18 Top-Rated BBQ Restaurants In Texas
Barbecue in the Lone Star State carries a weight that goes far beyond the plate. Smoke drifts from pits that have fed ranch hands, city crowds, and road-trippers alike, creating flavors both timeless and ever-evolving.
Brisket that melts at first bite, ribs that snap with the right balance of smoke and spice, sausage with a history all its own – each cut tells a story of fire and patience. Some joints lean on family recipes, others on bold experimentation, but all share a devotion to craft that keeps the Texan tradition alive.
1. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
Lines form before dawn outside this Austin institution, where Aaron Franklin’s brisket has achieved near-mythical status among BBQ aficionados.
The melt-in-your-mouth meat, with its perfect bark and signature smoke ring, justifies the famous wait. Their limited daily quantities ensure everything served is at peak perfection.
2. Snow’s BBQ (Lexington)
Saturday-only operation where legendary pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz has been crafting BBQ magic since her 70s (now in her 80s!).
This unassuming spot gained fame when Texas Monthly named it the best BBQ in Texas. The brisket develops its distinctive flavor through a unique twice-cooked method that keeps meat lovers coming back weekend after weekend.
3. Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor)
Stepping into this historic Taylor smokehouse feels like entering a BBQ time capsule. Smoke-stained walls tell stories of decades of pit mastery.
Third-generation pitmasters continue the Mueller legacy with pepper-crusted brisket that practically falls apart at a glance. Their dinosaur-sized beef ribs have earned cult status among serious meat enthusiasts.
4. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
From humble farmers market beginnings to Deep Ellum hotspot, Pecan Lodge represents Dallas BBQ at its finest.
Their “Hot Mess” – a massive sweet potato stuffed with barbacoa, chipotle cream, and cheese – offers a delicious twist on tradition. Meanwhile, the brisket maintains that perfect balance of smoke, spice, and melt-away tenderness Texas is known for.
5. Truth Barbecue (Houston)
What began as a roadside spot in Brenham has evolved into one of Houston’s most celebrated BBQ destinations. Owner Leonard Botello IV brings artistry to every plate.
Their impossibly moist brisket features a peppery bark that crackles with flavor. Save room for their homemade cakes – the multi-layer chocolate version has developed its own following.
6. Goldee’s Barbecue (Fort Worth)
Five young pitmasters joined forces to create this Fort Worth sensation that rocketed to fame faster than most BBQ establishments.
Named Texas Monthly’s #1 BBQ joint in 2021, their brisket achieves that perfect jiggle barbecue enthusiasts chase. The smoked turkey, often an afterthought elsewhere, emerges as a standout here – juicy, flavorful, and never dry.
7. CorkScrew BBQ (Spring)
Husband-and-wife team Will and Nichole Buckman transformed a pink food truck into one of Houston’s most beloved meat destinations.
CorkScrew’s giant beef ribs, available only on Saturdays, have achieved Instagram fame for good reason. The cobbler, made from Nichole’s grandmother’s recipe, provides the perfect sweet ending to a savory feast.
8. La Barbecue (Austin)
Founded by LeAnn Mueller (BBQ royalty as daughter of Louie Mueller), this East Austin gem brings female leadership to the traditionally male-dominated BBQ world.
Their El Sancho sandwich piles brisket, pulled pork and sausage between two buns for the ultimate meat lover’s dream. The house-made chipotle slaw adds just the right kick to cut through all that richness.
9. InterStellar BBQ (Austin)
Former tech professionals turned pitmasters bring scientific precision to this North Austin sensation. Their Akaushi beef ribs orbit into another dimension of flavor with a unique espresso-based rub.
The peach tea-brined pork chop showcases their innovative approach, while maintaining deep respect for Texas BBQ traditions.
10. Leroy And Lewis Barbecue (Austin)
Breaking BBQ boundaries from their blue food truck, Leroy and Lewis proudly call their approach “new school BBQ.”
Their rotating menu features unconventional cuts like beef cheeks and quail alongside traditional offerings. The Citra hop sausage demonstrates their craft beer influence, while the barbacoa taco represents a perfect Texas-Mexico fusion.
11. The Salt Lick (Driftwood)
Set on a sprawling ranch under ancient oak trees, this iconic BYOB destination offers the quintessential Texas BBQ experience. The dramatic open pit where meats cook over live fire creates an unforgettable sensory experience.
The Salt Lick’s signature mustard-based sauce provides a tangy contrast to the oak-smoked meats that have drawn crowds for generations.
12. Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin)
Small-town charm meets world-class barbecue at this Seguin standout that’s worth the drive from San Antonio or Austin. Their smoked beef cheek barbacoa tacos redefine what’s possible with patience and fire.
The tres leches bread pudding, made with leftover kolaches, demonstrates their commitment to both innovation and minimizing waste.
13. Redbird BBQ (Port Neches)
This East Texas gem brings Central Texas-style BBQ techniques to a region more commonly known for saucy, chopped offerings. Their massive beef ribs, available only on weekends, draw crowds from across the state.
The boudin showcases their regional influence, while the perfectly rendered brisket demonstrates their mastery of traditional smoking techniques.
14. GW’s BBQ (San Juan)
Family-owned Rio Grande Valley institution where mesquite-smoked meats reflect the region’s unique culinary heritage. Their house-made sausage incorporates traditional Mexican spices for a cross-border flavor explosion.
The frijoles charros, studded with brisket trimmings, exemplify how sides here aren’t afterthoughts but essential components of the meal.
15. Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (Aledo)
From Instagram pop-ups to permanent Fort Worth-area fixture, pitmaster Dayne Weaver represents Texas BBQ’s exciting new generation.
Their signature Oaxacan-inspired smoked pork belly burnt ends deliver sweet-spicy-smoky perfection in each bite-sized morsel. The smoked queso mac and cheese showcases how creative sides can enhance rather than compete with exceptional meat.
16. Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth)
Born as a food truck, this Fort Worth favorite earned permanent status through dedication to craft and flavor innovation.
Panther Citiy’s pork belly poppers – jalapeños wrapped in pork belly and stuffed with cream cheese – have developed cult status. The brisket elote cup layers creamy street corn with chopped brisket for a uniquely Texan-Mexican mashup.
17. Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart)
Serving continuously since 1932, this Lockhart institution represents Texas BBQ history in its most authentic form. Three generations of the Black family have maintained their commitment to post oak-smoked perfection.
Their dinosaur beef rib, weighing over a pound, exemplifies the “everything’s bigger in Texas” ethos while delivering remarkable flavor complexity.
18. Blood Bros BBQ (Bellaire)
Three Houston friends (including two actual brothers) combine Texas BBQ techniques with Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean influences at this groundbreaking spot. Their brisket fried rice transforms leftover meat into something entirely new and craveable.
The smoked turkey banh mi showcases their ability to honor both Texas traditions and Houston’s diverse culinary landscape.
