The smell of smoke, wood fire, and sizzling brisket is about to take over NRG Park because the 2026 World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest presented by Cotton Holdings is rolling into town February 26–28, and it’s officially the can’t-miss kickoff to Rodeo season in Houston.

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, host Chris Shepherd checks out local barbecue spots that started as passion projects and have grown into staples of Houston’s barbecue community. First, Chris heads to Old Town Spring to visit CorkScrew BBQ, a family-run barbecue joint that began as a hobby for owner Will Buckman.

A Houston barbecue restaurant owner has found a new home and fresh start after facing devastating setbacks at one of his other restaurants. He credits overwhelming community support for his success.

A Houston barbecue restaurant owner whose business was nearly derailed by theft has experienced an unexpected surge of community support, resulting in thousands of dollars in donations and free repairs.

A look at just how many pounds of brisket they’re preparing to cook for the big event. (hint, it’s a lot!)

In this episode of “Eat Like a Local”, we’re taking a new look at barbecue. In Texas, barbecue means meat smoked low and slow, but as host Chris Shepherd explains internationally barbecue takes on a different interpretation with meat cooked fast over fire or charcoal.

It’s easy to blame the latest spasm of violence in Haiti on longstanding poverty, the legacy of colonialism, and European and U.S. interference with the West’s first free Black republic.

Get ready to YEE-HAW for a good cause!

Are you hungry for some good ol’-fashioned BBQ?😋 Welp, there may be some heading to your neck of the woods soon!

It’s almost time to rodeo and Houstonians can’t wait to see who’ll be gracing the stage this year!

Phat Eatery and Dim Sum Box are among the many choices for people looking to dine or grab dessert in this Houston suburb.

Blood Bros. BBQ and Feges BBQ are two of the spots in Houston shaking up the traditional barbecue seasonings.

Chris Shepherd digs into craft barbeque in this episode of "Eat Like a Local". Find out how one popular pitmaster perfected his brisket and how another got his whole family involved in the business.

The Lone Star State is widely known for its delicious barbecue and, according to the New York Times, Houston is a hub for several restaurants known for its grilled cuisine.

Missing some tasty barbecue with your beverage? Popular Texas beer Shiner Beer Company is opening it’s first-ever barbeque restaurant on April 1, and it’s not a joke!

Got an empty stomach? How about all-you-can-eat ribs, brisket, and sausage?

Texas is home to top-tier barbecue.

A trip to Taylor provides the essentials of any Lone Star diet: slow-smoked bar­becue and cold local beer. Louie Mueller BarbecueKnown as the “Cathedral of Smoke,” this spot is one of Texas' most beloved barbecue joints. Since Louie Mueller first started serving barbecue in 1949, it’s been a no-frills kind of place. The separate bars and jukeboxes tell the story of segregation in Taylor, but also how the community found common ground in great local barbecue. Davis Grocery and BarbecueCheck out this under-the-radar grocery store and barbecue stop if you’re still in the mood for a snack.

Hutchins BBQ, a DFW staple since the 1990s, has simple tips for the home pit master. The good news is brisket is still in demandits the heartbeat Hutchins BBQ and has been ever since Roy Hutchins started smoking on the side of the road in Princeton in 1978. Now with locations in McKinney and Frisco, and sons Wes, Trey, and Tim Hutchins on board, the focus has been on improving the quality of the product. The brothers biggest tip for cooking brisket is buying the highest quality meat. Thats just a good all-around brisket tip.At Hutchins BBQ, the pit cooks smoke the most of the meat with pecan woodbrisket is the exception.

HOUSTON – The owners of a San Antonio barbecue joint turned to GoFundMe for help after seeing all of their meat was stolen from their restaurant storage last week, San Antonio Express-News reported. Security cameras showed multiple thieves breaking into the restaurant at around 2:30 a.m., leaving two hours later with boxes full of food. The restaurant, which opened last June, struggled during the coronavirus pandemic as they had to lay off most of their staff. A GoFundMe account was created last week to raise funds to replace all the items stolen. Ransom said the support from his local customers had been above and beyond, as they take advantage of curbside ordering and delivery.

Brett's Barbecue Shop (Brett's Barbecue Shop)The building on South Mason Road in Katy was once Nonmacher’s Bar-B-Que, and manager Jacqueline Herrera said opening at that location has been amazing. The Beast at Brett's Barbecue Shop (Brett's Barbecue Shop)According to Herrera, you can’t go wrong with the Thursday special – prime brisket enchiladas. Brisket enchiladas at Brett's Barbecue Shop (Brett's Barbecue Shop)The prime brisket is another favorite. Beef ribs at Brett's Barbecue Shop (Brett's Barbecue Shop)Try something newWhile people may go for the beef, there are some hidden gems you don’t want to miss when you go to Brett’s Barbecue Shop. agree that the food at Brett’s Barbecue Shop is one-of-a-kind.