Triple J's Smokehouse — Restaurant in Houston

47 minutes in HORRIBLE TRAFFIC, 26 miles, and an additional 56 minutes in line. That is what I went through to try this place out. Was it worth it? Keep reading.

Triple J's Smokehouse is apparently a Houston favorite that's been around for years. They've won a ton of awards, been featured on tv shows, and are currently trending on social media (shout out to Mr. ChimeTime). There was no way I couldn't go see for myself what this place was all about.

It is definitely not the fanciest establishment. The parking lot could probably use some work and the building wouldn't hurt from a remodel - but who cares about that as long as the food and service are good?

I found somewhere to park in about 4 minutes but it was tight. When I walked in, the line to order wrapped through the restaurant like 3 times. I couldn't tell where the end of the line was. I was super intimidated and thought about leaving but I drove too far to stop now!

As I stood in line, I got a chance to learn about the owners of the restaurant, their families and its history. They have tons of pictures, quotes, memorabilia, and awards all over the walls. It is a black owned establishment and they seem like people who really care about their business. I love to see that. Especially for black culture. I also went ahead and grabbed a cup for some of their signature bbq sauce, napkins and utensils since others were doing that who were waiting in line too. This is not exactly a dine-in spot but you can. They have very limited seating inside and some additional seating outside that's also shaded. After about 56 minutes, I made it to the front of the line to order.

I ordered the Triple J's special. It includes sausage, ribs, brisket, bread and 2 sides. I got mac n cheese and potato salad. With a 20% tip, it came out to about $30. Not too bad. Definitely cheaper than most barbeque spots I've been to in Houston. I decided to take mine to go.

By the time I got back, I decided to nuke my platter in the microwave for about a minute to reheat just a little. Here's what I thought about the food:

The presentation is definitely lackluster. Do not expect a beautiful presentation of this food. It's not ugly but taking pictures of it might have people questioning if it's actually good. The sausage was my favorite. The casing has that snap you like with a spicy kick and great overall flavor. The ribs had a great flavor but they do not fall off the bone. They could definitely be a little more tender. Succulent and smoky. The brisket was good but was my least favorite meat. I like their choice of seasonings and spices. It gives everything a signature taste. The potato salad was very good but it was a tad too sweet. I would have preferred they toned down on whatever they used to make it sweet. Mac N' Cheese was good but a little on the peppery side. Otherwise, creamy, good texture and full of flavor. Not sure where this place ranks amongst the BBQ juggernauts in Houston but off the top of my head, I can say that they are better than Truth, probably tied with Gatlin's but not better than Killen's. It's personal preference though so you should try for yourself. I took one star away mainly for the presentation. I will definitely go back to try their famous baked potato.

Tip: I can't say for sure but I'm guessing there aren't any call-in orders or delivery but call to be sure.

Tip 2: As I explained in the review, there is a long wait right now. Be prepared, bring water to stay hydrated, and I suggest not going if you didn't eat anything for the day like I did. They eventually stopped letting people inside and made them wait outside so the occupancy level...

Alright, buckle up, because Triple J’s BBQ is a whole experience, starting with the parking lot. If you roll up at 11:00, 12:30, or 1:00, you better bring your A-game because finding a spot? Yeah, good luck. It’s like a parking lot version of “The Hunger Games”—may the odds be ever in your favor.

Now, once you do manage to park, congratulations! But hold up, you’re not done yet. Get ready to stand in a line that feels like it could wrap around the Earth at least twice. I’m talking U-shaped, door-to-the-back-of-the-building kind of line. It’s a commitment, people, but trust me, this is the kind of BBQ that’s worth losing a few hours of your life for.

Let’s talk food. The beef brisket and sausage sandwich? Oh man, this thing is STACKED. Like, should’ve-come-with-a-warning stacked. It’s the kind of sandwich where you’re like, “Okay, do I eat the brisket first, or the sausage, or just dive in and hope for the best?” Honestly, it’s a challenge, but a challenge you’ll gladly accept.

And those baked beans? They're like sweet little pockets of love with just the right amount of onion. You know they didn’t just crack open a can for these babies. These beans have been lovingly prepped, possibly whispered sweet nothings to, and slow-cooked to perfection.

Now, let me tell you about the Triple J’s burger. Okay, so... it kinda reminded me of those pre-packaged Angus burgers from Kroger. BUT WAIT, before you get all judgy, they threw in this little curveball by adding some kind of crunchy topping to it. It’s like they said, “You know what this needs? Some extra texture!” And while I appreciate the creativity, I’m just not a fan of the crunch-on-top situation. But hey, if you’re into that kind of thing, this burger’s for you. Oh, and the beef-to-bun ratio? Let’s just say the bun might’ve needed some reinforcements.

The fries? Solid. A whole mountain of ‘em, just the way you want ‘em. And the potato salad? Chef’s kiss. You can taste the love—and possibly a little bit of elbow grease—that went into making it. Homemade and fantastic.

Now, let’s talk juice. Yes, juice. They’ve got these cute little 12 oz bottles of freshly squeezed magic. Is it pricey? Yep. Is it delicious? Also yep. So if you’re in the mood to splurge on some fancy juice, go for it.

Overall, I’m giving Triple J’s a solid 4.5. The food just keeps getting better every time I go, and that’s saying something. So, if you’re ready to brave the parking lot and the line that never ends, go ahead and treat yourself to some pretty fantastic BBQ. Just... maybe skip the crunchy burger...

The atmosphere at Triple Js Baked Potato and Peach Cobbler is cozy and welcoming, perfect for a casual dining experience. The decor is simple but charming, with comfortable seating and a clean environment. Despite the busy crowd, the ambiance remains lively and inviting. The staff are friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

Food: Baked Potato: The baked potatoes are the star of the menu, cooked to perfection with a fluffy interior and a slightly crispy skin. They offer a variety of toppings, from classic sour cream and chives to more adventurous options like BBQ pulled pork or loaded bacon and cheese. Each bite is flavorful and satisfying, making it a meal in itself.

Peach Cobbler: The peach cobbler is a must-try dessert, with a golden, buttery crust and a sweet, juicy peach filling. It's served warm and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a delightful end to your meal.

Service: The service at Triple Js is exceptional. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are quick to offer recommendations based on your preferences. Orders are taken promptly, and the food is served hot and fresh. They are attentive without being overbearing, ensuring you have everything you need for an enjoyable dining experience.

Value for Money: The prices are reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, you'll find that you get great value for your money.

Overall: Triple Js Baked Potato and Peach Cobbler is a hidden gem that offers delicious comfort food in a friendly and inviting setting. Despite being busy, the food is definitely worth the wait. The standout dishes are the baked potatoes and the peach cobbler, but the entire menu is worth exploring. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a satisfying meal and a warm...