The Swinging Door

05/31/08

The Quest for the Best

by mtwa at Citysearch

I am a Q connoisseur. I know that is sort of an oxymoron, but don't get me wrong. I don't like it fancy 'cause that is not what good BBQ is all about. I have been smoking whole animals for years, toured the country experiencing regional differences from FL to KC to Memphis, SE Ohio to Carolina, and now TX. I justify this as field training...learning the way of the pit-master. Overall, this is the best I have had in Houston so far and I would rate this as worth the drive. What I like about the Swinging Door is that it captures the local style, specific points below.

1) It is not in town (+),

2) they use pecan for wood (+++ ) high marks for using the local fuel

3) their meat can satisfy without sauce (++)

Brisket-- good rub, moist, good flavor, a bit soft, not like competition standards, but appeals to me.

Ribs--pork, this is beef country, but ribs really should be pork, firm meat competition style, mild rub, great pink color, mild pecan infused smoke throughout

4) Sauce--they have a decent sauce (+) if you want it, although it is a bit vinegary a la southeast style (- - 'cause it is not typical of the region)

5)sides were good--small but adequate portions on the 2 meat plate

Potato--good size cooked well

green beans were outstanding (crisp and well seasoned herb salt), slaw had raisins, odd, but good. German style potato salad was good.

Drinks--sweeten your own tea (was pretty good), did have lemonade and Dr. Pepper (required in my book)

6) Desserts were good

Cobblers--not as good as Mom's, but passable, nice selection of berries. No banana pudding?

7) I know others have complained about the price, but I will pay for good Q and this is not out of line with other houses offering good Q around the country.

• Pros: captures the local defintion of Q
• Cons: the drive

01/26/08

worth the drive

by txbbqman at Citysearch

The Swinging Door serves very good smoked meats out of Richmond. The smokey brisket was moist and

very tender, it was well above average and the best meat that I was served. The sausage was pretty good, nothing special but good as most places. The ribs were meaty but were also a little fatty I think mine needed to be smoked a little more. The sides were pretty good. They have beans were excellent, they were thick and had a heavy BBQ flavor. I also ordered the green beans, they tasted very fresh. The potato salad was plain and average. Overall it was very good Q but its not served cafeteria style so you cannot see the meat when you order it and thats the way BBQ should be served.

• Pros: brisket was excellent
• Cons: way too expensive

06/01/07

Best BBQ In Katy/Richmond/Rosenberg area

by mherrold at Citysearch

This is what a BBQ reataurant should look like and the food is as good as any other BBQ in Houston. I wish they had more sides, but you really don't go to a BBQ restaurant to eat the sides. The meat on the ribs fall off the bone. I've tried all the meats and they are all prepared very well. The sauce is tangy (Think arby's sauce tangy) but is just sweet enough to compliment the meat. It is a bit pricey but worth it.

• Pros: Meats, Sauce, Atmosphere
• Cons: Desserts, Location

05/10/07

best barbeque

by joeandamy at Citysearch

The food was great especially the ribs. The atmosphere was unique with Willie Nelson singing

Georgia. What the south is all about.

03/24/06

best bar-b-q in Texas

by mbetzkin at Citysearch

I eat there all the time and the service is great. And yes, the wait staff is incredibly hot. I love all the food there. I usually dont eat potatoe salad but i love theirs. Prices are pretty cheap considering all the food you get. And i recommend the root beer to drink. Their own rootbeer is the best ive ever had!! Excelent all around! Service is great.

• Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere
• Cons: Can't eat it all, No chain

03/18/06

HOT WAITSTAFF! AWESOME FOOD!

by quiicksilver at Citysearch

WOW! all i can say is THE BEST BBQ EVER! The all you can eat buffet is well worth the money because dessert is included. The waitresses are gorgeous and always seem to have a beautiful smile for you as soon as you enter the door. The new band DAVID BRAKE AND THAT DAMN BAND is amazing. The only problem is trying to save room for the delicious dessert! A MUST-SEE ATMOSPHERE...

• Pros: waitresses, decor, prices
• Cons: only one...no chain

07/25/05

I miss it so much

by bkberk at Citysearch

Recently moved out of Texas. Boy, do I miss the Swingin Door! Best BBQ around! Sure which I could get it in So. Cal!

06/04/05

One of my favorite lunch spots!

by rachel9964 at Citysearch

The food is always great and I like the atmosphere.

• Pros: food

03/14/05

Great food and large servings for a low price.

by ninbud at Citysearch

Have been here a couple of times and while the food is always great the service can be lacking. Waitstaff seems to have no clue and the next time around they are on top of everything. Order up and enjoy the q.

• Pros: Food, Price, Loacation
• Cons: Waitstaff Service

01/28/05

Very nice place to go

by beney at Citysearch

Went there to listen to a nice concert on Friday night.

Band was good as well as the food.

Recommended.

• Pros: food, cowboy style, cheap beer
• Cons: Far from Houston, No good heater