Get excited, Texans – it’s time for another road trip! Now, our previous road trip articles were cool and all, but this takes things to a whole new level. Combining two of life’s greatest joys, exploring new places and eating, is bound to be a success. Especially when those places are in Texas and the food in question is barbecue. That’s right! We’re about to embark on a Texas barbecue road trip.

Just like the other road trip articles, all the work is done for you. (Aside from the driving, of course.) The Google Map with all the restaurants and directions is right here. So who’s ready for two days of delicious eats and (very) full bellies?

Google Maps
1. Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ (Llano)
Yelp/Cooper's
Yelp/Cooper's
First stop, Cooper's in Llano. They also have three other locations in Fort Worth, Austin, and New Braunfels - all family owned. They're the home of the world famous "Big Chop," and have been and continue to be dedicated to to serving up some of the best barbecue in the Hill Country for many years. Every piece of meat from tender brisket to juicy sausage is smoked to perfection in this pit and is sure to send your taste buds to another galaxy. To learn more, visit the website for Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ.
2. The Salt Lick (Driftwood)
Yelp/The Salt Lick
Flickr/wallyg
Next up is the famous Salt Lick. There's an unspoken rule here in Texas that you have to recognize this pit. The meat is just as good as it looks (maybe even better), and the rustic atmosphere and live music just add to the already amazing experience. I mean, just look at that sausage... Visit The Salt Lick's website to learn more.

You can spend the night in San Marcos after this meal since it's on the way to our next stop. Lord knows you'll be ready to hit the hay after this kind of eatin'.
3. City Market (Luling)
Yelp/Luling
Yelp/Luling
Now we're headed to Luling for some of the most authentic barbecue you'll ever eat. You place your order in the smoker room while you watch the meat you're about to devour finish the slow-cooking process that makes it fall-off-the-bone tender. The restaurant itself might be rather unassuming, but we've learned that here in Texas, those are the places with the best food. Not to mention the rest of Luling's town square is just adorable, so you can take a walk (or a waddle after all the barbecue you'll be stuffing in your face) to check it out after you eat. For more information, visit the Facebook page for City Market in Luling.
4. Black's Barbecue (Lockhart)
Yelp/Black's

Related Stories

This New Restaurant In Texas Is The First Of Its Kind And You’ll Want To Visit

This New Restaurant In Texas Is The First Of Its Kind And You’ll Want To Visit

 12 Burger Joints In Texas That Will Truly Treat Your Taste Buds

12 Burger Joints In Texas That Will Truly Treat Your Taste Buds

 The Coziest Place For A Winter Texas Meal, Lost Maples Cafe Is Comfort Food At Its Finest

The Coziest Place For A Winter Texas Meal, Lost Maples Cafe Is Comfort Food At Its Finest
Yelp/Black's
I know, you're beyond full now...but don't think for a second we'd pass up THE oldest barbecue restaurant in the state of Texas. We're headed to Lockhart right now to see if it lives up to its legacy (it does). Serving up slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and other mouthwatering cuts of meat since 1932, this joint in the BBQ Capital of the World is easily the highlight of this road trip. Visit the website for Black's Barbecue to learn more.

Okay, you probably feel like a balloon at this point. (Totally worth it though, right?) Let's find a quaint little motel in Lockhart for the night to recharge before we finish up our epic barbecue tour tomorrow.
5. Kreuz Market (Lockhart)
Yelp/Kreuz
Yelp/Kreuz
Now that you've given your stomach a good night's rest, you should be more than ready to take on our last two joints. First stop of the day, Kreuz Market. A market might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of good BBQ, but Kreuz has been in the business since 1900, so they've had plenty of time to perfect the art of delicious meat. Visit the Kreuz Market website to learn more.
6. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Yelp/Franklin
Yelp/Franklin
Now we're gonna take a short drive over to Austin to try out the famous Franklin Barbecue. Upside? It's delicious. The quality (and quantity) are superb. Downside? The line is probably the longest in Texas. But hey, at least you know it's good! Plus, your stomach will have plenty of time to rest. To learn more, visit the website for Franklin Barbecue in Austin.
7. Louie Mueller BBQ (Taylor)
Yelp/Louie Mueller
Yelp/Louie
Next up - Louie Mueller. They've won countless awards (including best barbecue in the entire state of Texas!) from from many prestigious entities like Texas Monthly - and it's obvious why. This tender all beef brisket is their most popular choice, and that's no surprise either. It's made fresh daily, prepared with a salt and pepper rub and slow-cooked to perfection. To learn more, visit the website for Louie Mueller BBQ in Taylor.
8. Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ (Tyler)
Yelp/Stanley's
Yelp/Stanley's
There's juuuust enough room in your stomach for a little more BBQ, right? Well, you better make room, because our last stop is definitely not our least. Stanley's is the oldest mom-and-pop barbecue joint in Tyler and their pit-smoked meats bring in customers from all over the state and leave them wanting more. Everything is delicious, from brisket to sausage to turkey breast to potato salad. And they've been in the business for over 50 years, so you can trust that they've perfected their craft over the decades. For the latest information, visit the website for Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ.

What are your favorite restaurants on the Texas barbecue road trip? Are there any others you would add to the list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

And if you’re still hungry, check out these scrumptious seafood restaurants in Texas.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Texas barbecue road trip

Elisa Regulski | October 12, 2020

What are the best barbecue restaurants in Texas?

There are so many amazing BBQ restaurants in Texas. If you want to extend your road trip by a day, take a trip to Snow’s BBQ in the town of Lexington. Like the famous Franklin BBQ, this delicious eatery sees long lines every morning. We promise it’s worth setting an alarm for, though. You just can’t get smoked brisket like this anywhere else.

What are the best Tex Mex restaurants in Texas?

There is no shortage of amazing places to get Tex Mex in Texas. Everyone raves about the food from Matt’s El Rancho in Austin, and it’s easy to see why. This iconic eatery crafts their tortillas from scratch every day, and their salsa is spicy and delicious. Be sure to order their famous chile relleno! This dish is so good, former president LBJ once had them flown to the white house.

What are the best sandwich shops in Texas?

For an amazing sandwich, you have to head over to Alvin Ord’s in San Marcos. This neighborhood deli is known for crafting giant sandwiches served on soft, freshly baked bread. It’s one of the best sandwich shops in Texas. Come see why! After your first bite, you’ll want to come back again and again.

Related Articles

Explore Texas

Featured Addresses
604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643, USA
The Salt Lick BBQ, 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
709 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648, USA
Black's Barbecue Lockhart, 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Louie Mueller Barbecue, 206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574, USA
619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
525 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, USA