Your first visit to one of our Truth BBQ locations might go something like this: you’ve waited, you’ve reached the counter and suddenly everything looks like the right choice. Brisket is a given, but then there are pork ribs, sausage, smoked turkey, scratch-made sides and a cake case that can change your entire plan.
We’re here to make it easier. The ideal first-time order doesn’t need to include the entire Truth BBQ menu. Start with brisket, add one or two more meats, choose sides that balance the tray and leave room for dessert. You can always come back for everything else.
If You Order One Thing, Make It Brisket
Takeaway: Brisket is the best thing to order at Truth BBQ on your first visit. Ask for a mix of lean and fatty slices to experience the different textures and flavors.
If you only have room for one meat, order the brisket. It’s the best place to start at Truth and the clearest introduction to the way we approach Central Texas-style barbecue.
Our briskets are smoked over post oak in wood-burning offset smokers for 16 to 18 hours. That long cook creates the dark bark, rendered fat and smoke flavor you’re looking for when you cut into a slice. You don’t need to cover it in sauce, either. Try the brisket on its own first, then add sauce if you’d like.
At the counter, you may be asked whether you want lean or fatty brisket. Lean slices come from the flat and have a firmer, more uniform texture. Fatty brisket comes from the point, with more marbling and a richer bite. If you’re not sure which you prefer, ask for a mix. That’s our recommendation for most first-time visitors.
Brisket is ordered by weight, so how much you need depends on the rest of your tray. If you’re sampling ribs, sausage and sides, about a quarter- to a third-pound per person is a reasonable starting point. If brisket is the main event, you may want closer to half a pound per person.
You’ll also find brisket sandwiches and other brisket-based dishes on the menu, but sliced brisket is the way to go on your first visit. It lets you taste the bark, smoke and texture without anything else getting in the way.
Add Ribs or Sausage, Then Pick Two Sides
Takeaway: After brisket, add pork ribs or a sausage link, then choose two contrasting sides. Pair a richer option like tater tot casserole or mac and cheese with Brussels sprouts or coleslaw for a more balanced tray.
Once the brisket is covered, add pork ribs or sausage to round out the tray. If you’re ordering for two people, you can comfortably try both without committing to another full portion of meat.
Our smoked pork ribs give you a different experience from the brisket. They’re tender but still have enough structure to stay on the bone, with smoke and seasoning in every bite. One rib per person is usually enough when you’re also ordering brisket and sides.
Sausage is another easy item to share. Choose the house sausage for a more traditional addition, or jalapeño cheddar if you want a little heat and richness. One link sliced between two people gives each person a taste without crowding the tray. Smoked turkey is another option and one of the sleeper hits on our menu, but if this is your first visit and appetite is limited, we’d prioritize brisket and ribs.
For sides, choose two that do different jobs. The tater tot casserole is rich and filling, while mac and cheese gives you a classic barbecue pairing. Both are popular, but ordering them together can make for a heavy tray. For more balance, pair one of them with Brussels sprouts in a honey-Sriracha glaze or cool, creamy coleslaw.
A solid first order for two people might look like this: a half-pound to two-thirds of a pound of brisket, two pork ribs, one sausage link and two sides. You’ll get a broad introduction to the menu while still giving each item enough room to stand out. And, importantly, you won’t be too full for cake.
What to Save for Your Next Visit
Takeaway: For your first meal at Truth BBQ, prioritize sliced meats over sandwiches and specials. Once you’ve tried the brisket, ribs and sausage, come back to explore the rest of the menu.
There’s no wrong order at Truth, but there are a few items we’d save for your second visit if you have limited room. Our sandwiches, smashburger and weekly specials are worth trying, but they won’t give you the same introduction to our barbecue as sliced brisket and ribs.
The same goes for smoked turkey. It’s one of the sleeper hits on our menu, with a juicy texture and just enough smoke, but we’d recommend adding it when you’re dining with a larger group or returning for another meal. On your first visit, let brisket take the lead.
We’d also avoid loading up on too many rich sides at once. Choose one or two, then save your appetite for dessert. And before reaching for the sauce, taste the meat on its own. You can always add our OG BBQ Sauce afterward, but the bark and smoke should get the first word.
How Ordering Works and When to Go
Takeaway: Truth BBQ is counter service, with meats ordered by weight or by the piece before you add sides and dessert. Arrive near opening for the broadest selection and your best chance of avoiding a longer wait.
When you arrive, you’ll join the line and order at the counter. Start by choosing your meats. Brisket is sold by weight, while pork ribs can be ordered individually and sausage by the link. From there, add your sides, extras and dessert before taking the completed tray to a table.
If you’re unsure how much food you need, just ask us. Our team can help you choose a portion based on your group size, and you can request lean brisket, fatty brisket or a mix of both.
For the widest menu selection, try to arrive close to opening. Weekends and peak lunch hours are generally busier, and because barbecue takes many hours to prepare, we cook a finite amount each day. Waiting until later may mean a shorter line, but it can also mean that a popular meat, side or cake has sold out.
If you’re more interested in convenience than the full counter-service experience, check whether online pickup is available. Either way, review our current hours and ordering options before heading to the Houston Heights location.
Save Room for Cake
The meats may be the reason you came to Truth, but cake should be part of the plan. Our desserts are made from scratch, with a rotating selection that may include carrot cake, coconut cream, banana caramel, triple chocolate, strawberry and other flavors.
Availability can change throughout the day, so take a look at the dessert case before finalizing your order. If you’re having trouble choosing, go with the slice that catches your attention. And if you’ve already built a full barbecue tray, one piece is usually plenty to share.
The sides and cakes are also part of what makes Truth different from other Houston barbecue spots. We give them the same attention as the meats, making the entire tray feel like a complete meal rather than a plate of barbecue with a few extras.
Your Ideal First-Time Truth BBQ Order
Here’s our recommended first-time order:
- A half-pound to two-thirds of a pound of sliced brisket, with a mix of lean and fatty pieces
- Two pork ribs
- One sausage link
- Tater tot casserole or mac and cheese
- Brussels sprouts or coleslaw
- One slice of cake to share
Visiting on your own? Keep it simple with sliced brisket, one side and a slice of cake. Whatever you choose, don’t feel like you have to try everything at once. Your first visit should introduce you to what we do best. The rest of the menu will be waiting when you come back.
Keep the Truth BBQ Experience Going at Home
If you didn’t get to try everything in one visit, you can order Truth BBQ online for local pickup or have select favorites shipped to your door.
Houston customers can order from the current restaurant menu online for pickup, including smoked meats, sides, sandwiches and desserts, subject to availability. We also ship select items nationwide, including brisket, pork ribs, sausage, smoked turkey, sauces and pickles. It’s an easy way to revisit a favorite or try something you couldn’t fit onto your first tray.
Order our Michelin-guide-recommended BBQ and have it delivered to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to order at Truth BBQ?
Brisket is the best place to start on your first visit. Ask for a mix of lean and fatty slices so you can experience the different textures and flavors of each cut.
How much brisket should I order per person?
Plan on approximately a quarter- to a third-pound of brisket per person if you’re also ordering ribs, sausage and sides. If brisket will be the main part of your meal, consider ordering closer to half a pound per person.
What are the best sides at Truth BBQ?
Tater tot casserole and mac and cheese are two popular options for a rich, classic barbecue tray. For a more balanced meal, pair one of them with Brussels sprouts or coleslaw.
How does ordering at Truth BBQ work?
Truth BBQ is counter service. You’ll order brisket by weight, ribs by the piece and sausage by the link before adding sides, extras and dessert. If you’re unsure about portions, our team can help you decide how much to order.
When is the best time to visit Truth BBQ?
Arriving near opening generally gives you the widest menu selection and a better chance of avoiding a longer wait. Weekends and peak lunch hours tend to be busier, while arriving later increases the chance that popular items will sell out.
Can I order Truth BBQ online?
Yes. Houston customers can place an online order for local pickup, subject to current availability. Truth BBQ also ships select meats, sauces and other products nationwide through our online shop.
Does Truth BBQ sell out of brisket?
It can. Barbecue is prepared in limited quantities because the meats require many hours of cooking, so brisket and other popular items may sell out later in the day.
What dessert should I order at Truth BBQ?
Cake flavors vary, but options may include carrot cake, coconut cream, banana caramel, triple chocolate and strawberry. Check the dessert case when you arrive and choose whichever available flavor appeals to you most.