This barbecue spot served its traditional brisket folded over with pickles and onions. The meat was tender, moist, and easy to eat. Those wanting to see what the hype is about can visit Corkscrew BBQ in Spring, about a 30-minute drive north from downtown Houston.

Its regular menu includes a choice of lean, moist, or mixed brisket; a brisket platter; sandwiches; a Saturday-only option of Creekstone prime beef rib or whole farm-raised chicken, and more. However, with limited open days (Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or until sold out), you’ll want to get there early.

The beloved Gatlin’s served Jamaican-inspired braised beef with coconut curry grits, served with gravy on top. I found this to be a nice, refreshing break from the traditional bites of brisket and other smoked meats at the event. This was a festival exclusive, but luckily for barbecue lovers, Gatlin’s BBQ has an array of choices on its regular menu including brisket, ribs, turkey, pulled pork, and sausages, as well as some more unique dishes like smoked oxtails and a smoked Cuban sandwich. The restaurant also serves breakfast from 7am to 10am, so while you can’t get the coconut curry grits, you can try the shrimp and grits.

Pinkerton’s showcased its chopped pork shoulder with tangy coleslaw and a side of an exclusive corn bread. Prior to this bite, I wasn’t a fan of coleslaw, but truth be told, I don’t think I had tried the right one yet. The coleslaw mixed with pork shoulder was the perfect combo needed to change my opinion. A trip to Pinkerton’s is always a great time, though I do recommend going early, because you don’t want to take a chance on your favorite items being sold out.

With a history that dates back to the 1930s, Pizzitola’s BBQ is Houston’s oldest barbecue joint to stand the test of time. This year, the restaurant chose to serve its brisket with barbecue sauce, pickles, jalapeños, and pickled onion on a piece of Sunbeam white bread, with a rib on the side.

This was my second favorite bite of the festival, and I already can’t wait to go to the restaurant to indulge in more brisket. For those interested in getting something similar, Pizzitola’s has a sandwich option on its menu that can be served with one or two boneless meats. It comes with pickles, onion, lettuce, tomato, and mayo or mustard on request.

This barbecue spot has been serving Houstonians since 2010. The Brisket House gave event goers a bite of its Wayne’s PB&J: pulled pork, brisket, jalapeño sausage, and coleslaw, served on a jalapeño cheese bun. What I liked the most about this particular sandwich was the bun, which reminded me of a Chick-Fil-A mini. Those wanting to experience the sandwich, or just a taste of some good brisket and pulled pork, can visit the Brisket House at one of its three locations in Tanglewood, Deer Park, or on Cypress Creek Parkway in north Houston.

And of course, just like at its brick-and-mortar location, I waited in a long line for this Houston favorite. The restaurant served its staple item of brisket topped with pickled onion and pickles, served on a piece of white bread. This was my absolute favorite from the festival, and it goes without saying: to get a taste of the same thing, make sure to line up outside the Houston restaurant prior to its 11am opening time.