Demeris Bar-B-Q — Restaurant in Houston

I hadn’t been to Demeris in years. I don’t recall an especially exceptional experience from before, but it’s a new year so I figured I’d give ‘em another try.

In some respects, it hasn’t changed all that much, but unfortunately, the brisket is about the same as I remember.

Here’s the breakdown:

GOOD:

The green beans with bacon were okay – not outstanding, just okay.

I like that you get two slices of bread with a combo.

Service was very quick! I had my order within maybe 2 minutes of paying.

There’s lots of off-street parking, which is good.

No issues with the cleanliness of the place – the dining room looked good.

NEEDS WORK:

I would not say the meal I had was worth $23. I’ve had better barbecue combos at The Pit Room on Richmond Avenue, or Brookstreet on Montrose, and for less. Had the brisket itself been outstanding, that might have moved the needle for me, and on that topic...

The brisket was (surprisingly) dry and bland. Their sauce couldn’t save it. Salt couldn’t save it. If you prefer brisket this way, you’ll like theirs. Goode BBQ on Kirby does their brisket this way, too, and I’m not a big fan of theirs, either – I gotta have juicier flavor. And my portion was, apparently, the lean part – no “moist”. I only ate about half of it and left the rest.

The potato salad was only passable. It tasted like the kind you’d get at a grocery store in the deli section – “institutional”. Would like to see them take a stab at making their own, in-house. If this was actually made in-house, it needs a new recipe.

The order taker at the time I was there – early afternoon – has a personality I would call real, but a bit blunt. :-) Some patrons might be put off by that, and some of the other comments point that out.

A minor point, but I’m not a fan of any eatery that has TV’s everywhere. All of them were turned to news or business stations – CNN, CNBC, and (even) Fox “News”. Even putting sports on the TVs would be better – I like places where I’m not reminded of the outside world and how fouled up it can be.

VERDICT

Demeris, as many other reviewers have said, has been at its Shepherd location seemingly forever. But it doesn’t appear to have evolved to catch some of the other newer houses in town like (my favorite) The Pit Room, or Pinkerton’s (in The Heights). If they can do some work on the taste of their menu – especially the brisket – I’d be willing to try them again.

If you’re a first-timer, it’s not a bad place – but don’t expect too much from the brisket, perhaps try the pork or chicken instead. And open that...

Demeris BBQ is a hidden gem that offers delicious barbecue dishes at a reasonable price. Located in Montrose, it stands out as a go-to spot for BBQ enthusiasts in the area. Here's a breakdown of my experience:

Demeris BBQ boasts a menu packed with mouthwatering barbecue options that cater to various tastes. From smoky ribs to tender brisket, their selection is sure to satisfy any carnivorous cravings. The flavors are rich, and the meat is cooked to perfection, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

One aspect that sets Demeris BBQ apart is its affordability. In an area where barbecue joints tend to have inflated prices, Demeris BBQ provides excellent value for the quality of the food. It's refreshing to find a place that offers such tasty BBQ without breaking the bank.

The menu also extends beyond the traditional barbecue fare, offering a variety of sides and accompaniments that complement the meaty mains. The mac and cheese are creamy, the baked beans have a satisfying smokiness, and the cornbread adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.

The atmosphere at Demeris BBQ is casual and welcoming, perfect for a laid-back dining experience. The service is friendly, and the staff is attentive, ensuring a pleasant visit from start to finish.

One minor drawback is that the restaurant can get busy during peak hours, which may result in longer wait times. However, the delicious food and reasonable prices are well worth the wait.

In conclusion, Demeris BBQ delivers on its promise of tasty barbecue delights at a wallet-friendly price. The flavors are on point, the portions are generous, and the overall dining experience is enjoyable. Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or simply craving some delicious smoked meats, Demeris BBQ is a...

Stopped in on my birthday to try the Frito pie ,having a craving for it since last night .Totally dissapointed in their version of this , I never had Frito pie with no chili on it ,as what I was served here. It was sweet from from the bbq sauce ( which I don't like ),and the small pale beans looked and tasted exactly like canned pork and beans .It was like eating a bowl of sugar with meat on top .Yuck ! I actually went and looked at the menu again ,and sure enough it was supposed to come with chili as a ingredient, but I was devoid of any chili I could detect , even after adding not sauce and onions, it was still sugary. They charged $12 for something I could have made myself for $5 ,And even at that price they managed to screw up one of the simplest dishes one could ever dream .Corn chips, chili and cheese, not this bowl of sugar and beef they call Frito pie .There were so many places I could have spent $12 And been totally satisfied. Can't believe I sat in 5'o clock traffic to be so dissapointed on my birthday. I have a suggestion ,don't put the bbq sauce on it ,it totally overpower everything else ,you want to taste the corn chips ,chili and cheese. And it would help if you actually put cbli on it .Second time I've been dissapointed in demaris bbq ,I doubt it will be a 3rd time .

Update : After calling both of these establishments ,and waiting patiently for Mr.Yonny ,I gave up with trying to honor his request to discuss my review .If you have no interest in addressing these issues ,don't advertise your intention as such ,it is not professional .Ofcourse I understand everyone is busy, but your time is not any more...