We’re big barbecue lovers and anytime a spot makes the Texas Monthly Top 50 list, it immediately gets added to our bucket list. That’s actually one of the reasons we planned our trip to Tomball, Texas. I couldn’t wait to experience a place that combines two of my loves: craft barbecue and bean-to-bar chocolate. And Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue did not disappoint.
First Impressions: A Small Space with Big Flavor
To our surprise and excitement, co-founder Scott Moore (who had just received a Michelin Bib Gourmand)was there in person and we were lucky enough to snag some time with him. With accolades from both Texas Monthly and Michelin, and a passionate local following, Tejas has earned its reputation as a standout destination for Michelin-rated BBQ in Texas and some of the finest bean-to-bar chocolate in the state.
Walking into the building, you’re greeted with cozy but tight quarters. The front room is small, with just enough space to order, and right before you even look up at the menu, your eyes lock onto the chocolate truffle case. It’s so tempting that even if you came for barbecue, chances are you’ll walk out with chocolate too.
It’s a place that draws food lovers from across the country to a charming corner of Tomball, Texas. Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue is part chocolate craftory, part barbecue destination.
The Origin of Tejas Chocolate + BBQ
When Scott Moore first began roasting cacao beans at home in 2011, he couldn’t have predicted where the journey would lead. A fascination with single-origin chocolate turned into a local market favorite, and eventually into a full-blown chocolate shop. But it was a spark of Texas logic that changed everything: “If I’m a Texan roasting cacao, why not use a barbecue pit?”
Did you know?* Tejas was the first bean-to-bar chocolate maker in the state of Texas.
That idea led to the birth of Tejas Chocolate Craftory. But chocolate alone wasn’t quite enough to keep the lights on. So they added barbecue as a secondary revenue stream. As Scott jokes, they now sell brisket to support their chocolate-making habit.
What started as a creative twist soon took center stage. In 2017, Tejas landed on the coveted Texas Monthly Top 10 BBQ list. They returned to the Top 50 list in 2021 and were recently honored with a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, recognizing them for exceptional food at a great value.
A Menu Worth the Drive: Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue Menu Highlights
One of the most exciting and exclusive menu items at Tejas is their housemade pastrami, available only on Thursdays. Briskets are brined for a week, then smoked for over a day to create a rich, peppery, fall-apart pastrami that’s served by the pound or in sandwich form. If you’re lucky, you might snag their limited pastrami burnt ends before they sell out. The Pastrami Reuben, layered with sauerkraut and house-made dressing on hearty rye, is a fan favorite and well worth planning your visit around. If you’re searching for Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue pastrami burnt ends, just know that Thursdays are your day.
Beyond the pastrami, Tejas offers a full range of smoked meats, including smoked turkey, pork shoulder, and pork belly, each prepared with the same level of care and quality. They also feature rotating daily sausage specials, such as jalapeño cheddar or boudin, all made in-house.
If you’re in the mood for something between bread, don’t miss their signature sandwiches like the Brisket & Blues (with brisket, blue cheese, and red onions) or the Bird & Bacon (smoked turkey, bacon, avocado, and a fried egg). Both are also available as hearty romaine wedge salads.
And when it comes to desserts, there’s more than just chocolate truffles. Tejas also serves up chocolate bread pudding and chocolate panna cotta, two favorites that frequently show up when people search for Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue desserts or best chocolate in Tomball, crafted by Chef Greg, who brings his background in Italian cuisine into each decadent bite.
What We Ordered
When we visited, we showed up early because that Beef rib has been selling out even in the first two hours!. We ordered:
- Meats: Brisket, Beef Ribs, Beef Burnt Ends, Saucy Crispy Ribs, Chile Relleno Sausage (a favorite)
- Sides: Carrot Soufflé, Green Beans, Pinto Beans,
- Sweets: Chocolate Truffles (obviously), Chocolate Bread Pudding, Chocolate Panna Cotta
The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with just the right amount of smoke. Burnt ends were juicy and crisp on the edges. The Saucy Crispy Ribs had a craveable contrast of textures. The outer crust provided that perfect crunch, while the meat inside stayed juicy and tender. Glazed in just enough sauce to coat without overpowering, they stood out as one of the more creative takes on ribs we’ve tried. And that chile relleno sausage? All beef, housemade, and packed with flavor
Of course we had to try the carrot soufflé. It tastes like sweet potato pie but with a vibrant carrot twist. It’s a dish that has people searching for Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue carrot soufflé and we get it—because once you try it, you’ll be thinking about it long after the meal ends. If you like it enough you can even buy a whole tray to take home.
And yes, you should always end with chocolate truffles. Our pick: the whiskey old-fashioned.
New Expansions and Exciting Changes
In our interview, Scott shared how Tejas has been evolving. They recently expanded to seven days a week, added a full cocktail bar, and are creating a new lounge space called Scotty’s Lounge—the original chocolate room—now transformed into a cozy space with soft seating and ambient lighting.
The vibe has room for everyone—there’s indoor seating in multiple rooms, shaded outdoor picnic tables, and even a covered patio for all kinds of weather.
They recently expanded to seven days a week, added a full cocktail bar, and are creating a new lounge space called Scotty’s Lounge in the original chocolate room. Think cozy lighting, soft seating, and even more reason to linger.
“Before barbecue took off, we made all our chocolate in that room,” Scott told us. “We called it the White Room. Every truffle started there.” Now, that same space will become a relaxed cocktail lounge, a full-circle moment for this ever-evolving spot.
Cocktails at Tejas
The new cocktail menu includes a handcrafted margarita, a Paloma, and a Bloody Mary with house-made base, smoked salt, and pickled okra—thoughtfully crafted to complement the bold barbecue flavors. One of the drinks they’re most excited about is their Bloody Mary, made with house made base.
They’re also experimenting with different menu items like the barbecue banh mi and choripan made with housemade Argentinian-style sausage and chimichurri.
“It’s still the same barbecue,” Scott said. “We just try to get a little better every day. That’s the heart of craft.”
And the recognition keeps growing. Since being named a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide, Tejas has welcomed more out-of-state and even international guests. “We’ve had folks stop by straight from the airport because they read about us in the guide,” Scott said, laughing. “It’s surreal sometimes.”
The Craft Behind the Food
What sets Tejas apart isn’t just the food. It’s the craft. From the way they manage airflow in the smoke pit to the way chocolate is roasted “low and slow” in brick ovens, every detail is thoughtful.
Scott named the smokers Donny, Walter, and The Dude (yes, a nod to The Big Lebowski). And even the chocolate process involves stone-grinding and aging for weeks to develop deep, complex flavors.
It’s rare to see such artistry across two completely different food traditions, but somehow Tejas nails it.
The Sauce Situation
Tejas keeps things simple with a classic red sauce and a green tomatillo-based barbecue sauce that adds a zesty brightness to smoked meats. The green sauce in particular has developed a loyal following. It’s tangy, herbal, and pairs beautifully with pork ribs and smoked turkey.
But I have to talk about the chocolate mole barbecue sauce. It was an innovative nod to Tejas’ chocolate roots, but sadly, it didn’t last. As a mole lover I couldn’t wait to combine the flavor of salty smoky bbq with rich chocolate. However, people know how to waste a good thing.
As Scott told us, “People kept dumping it all over everything like it was just regular sauce. They didn’t understand it.” The mole was a complex, chocolate-infused sauce that took days to prepare, but that people would dispose of without a care.
Though it’s no longer on the menu, the story lives on as a testament to how ahead of the curve Tejas really is. And we heard that maybe they’ll bring it back!
The Chocolate Stand That Started It All
Before the barbecue gained national recognition, people were already flocking to Tejas for the chocolate. The stand, tucked just inside the entrance, remains a focal point. Its glossy case is filled with truffles in flavors like Pecan Praline, Hazelnut Dark Chocolate, Dreamsicle, Whiskey Old-Fashioned, Dulce de Leche, Texas Pecan, Dark Cherry, and even seasonal creations that change depending on the time of year.
I wanted to try them all. It honestly felt unfair to have that many options, each one calling out with unique flavor notes and gorgeous presentation. Whether you love fruity, nutty, creamy, or bold dark chocolate, there’s something here that will make you pause and savor every bite. Unlike the delicate bite-sized pieces found elsewhere, Tejas truffles are intentionally larger, giving you a more satisfying taste of their bean-to-bar craftsmanship.
It’s not uncommon for customers to swing by just for a few chocolates or to grab a sweet peace offering after indulging in brisket. The display case catches your eye as soon as you enter, and the temptation is very, very real.
Chocolate and Barbecue: Together and Apart
While some guests come for chocolate and others for barbecue, many leave appreciating both. Chocolate truffles make the perfect sweet finish, and as Scott pointed out, they’re often bought as peace offerings after a hearty beef rib—though we think everyone deserves their own.
Whether you’re into rich, dark bars with global cacao origins or sweet seasonal flavors like Dreamsicle or Dulce de Leche, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Family First
Despite the acclaim, Tejas is still a family-run business. Scott’s wife, brother, and kids all work here. So do three husband-and-wife teams and even a few extended family members. When we walked in asking for Scott, one of the people nearby said, “Where’s Grandpa?” That warmth and connection translate into everything, from the food to the friendly smiles at the counter.
“We want people to relax, have fellowship, and feel like family,” Scott shared with us. Even as the line stretches out the door, the energy inside stays grounded in community.
If You Go: Where to Eat BBQ in Tomball Texas
- Address: 200 N Elm St, Tomball, TX 77375
- Hours: Open 7 days a week, usually 11 AM–5 PM (arrive early for beef ribs!)
- Menu highlights: Chile Relleno Sausage, Brisket, Burnt Ends, Carrot Soufflé, Whiskey Old-Fashioned Chocolate Truffle
- Tips: Check social media for daily specials. Limited quantities of pastrami burnt ends are first-come, first-served on Thursdays. And the patio is a great place to enjoy a cocktail on a warm day.
- If you want a beef rib go Fri-Sun but get there early.
Why Tejas Chocolate + BBQ in Tomball Is Worth the Trip: Is Tejas Chocolate + BBQ Worth Visiting?
Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue isn’t just one of the best places to eat in Tomball. It’s one of the most unique culinary experiences in Texas. Where else can you get Texas Monthly-ranked brisket and award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate under one roof?
This isn’t just a meal. It’s a story of family, craft, and delicious creativity. And it’s one you don’t want to miss.
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FAQs
How do I order the limited pastrami burnt ends?
The pastrami burnt ends are only available on Thursdays and sell out quickly. Make sure to get there early to have the best chance of trying them!
What chocolate options are available in Tejas Chocolate & Barbecue?
Their chocolate stand features a variety of truffles with flavors like Texas Pecan, Whiskey Old-Fashioned, Dark Cherry, and Dreamsicle. They also offer seasonal creations, so there’s always something new to try.
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Tejas Chocolate + BBQ in Tomball: Final Thoughts
Tejas Chocolate + BBQ in Tomball is more than just a dining spot—it’s an experience. The unique combination of melt-in-your-mouth barbecue and handcrafted chocolate makes it a place worth visiting, whether you’re a local or planning a road trip. From the smoky, perfectly cooked pastrami to the decadent truffles, there’s something here for everyone to savor.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, sweet treats, or just incredible food in general, make sure Tejas is on your list. You might just find yourself wanting to come back for seconds!
Last Updated 1 hour ago by Jessica Serna | Published: April 4, 2025
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