Otto’s Introduce
Greetings, fellow Texans, especially those of you navigating the bustling streets of Houston! When the craving for authentic, slow-smoked barbecue hits, it's hard to resist the allure of a place that has been serving up classic flavors for decades. Otto's Barbecue, located right in the heart of downtown Houston, has been a part of the city's culinary landscape for a significant amount of time, offering a taste of traditional Texas barbecue alongside other hearty options. For many, a barbecue joint represents comfort food, a place where the rich aroma of smoked meats promises a satisfying meal.
Otto's Barbecue prides itself on a menu that covers the fundamentals of Texas barbecue, featuring staple meats that are slow-smoked to tender perfection. From classic brisket and flavorful sausage to hickory-roasted turkey and smoked ham, there’s a variety of choices to build your ideal barbecue platter. Beyond the traditional meats, Otto's also offers a selection of sandwiches, including their well-known po'boys and chicken sandwiches, providing diverse options for different appetites. This variety means that whether you're in the mood for a full barbecue feast or a quick, satisfying sandwich, Otto's aims to have something for you.
The establishment's enduring presence in Houston speaks to its history and connection with the local community. It has served generations of Houstonians, evolving with the city while aiming to maintain the core flavors that make Texas barbecue so beloved. While individual experiences can vary, the goal at Otto's Barbecue is to provide accessible, flavorful meals that cater to the needs of downtown workers and visitors alike. It's a spot where you can dive into a plate of smoked goodness without straying too far from the city's central activities.
Otto's Barbecue is conveniently located at 600 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This places it directly in the vibrant and easily accessible downtown area of Houston. For anyone working in the numerous office buildings nearby, Otto's provides a convenient lunch option within walking distance. Its central location also makes it a straightforward destination for those visiting downtown attractions, attending events, or simply exploring the city.
When it comes to accessibility, downtown Houston is well-served by public transportation. The METRORail system has several stops within easy reach of 600 Travis Street, making it simple to get to Otto's without needing a car. Numerous bus routes also traverse the area, offering additional public transit options. For those driving, downtown Houston features many parking garages and lots, though as is typical for a major metropolitan area, parking may come with a fee. Planning your route and parking ahead of time can help ensure a smooth visit. The easy access makes Otto's Barbecue a practical choice for a quick and satisfying meal in the heart of the city, suitable for both daily diners and those passing through.
Otto's Barbecue offers a range of services designed to meet the needs of its diverse customer base, whether you're looking for a quick meal or catering for a larger event.
- Dine-In Service: Customers can enjoy their barbecue in the restaurant's casual setting, perfect for a quick lunch break or a relaxed meal.
- Takeout: All menu items are available for takeout, providing a convenient option for those who prefer to enjoy their food elsewhere, whether back at the office or at home.
- Catering Services: Otto's Barbecue offers extensive catering options, ideal for corporate events, family gatherings, or any occasion needing delicious, classic Texas barbecue. Their catering menu includes various meat platters, sides, sandwiches, and even desserts, often with minimum order requirements.
- Boxed Lunches: For individual convenience, boxed lunch options are available, typically including a sandwich or burger, chips, and a cookie, perfect for group orders in an office setting.
- Daily Specials: While specific details on daily specials would need to be confirmed directly with the restaurant, many establishments like Otto's offer daily rotating specials to provide variety and value to their regular customers.
- Online Ordering/Delivery: Otto's Barbecue often partners with popular food delivery platforms, allowing customers to place orders for delivery directly to their location, adding another layer of convenience.
Otto's Barbecue, as a long-standing establishment in Houston, carries certain characteristics that define its appeal and offerings. While recent customer reviews have highlighted areas for improvement regarding portions, pricing, and service, focusing on the factual aspects of its offerings, here are some key features and highlights:
- Classic Texas Barbecue Meats: The core of Otto's menu centers around traditional Texas smoked meats including beef brisket, link sausage, hickory-roasted turkey breast, smoked ham, and tender pork roast. These are available in platters with sides, or as part of sandwiches.
- Diverse Menu Options: Beyond barbecue platters, Otto's offers a wide array of choices, including various chicken sandwiches (such as PepperJack Chicken, Chicken Avocado, and Hickory Chicken), a selection of gourmet salads (like Otto's Western Salad with smoked meats, or Crispy Chicken Fingers Salad), and specialty sandwiches like Brisket Tacos and Brisket Philly Po Boy. They even have a Veggie Burger option.
- Downtown Houston Location: Its presence at 600 Travis Street makes it a highly accessible dining spot for the downtown business community and visitors, providing a convenient option for quick and hearty meals in a central urban setting.
- Catering Specialization: Otto's appears to have a robust catering operation, offering various packages for groups, including breakfast tacos, full barbecue deluxe packages with multiple meats and sides, giant baked potato buffet bars, and boxed lunches. This indicates a capability to handle larger orders for corporate or private events.
- Side Dishes: Standard barbecue sides like beans and potato salad are available, alongside others that can be included in platters and catering packages.
- Long-Standing Presence (Historical Note): While specific current operations might vary, Otto's Barbecue has a history in Houston, with mentions of previous locations and its long-standing service, suggesting a historical connection to the city's food scene.
To connect with Otto's Barbecue for inquiries, orders, or catering needs, please use the following contact information:
Otto's Barbecue
Address: 600 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone: (713) 980-8965
Mobile Phone: +1 713-980-8965
For the most current business hours, daily specials, or to place an order, it is always recommended to call them directly or check their listings on popular food delivery or restaurant directory websites. Given its downtown location, it is advisable to confirm details for larger orders or specific needs.
For locals in Houston, Otto's Barbecue presents itself as a convenient option for classic Texas barbecue, particularly for those working or residing in the downtown area. Its long-standing presence in the city’s culinary scene suggests a historical connection and familiarity for many residents. While recent feedback from customers has indicated some concerns regarding portion sizes, pricing, and service quality, the fact remains that Otto's offers a range of traditional smoked meats, sandwiches, and catering services in a highly accessible downtown location. For a quick barbecue fix or a reliable option for feeding a group, Otto's aims to provide a straightforward solution. Its extensive menu, covering various barbecue staples and comfort food items, means there's a good chance you'll find something to satisfy your craving for smoked goodness in a convenient urban setting.
Otto’s Photos







Otto’s Location
Otto’s
600 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Otto’s
600 Travis St
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Otto’s Reviews
At least smile while you rip me off. I see why these locations are shutting down all over Houston. Mediocre food at best at a franklins price. $16 for 2 meats 2 sides, not an issue if the quality or portions were adequate. 7 bites of sausage and 6 slices of the thinnest brisket ever cut. Spend your money elsewhere. Way better options.
Mar 18, 2025 · Charles McDowellThis location in particular is the worst. Ordered the daily special not realizing it wasn't an either or situation and ended up with pork. After realizing this and returning to the restaurant, I was met with attitude and push back from the older lady and even with replacing my po boy didn't include the fries. Again I said something and had to deal with an attitude. Food is not that good to deal with unprofessionalism.
Jan 14, 2025 · Precise Marques Wilson-JohnsonBeen eating catfish basket here for over two years, about once a month. It's decent but today the fries were hard as sticks (stale refried). And coleslaw which I usually like felt a little poor too. No carrot, a little wilted/stale. If I get this one more time then I'm afraid I will no longer visit this place even as a backup lunch place.
Sep 16, 2024 · Shruti JalaliI'm in Houston for a business trip.Wanted BBQ for lunch that was downtown and walkable. Ended up here. Got the 1951 special. Two meats, two sides, fountain drink. Got the brisket, pork ribs, potato salad and the broccoli cheese bake. The brisket showed a nice smoke ring and a nice beefy flavor. The pork ribs had a good smoke tang but had been sitting in the pan for awhile and were dried out. The sides? Oof. Potato salad was made from frozen, bagged potato cubes, overly sweet with negligible flavor and no crunch. Broccoli (?) Cheese bake maybe had a broccoli stalk waved over the stock pot while being prepared. None found in my side. Powdered cheese, lots of rice. Gloppy. The BBQ sauce? Ketchup, tomato sauce, sugar, more sugar, maybe some worsterchestershire sauce. Dunno. Not good.
Jan 25, 2023 · Eric JThe ribs clearly were or have been boiled , not sure why the call the sauce barbecue sauce.The cashier tried to charge me $3 for a cookie until I flipped over the package to reveal it was. $1 and some change .NEVER GOING BACK .. and y’all can keep the $20 bucks
Oct 14, 2022 · Clifford English
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