Houston Gets Real Memphis Barbecue With New Restaurant Openings: The Pork Invasion is Near

The Lone Star State is getting a new barbecue haven, but it’s a different twist than what you usually taste in Texas. Tennessee favorite Corky’s BBQ is headed to Houston, but it’s pushing pork, big-time. This is Memphis barbecue through and through.

The first Texas restaurant will open in Houston by September, and two more should hit the Bayou City this year. Up to 16 more Corky’s total could dot the maps of the Houston and Dallas metro areas in the near future, according to The Memphis Daily News.

Just get familiar with Corky’s particular style of BBQ before you dive in. You may think they’re serving pulled pork and pulling a fast one when you find out their ribs are made of the same stuff. Beef ribs and brisket are on the menu, but they’re not the highlight.

Instead, you can go all on Memphis’ pork preference, with a classic pulled pork dinner served with barbecue baked beans, cole slaw, and a fresh-baked roll. Or throw caution to the wind and go for pulled pork nachos or the hot pit pulled pork and spaghetti dinner. It’s an odd couple, but it may be too soon to say it won’t work out. By this fall, everyone can find out.

You can pair Corky’s barbecue with a sweet tea or even order a sweet tea fried chicken sandwich. That’s right, it’s marinated in the beverage.

Corky’s BBQ was founded 35 years ago by Don Pelts and is still family-owned and operated. Now, it’s trying to prove Memphis barbecue will work in Texas too.