Pappas Bar-B-Q

4.1
4161 reviews

About

Barbecue Restaurant
Pappas Bar-B-Q offers high quality meats, spice rubbed and slow-smoked in a secret wood blend. Our barbecue is served fresh from the pits all day. Everything is homemade - from the pecan pie, chunky potato salad and crispy slaw to the savory sauces and bold ranch beans. Even the salads are fresh cut daily!

Details

  • Dine-inAvailable
  • TakeoutAvailable
  • Accepts reservationsNot available
  • Requires reservationsNot available

Location

Pappas Bar-B-Q
8777 South Main, Houston, TX
77025, United States

Hours

Reviews

4.1
4,161 reviews
5 stars
2,240
4 stars
936
3 stars
420
2 stars
247
1 star
318

What are people saying?

AI-generated from recent customer reviews

Food Quality

Mixed reviews on food quality; some customers enjoyed the brisket and baked potatoes, while others found the meat dry and overpriced.

Service Issues

Numerous complaints about poor service, including unprofessional behavior from staff and mistakes with orders.

Cleanliness

Concerns raised about cleanliness in dining areas and food handling practices.

Pricing Concerns

Many customers feel that prices are too high for the quality and portion sizes of the food.

Positive Experiences

Some customers praised the friendly staff and enjoyed their meals, indicating that experiences can vary significantly.
  • PB
    Philip Barrett
    1 day ago
    5.0
    Enjoyed the food and the service. Pappas BBQ doesn't disappoint.
  • SG
    Steve Grant
    4 days ago
    2.0
    Worst beef ribs I've ever had. Hardly any meat. Total waste of $30. Had to go to Wendy's afterwards to fill up.
  • TJ
    Tiffany J
    4 days ago
    1.0
    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.
  • RH
    Regina Harris
    Nov 14, 2025
    5.0
    One of the few places in Houston that offers a military discount. Thank you for honoring service!
  • LM
    LoLee M
    Oct 21, 2025
    5.0
    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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pappas Bar-B-Q

Does Pappas Bar-B-Q accept reservations?

No, Pappas Bar-B-Q does not accept reservations.

What type of pickup and delivery services does Pappas Bar-B-Q offer?

Pappas Bar-B-Q offers curbside pickup service.