Good meat was had by all. I had brisket and ribs, with smoked mac&cheese. Sweet tea was a bit too sweet for my taste, no unsweetened ice tea.
Had the ribs and chicken.
The ribs were very good, tender well cooked, good flavor.
The chicken needed a little more time on the pit. No problem, just a few minutes in the oven when I got home.
It was the fourth, with the weather, we were pleased they were open.
As busy as it was, servers were pleasent.
Got to see the new location. There is a bar. They serve South African wines. Televisions galore. Large dining area.
These are the best BBQ meats I have ever had, period! Bit hard to get to from the city without a car, but completely worth the trip there and back. A small place next to the petrol station, it was recommended by our Uber driver who seemed to know and love her bbq. I ordered the 3 meat plate with dark chicken/brisket and ribs, and couldn't believe how tasty the chicken was. I think it was one of the best chicken I've ever had in my life, which is quite a statement. The brisket was tender and juicy, and simply delicious. Unfortunately I was already full by the time I reached the ribs, but it was also excellent and falling off the bone. The homemade bbq sauce was really nice too, but I didn't need to use too much considering how good the meats were on their own.
Ray’s Real Pit BBQ Shack, “Smokin’ Good with a Whole Lotta Soul,” is a family owned and operated restaurant that has become a staple in Houston’s Third Ward and Riverside communities. Known for its hickory-smoked meats served with homemade sides and desserts all made fresh daily, the restaurant also serves burgers, salads, soups, po’boys, baked potatoes and fish and shrimp dinners in a casual and relaxed dining room.
My favorite items are the house made beef sausage and the Fried Corn. The Fried corn is some of the best I have ever had and I make it my mission to order it at every visit!
SKIP the house "red drink" thought. It's super sweet and totally kills the flavor of the meat. Just get water!
I've only eaten here three times. The pluses are that the food is very good and the price is good as compared to the barbecue chains around town. The minuses are that the place is small. At times, it can be a challenge to find a seat to eat or to even wait for a take-out order. Also, the restaurant shares the parking lot with a gas station/convenient store, and finding a parking lot can be a challenge.
Best ribs in Texas!!!
The meat was so good I had to buy another rack of ribs. I've fallen in love.
People are really nice too. You'd never think to find these awesome ribs in a gasoline station.
Only thing: sticky tables, but I'm willing to forgive that. LOL.
Ray's BBQ is an excellent option that I believe represents the "Houston style" of BBQ very well. I would categorize Ray's as predominantly an East Texas-style, but with a Central Texas and Cajun influence. You'll find them as part of a gas station just south of the University of Houston campus, on the corner of OST and Calhoun. Though sometimes during lunch it's a bit of a wait, and the seating is limited, it is still a good option for BBQ in Houston. The prices are reasonable, the portions are hefty, and the smoke permeates all the meats offered. Brisket at ribs are a good choice here, and also the house-made smoked boudin. The smoke coupled with the spicy filling makes this boudin something you'll want to come back for. A favorite side is the corn-on-the-cob, mini ears battered and deep fried.
Ray's Real Pit is my absolute favorite barbecue! The staff is great, and the food is amazing! I love their ribs. Try their fried ribs if you're feeling adventuresome!
If you want to say you've lived, try the Jake fries; everything else had been satisfactory/ great!
Smoke: Hickory. The words "real pit" are in the name, but there is little evidence for wood fired barbecue. This place has all the hallmarks of gas fired rotisserie. Smoker is hidden from view, no visible stacks of wood, 1/8in smoke ring and the exhaust vent on the roof. I call bunk on "real pit".
I didn't take pictures of our food. However, the service and quality of the food were great. I purchased a 1/4 lb. burger with fries and a cucumber salad. I was not disappointed! The burger and fries were so fresh and authentic. The burger was real, and the potatoes were real! I plan to visit at a later date when in Houston. My sister purchased food for her and her children. Everyone enjoyed their food, with the exception of the macaroni and cheese. Everything resembled home-cooked food except the macaroni and cheese. It was mediocre and not worth the calories. However, the shrimp, catfish, burger, and BBQ chicken did not disappoint. I would recommend the drinks and food at this restaurant, with the exception of the macaroni and cheese. The employees were so so so sweet and professional. This restaurant is worth your time and money!
Wow, the food was so good. Had the ribs, brisket, peach cobbler. Brisket was so tender, ribs fall off the bone, peach cobbler icing on the cake. Would def go back there.
Loved this stop for lunch. We were here to televise the Cougars opener on Fox Sports and this was our lunch stop on set day. Food was amazing, as was the service. Very busy at lunch, but worth the wait.
The best BBQ I’ve had so far in Houston! Herb and the rest of the staff were truly a class act! The establishment was clean, food service was fast and everything was delicious! Definitely check them out. 10/10
IG: neekXkitchen
Came in town on a Saturday, and this was the first place I came to. Considering how packed it was, the service was still great, the staff was friendly, and the food was AMAZING!! Can't wait to go back the next time I'm in Houston.
I got the brisket nachos. I was really surprised by the size of them, they are huge! They have both melted queso and shredded cheese. The toppings are guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. They were spicy. I got the bbq sauce on the side. The brisket was smoked, tender, and wonderful. The nachos, over all, were a little salty. That was my first taste impression.
The food and customer service were perfect. The presentation was on point. After noticing the fried fish from the other customers, we had to order a fish sandwich. It was perfectly fried. Although my first experience there wasn't as pleasant, they truly redeemed themselves.
The food is delicious, meat is tender and well seasoned but not salty and the music is on point! Good location and parking.
This food is delicious!! And the staff was so friendly and attentive. 10/10 would recommend.
Great customer service!! The lady taking orders was so kind and helpful. We got a chopped brisket potato, brisket sandwich and a 3 meat plate with sausage, ribs, and brisket with mac and cheese and dirty rice for the sides. Everything was ok. Not super flavorful, but not dry either. The Mac and cheese was rather bland and milky. The dirty rice had a good flavor. The potato was loaded down. Would definitely try again.
Make a reservation
Order online
Find the best restaurant in Houston
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes