Six of the Tastiest Ways to Celebrate Go Texan Day

Boot up and head on out to catch some of these Rodeo-ready specials! By Evan W. Black

For decades, Goode Company has been synonymous with barbecue in Houston — and what better way to toast the great state of Texas than with savory snacks from the Goode family’s beer-bottle-shaped smoker? Greet the trail riders on Kirby and snack on mesquite-smoked meats from 11am-4pm on Friday. (The party continues at the adjacent Armadillo Palace, where Dale Watson takes the honky-tonk stage that evening!)

Another place to post up on Friday is The Pit Room on Richmond. A kid-friendly fete takes over the patio from 3pm-7pm, featuring the Montrose hot spot’s famous barbecue, plus crawfish, a DJ, a raffle and face-painting.

Meanwhile, in Bellaire, Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park kicks off a fun-filled weekend on Friday afternoon. Watch the parade and let the kiddos pick out a bandana and participate in a bounce-house bonanaza. Live music rounds out the evening, and barbecue specials will be served on the patio all weekend long.

Brennan’s of Houston has something savory for the grownups: The Midtown institution dishes a delicious pre-fixe menu of Texas-Creole fare, like a duck-chili frito pie and a fried cheesecake empanada. It’s only available on Friday, from 11am-7pm.

And new-to-Houston Mendocino Farms is embracing Rodeo season with a big yee-haw! All three locations are now serving the Black Tie Brisket Club, dreamed up with Chef Ara Malekian of Harlem Road Texas Barbecue. The creation features brisket, bacon, white truffle aioli, pickled red onions and arugula on an onion-challah bun. One dollar from each sandwich sold will go to the Rodeo’s Educational Fund. Hats off!