Gatlin's BBQ-Houston, Texas

By Shirley Everett-Dicko

We flew into Houston, Texas, picked up the rental car and went straight to Gatlin’s BBQ. A Black family-owned BBQ restaurant that had been open since 2010.  Greg Gatlin is the founder and owner, but his mother Mary was the true star.  My daughter Aiesha had mapped out a plan of which BBQ places to try and support for my birthday and Black History Month.  Gatlin’s BBQ was first on her list.     
 
We pulled up to the restaurant, parked the car and smelled wood burning, which is always a good sign. We were greeted by the cashier, a young Black woman. When we told her we were from Oakland, California, imagine our surprise when the cashier suddenly reached down under the counter and pulled out a jacket with the words Oakland, 1966, and a picture of a Black Panther written on the back that she had recently bought.  Hell yeah! Power to the people! Oakland was already in the house. We had come to the right place. 

I ordered about everything on the menu: pork ribs, beef brisket, links, chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, collard greens, fried okra, mac and cheese, beans, and sweet tea.  The food was delicious, and the portions were a decent size. We had eaten all we could and had to ask for some to go containers. We had so many leftovers that my children forbade me from ordering when we visited other BBQ restaurants.  I was told just to stand and keep quiet, ha ha. 

Mrs. Mary and the staff sang happy birthday to me and gave me a bottle of their BBQ sauce.  Mrs. Mary told us that we were family so it must be true. This was a great start to my birthday week. We became family after eating at Gatlin’s BBQ.  I simply love this lady, her warm welcoming spirit, and that southern hospitality. 

My daughter Aiesha and Regina, the cashier’s name, exchanged phone numbers and agreed to meet up when she came to Oakland. 

When you visit Houston make sure you stop by and support this amazing family and their business.  Say hi to Mrs. Mary for me. 

Hassan (BJ), Shirley, Regina, Aiesha, and Mrs. Mary

www.gatlinsbbq.com/

www.instagram.com/gatlinsbarbecue/