Owner Marcus Powel at Hoot's Smokehouse

Brisket, pork ribs, sausage, dirty rice and beans at Hoot's Smokehouse

This Eastwood Barbecue Cafe sign inspires the incoming Willow’s Smokehouse & Tavern.

There’s a well-worn saying among old-school Houstonians: the only reason west side folks venture to the east side is to eat fajitas at Ninfa’s on Navigation.

Those with even deeper roots in the city might add one more exception – Brady’s Landing, the now-defunct institution perched on the Ship Channel, ideal for prom dinners, wedding rehearsal banquets, and any special occasion that required a splash of scenery and white tablecloths.

GUIDE: Houston's best barbecue

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But times are changing fast in what was once known as Second Ward, now re-branded more........

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