Texas Monthly

"Gatlin’s has two kinds of ribs: baby backs and the St. Louis ribs. Arguments can get heated about which is better, but we thought they were both excellent and exceptionally moist. Our lean brisket, covered in a crust as black as midnight, was also impressiveI. It was the three kinds of sausage that got our attention, especially the venison, with robust flavor and a shiny, snappy natural casing."

Amy McCarthy

"Gatlin’s BBQ serves up St. Louis-style ribs, classic brisket smoked to perfection, and plenty more meaty delights. Try Gatlin’s three types of link sausage – spicy, venison, or traditional – paired with dirty rice, smoked corn, and baked beans for a truly transcendent barbecue experience."

Jessica Lymberopoulos

"Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, respectable brisket, pulled pork, and all the usual fixin's made with love."

Danny Laurel

"The spread included the Texas Trinity of meat, (brisket, ribs, sausage) and sides. Brisket was a mix of lean and fatty, and the juices created a nice little pool of flavor. The star of the meal were the ribs. The acclaim is deserved."

Adam Zuvanich

"I’m pleased to report that Gatlin’s BBQ, the small Ella Boulevard spot with a big-time reputation, passed the test with a near-perfect score. The brisket and ribs I devoured, which were slow-smoked with a mixture of hickory and post oak, both had flavorful barks and little need for anything else. Sauce was pretty good, too, a thin, mild sauce that was flavorful without being overpowering."

Scott Sandlin

"Smoky, peppery brisket is as good as it’s ever been, and the St.Louis-cut pork spareribs are perfectly cooked. The meat pulls off the bone cleanly without being completely “fall-off-the-bone. Meaty chicken wing segments are spiced, smoked and doused in Gatlin’s barbecue sauce, then returned to the pit for the sauce to set. The results are gloriously sticky and smoky. Gatlin’s provides the best option for quality dinner hour barbecue.”

Ready To Yumble

"For me, there’s not a better purveyor of smoked meat in Houston. Brisket, pulled pork, ribs, chicken, turkey, sausage (I would really recommend the deer if they have it available) – it’s all great. I also really like their BBQ sauce, which is just sweet enough to compliment the savory meat, but not to the point that it distracts. Best BBQ in Houston."