The 25 Top BBQ Spots in Texas
Texas is renowned worldwide for its finger-licking good barbecue, but with so many options to choose from, where do you even start? To help you navigate through the smoky deliciousness, we've compiled a list of the 25 top BBQ spots in the Lone Star State for you to explore. So buckle up, loosen your belt, and get ready for a culinary journey across Texas.
1. Franklin Barbecue
Number one on our list is the legendary Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Its mouth-watering brisket is slow-cooked to perfection and has won countless awards over the years.
You can even take a cooking masterclass with Aaron Franklin. He will teache you how to prepare a flavour-packed Central Texas barbecue with his signature brisket and smoked meat.
Famous Chef Aaron Franklin of Franklin BBQ and Loro on the Art of Barbecue Podcast Episode
2. The Salt Lick BBQ
The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood prides itself on preserving the tradition of open-pit BBQ.
Its famous dry-rubbed meats are smoked over Texas oak and served alongside family-style sides like potato salad and coleslaw.
Their world-renowned barbecue is served with a side of Texas Hill Country hospitality.
Click here to learn more about The Salt Lick BBQ.
3. Black's Barbecue in Lockhart
At Black's Barbecue in Lockhart, the brisket is king, but you'd be remiss if you didn't try the jalapeno sausage and pork ribs as well.
It first opened its doors in 1932, ever since the Black family have been serving authentic Texas-style BBQ with over 50 million guests from all over the world.
Click here to learn more about At Black's Barbecue.
4. Smitty's Market
Smitty's Market in Lockhart is all about simplicity, with no frills or gimmicks. Its beef shoulder clod and sausage are a fan favorite, and the atmosphere is just as authentic as the food.
Named one of the Top Barbecue Restaurants in Texas they were also voted Best Sausage, Best Meat Market, Best Ribs, and Best Brisket in Caldwell County for 2015.
Click here to learn more about Smitty's Market.
5. Kreuz Market
The smoked turkey at Kreuz Market in Lockhart is a must-try, but so are the pork chops and brisket, which are equally delicious. They smoke their prized Texas cuts over post oak wood.
The cater for weddings, private parties, corporate events and festivals.
Click here to learn more about Kreuz Market.
6. Louie Mueller Barbecue
Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor has been serving BBQ since 1949 and has racked up numerous accolades over the years. Its beef ribs are the stuff of legends and are worth every penny.
Louie Mueller Barbecue has been widely described as a "cathedral of smoke". They are known for providing the highest quality BBQ in all of Texas since its opening in 1949.
Click here to learn more about Louie Mueller Barbecue.
7. Snow's BBQ
Snow's BBQ in Lexington has been named the best barbecue joint in Texas multiple times, and for a good reason. Its brisket and pork shoulder are melt-in-your-mouth tender and packed with flavor.
Lexington has always been known for its outstanding BBQ so the owner of Snow's BBQ, Kerry Bexley, had a lot of competition when he started out. However in May 2008 Texas Monthly magazine named Snow’s BBQ as the best in Texas!
Click here to learn more about Snow's BBQ.
8. La Barbecue
The Austin-based La Barbecue is a relative newcomer to the BBQ scene, having opened its doors in 2012 on the South side of Austin. Its brisket has already earned a cult following, and its sausages are nothing to sneeze at either.
The company is entirely female-owned and there is usually a line around the front of the venue. They serve everything from succulent brisket and house made spicy sausage to giant ribs and a range of tempting sides.
Click here to learn more about La Barbecue.
9. Terry Black's BBQ
Terry Black's BBQ in Austin has a little something for everyone, from the juicy brisket to the tangy pulled pork to the spicy jalapeno sausage.
Terry Black's BBQ is considered to be Austin's premiere destination for legendary Texas barbecue. They serve the most succulent sliced brisket, pork ribs and a range of sandwich combos, so there's something for everyone at this fine establishment.
Click here to learn more about Terry Black's BBQ.
10. Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ
A visit to Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ in Llano wouldn't be complete without trying the lamb ribs, which are only available on weekends.
The brisket and smoked chicken are equally tasty, and the atmosphere of the converted gas station is quintessentially Texan.
Click here to learn more about Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ.
11. Rudy's Country Store and BBQ
At Rudy's Country Store and BBQ in Leon Springs, the brisket is king, but the turkey is a close second. You can't go wrong with any of the meats, though, and the creamed corn is a standout side.
Just north of San Antonio, Rudy's Country Store and BBQ uses pits 100% wood fired with oak, they then cook with a dry spice.
Click here to learn more about Rudy's Country Store and BBQ.
12. The Pit Room
The original location of The Pit Room in Houston might be small, but its brisket is mighty. The pork belly and burnt ends are equally impressive, and the smoked banana pudding is a must-order dessert.
They make traditional Texas BBQ and their crew are dedicated to feeding people the best brisket in town.
Click here to learn more about The Pit Room.
13. Killen's BBQ
Killen's BBQ in Pearland was named the second-best BBQ joint in America by Texas Monthly in 2017, and it's easy to see why. Its brisket, pork belly, and beef ribs are all top-notch, and the banana cream pie is to die for.
Killen's BBQ was established in 2013 and its aim was to retain the heart and soul of old school BBQ cook offs. His BBQ joint has now become well known for it's authentic Texas Brisket, Ribs and more.
Click here to learn more about Killen's BBQ.
14. Truth BBQ
The sausage at Truth BBQ in Brenham is made in-house and is a real stand-out item. Of course, the brisket and pork ribs are nothing to sneeze at either, and the loaded potato salad is a flavorful side dish.
At Truth BBQ they also provide hands on classes and tutorials from one of their pitmasters. Great for those who'd love to try their hand at replicating menu items.
BBQ Pitmaster Roasts the Competition Podcast Episode.
15. 2M Smokehouse
At 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, the brisket is smoked to perfection and coated in a delicious bark. The barbacoa and pulled pork are also excellent, and the spicy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
2M Smokehouse boasts an unforgettable atmosphere with delicious menu items such as Chicharoni Macaroni, Maria’s Beans, Mexican street corn and Pickled Spicy Serranos.
Click here to learn more about 2M Smokehouse.
16. Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue
Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue in Tomball is the perfect spot for those with a sweet tooth. The smoked brisket and pork ribs are excellent, but the chocolate that the owners make on-site steals the show.
In their small chocolate Craftory in Tomball, TX they hand craft award winning chocolate using only premium cocoa beans that they source from cacao farms. At The Tejas Chocolate Craftory they serve authentic Texas style barbecue with their fan favourites being smoked brisket, pork shoulder, pork spare ribs, turkey, and sausage. They are also widely known for their signature sandwiches such as Brisket & Blues and Bird & Bacon.
Click here to learn more about Tejas Chocolate and Barbecue.
17. Cattleack BBQ
The brisket at Cattleack BBQ in Dallas is the star of the show, but the beef ribs and pulled pork are also worth trying. The mac and cheese and green chili cornbread are excellent side dishes.
Cattleack was founded in 2010 by Todd David and is known for it's fall-off-the-bone smoked meats and Special Reserve BBQ sauce.
Click here to learn more about Cattleack BBQ.
18. Pecan Lodge
Pecan Lodge in Dallas has become a BBQ institution since opening in 2010. Its brisket and pork ribs are both juicy and delicious, and the fried chicken might be the best you'll ever taste.
Their BBQ pit burns 24 hours a day, they grind and stuff their own sausages and they make as much as they can from scratch, such as their Southern Fried Chicken, Aunt Polly’s banana pudding and collard greens.
Click here to learn more about Pecan Lodge.
19. Lockhart Smokehouse
A visit to the Lockhart Smokehouse in Dallas wouldn't be complete without trying the hot guts sausage. The brisket and pork ribs are also top-notch, and the beer selection is impressive.
Lockhart Smokehouse also has great Texas beers and brews on draft, they provide a wide selection of ice cold bottles and speciality cocktails.
Click here to learn more about Lockhart Smokehouse.
20. Meshack's Bar-B-Que Shack
Meshack's Bar-B-Que Shack in Garland is a one-man show, with the owner smoking up the juicy brisket and ribs every day. The peach cobbler is a perfect way to end the meal.
Meshack’s other crowd pleasers are their sausages, baked beans, potato salad, and turkey legs.
Click here to learn more about Meshack's Bar-B-Que Shack.
21. Goldee’s
Goldee’s is a classic American BBQ joint located in Fort Worth, Texas. They serve up brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey, all of which are slow-smoked to perfection. The brisket is their most popular meat and is tender and juicy, with a thick crust on the outside. They also have a delicious homemade BBQ sauce that pairs well with any meat. Goldee's is known for its no-frills vibe, with a small dining room and a few outdoor picnic tables, making it perfect for a quick and casual meal.
Goldee’s - Texas Monthly’s #1 Barbecue in Texas Podcast Episode
22. Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dallas
Manpuku Japanese BBQ Dallas is a unique BBQ spot in the Dallas area. They offer traditional Japanese-style BBQ called yakiniku, where you cook the meat yourself over a charcoal grill at your table. They have a variety of meats to choose from, including ribeye, short ribs, and chicken thighs.
They also have a selection of seafood, such as shrimp and scallops. One of their signature dishes is the wagyu beef, which is high-quality Japanese beef that is marbled and melts in your mouth. This type of BBQ is perfect for groups as it's interactive and social.
Michelin-Starred Chef Kentaro Tsunoda and the Secrets of Japanese Barbecue Podcast Episode
23. Blue Cord BBQ
Blue Cord BBQ is a down-home BBQ joint located in Waxahachie, Texas. They offer all the classic BBQ meats, including brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and sausage. Their brisket is cooked for 14 hours, giving it a tender and smoky flavor.
They also have a variety of side dishes such as mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. One of their unique dishes is the smoked bologna sandwich, which is bologna that is slow-smoked and served on a bun with barbecue sauce. Blue Cord BBQ has a family-friendly atmosphere and is perfect for a casual meal with friends and family.
Steven Rossler - Blue Cord BBQ Podcast Episode
24. Black's BBQ in Austin
The beef ribs at Black's BBQ in Austin are worth waiting in line for, but the sausage and brisket are also top-notch. The potato salad and coleslaw round out the meal nicely.
The Original Black's BBQ is located just outside of the UT campus in Austin’s lively neighborhood known as The Drag. Their legendary Texas-style BBQ is cooked fresh everyday on their old Lockhart pits.
Click here to learn more about Black's BBQ.
25. Bodacious Bar-B-Q
Finally, we have the honorable mention of Bodacious Bar-B-Q in Longview. Its sliced brisket is tender and flavorful, and the sweet tea rivals any other BBQ spot in Texas.
At Bodacious Bar-B-Q they prepare their BBQ fresh daily using their own unique blend of fresh spices and smoking it slowly over wood-burning pits. They then serve it up with their famous gourmet signature sauce.
Click here to learn more about Bodacious Bar-B-Q.
Conclusion
Texas is the undisputed king of BBQ, and with so many delicious spots to choose from, it's hard to narrow it down to just 25.
Whether you're a fan of brisket, ribs, sausage, or poultry, there's a BBQ joint in Texas that will satisfy your taste buds. So hop in the car, grab some wet naps, and embark on a culinary journey that you won't soon forget.
Podcast episodes you may find of interest:
Chris Harrison: The Bachelor, Texas Wine and BBQ
The World's Strongest Man Mark Henry on His Love for BBQ
Blue Water Highway: Eating Local On The Road
7 Texas Podcasts You Need to Start Listening to ASAP
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