Barbecue lovers and chicken fried steak aficionados have been flocking to this popular Heights area family restaurant since 1986. There is no table service, but you are welcome to grab an icy soda or beer from the old fashioned drink case while you wait to order. The rustic wood walls, vintage signs and formica tables spell out casual dining. There is plenty of seating indoors, or you can stake out a table on the small covered patio. On the weekends, there is dinner and a show when bluegrass bands take to the stage in the back dining area. The generous barbecue brisket plate, served with tangy house sauce and two sides, is dependably delicious and bargain-priced. Other popular dishes include the crispy, chicken fried steak. A kid's menu is available, and there are plenty of desserts for everyone to choose from. If you want something stronger than the iced tea served in mason jars, beer and Texas wines are both available.

Although Texas BBQ focuses heavily on beef brisket, ribs are also insanely delicious, depending on where you go. Pizzitola's has been smoking meat since the Great Depression. Conveniently located on Shepherd Drive near the I-10, this true Texas joint boasts of their amazing spareribs, and with great reason. Go during lunch and see for yourself how much this city loves their BBQ. Share a slab of thick and juicy ribs with your boss or your special lady friend. When the meat gently peels right off the bones, the result will be sheer happiness for all--especially your mouth. Grab a slab to go for a mere twenty bucks. You won't be sorry. -Adam Rosen

Oh delectable Texas barbecue, how I love thee. It's not just the food it's the whole experience, from the rustic decor to the sliding trays. Brisket BBQ, not far from the Galleria, is a family-owned culinary staple of Bellaire. They've been smoking the best meat since 1983, and it's hard to compete with both their quality and prices. The lunch specials are fantastic, with a heaping plate of various combos throughout the week. The Beef Sandwich with a couple sides will cure your Monday morning blues, after all, the place is called Brisket BBQ, and this is Texas. You won't find a finer sliced or chopped beef sandwich in Houston. For dinner, try that same brisket on a loaded baked potato. -Adam Rosen

Opened in 2000, Fogo de Chão welcomes diners to a rustic yet appealing ambiance and is a much admired chain amongst businessmen. Brazilian offerings like pork, chicken, beef, lamb and sausages are cooked authentically. The salad bar is huge and is a good place to go if you want something light. Well-prepared fiery dishes with a nice bar menu are sure to tantalize your taste buds and bring you back for more!

Blake's BAR-B-Q & Burgers is a good choice if you're looking for casual dining at a good price for the whole family. Homemade barbecue sauce is a specialty here. The tender sausage is cooked so slowly you will wonder why the waiter bothered to give you a knife. Homemade Chili Frito Pie and Grilled Chicken are among the popular items. Old recipes and traditional cooking styles are the key ingredients of the tasty treats prepared here.

Rudy's is old school Texas BBQ, which is definitely a place you take out-of-towners (provided they are not vegetarians). Study your scrumptious options while zig-zaggin in the fast moving line, where you can also sample the juicy smoked meats before deciding. The best way to go is to create your own sampler. Get a half-pound of sausage, a half-pound of 2 kinds of ribs, and then you must try the Moist Brisket (a Texas BBQ staple). Also, try some fresh creamed corn on the side. Spread out your Texas-size feast on their provided butcher paper since there are no plates at Rudy's. Wrap up your excess and take it home for later. - Adam Rosen