out of a few items, so we tried the burger. It the patty was too salty and the fries were okay. We also added a some brisket and jalapeño cheese sausage to our order to sample it.The sausage was super fatty and lacked texture and the brisket lacked flavor.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Can’t go wrong with good BBQ and home made cake. The staff treat you like family. A must try if you are in the area!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Okra, Baby Back Ribs, Spicy Sausage, Smoked Corn, Moist Brisket, Pork Ribs, Spare Ribs, Cake
Oh soooo good!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was a little salty but other than that it was pretty good. I had the original wings and mac & cheese. Absolutely will go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This was my 2nd time eating here. Whenever I am in Houston it will always be my first stop. The food is amazing and seasoned with perfect flavor. I had brisket chopped and beef sausage. Excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The best BBQ I’ve ever had!
The meat was perfectly smoked, tender, and packed with flavor. The service was quick and super friendly, and the atmosphere is perfect for bringing family or friends. I’ll definitely be coming back for more! 🔥🍖
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Black family-owned barbeque restaurant. A variety of barbequed meats the menu, but the brisket is the king. You can add sauce, but it isn't necessary. Range of sides include collard greens, okra, and yams. Friendly staff. Worth the drive. A family favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Moist Brisket
Review: Gatlin’s BBQ – A Fortunate Wrong Turn
I made a wrong turn yesterday and ended up near Gatlin’s around lunchtime. My friend Kim has sung Gatlin’s praises more than once, and finding myself in the neighborhood, I figured it was time to find out what all the fuss was about. Let me summarize my experience in one sentence:
It was the best barbecue I’ve had in a very long time—including my own, dammit.
Wanting to try a bit of everything, I ordered enough for four people and am still working my way through a glorious rack of spare ribs, a pound of brisket (half moist, half lean), and some cheddar jalapeño sausage. Here’s the breakdown:
The Sausage:
The casing had that perfect snap—crisp without being chewy. The grind and meat composition were spot on, with not a speck of gristle (which is rare these days). The pork and spices came through clearly, with the jalapeño adding a gentle kick instead of overpowering the flavor. Now, I’m usually not a fan of cheese in my sausage and would love a jalapeño-only option, but I’ve got to say—the cheddar worked. It was high-quality, creamy, and well-balanced. I didn’t hate it. In fact, I liked it.
The Brisket:
Absolutely on point. Classic Texas-style brisket with a bold peppery bark and deep smoky flavor. I would take this over Franklin’s in Austin without hesitation. It was perfectly tender, even the lean slices, and full of rich flavor. My only (minor) critique: it was sliced a little too thin, which made it fall apart more than I prefer. I like a slice that pulls apart cleanly but holds its own on the tray. Yes, I’m nitpicking—but if you know BBQ, you know.
The Ribs (My Personal Benchmark):
These are the real deal—meaty, full-sized spare ribs, not dainty baby backs. I’ve had the honor of being on a BBQ team that won Grand Champion in ribs at the Houston Rodeo Cook-Off two years running, so I don’t say this lightly: these ribs were competition-level. The rub was just right—simple, balanced, and not competing with the smoke or the meat itself. I ate so many I’m still full today. My only critique? I’d like just a bit more bite. A rib should pull cleanly off the bone, not fall off it entirely. Again—nitpicking. IYKYK.
Honorable Mention: The Sauce.
I usually go without sauce, but I gave this one a fair shot—and I’m glad I did. It’s just about perfect. A balanced blend of spice, tomato, vinegar, and sweetness. Honestly, if I didn’t know better, I’d swear I made it myself. And I might take credit for it the next time I host a backyard BBQ.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Found this place through the food network show BBQ brawl. When celebrity chefs endorse a restaurant it is imperative to try it. I was glad I found this place in Houston, TX. The raspberry habanero wings were perfectly smoked and extremely flavourful without being ridiculously spicy. The pulled pork was juicy and tender. The portion size is massive and I was able to get two meals out of it. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Houston. The reason I gave four stars for the atmosphere is because the seats were not comfortable. A minor headache one can overlook over the wonderful food and staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
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