Willow’s Texas Bbq

A few weeks ago I was flipping thru the channels when I saw a story on the Travel Channel's food paradise as they did a feature on a place called Hugs and Donuts here in Houston in the segment they talked about a BBQ Brisket donuts that a local Pitmaster provided the brisket for. I was on a mission to find this guy after doing a Google search I found a place ran by Willow Villarreal the name of his place is Willow's Texas BBQ I added him on Facebook and I sent him a message and told me if I was ever in the area to drop by. Willow sets up and sells BBQ at a place called Grand Prize Bar off 1010 Banks St and when you pull up the place looks more like a house then a bar but when you walk it its a different story with punk music playing and people having good time My kind of place. I went to the kitchen and talked to Willow and he told me he had been smoking meat going on 5 years but been grilling even longer and that he does pop ups for the bar on the weekends., I asked him what kind of wood he used and he said "nothing but post oak!! there is just something about the wood the I love and the flavor it gives to the meat." Willow plans on finding a fixed location but at this little bar he is building up his followers that come in to enjoy his BBQ.. I asked him about the BBQ donuts and he said the funny thing is they filmed that show a year ago and it barely aired last week since then people have been coming in to get a taste of the sweet goodness I over looked the menu and well I had to try what everyone was talking about and then some I went for the 3 meat plate Brisket, Ribs and Pulled Pork and corn and green beans being my sides I also had to order the Brisket donut because of course that's what I came for in the first place, while I was waiting a couple was telling me how they been having Willows BBQ for years and that it was some good stuff and that made me even more eager to try everything I got my plate sat down and well the feast was on!!! Up first was the Brisket and MAN this thing was on point!!!!!! I asked for the lean and point and I must say this was some of the best Brisket I had to date,, the bark was just right that salt and pepper was perfect and the fat was rendered perfectly like jelly melting in your mouth just with that I could tell this place was a untold gem, Up next was the Ribs again cooked perfect the rub and smoke was spot on and the bite was just where it was suppose to be. The pulled pork was next and I must say it was just a bit on the dry side but that was nothing some sauce couldn't fix and I must say it was really good after I sauced it. Willow threw in some Jalapeno cheese sausage and again another knock out the park and the side I must say these are the best sides I have ever had in a BBQ joint the creamy corn was bad ass!! and the green beans with bacon was spot on. Last was the Brisket donut and well I can honestly say I didn't have room cause I was full but I tackled it and man that was just like having dessert this thing was heaven and the sweet of the donut gave that brisket much more favor then it already had oh and the pickled onion jalapeno's carrots and cucumbers were the icing on the donut.. Now why this place is not on Texas Monthly's to go places is beyond me I guess when you dont kiss butt and have a lot of money then you take what you can get and I truly believe that this place or when he gets a fixed location its going to do great things I highly recommend this place and its by far some of the best BBQ in Houston but only you as customers can make your own judgements.... Pricing was not bad the 3 meat plate was $16 with 2 sides and the huge donut sammich was $9.00 Willow thank you and your great staff for having me out keep doing what your doing and look forward to coming in to your fixed location once you get something up and going.... Till next time this is Smokin Willy T saying always explore the BBQ this great big city has to offer you will be surprise that sometimes its the little guys that are way better then the big names out there!!!!

Freaking delicious! Everything was good, the brisket was probably the best I've had in recent years. The pulled pork could have been more interwting. It was cooked right, but just didn't draw attention the way the brisket did. The ribs were super tender and had good flavor. Looking forward to an excuse to go back!

Spectacular barbecue and excellent sides! Willow's game just keeps getting better and better. Jasmine's attention to detail on the sides shines as well. Brisket, pork spareribs, and smoked turkey are top notch here. And don't skip the spicy creamed corn!

One of the best BBQ joints in Houston. The best in the heights for sure. Make this a destination place to est and have a drink. Great atmosphere and nice people.

Fantastic craft bbq. Ohhhhh the brisket hug made me feel so warm and cozy. Pork ribs on point

The brisket and ribs are real good.