News Summary
Houston is hosting a food showdown to determine the most iconic dish in Texas, tacos or barbecue. As both participants eliminate other beloved Texas foods, voting is now open to choose the favorite. Featured competitors include The Pit Room, known for its smoked meats with a Tex-Mex twist, and JQ’s Tex Mex BBQ, famous for its smoked brisket birria tacos. This competition highlights Houston’s thriving culinary scene, recognized recently by the Michelin Guide.
Houston Hosts Tacos vs. Barbecue Food Showdown
Houston is currently embroiled in a culinary battle to determine Texas’s most iconic food, pitting tacos against barbecue in a highly anticipated showdown. This food bracket has seen both contestants eliminate well-loved Texas dishes, including fajitas and tamales, as they advance through the competition. Round four has commenced, and voting is now open for residents and visitors to choose their favorite.
The Pit Room: A Contender for Barbecue Supremacy
The Pit Room, a well-established barbecue restaurant located in Montrose, has recently expanded its footprint by opening a second location in the Memorial area. Known for its unique blend of smoked meats with a Tex-Mex twist, this restaurant offers a menu featuring brisket and giant smoked beef ribs, both of which have garnered rave reviews for their tenderness and deep smoky flavor. Long lines frequently form outside the Memorial location, attesting to its popularity among barbecue aficionados.
One standout menu item is the restaurant’s shredded chicken tacos topped with cheese, which have been well-received by patrons. The outdoor covered patio of The Pit Room provides an inviting space for customers to relax and socialize, whether with friends or pets, enhancing the dining experience.
JQ’s Tex Mex BBQ: Innovating with Birria Tacos
On the taco front, JQ’s Tex Mex BBQ has made waves with its specialty in smoked brisket birria tacos. The owner, Joseph Quellar, credits a fellow chef for introducing him to the popular birria taco technique that has spread rapidly across Texas. These tacos made their debut at a collaboration dinner in October 2019 and have since gained substantial popularity.
Transitioning from pop-up events to a more permanent food truck operation, Quellar plans to expand the menu beyond tacos. The birria tacos featured at JQ’s are generously filled and typically require a dipping sauce, enhancing their flavor profile. Additionally, the restaurant offers options like carnitas tacos, noted for their unique taste, with birria being particularly rich thanks to the inclusion of oxtail and consommé.
Quellar initially began making barbecue in his backyard and launched his first pop-up in 2017. The current menu includes barbecue by the pound, various tacos, and house-made salsas. Future plans for the food truck include traditional items like ribs, enchiladas, tamales, and puffy tacos, showcasing a commitment to extending the culinary offerings.
A Thriving Culinary Scene
The competition reflects the vibrant food culture of Houston, which has caught the attention of esteemed organizations. Recently, the Michelin Guide recognized six restaurants in the Houston area, including the first barbecue restaurant in Texas to earn a Michelin star. This recognition highlights the increasing prominence of both tacos and barbecue in the local culinary landscape.
As Houston continues to engage in this friendly food rivalry, both tacos and barbecue stand to gain more recognition, reflecting the unique tastes and culinary traditions of Texas. With voting now open, the outcome remains to be seen, but both contestants have already made a significant impact on the city’s gastronomic scene.
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Food Festivals
- Wikipedia: Taco
- The Infatuation: The Pit Room
- Google Search: Houston Barbecue
- Community Impact: Brett’s BBQ Shop
- Google Scholar: Barbecue in Texas
- Texas Monthly: Barbecue Tacos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Eater Houston: Michelin Star Restaurants
- Google News: Houston Food Scene
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
