Upper Kirby is about to smell a lot smokier. Pinkerton’s Barbecue is set to fire up its latest outpost next week in the former 59 Diner building, bringing whole-hog cooking, extra pits and more late-night capacity inside the Loop. The new spot will layer in a bread program, expanded sides and desserts on top of Pinkerton’s familiar brisket, ribs and sausage. Owner and pitmaster Grant Pinkerton says the buildout nods to the diner’s past with a retro neon exterior and a roomy pit area designed for counter-cut service.
As reported by the Houston Chronicle, the Upper Kirby location is slated to open Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, at 3801 Farnham Street, near Shepherd and the Southwest Freeway. The Chronicle describes a standalone concrete structure that will let the crew run more smokers than at the original Heights restaurant and make space for several whole-hog cookers.
Project records and local reporting show the conversion has been in motion for more than a year. Community Impact noted that filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation listed an approximately 6,116-square-foot layout and that construction crews remained active on the site into spring 2025…