Thelma's BBQ

B Green

Thelma’s is as good as bbq gets in houston. Hold the sauce and you taste the delicate hint of the wood/smoke…no sweet rubs or any of that other junk so many places put on the meat. The pork chop sandwich is also awesome and my daughter swears the catfish is almost as good as her grandfather makes… and he makes some good fried catfish. Thelma herself is part of the draw of the place. The sign says you’ll need to show photo I.D. if you are using a credit card and I have witnessed this being enforced on a policeman..IN UNIFORM.. lol! He tried to argue but she told him she didn’t know him from Adam and she’d need to see that I.D. and he obliged. I always tell people to get there shortly before 11 and get in line. Arrive to late in the day and you may find the ribs are all gone. Would say more but I’m heading to Thelma’s right now for lunch.. but can’t decide..ribs or pork chop sandwich. (2008-02-26 09:37:45)

Joe

I first heard of Therma’s on the Food Network, and had to try it. Been there with friends on several occasions after work - 5ish and found her to be a wonderful lady that works hard to offer great BBQ at an affordable price. Don’t change a thing. (2008-01-15 10:14:48)

shiwanna archer

I think thelmas food is great, to respond to the remark of the young lady destiny about her possibly being a royal b, i totally disagree. I have been knowing Thelma for longer than she has had this reataurant and has never found her to be anything but real and one who basicly takes everyone as family. If you have any family memebers from louisiana you would totally understand her but if you don’t than well that explains it. She is very friendly and always tries to make her customers feel like they are at home and feel welcomed. She has known me before i even knew myself and still treats me like all the other customers when i walk in, she comes out and greets the customers and check on them to see if they need anything. Now how many restaurants have you been to and the owner comes out and actually talks and sits down with you are even cater to your ever need , not many of course. Some places you go to and you don’t even know who the owner is.If you know her than certainly her comments wouldn’t bother you. And as for the wait time as big as houston is almost anywhere you go in houston you will have to wait and yes her food is worth the wait and she gives you your monies worth. She prepares her food with much love and I guess thats why others come back for more and more. Her heart and soul is into every piece of food she prepares and I think its great. So to those who hadn’t tasted Thelmas’ bbq believe me you are certainly missing a treat. (2007-02-23 09:07:01)

Destiny

I am eating Thelma’s brisket as I am typing this review. (Please forgive the smacking) I visited Thelma’s for the first time today for lunch. I initially heard about Thelma’s on Channel 8, here in Houston. I was impressed with the rave reviews. So I went online to research before I ventured out. I was entertained by the varied customer service experiences reported but decided to give it a try. The food is pretty good; but I certainly do see why there are negative reports on “attitude”.
I arrived at about 10:55, the place is suppose to open at 11:00. Thelma herself looks through the screen window and states that she doesn’t think the place will open for awhile because the repairman is working on the door. (the person inline in front of me remarked that “It never opens on time.” Well, the repairman finishes at about 11:10 and a line of about 15 people had already formed. The first in line was a female police officer. The second gentlemen in line suggested to the officer, “open the door and go on in. It is after 11:00 and the repairman is finished. The officer, a regular customer, states “No, No. Thelma ain’t gonna yell at me.” We all smile and continue to wait. At about 11:15 Thelma comes to the door and we all go in. Thelma states to the officer, “I heard what you said . . and I just get ugly with people who get ugly with me.” The officer immediately tries to back track and smooth things over but Thelma persist on making her point. Thelma was very friendly and polite to me but I can and certainly do believe all the people who had different experiences. The food is pretty good but I am a sister, and I can recognize the “don’t make me go there girl” attitude and I believe Thelma can be polite when she wants to be but can also be a royal “B” when she perceives that she is being talked about in a negative manner; even when, as in this case, It was just a mis-perceived remark. I am not so sure the food is worth it. (2006-03-03 12:39:19)

steve

lipsmacking good (2006-01-13 13:35:33)

Bryan McGhee

Outside is the oven, smoking your meal. Inside is small and probably quite crowded. If you eat in, as we did, you may be sharing the table with people of many races and asking “where did you come from”, “how did you get to Houston”, and “have you ever had BBQ better than this?”. A unique experience, too bad I live 1500 miles away…but I’ll be back. (2005-06-04 12:33:28)

Jose Trejo

It feels like a real old time smoke house. The portions are huge and they have old fashioned sweetea, Southern style.

Last, but not least, the food is great. (2005-02-13 21:43:12)