From Backyard Pitmaster to Houston Barbecue Staple: The Story of Hoot’s Smokehouse

Discover the legacy behind Hoot’s Smokehouse, a beloved local barbecue spot offering authentic BBQ in Houston. Taste the tradition of Houston barbecue that started with a family pitmaster and lives on today.

Edward DeMarco

25 May 2025

What an incredible experience! While visiting Houston, I was craving some smoked food and came across this spot on Google Maps. All I can say is—WOW. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed like royalty. The service was outstanding, and the food was absolutely unforgettable—flavors I haven’t enjoyed in a long time, and the portions were more than generous. If you haven’t been here yet, you’re truly missing out. This place is a must-visit!

L C The Great

21 May 2025

Baby this food was Hella horrible! The ribs was greasy, the sausage was dried out! We gave the food to a dog outside the restaurant! No cap! Didn't say I ate there today. I actually ate there Sunday and yes I have the correct restaurant

Lauren

14 May 2025

I would give this place 5 stars, but i've been a local for about a year now and they are always randomly closings in the evenings. The food is GREAT! Service is fast! But if you're coming after 4pm ! CALL THEM! or you'll waste a couple of drives like me.

Bc Z (Bcz)

11 May 2025

Best brisket sandwich I’ve had in a while and fries are really good. A little pricey, but worth it.

Daniel Hinojosa

9 May 2025

Damn good BBQ right here in East End.

Zac Bodner

4 May 2025

I don’t like leaving negative reviews, but I believe honest feedback and constructive criticism are both positive things. Hopefully my experience will ultimately help this business. I moved into the neighborhood not long ago and saw the nice reviews for Hoot’s. I came in and ordered loose cut brisket and chicken with green beans and potato salad. The person taking my order wasn’t negative or mean or sour or anything like that, but she didn’t seem too happy to be there. Not sure if she heard me ask for the brisket loose cut, but when it came out it was more like beef jerky. It was dry as heck homie. In their defense, it was 4 on a Sunday afternoon, and even the best and most moist brisket goes dry pretty fast. It was still pretty tasty, considering. The chicken was very moist and tender, but didn’t have nice flavor like the beef had, and the skin tasted kinda funny. Hard to describe, but the smoke flavoring was just kinda off. Not sure if it was the seasoning or what, just kinda weird, bland. The green beans were oily and not super flavorful, and the potato salad was mealy and sweet like it was made with Miracle Whip. No hate to the miracle whip folks, just not my thing, and the potatoes, like the green beans and chicken just didn’t have a super compelling flavor profile. All in all not terrible. Just kinda off, the whole experience. Food came out with a spoon, no fork. They give you a tiny to go container of sauce. They give you three pickles wrapped up in some paper with onions. I’m all for being fiscally responsible, but come on guys. This is Houston and you’re a barbecue joint, and the meal cost $20. Anyway like I said, not a wholly terrible experience. The brisket had nice flavor, even though it was dry as hell. I bet it would have been pretty awesome if they came through with the loose cut like I asked. All good, glad I tried a new spot.

Elvin G

4 May 2025

Brisket was a solid C++. Seasoned really well, but the lean cut was still tough and needed a longer cook. Was able to cut it with a fork with some effort. Mac n cheese was kinda plain but decent, slaw was mayo based and had a decent crunch. Sausage was well seasoned but very dry. BBQ sauce was pretty good and mildly spicy.

Renee Thompson

28 April 2025

My colleagues and I were on a barbecue taste testing expedition in preparation for our annual church conference. We had the absolute pleasure of meeting Marcus the owner of Hoots! The food was excellent the service absolutely sweet attentive on point! Of course, we hired him. It was one and done.

Felisha Sweet

25 April 2025

This place was recommended to me by one of the deputies at the Precinct 6 building. I had the barbecue chicken with dirty rice and beans. Hands down, my meal was delicious. Will be back soon!

Ali Rex

9 April 2025

This place was so good, I tried it the first time this weekend and I will be back. I tried the brisket with cole slaw and potato salad, and smoked wings. Glad to have found a place where I can Get good bbq on the east end

Becky Jarvaise Stout

20 April 2023

recommends

Absolutely amazing food. The owner is very nice as well.

Carol Camille

23 April 2022

recommends

Today was the first time I had ever been there. I knew they were in the hood just never stopped by. I heard alot about this place and it was definitely a delight. It's a hidden treasure here in the East End. Their prices are right and they give you a big ol TEXAS serving!! They welcome you as soon as you walk in! I ordered a slice beef sandwich and a no meat stuffed potato. It was excellent. My daughter ordered the 77th street burger and loaded fries. That burger was loaded and juicy!! I highly recommend this place and if you got room get you some of that peach cobbler. The cashier Rachel even helped bring our bags to the car. Did I mention they're awesome!!

Paloma Linda

23 April 2022

recommends

We ordered so much food and didn't have enough hands to carry everything out so they helped us carry our bags to the car. Super friendly staff. Clean interior. And we forgot to order drinks and since we ordered so much food we got free drinks. Food was delicious and no items were missing from our large order. Plenty of BBQ sauce and pickles, onions, and jalapeños provided without having to ask. Highly recommend the 77th st burger

but all the food was perfect

Michelle Lee Washington

10 March 2022

recommends

The food was awesome. Staff was friendly. I will definitely patronize them again

Denise Benjamin

7 March 2022

recommends

Awesome place. Food is outstanding! Staff is friendly and welcoming and there’s live jazz on Sunday night’s.

Tony Rosenberg

30 January 2022

recommends

Fantastic brisket great ribs good sausage highly recommend.

Esteban Salinas

7 November 2021

recommends

Everything is Scrumptious!!!! I recommend you try it all!!!!

Greg Norum

31 October 2021

recommends

Great beef brisket, nice tangy bbq sauce and the peach cobbler made the day !

Adam Contreras

25 August 2021

recommends

Barbecue had good flavor.

Alyssaa Rose

26 June 2021

recommends

I love hoots so does my son he always wants a potato

lol

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Location

7648 Canal St. STE B.
Houston, TX 77012

832-491-0556

Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11AM – 3PM
Thursday: 11AM – 3PM
Friday: 11AM – 8PM
Saturday: 11AM – 8PM

Sunday: 11AM – 8PM

Day: April 30, 2025

From Backyard Pitmaster to Houston Barbecue Staple: The Story of Hoot’s Smokehouse

Location

Hours