The Swinging Door
Call now
Call now
Website
Call
The Swinging Door
A family owned restaurant serving the finest quality 100%, pecan smoked, Bar-B-Q at reasonable prices in a pleasant, rural, family atmosphere. Brisket, pork ribs, chicken, turkey and sausage along with our sides of beans, potato salad, coleslaw, dirty rice or green beans. Finish your meal off with pecan pie, assorted fruit cobblers or a brownie blast.

We think you'll find something to satisfy your hunger. We make it as easy as we can for you to enjoy our Bar-B-Q. We also have lots of sides and fixins', not to mention our homemade desserts. So come on in for a casual dining experience, or call us up to plan your next event or take home feast.
Services
Bar-b-que is a staple in Texas cuisine, and most Fort Bend residents know that there's a down home, back to basics restaurant complete with its own dance hall that serves some of the best bar-b-que that the state has to offer.

They might even know the proprietor and chef behind this great food and Fort Bend institution, but what they might not know is that this GEM of Fort Bend gives, not to one organization, but to many and has for nearly 40 years.The barn-shaped house that Onstad and his four siblings were raised in still stands today on FM 359 next to his restaurant, which is a Fort Bend landmark: The Swinging Door.
We have a great selection of a la carte, sandwiches, stuffed potatoes or plates comprised of beef brisket, chicken, sausage, pork ribs and turkey breast. Don't forget the sides: ranch beans, potato salad, cole slaw, our special green beans, dirty rice and various bag chips accompanied by standard staples of onions, pickles and jalapenos.
Reviews (27)
Christi Thompson Realtor
Christi Thompson Realtor
Jan 19, 2022
Report
Love the the country old time vibes this place has. Great baked potatoes, especially when its cold outside and you’re craving something loaded with carbs and warm.
Cynthia Specht
Cynthia Specht
Dec 23, 2021
Report
Place has a wonderful ambiance, nice welcoming front door people, and over all good space, fun decor and space. Food was ordered and to table in a timely manner. The food was served at room temperature, (I would have liked it a bit hotter temperature wise). We ordered a variety of meats and sides. Everything was good, nothing special but nothing bad either. Server could have been a little friendlier, we were with in laws from out of state and would have been nice for them to experience real Texas hospitality. Refills came without having to ask, which was very nice. Good place to check out.
Steve R.
Steve R.
Dec 15, 2021
Report
Simple, excellent bbq at fair prices. Everything is delicious, you can't go wrong - especially if cobblers on the menu
Elizabeth Kowall
Elizabeth Kowall
Dec 11, 2021
Report
The service was so friendly, from the hostess to the owner himself. The chopped brisket sandwich was delicious, the sauce was unique and very good, the meat was very high quality, it wasn’t dry, or overwhelming with the flavor of smoke. They definitely have bbq perfected over at the swinging door. I will certainly be returning in the future.
Marie M.
Marie M.
Nov 22, 2021
Report
Omg this is the best BBQ I've ever eaten. I have to travel a long ways to get some and whenever I get to Houston I head over there!
Chase J.
Chase J.
Nov 05, 2021
Report
Very cool atmosphere. Wood floors and walls decked out in decor feels kinda like a saloon. Very simple menu and very good food. Service is great.
Carol P.
Carol P.
Oct 19, 2021
Report
Love it. Food is great. Wonderful family feel. Get the desserts!!

Love it. Food is great. Wonderful family feel. Get the desserts!!
Rebecca M.
Rebecca M.
Oct 12, 2021
Report
1st time here. I was excited to try the pecan smoked bbq and the restaurant has a lot of history. I was delighted by the friendly staff but very disappointed in the food. My husband and I shared the 3 meat combo with brisket, ribs, and sausage. We we chose coleslaw, green beans, and potato salad. The brisket and ribs were extremely dry. Their BBQ sauce was extremely runny and strong vinegar taste that did not compliment the dry meat. The sausage was the only thing that was worth eating. The potato salad had eggs in it ( I'm allergic- not sure that's on the menu or not). I lived in Texas all my
Ed Yesi Ed & Yesi
Ed Yesi Ed & Yesi
Oct 11, 2021
Report
Great barbecue in Richmond, TX. We have been going to this place for years and never once have I had a complaint about the service nor the food. The BBQ sauce is delicious and the beer is always cold.
Roy Alicea
Roy Alicea
Oct 03, 2021
Report
It's good bbq but surely not the best. Pork ribs were good but little on the pink side. Dirty Rice though not bad didn't have a lot of flavor. Sausage was good but again not great. Basically a decent place to eat if you're staying local.
Two Peas
Two Peas
Sep 20, 2021
Report
This restaurant had an old time feel... reminded me of an old country town... the staff was amazing and the food was grrat.. stop by and check it out... Well until next time signing off Two Peas
Met M.
Met M.
Sep 19, 2021
Report
Poor customer service. They didn't even acknowledge me and they had several staff running around the place. The food is not even up to par and has no seasoning. My first and last time ever!!
Edwin K.
Edwin K.
Aug 22, 2021
Report
Tried this place out. I had the brisket, sausage and smoked turkey. The brisket was good, though I would have preferred if the waitress had asked me if I wanted fatty or lean. The sausage tasted store bought. Not bad, but not great. The turkey though....the turkey was the star of the show. Maybe the best I've had. Bread pudding for dessert was exceptional.
Matthew C.
Matthew C.
Aug 12, 2021
Report
Proper Texas BBQ in a non-pretentious, down to earth, home style old school joint, the real deal. Super 3 meat, 3 side combo guaranteed to satisfy. Brisket and ribs spot on. Brisket with just enough fat still on and ribs tasty and tender, with right amount of pull ( e.g. did not fall off). Smoked Turkey another winner. Not on regular menu but was available tonight as a side was Mac N Cheese, along with standard staples of beans and dirty rice. Large pitcher of ice cold delicious local beer for $10. Will be back. The real gem was Kim, our server/host, she took great care of us!
Jennifer G.
Jennifer G.
Jul 25, 2021
Report
Great BBQ here. We ordered to-go so we could eat at a nearby winery. Three meats and three sides for $18.50, great price and plenty to share for 2. Tasty BBQ sauce, super moist chicken, really good beans, and potato salad with cole slaw.
John
John
Jul 01, 2021
Report
Awesome pecan smoked meats, delicious!
Just ate in my truck because I had my dog with me, so ordered curbside and had A/C cool while Inate lunch.
Fazley R.
Fazley R.
Jun 28, 2021
Report
It's more like a 2.5 but I gotta round down. The general ambiance is very nice I must say. The restaurant itself is born again as it clearly was a house before it's remodel. As far as the food goes, I must say I wasn't impressed. Tried both cuts of the brisket. The fatty and lean cuts. The fatty tasted like rubber with no seasoning and the lean cut was way too dry. The chicken was the saving grace of meat items. Nice char on the skin and perfectly tender. The turkey was also average. Not much smoky flavor. I wish I had more to say. The one side to get is the Mac and cheese, but for
Byron F.
Byron F.
Jun 22, 2021
Report
I have to give it to them. I like this place! Usually I'm smokey and grilling for myself because I can't find places that does it well, but The Swinging Door does! I've tried every protein they have to offer and I can say I'm a big fan of their Sausages and Turkey!! All of the meats are pretty good some weren't seasoned as well as the turkey but you can go wrong with anything. Their sides are great and the service we awesome. I will say if you dine in and you're near their AC unit bring a jacket LoL!!
Laurie G.
Laurie G.
Jun 11, 2021
Report
Again we took a brisket and drive to Colorado. No better way to take Texas bbq on vacation.
Maris W.
Maris W.
Jun 02, 2021
Report
My favorite bbq since 1974. They opened in what was then a rural location and my family was one of the first to go when I was a kid. Now over 45 years later I still get there when I can, even though it's a longer drive and not nearly so rural anymore. What a treat to stop in for lunch recently after this past most horrible year. I had the two meat plate with chicken and brisket and it transported me right to more carefree days. I love the potato salad and fresh green beans. And the service and the country ambiance, in fact, just everything about it.
Leslie S.
Leslie S.
Apr 16, 2021
Report
Had a tough day, called in a request for a particular menu item and was told they were out. I mentioned I was bummed b/c I had been craving this item all day. Not only did they make it happen, I had a sweet note on my to go box. Thank you, LM! You def made my day better!
Ashley B.
Ashley B.
Feb 01, 2021
Report
Stopped eating here cause the price's are high and the foods no good. Try Witt Pitt on 36 they won't let you down. Bbq at Witt Pitt is great!
Beth K.
Beth K.
Jan 31, 2021
Report
Wow, I love barbque, and I've ordered from Swinging Door many times. However, yesterday I ordered LEAN BRISKET (1 Pound) and as the picture below shows, it was anything but lean, and it wasn't a pound either. Extremely disappointing.
Sameer S.
Sameer S.
Jan 03, 2021
Report
Went back after a great first experience yesterday. Ordered the super 3 meal combo. Portion size has reduced considerably especially for the meat. Sides stay the same size. Our principal complaint is that the meat was bone dry. There wasn't the slightest juiciness character to either the ribs, brisket or sausage. Disappointed and sadly wouldn't be driving down all the way.
Summer Pao
Summer Pao
Oct 01, 2020
Report
Delicious!!! Try the moist brisket, pork ribs, and sausages. We also tried the sides of green beans, cole slaw, dirty rice and potato salad. Everything was good and generous portioned. We gobbled everything so fast!!!
Emily L.
Emily L.
Jun 21, 2020
Report
An all time FAVORITE!!!

Large portions and friendly staff!!!

Desserts are super yummy
Minh Xuan N.
Minh Xuan N.
Feb 17, 2020
Report
Fiancé and I were craving bbq so decided to find a place that was near the stores that we needed to go to as well for convenience purposes. Plus, we saw that this bbq joint had good ratings.

Well, it was not what we expected.

Service was good and food came out quick. However, the ribs and the chicken was EXTREMELY dry. Thank goodness for the complimentary pickles that helped with the dry-ness. The sides were good though.

I don't think we'll be back unfortunately.