Rib Tickler

I own some property that's close to both Lockhart -- the self-proclaimed ""BBQ Capital of Texas"" -- and Luling -- another BBQ ""mecca"" -- so I've had an opportunity to eat at all of the places that most people just read about in Texas Monthly. Let me just say that I have yet to find BBQ pork ribs that can hold a candle to Rib Tickler's! My folks live near Tomball, so I've been there many times in the past few months, and I'm shocked at how good all of the meats are! I was so impressed, I asked to talk to the manager to find out more. It turns out, she has been in the BBQ business for many years and just bought the place. So, if any of you are thinking this is the ""same ol' Rib Tickler "" -- think again! You'll be ""tickled"" you did! (P.S. The manager says she does a brisk catering business as well.) more

New owners have taken over and done a wonderful job!! We have missed going here and are delighted to be returning to brisket that smells as good as it tastes! The staff is friendly and there is a down home feel to the place! There are also picnic benches outside to bring the whole team. Trust me on this one! It is right on 249...easy to get to! Pros: Fall off the bone ribs and Brisket that melts in your mouth more

The Rib Tickler of fabled times is back. The new owners that took over a few months ago (KD's) have finally brought classic, smokey flavor back into this Tomball establishment. Pros: Juicy/tender BBQ, perfectly flavored sauce, friendly owners Cons: Location not highly visible from street more

Today, Sunday Feb. 10, 2008 was the last time we will visist the Rib Tickler. We have been going there for several years maybe three time a year as a treat for good BBQ. If you truely know anything about BBQ, the meat should stand alone without sauce, unless you are a sauce freak, which isn't a bad thing. more

The Rib Tickler is pretty good Q in Tomball, Its not great but good. The brisket is decent, its tender but is too lean and not enough smoke which can lead to be a little dry sometimes, same goes for the ribs. The sausage is not impressive, the texture isn't course and has almost no seasoning. The sauce is a simple red sauce thats mild. They have have a great selection of sides and all I have had are very good. They do have very good desserts. more

BBQ sauce is strange tasting. Food was good otherwise. Older lady running the place was rude. Pros: Price Cons: Ambience, parking, service more

This used to one of our favorite places to get take out food (especially ribs and chicken) in the entire area. Tried it again this Father's Day and got home only to find that the ribs were far too overdone with some pieces to touch to even chew while the chicken was somewhat overdone and dry as well. If we could have returned the food before closing time, we would have. Very, very poor. We may never try it again. Pros: Used to be best bar-b-cue around Cons: Father's Day experience a total bust more

I grew up in Tomball (no judgement people!). Out of all the BBS joints across the country I've eaten at (not that any place outside of Texas can even compare anyway) this is my favorite. Best brisket and sauce you'll find, in my opinion. I get a meat-stuffed potato everytime I come into town now. Desserts and salads are also to be enjoyed. Can't say too many good things about management but as for the food, which is why people come anyway, you cannot get better BBQ and country food in North Houston than at Rib Tickler! Pros: Potatoes, Desserts, Brisket, Sauce, Price, Iced Tea. Cons: The management is shabby, closed on Mondays and often VERY early on other days. more

I have eaten here several times. They have really good dessert. Their beef is pretty good. I was not impressed with their sausage. Their sauce is a tad spicy. Overall a good meal. Pros: Food, Service, Drive Thru Cons: Closed Mondays, Small Building, Expensive more