Located just beside Phillips 66 on North Eldridge, Brisket & Rice is a Michelin-recognized Texas Craft BBQ gem that masterfully blends classic barbecue with vibrant Vietnamese flavors.
This North Houston barbecue hotspot, led by Chef Hong Tran, embodies a unique fusion of charm. The restaurant’s design evokes the spirit of an old-fashioned drugstore mixed with a quaint Texas BBQ shack, complete with rustic touches, iron accents, and modern flair. Despite its inviting ambiance, the family-owned venue often sees long lines by 11 a.m., with a steady stream of hungry customers flocking to grab their daily fix. To alleviate the wait, the spacious interior provides plenty of seating, while many patrons opt for takeout to enjoy their meal at home.
The story behind Brisket & Rice is rooted in the Tran brothers’ childhoods in Brenham, Texas, where they grew up in a household that embraced both Vietnamese and Texan cultures. The menu, which Chef Hong Tran describes as “an homage” to their upbringing, showcases a mouthwatering collection of barbecue classics, including tender prime brisket, juicy fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, savory pulled pork, house-made sausage, and perfectly grilled chicken.
In addition to the BBQ mains, the restaurant offers a variety of innovative sides. These include mac-n-cheese, cranberry almond slaw, street corn, loaded baked potato salad, chips, and Poorman’s macaroni—Brisket & Rice’s take on nui xào bò, a stir-fried macaroni with beef typically served in Vietnamese restaurants throughout Houston.
No meal is complete without dessert, and here, patrons can indulge in the restaurant’s signature homemade banana pudding.
The restaurant’s namesake dish, Brisket & Rice, is a standout on the menu. For $14, it combines two succulent slices of brisket resting on a bed of wok-fried jasmine rice, infused with Chinese sausage and a fried egg for extra richness. Other crowd favorites include Chicken & Rice and BBQ Fried Rice, both packed with bold flavors. A fun touch for thirsty customers is the Jones Soda Fountain, where they can select from a variety of beverages to complement their meal.
Recently, Brisket & Rice earned a spot in Michelin’s prestigious “Best Barbecue in Texas” list, cementing its place among the state’s BBQ elite with glowing praise.
The restaurant is located at 13111 FM-529 Rd., Houston, 77041, USA, and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
