By Patricia Hudson –
Take a ride down Spring Cypress a bit, chances are, you are headed to one of the most popular barbeque joints in Harris County: 2 Guys 1 Pit. Family owned and operated, Richard Rodriguez, together with his son-in-law, Christopher Clarabut, have established a reputation for doing Que well, and treating their customers right.
“There’s a story behind our restaurant,” says Ashley Clarabut, “my brother Cody asked our parents to cater his wedding. Dad enlisted Christopher to help. On the way home afterwards, Chris commented, ‘If we did this full-time, we could have charged to cater!’ We started a side business, catering primarily weddings, in 2016. (Weddings account for 90% of their catering business today). Three years later, we opened the restaurant. I named the business. I was thinking that there were 2 guys, 1 pit; why not name it that? I asked jokingly. Next thing I knew, they submitted the name to the state,” grins Ashley wryly.
Truly a family business, Dad Richard is the Pitmaster, Christopher runs the restaurant, Mom Michelle is in charge of catering, and Ashley handles marketing and social media.
At a recent meeting of friends from Metta’s Local Eats, we were discussing the merits of great barbeque restaurants. It was no surprise that 2 Guys 1 Pit came up immediately. “They are welcoming as soon as you walk through the front door; all the staff greets you with a smile, and are friendly and cheerful, which says a lot about their management/ownership,” shares Lisa Johnson.
Metta Archilla, is quick to name her “go-to” choice. “The Chriswich is monumental and not for the slightly hungry; this a layered masterpiece of mixed pit-smoked brisket, 2G1P creamy dreamy white cheddar mac-n-cheese, the perfect crunch from a heaping pile of BBQ chips, and all between two locally sourced sweet sourdough buns with the usual trimmings, and choice of side! It is ALL that and a bag of chips. Once tried it becomes true!”
“My favorite is the brisket watermelon salad, baby spinach with an amazing bacon vinaigrette, feta cheese, cool watermelon, and chopped brisket,” comments Keri Holloway. “The feta and watermelon pair perfectly; the juicy smoke ring brisket brings it together in a happy marriage.”
Nancy Eugenio sings the praises of “… the absolutely amazing beef rib! Juicy, drippy and perfectly seasoned, it is a massive piece of meat that can easily feed two. Even my dogs enjoy the gnawing on that big ole bone. All their sides are amazing. My favorite is the sweet potato casserole, which they will bring back in the fall.”
“I adore the loaded baked potato. A steamy, oversized spud stuffed with the usual suspects and topped with a generous portion of meat… what’s not to love? I prefer mine with moist brisket, perfectly seasoned, smoky goodness that melts in your mouth,” contributes Vannessa Henley.
Committed to giving back to the community, it is not unusual to find multiple fundraisers and charity events going on at the same time. During the recent winter freeze and despite a loss of power, Chris, Richard, and two employees doggedly remained open for the community and provided free meals for first responders and local hospitals.
Between the pandemic and the freeze, running a successful barbeque restaurant has been challenging.
Nevertheless, this hard-working family has a loyal Cypress following that craves their top sellers: brisket, pork ribs and burnt ends, as well as their outstanding sides. “It is important that we put the same quality into our sides as we do our meats,” states Ashley. What does the future hold for 2 Guys 1 Pit? “We will be expanding!”
2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ
11711 Spring Cypress Road
Tomball, TX 77377
832.559.3923
bbq@2guys1pitbbq.com
Days/Hours:
Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 8 pm
Friday – Saturday 11 am – 9 pm
(Or until SOLD OUT)
