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Ribs and ice cream in Houston

The unusual but satisfying contrast of smoky ribs followed by a cold scoop of ice cream.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cowboy Japanese BBQ&Sushi image 1
Cowboy Japanese BBQ&Sushi image 2
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Japanese restaurant

Open fire grills at each table create an interactive dining experience with smokeless cooking. Modern decor combines with unique water mist features and lowkey music to set a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. The space fills with groups enjoying all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ and fresh sushi in a lively, social setting.

Boneless short ribs come with garlic butter cubes that add rich flavor. Miso-marinated short ribs and wagyu options stand out for their freshness and bold taste.

The ice cream stands out as the best part of the meal. It pairs phenomenally with the fried banana, adding a sweet contrast to savory dishes like meat and fried rice.

People are saying

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi and meat, was flavorful and high-quality."

"The boneless short ribs just melt in your mouth."

"The ice cream is a delicious sweet ending to the meal."

Good to know

1

Every day features a special menu for diners.

2

Wednesday offers a buy one beer, get one free deal.

3

Table space can run out quickly, especially on busy nights.

02
Garosu Korean BBQ & Sushi image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant offers a spacious layout with modern decor and built-in grill vents that improve conversation. Atmosphere ranges from welcoming and lively to private rooms with bright lighting and no music. Music volume can be loud, and group reservations are common.

Black Angus boneless short rib and Wagyu beef belly stand out for their freshness and flavor. The selection also includes prime beef brisket and Wagyu beef tongue, all well-seasoned and tender.

Complimentary melona ice cream comes with every meal. The melon flavor stands out as a sweet finish.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be yummy and well-prepared."

"You have to try the Ribs; Thanh's recommendations are top tier."

"The complimentary melona ice cream is the perfect way to end the meal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted buffet prices on weekdays from 4-6pm.

2

Buy-one-get-one-50%-off on alcohol is available on weekdays.

3

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to high demand.

03
Levant BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Modern interior blends Mediterranean touches with cowboy boot vases and cute lamps for a cozy yet sophisticated vibe. Warm and welcoming atmosphere invites diners to enjoy generous portions of halal barbecue. Complimentary soft serve ice cream adds a unique, casual finish to meals.

Beef ribs come in pound portions with sides. They taste good but lean toward being too fatty. Brisket also stands out alongside the ribs.

Complimentary vanilla soft serve ice cream comes with the meal. The soft serve is smooth and creamy, offered free just for being there.

People are saying

"The food here is clean, flavorful, and the meats are the highlight."

"The meat here is fully halal and delicious."

"They offer free soft serve ice cream for dessert."

Good to know

1

Levant BBQ is halal.

2

Levant BBQ does not serve pork.

3

Levant BBQ is the only halal brisket place I know in Houston.

04
Lin's Grand Buffet image 1

Spacious restaurant with modern Asian-inspired decor and warm lighting creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Busy weekends fill all food sections, including a Mongolian grill station offering custom protein and vegetable combinations. Entertainment like balloon art and lion dances adds a lively touch to the clean, elegant setting.

Ribs come in BBQ and salt & pepper flavors with a tender, flavorful texture. The BBQ ribs stand out as a delicious, must-try item on the buffet.

Soft serve stands out with its excellent texture, different from typical frozen yogurt. The dessert section offers a wide variety including small cakes, cookies, fruit, and plenty of ice cream options.

People are saying

"The buffet's food was well done, fresh, and flavorful."

"It's so clean and modern, with beautiful Asian-inspired touches."

"The ice cream here is creamy and yummy."

Good to know

1

The buffet is replenished often, ensuring fresh food options.

2

Expect a crowded environment, making it hard to navigate the buffet.

3

The price is $19, which includes a drink.

05
The Kennedy image 1
American restaurant

Small indoor space combines elegant decor with live piano and DJ music, creating a chic yet inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating and a stunning bar with a beautiful chandelier add to the experience. The vibe shifts from relaxed dining to lively entertainment as the evening progresses.

Short ribs come tender and pair well with truffle mashed potatoes. Braised rib macaroni and cheese serves as a rich, flavorful side.

Burrata ice cream stands out with its authentic flavor. The Kennedy sundae offers a simple but tasty option. Overall, the ice cream for dessert is good.

People are saying

"The drinks here are creative, balanced, and made with top-shelf ingredients."

"The short ribs here just melt in your mouth."

"The Kennedy ice cream sundae was simple but delicious."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $10 and is available right at the entrance.

2

A mandatory 'card acceptance fee' is charged per guest, regardless of the number of cards used.

3

After 10 PM, the venue transforms into a lounge with a DJ.

06
Cenas Kitchen image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant with an inviting ambiance featuring Frida Kahlo art and greenery on industrial walls. Atmosphere ranges from cozy and lively to sometimes noisy, with free self-serve ice cream adding a unique touch. Seating includes outdoor options and booths, though some find booth seats uncomfortable.

Ribs come with a sweet spicy sauce and plenty of meat. They appear smaller than usual but pack a lot of flavor.

A free soft serve ice cream machine offers unlimited cones. Kids and adults enjoy grabbing a cone after finishing their meal.

People are saying

"I found the beef fajitas to be outstanding and flavorful."

"You get a free ice cream cone on the way out."

"These ribs are covered in a sweet, spicy sauce and have so much meat."

Good to know

1

Mondays offer $2 beer and margaritas.

2

Daily happy hour specials on food and drinks are available.

3

Taco Tuesday features special deals.

07
Jลซn image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant offers an intimate setting with dim lighting and detailed decor that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Bar seating provides a view of female chefs at work, adding a unique interactive element. The space feels cozy and never crowded, encouraging guests to linger past dessert.

Short ribs stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. The ribs pair well with coconut rice for a balanced meal.

House-made vanilla bean ice cream stands out as a rich, creamy treat. The pistachio cookie ice cream sandwich and doughnuts served with vanilla ice cream add unique dessert options.

People are saying

"I thought the fried chicken experience was fantastic all the way around."

"The pork ribs here were out of this world."

"I've never had vanilla ice cream this good; it's addictive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's small size.

2

Expect a 20-minute wait even with a reservation during peak hours.

3

Happy hour runs from 5 to 6 pm with discounted drinks.

08
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar image 1

Open space combines modern Asian design with ample indoor and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed, lively vibe especially on the patio with fans and heaters. Lighting and airflow support a comfortable atmosphere where live music adds energy. The setting suits groups and families, offering games for kids and a smart layout.

Ribs come in pork and Thai styles with a perfectly tender texture. Flavor stays strong even when the ribs get a bit dry after multiple visits.

Soft serve ice cream stands out with a Dole Whip Soft Serve option that tastes excellent. The staff sometimes offers free ice cream, adding a nice touch to dessert.

People are saying

"The happy hour prices here are a really good deal."

"These pork ribs were really good and had a decent smokey flavor."

"The soft serve ice cream here has an amazing texture and flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on weekdays from 2-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Live music occurs on Thursdays from 6-8pm, creating a lively atmosphere.

3

Parking is available behind the building, but may become limited as nearby businesses open.

09
Hillstone image 1
American restaurant

Booths arranged for intimate seating with plastic barriers create a cozy yet slightly clinical feel. Lighting is perfect, supporting a romantic and lively atmosphere that balances classiness without being uptight. The bar area offers a full-service, social spot for drinks and people watching.

Ribs fall right off the bone with tender, knife-and-fork style texture. They deliver flavorful barbecue that stands out among mains tried.

Ice cream sundaes come with personal touches like best wishes. Brownies with ice cream include dried cherries, which change the texture. Ice cream is not listed on the menu but is available upon request.

People are saying

"The ribs and baked beans at this dinner spot are possibly the best I've ever had."

"These ribs are tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious."

"I found the ice cream sundae to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted for groups larger than 5 people.

2

Valet parking is complimentary, and regular parking is also available.

3

A full bar is available all day at the restaurant.

10
Haywire image 1
New American restaurant

Upscale western design with country chic decor and breathtaking chandeliers creates an elegant, calm atmosphere. Spacious layout includes a large lounge bar downstairs and private dining upstairs, often hosting special events. Complimentary valet service and live music add to a relaxed, refined vibe.

Ribs here are tender and fall off the bone easily. Both the Haywire BBQ Ribs and Baby Back Ribs come with rich flavor and pair well with sides like mac and cheese and cornbread.

Local ice cream stands out with its homemade vanilla flavor. It pairs well with desserts like pecan pie and bourbon bread pudding.

People are saying

"I thought the American food, especially the cornbread and ribs, was phenomenal."

"The ribs here are amazing and fall off the bone."

"The local ice cream here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially during peak hours.

3

Valet parking is available, but self-parking is suggested for easier access.

11
E-Star Asian Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Modern buffet restaurant features dim lighting suited for neurodivergent families and kids, creating a calm atmosphere. A robot attendant greets and seats diners, adding a unique touch. Spacious, clean interior combines with fresh sashimi and a variety of sushi to define the dining experience.

Galbi beef ribs stand out with their meaty and tender texture. Hot dishes like beef ribs stir-fry offer clean and authentic flavors alongside a variety of other rib options.

Soft swirl ice cream comes from a dedicated machine. The soft serve chocolate stands out for its superior texture and flavor.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Chinese buffet I've ever visited."

"The ribs here are meaty, tender, and delicious."

"You should try the ice cream flavor mixed between vanilla and chocolate."

Good to know

1

Couples night at the buffet happens weekly on Wednesdays.

2

Lunch hours feature crawfish as a special item.

3

The buffet offers all-you-can-eat for $16, including tax.

12
Bon KBBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Large dining area with modern casual Korean decor and K-Pop music creates a lively atmosphere. Seating includes tight booths and large tables suited for groups, while a selfie section adds a playful touch. Service features include a sauce station and a button to summon staff quickly for more meat.

Lunch menu includes Korean short ribs, a rare find at Korean BBQ spots. Marinated and braised beef ribs offer premium cuts with no limits, delivering rich flavor.

Free ice cream comes with the meal and serves as a nice finish. The strawberry flavor stands out as edible, and you can add unlimited sides before topping off with ice cream.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and offers amazing variety."

"The marinated short ribs here are amazing and so tasty."

"You can top it all off with free ice cream at the end."

Good to know

1

The buffet offers unlimited sides and ice cream at the end.

2

Expect a variety of proteins, sides, and non-Korean BBQ dishes.

3

Buffet style allows self-service without waiting for orders.

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