Houston, we have Michelin Stars! Following its ceremony honoring Houston hotels with Michelin keys, the tire company/Oscar-level culinary guide announced its first series of Michelin Star restaurants in Houston. Six Houston restaurants received the incredible distinction of Michelin Stars, ranging from a cover-worthy Mediterranean bistros to an unassuming Mexican strip mall restaurant. On its list, Michelin awarded only one Houston barbecue restaurant with a Michelin Star: Corkscrew BBQ.
Located in the Houston area suburb of Spring, Texas, Corkscrew BBQ is a barbecue brick-and-mortar owned by husband-and-wife team, Will and Nicole Buckman. The couple first launched Corkscrew BBQ as a food truck in 2010. In 2015, the couple opened a proper restaurant at 26608 Keith St in Spring where it has continued to draw lines of hungry Houstonians.
The Michelin Star restaurant is only open four days of the week, closed Sunday to Tuesday. From Wednesday to Saturday, the doors of Corkscrew BBQ are open for a maximum of five hours a day, opening at 11 am until 4 pm or when it sells out.
The restaurant’s smoked meats are what take center stage at Corkscrew BBQ. Sourcing their meats from Creekstone Farm and Compart Family Farms, Michelin lauds the distinct, smoky flavors of the restaurant’s brisket, turkey breast, pulled pork, ribs, and jalapeño cheese and/or garlic links.
“Their use of red oak colors prime cuts from Creekstone Farms and Compart Family Farms in a distinct hue, and everything from beef to pork to turkey comes with a pure smoke flavor that lingers long after the meal’s end,” Michelin writes.
In its write-up of the restaurant, Michelin also praised Corkscrew’s loaded baked potatoes, green chile tacos, and fruit cobblers.
Corkscrew BBQ also features a number of sandwiches, sides, and specials. Sides-wise, Houston eaters can choose from creamy potato salad, sweet and spicy coleslaw, sweet pit smoked beans, 3-cheese macNcheese, cobbler of the day, or a side salad.
Even before its Michelin recognition, Corkscrew BBQ has regularly received flocks of diners, so when visiting, you better arrive early. Pro-tip, call in your order a few days ahead so that you can pick up your order and by-pass the line.
Corkscrew BBQ is located at 26608 Keith St in Spring and is open from 11 am to 4 pm or until it sells out from Wednesday to Saturday.