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 Texas BBQ. If you make it through this list without drooling on your keyboard, congratulations are in order!

1. Black's Barbecue (Lockhart)
215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Black's Barbecue Lockhart/Google Local
Heather Cowper/Flickr
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. This restaurant offers up some of the best BBQ in Texas. To learn more, visit the Black's Barbecue website.

Take a look at this video by @TexasEats:
2. Franklin BBQ (Austin)
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, USA
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
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.
3. Smitty's Market (Lockhart)
Lauren/Flickr
208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
hedrives/Flickr
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.
4. The Salt Lick (Driftwood and Round Rock)
michael stone/Flickr
3350 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, USA
Anthony Quintano/Flickr
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.
5. Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor)
Louie Mueller Barbecue/Google Local
206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574, USA
Krista/Flickr
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.

Take a look at this video by @Goldbelly:
6. Kreuz Market (Lockhart)
Kent Wang/Flickr
619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, USA
Kent Wang/Flickr
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 as it offers some of the best Texas barbecue! To learn more, visit the Kreuz Market website.

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7. Snow's BBQ (Lexington)
It's Roy (Frankiz)/Google Local
516 Main St, Lexington, TX 78947, USA
Paul Joseph/Flickr
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.
8. City Market (Luling)
Doug Dunderdale/Flickr
633 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648, USA
Dave Hensley/Flickr
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, College Station)
Ken-ichi Ueda/Flickr
604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643, USA
301 Stockyards Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA
217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
Earl Rudder Freeway South, Earl Rudder Fwy S, College Station, TX, USA
1125 TX-337 Loop, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USA
Dave Hensley/Flickr
Another one of the barbecue greats of Texas, Cooper's has numerous locations scattered throughout 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.
10. Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ (Tyler)
Stanley's Famous Pit Barbecue/Google Local
525 S Beckham Ave, Tyler, TX 75702, USA
Facebook/Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
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 Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ website.
11. Triple J's Smokehouse (Houston)
Facebook/Triple J's Smokehouse Barbecue and Catering
6715 Homestead Rd, Houston, TX 77028, USA
Facebook/Triple J's Smokehouse Barbecue and Catering
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'. It's also home to some of the best brisket in Texas. To learn more, visit Triple J's Smokehouse website.

Take a look at this video by @TruVisit:
12. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
christopher paprocki/Google Local
Facebook
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. The 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 Texas BBQ? 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.

If you’re still hungry, check out the best mom-and-pop 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

best BBQ restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | July 08, 2020

Which city in Texas has the best BBQ?

There’s only one city that is said to have the best BBQ in Texas and it's known as the “barbecue capital of the world.” That place is 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 are 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.

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