Enjoyed the food and the service. Pappas BBQ doesn't disappoint.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve Grant
Worst beef ribs I've ever had. Hardly any meat. Total waste of $30. Had to go to Wendy's afterwards to fill up.
Tiffany J
I typically order takeout and never step inside this location, but after today’s experience, I’m honestly glad I finally saw what goes on behind the counter at Papa’s Bar-B-Q on South Main — and even more glad I’ll never be returning.
I placed a simple to-go order for a baked potato and waited about ten minutes with a buzzer in hand. When it went off, I approached the counter expecting to pick up my food… only to find out my order had mysteriously vanished. A different employee stepped in and kindly offered to remake it on the spot. So far, no problem.
The problem started when she handed the potato to the meat cutter.
While sitting and waiting, I watched him the entire time. I saw him wipe his nose with his bare hand — and not once did he wash, sanitize, or clean his hands in any way before touching my food. When I told the employee that this was unacceptable and I did not want that meat, she immediately became defensive. The manager then stepped in, but things somehow got worse.
I mentioned that the portion on the potato didn’t even look like the 4 ounces they claimed it was. There was a scale right next to the cutter, but I had been standing there long enough to know he hadn’t used it once. Instead of properly weighing fresh meat, he took the meat off the potato, put that on the scale, and then put it right back on the food. At that point, I was done. I requested a refund.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but notice the dining area — dirty tables everywhere, no staff attempting to clean or prepare the space for guests. It was a mess.
When I asked for my money back, the manager gave me attitude, and the meat cutter actually glared at me and stuck his tongue out — behavior I wouldn’t expect in a professional restaurant, especially from someone handling food.
If you value your health, your safety, and basic cleanliness, I strongly urge you to avoid the Papa’s Bar-B-Q on South Main near Reliant Stadium. This was not just disappointing — it was unsanitary and unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
ERRICK PRESLEY
Pretty upset they closed before 10am for breakfast
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
S L Scott
No bbq...just a dry sandwich
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
Regina Harris
One of the few places in Houston that offers a military discount. Thank you for honoring service!
Food was just ok! 4 stars for friendly staff, sweet tea and pecan pie! 11/9/2025 brisket was cold and had a weird smell and green beans were cold. Hubby got sick within 1 hours once we got back to the hotel.
I did the drive through. The place stays busy, if your in the mod for BBQ, Pappas will do it for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bren Dobbins
OK but needs to be update due to amount of business traffic
Yes it did. In public business there needs to be a regular check on the restrooms. Inside the eatting place was pleasant. It was clean and someone keeping it orderly The seating
Dillon
Brisket sandwich is pretty good
LoLee M
I've eaten at Pappa's BBQ 3 times in 2 weeks while I'm Here in a medical trip for a family member. Pappa's is conveniently located right next door to our hotel so we can walk over. The brisket is juicy and plentiful, ribs huge flavorful, but the green beans are really the star. They are roasted or sauteed with tomatoes and onions to the most perfect texture: slightly crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly flavored. Healthy. Such a departure from the typically overcooked, overly salty, mushy beans served at BBQ places. The baked potatoes are HUGE and fully loaded-- almost a meal in itself. Potato salad and cole slaw are tangy, reliable sta inples. Haven't had a bad bite yet. The staff is very friendly and they offer generous portions. The atmosphere is upbeat and casual. There's a relaxing patio.
Enjoyed the food and the service. Pappas BBQ doesn't disappoint.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Worst beef ribs I've ever had. Hardly any meat. Total waste of $30. Had to go to Wendy's afterwards to fill up.
I typically order takeout and never step inside this location, but after today’s experience, I’m honestly glad I finally saw what goes on behind the counter at Papa’s Bar-B-Q on South Main — and even more glad I’ll never be returning.
I placed a simple to-go order for a baked potato and waited about ten minutes with a buzzer in hand. When it went off, I approached the counter expecting to pick up my food… only to find out my order had mysteriously vanished. A different employee stepped in and kindly offered to remake it on the spot. So far, no problem.
The problem started when she handed the potato to the meat cutter.
While sitting and waiting, I watched him the entire time. I saw him wipe his nose with his bare hand — and not once did he wash, sanitize, or clean his hands in any way before touching my food. When I told the employee that this was unacceptable and I did not want that meat, she immediately became defensive. The manager then stepped in, but things somehow got worse.
I mentioned that the portion on the potato didn’t even look like the 4 ounces they claimed it was. There was a scale right next to the cutter, but I had been standing there long enough to know he hadn’t used it once. Instead of properly weighing fresh meat, he took the meat off the potato, put that on the scale, and then put it right back on the food. At that point, I was done. I requested a refund.
Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but notice the dining area — dirty tables everywhere, no staff attempting to clean or prepare the space for guests. It was a mess.
When I asked for my money back, the manager gave me attitude, and the meat cutter actually glared at me and stuck his tongue out — behavior I wouldn’t expect in a professional restaurant, especially from someone handling food.
If you value your health, your safety, and basic cleanliness, I strongly urge you to avoid the Papa’s Bar-B-Q on South Main near Reliant Stadium. This was not just disappointing — it was unsanitary and unacceptable.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Pretty upset they closed before 10am for breakfast
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
No bbq...just a dry sandwich
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
One of the few places in Houston that offers a military discount. Thank you for honoring service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sides, Turkey, Loaded Baked Potato
Food was just ok! 4 stars for friendly staff, sweet tea and pecan pie!
11/9/2025 brisket was cold and had a weird smell and green beans were cold. Hubby got sick within 1 hours once we got back to the hotel.
Great job 👍🏽
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
had the stomach upsets after eating this
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Decent food. Slightly sweet. kitschy decore.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Awesome baked potato, with sausage
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I did the drive through. The place stays busy, if your in the mod for BBQ, Pappas will do it for you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
OK but needs to be update due to amount of business traffic
Yes it did. In public business there needs to be a regular check on the restrooms.
Inside the eatting place was pleasant. It was clean and someone keeping it orderly
The seating
Brisket sandwich is pretty good
I've eaten at Pappa's BBQ 3 times in 2 weeks while I'm Here in a medical trip for a family member. Pappa's is conveniently located right next door to our hotel so we can walk over. The brisket is juicy and plentiful, ribs huge flavorful, but the green beans are really the star. They are roasted or sauteed with tomatoes and onions to the most perfect texture: slightly crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly flavored. Healthy. Such a departure from the typically overcooked, overly salty, mushy beans served at BBQ places. The baked potatoes are HUGE and fully loaded-- almost a meal in itself. Potato salad and cole slaw are tangy, reliable sta inples. Haven't had a bad bite yet. The staff is very friendly and they offer generous portions. The atmosphere is upbeat and casual. There's a relaxing patio.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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