These 12 Barbecue Joints In Texas Will Leave You Begging For More
While Texans might argue about which barbecue restaurant serves up the most delicious brisket and ribs, most of us can agree that we love smoked meats and the sides that accompany them. There are more scrumptious restaurants in this state than we could ever mention in one list, but we narrowed them down to some of the most beloved. These are 12 restaurants with some of the best BBQ in Texas. If you make it through this list without drooling on your keyboard, congratulations are in order!
Black's is one of the oldest BBQ restaurants in Texas, and they have been serving up slow-cooked ribs, brisket, and other mouthwatering cuts of meat since 1932.
The original location is in Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital of the World, but you can also taste their scrumptious meals at their Austin, San Marcos, and New Braunfels locations. To learn more, visit the Black's Barbecue website.
Another Texas favorite, Franklin is known for their smoky brisket, tender ribs, and enormous lines. Yes -- folks often wait as long as three hours just to taste their scrumptious smoked meats. But believe us, the wait is worth it. You can't beat their high-quality, finger lickin' good BBQ. To learn more, visit the Franklin BBQ website.
Named one of the top 5 BBQ restaurants in the state by Texas Monthly, Smitty's sits in the same location where Kreuz Market used to be for more than 50 years. There's also a fresh meat department and cold sausage if you’d rather cook at home. Getting hungry yet? Welp, hold your horses 'cause we're just getting started. Visit the Smitty's Market website to learn more about some of the best barbecue in Texas at this establishment.
Every Texan recognizes this pit, where all meat is cooked and seasoned to perfection. The rustic setting and live music are just an added bonus. It's easy to see why everyone loves this iconic Texas BBQ joint. Visit The Salt Lick website to learn more.
Open since 1949, this is one of those restaurants you just have to try out on a tour of the best Texas BBQ you can find. From the ribs to the sausage to the brisket, everything at Louie Mueller Barbecue is top notch. To learn more, visit the Louie Mueller Barbecue website.
Kreuz Market has been in the barbecue business since 1900, so they've had a while to perfect their craft. It's another must-try in the Lone Star State for all the meat-lovers out there! To learn more, visit the Kreuz Market website.
Don't be fooled by its humble exterior -- this epic BBQ joint is as good as they come. Snow's is only open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until they're sold out, so be sure to get there bright and early if you want a taste! Visit the Snow's BBQ website to learn more.
A list of best barbecue joints wouldn't be complete without mentioning the mighty City Market of Luling; here, you place your order in the piping hot pit room, and get served on red butcher paper. You can't get more authentic than that, folks. Visit the City Market BBQ Facebook page for more information.
9) Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ (Llano, Fort Worth Stockyards, New Braunfels, Austin)
Another one of the barbecue greats of Texas, Cooper's has numerous locations scattered through the state. Each one offers quality meats sure to satisfy your rumbling stomach. To learn more, visit the Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ website.
The oldest operating mom & pop BBQ joint in Tyler, Stanley's is known for their no-frills, pit smoked barbecue. After your first bite, you'll be craving more. They've been in the business for over 50 years, so you know their meals are scrumptious! To learn more, visit the Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ website.
This is one of Houstonians' favorite BBQ joints; between the flavorful, juicy cuts of meat and delicious sides, any Texan would drool at the sight of this cookin'. To learn more, visit the Triple J's Smokehouse website.
Texas Monthly called this restaurant one of the top 4 BBQ purveyors in the world, so it's no secret that they serve some mean ribs, some of the best brisket in Texas, and all things BBQ. 24 hour pit-smoked meats and made-from-scratch sides definitely earn this place a spot on our list. Visit the Pecan Lodge website to learn more.
We bet you’re running out your door right now to pick up some barbecue, aren’t you? Have you been to any of these 12 restaurants serving the best BBQ in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another incredible eatery in the Lone Star State, nominate it for a chance to be featured.
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Address: Black's Barbecue Lockhart, 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Address: 208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: The Salt Lick BBQ, 18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826 UNIT C, Driftwood, TX 78619, USA
Address: Louie Mueller Barbecue, 206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574, USA
Address: Kreuz Market, 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Address: 516 Main St, Lexington, TX 78947, USA
Address: City Market, 633 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648, USA
Address: Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, 604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643, USA
Address: 525 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, USA
Address: 6715 Homestead Rd, Houston, TX 77028, USA
Address: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best BBQ restaurants in Texas
July 08, 2020
Elisa Regulski
Which city in Texas has the best BBQ?
From the panhandle to the coast, one thing is certain: There are so many amazing BBQ joints in Texas. There’s only one city, however, that’s known as the “barbecue capital of the world,” and that’s Lockhart. This tiny Texas town is known for its incredible smoked meats, and people come from all around just to chow down.
Who has the best brisket in Texas?
Everyone has their own opinion about who makes the best brisket in Texas, but there’s no denying the special appeal of the meats from Franklin Barbecue in Austin. Pitmaster Aaron Franklin only uses salt, pepper, and smoke to craft his iconic dishes. Sometimes, it really is best to keep things simple.
What foods is Texas known for?
In addition to barbecue, Texas is known for its spectacular Tex Mex restaurants. You’ll be hard-pressed to find rich queso, tangy margaritas, and delicious tacos like ours anywhere else in the United States.
Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. I spend any chance I get traveling, enjoying nature, trying out new recipes, and meditating. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :)
