Phil's lunch of brisket, ribs, turkey & Sausage at Killen's Barbecue in Pearland. (Photo ©Phil Lamb)

Posse member Phil Lamb checks in this week with a dispatch from Houston:

The passage of time plays funny tricks on the BBQ mind. For example, I often wonder whether a particular joint serving above-average 'cue will hold up over time. This is especially true of out-of-town spots we don't regularly visit. Similarly, I occasionally wonder whether a joint we once ranked as "outstanding" was really all that special. It's as if doubt starts to creep in after a few months go by. Did that brisket really rank on my top 5? Were those REALLY the best ribs ever?

So it was nice to get to Killen's Barbecue on Wednesday and be reminded of how great their BBQ really is. We loved our first visit on the Houston Redemption BBQ Tour and Killen's was every bit as good this week. Both the Wagyu brisket and the "regular" brisket were spot on, the sausage and ribs were stellar and I'd put their turkey up against any other smoked turkey in the state. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind that Ronnie Killen is a star pitmaster and Killen's BBQ ranks among the best in Texas.

Killen’s Texas Barbecue, 3613 E. Broadway, Pearland. 281-485-2272. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. until the meat runs out. killensbarbecue.com

The line forms early at Killen's Barbecue in Pearland. (Photo ©Phil Lamb)