My son and I have to go to Houston early next month and we'll be driving 290. Would like to get some really good 'Q or steaks, local TX, no chains.

We'd like to eat closer to Houston. We've eaten plenty of times in Elgin and near there, so nothing in that area please.

Snows in Lexington if Saturday a.m.
Truth bbq near Brenham is good
Chapel hill bbq in Chappel hill is good

Tejas Chocolate Craftery and BBQ in Tomball.
https://www.tejaschocolate.com/

BBQ is great, never tried the chocolate.

Agree on their BBQ, chocolate that we had was what I would consider average. BBQ was great through.

Not a lot along 290 directly near Houston that isn't "chain." Tomball is about 30 minutes or so off 290, for reference.
Not BBQ, but Goodsons Cafe in Tomball is known for their chicken fried steaks. Been a few years but remember them be quite good.
Also not BBQ, there's a Gringo's Tex-Mex right off 290 inside 99. Local Houston area chain, pretty quality.