In Texas, barbecue isn’t merely a meal; it’s almost religion. Dining at a Texas barbecue joint is often as much a cultural experience as it is a religious one, and people leave their differences and their politics behind when they walk through the doors. Texans take their barbecue very seriously, especially when it comes to brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. And they don’t pay short shrift to things like sides and sweet tea, either.
While no one will ever agree to one definitive ranking of the 21 best barbecue joints in the state, a lot of names come up repeatedly, and they’re listed in this article.
1. Franklin Barbecue
Few dispute that Franklin Barbecue, located in East Austin and casually called Franklin’s, has Austin’s best barbecue, and many hold that it’s the best in the state. Owner Aaron Franklin got his start hosting his own backyard barbecues, moved on to a trailer, and finally opened his own restaurant. People often line up hours ahead of opening to make sure they get some before it sells out.
2. Smitty’s Market
Lockhart is officially known as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” Smitty’s is one of three big names in Lockhart. Among its many standouts is the prime rib, not commonly served at barbecue joints.
3. Goldee’s BAR-B.Q
Goldee’s in Fort Worth got its start just back in 2020, but that didn’t keep it from earning the designation of Texas’s top barbecue joint for 2021 by Texas Monthly. Try the Laotian sausage served over sticky rice; it’s a special creation by one of the 5 owners.
4. Snow’s BBQ
Lexington is home to this top-notch joint known for keeping things simple and delicious. Most of the credit goes to 88-year-old pitmaster Norma Frances “Tootsie” Tomanetz, who’s still at it every day they’re open.
5. la Barbecue
If there are any serious contenders to Franklin’s for best barbecue in Austin, this is one of them. Like Franklin’s, it’s in the eastern section of the city. Lines frequently wrap around the building, and the restaurant was founded by LeAnn Mueller in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
6. Interstellar BBQ
Don’t let the location in a strip mall in the northeastern part of Austin fool you. This is another joint that can compete with Franklin’s. Although it’s only been open since 2019, it’s been named the second-best barbecue in the state by some judges.
7. Cattleack Barbecue
Low and slow has never been truer than it is at this Dallas restaurant. If you want to make sure to enjoy one of the weekly featured specials, arrive early. The Cattleack is also popular because of its BYOB policy.
8. Pecan Lodge
Found in Dallas’s Deep Ellum neighborhood, the smoked meats here justify the typically long lines. Everything’s made from scratch here, and the sides are as good as they get.
9. Truth Barbecue
Truth Barbecue got its start in a rural roadside shack in Brenham, between Austin and Houston. After just two years, Texas Monthly had put it at #10 on its list of best barbecue joints in the state. By 2021, it had risen to #3.
10. Heim Barbecue
As you’d expect, everything’s great at this joint, another in Fort Worth. However, Heim Barbecue has something special: its bacon burnt ends. The recipe is a closely kept secret, but they always come out chewy, charred, and caramelized.
11. Blood Bros. BBQ
Brothers Robin and Terry Wong, along with their friend Quy Hoang, Houston’s first Vietnamese, founded this Houston joint in an inconspicuous strip mall. Because there’s no fixed menu, there’s always a reason to come back to see what the latest savory foods the owners have cooked up are.
12. Burnt Bean Co.
October 2020 was during the height of the pandemic, a time that was rough on restaurants all over the country. However, that didn’t deter two pitmasters from opening this joint in Seguin. From the lines that regularly form at the Burnt Bean Co., it’s apparent that their bet paid off.
13. The Salt Lick
Located in Driftwood, Salt Like is as much a cultural experience as it is a restaurant. There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and live music and a BYOB policy can make the sometimes-long wait pretty enjoyable. They also have locations in Round Rock and at the Austin airport now, plus some mobile trucks.
14. Hard Eight Pit BBQ
With 5 locations scattered about the Fort Wort region, the Hard 8 is well known. They’ve got all the traditional fare, but you’ll also find a delicious sirloin, not common at barbecue joints.
15. Kelly’s Hill Country Barbecue
Not far from Driftwood of Salt Lick fame is quiet Wimberley, home to this joint that got Texas Barbecue’s #1 award in 2022. Pit Master Kelly Evers operates out of a food trailer, and he considers his work an act of love. It sure does taste like it.
16. Panther City BBQ
The brisket is the headliner at this Fort Worth location. However, don’t miss the glazed pork ribs, house-made sausage, and pretty much everything else on the menu.
17. Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue
John Brotherton is another pit master who got his humble start in his backyard. Friends urged him to start his own business, and he finally did in 2017, setting up shop in Pflugerville.
18. Schoepf’s BBQ
Mission #1 is to be known for its brisket; after all, it’s the top draw for any Texas BBQ joint. Still, there’s a lot of other great stuff on the menu, including ribeyes, quail, and plenty of Tex-Mex options.
19. Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue
Kathy Elkins is a professionally trained chef, and her husband Wade is a self-taught pit master. Together, they’ve found a winning formula for outstanding barbecue in the town of Crockett.
20. Rollin Smoke BBQ
Some people swear eating at this Austin barbecue joint is a life-changing experience. In addition to the traditional fare, try the smoked carnitas tacos, crispy barbacoa tacos, and the pepper jelly glaze for the spare ribs.
21. Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque
Considered by some to be the crown jewel of West Texas barbecue, Evie Mae’s is in Wolfforth, southwest of Lubbock. The long lines usually move fast, but if they don’t, you can grab a free beer from the cooler to help pass the time.
The 7 Best Flea Markets in Texas
Texas is home to some of America’s biggest and best flea markets. If you love shopping, getting bargain deals, and meeting people, you’ll want to visit these flea markets. It’s a fun way to shop and discover all the things you need and even more things you didn’t know you needed. Flea markets in Texas offer everything from antiques and collectibles to home furnishings, vintage clothing items, and much more.
The best way to browse a flea market? With your favorite people, of course! Whether you spend an afternoon or an entire weekend, heading out to one of Texas’s best flea markets can be quite a fun adventure!
The 7 Best Flea Markets in Texas
Texas Swagger: Unraveling the Lone Star State’s Unapologetic Pride
If you’ve ever been to Texas, you’ll notice, besides all the pickup trucks and the cowboy hats, that Texans take a lot of pride in their home state. There are other places in the country that have a strong sense of regional or local pride, but Texas seems to top them all. In fact, for some Texans, the only thing bigger than Texas is their love of the Lone Star State.
Texas Swagger: Unraveling the Lone Star State’s Unapologetic Pride
This article was produced by Our Woven Journey. Featured Image Credit: Maksim Denisenko/Shutterstock.
Robert Sihler is an educator, freelance writer, and rock climbing guide and instructor living with his family in Driftwood, Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys reading fiction, streaming films, completing crossword puzzles, and rock climbing. When he goes on vacation, he likes to visit the mountains of the West and climb remote, obscure peaks that have seen few or no prior ascents.
