By | Rank | Restaurant | Location | Standout Proteins | Notable Sides | Experience Highlights | Pros | Cons | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin Barbecue | Austin | Brisket, Pulled Pork, Pork Ribs | Potato Salad, Slaw | Renowned for its tender brisket; long lines are common due to high demand. | Exceptional meat quality; recognized as one of the best BBQ spots in the country. | Long wait times; limited hours; sells out quickly. | Wed–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 2 | Snow’s BBQ | Lexington | Brisket, Pork Steak, Sausage | Potato Salad, Beans | Open only on Saturdays; features legendary pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz. | Authentic Texas BBQ experience; | Limited availability; requires early arrival to ensure service. | Sat: 8 AM – Sold Out snowsbbq.com |
| 3 | Cattleack Barbeque | Dallas | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad | Open only a few days a week; recognized with a Michelin star. | High-quality meats; unique offerings like whole hog. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Wed–Fri: 10:30 AM – 2 PM |
| 4 | Goldee’s Barbecue | Fort Worth | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Potato Salad, Coleslaw | Known for its balanced flavors and meticulous preparation; early sellouts are common. | Meticulous preparation; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Long wait times; limited operating days. | Fri–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 5 | Reese Bros Barbecue | San Antonio | Brisket, Sausage, Pork Ribs | Poblano Mac and Cheese, Fresh-Made Tortillas | Known for its unique offerings and fresh-made tortillas. | Innovative menu; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Thu–Sun: 11 AM – 3 PM guide.michelin.com |
| 6 | 2M Smokehouse | San Antonio | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Chicharrón Mac and Cheese, Pickled Nopales | Blends traditional Texas BBQ with Mexican flavors; offers unique sides. | Creative fusion menu; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Fri–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 7 | CorkScrew BBQ | Spring | Brisket, Beef Ribs, Turkey | Loaded Baked Potatoes, Tacos with Green-Chile Ranch | Known for its prime cuts and distinct smoke flavor; often sells out quickly. | High-quality meats; efficient service. | Long lines; limited hours; sells out quickly. | Wed–Sat: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 8 | Interstellar BBQ | Austin | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Smoked Scalloped Potatoes, Poblano Creamed Corn | Recognized with a Michelin star; offers a variety of smoked meats and hearty sides. | High-quality meats; unique offerings. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Wed–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 9 | La Barbecue | Austin | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Mac and Cheese, Potato Salad | Recognized with a Michelin star; offers a variety of smoked meats and hearty sides. | High-quality meats; unique offerings. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Wed–Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM |
| 10 | Micklethwait Craft Meats | Austin | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Jalapeño Cheese Grits, Lemon Poppy Slaw | Serves from a vintage trailer; offers house-made sausages and creative sides. | Craft approach to BBQ; inventive side dishes. | Outdoor seating only; can have long lines. | Tue–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 11 | Truth BBQ | Houston | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Tater Tot Casserole, Corn Pudding | Known for its Central Texas-style BBQ; offers a variety of smoked meats and hearty sides. | High-quality meats; unique offerings. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Tue–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 12 | Louie Mueller Barbecue | Taylor | Brisket, Beef Ribs, Sausage | Pinto Beans, Potato Salad | Historic establishment with a legacy of traditional Texas BBQ. | Rich history; authentic atmosphere. | Some patrons feel quality can vary; limited seating. | Mon–Sat: 11 AM – 6 PM |
| 13 | Terry Black’s Barbecue | Austin | Brisket, Beef Ribs, Sausage | Creamed Corn, Mac and Cheese | Offers a spacious dining area; known for its efficient service. | Consistent quality; family-friendly environment. | Can be crowded during peak hours; parking can be challenging. | Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| Rank | Restaurant | Location | Standout Proteins | Notable Sides | Experience Highlights | Pros | Cons | Hours of Operation |
|---|
| 15 | Burnt Bean Co. | Seguin | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Borracho Beans, Potato Salad | Recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand; offers Tejano-style BBQ. | High-quality meats; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Thu–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 16 | Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q | Tyler | Baby Back Ribs, Brisket, Pulled Pork | Brother-in-Law Sandwich, Mother Clucker Sandwich | Known for its sandwiches and live music; a local favorite in East Texas. | Unique sandwich offerings; lively atmosphere. | Can be crowded during peak hours; limited parking. | Mon–Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| 17 | City Market | Luling | Brisket, Sausage, Pork Ribs | Potato Salad, Beans | Historic establishment known for its sausage; a staple in Texas BBQ history. | Authentic atmosphere; traditional BBQ experience. | Cash only; can be crowded during peak hours. | Mon–Sat: 7 AM – 6 PM; Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM |
| 18 | Black’s Barbecue | Lockhart | Brisket, Beef Ribs, Sausage | Macaroni and Cheese, Pinto Beans | One of the oldest BBQ joints in Texas; family-owned since 1932. | Rich history; consistent quality. | Some patrons feel quality can vary; can be crowded during peak hours. | Daily: 10 AM – 8 PM |
| 19 | Kreuz Market | Lockhart | Brisket, Pork Chops, Sausage | German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut | Known for its market-style service; a central Texas BBQ institution. | Historic establishment; unique atmosphere. | No sauce available; can be crowded during peak hours. | Mon–Sat: 10:30 AM – 8 PM; Sun: 10:30 AM – 6 PM |
| 20 | Smitty’s Market | Lockhart | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Potato Salad, Beans | Offers a traditional BBQ experience in a historic setting. | Authentic atmosphere; historic building. | Cash only; can be crowded during peak hours. | Mon–Fri: 7 AM – 6 PM; Sat: 7 AM – 6:30 PM; Sun: 9 AM – 3 PM |
| 21 | Nik’s Not Normal | Canyon Lake,Texas | Brisket, Turkey | Chorizo Black Beans, Mac and Cheese | Known for its tender Brisket and Extra Large Baked Potatoes | High-quality meats; unique offerings. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Fri 11-6 Sat: 11-6 Sun 11-6 |
| 22 | Style Switch BBQ | Austin | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Macaroni and Cheese, Collard Greens | Offers a variety of smoked meats and hearty sides. | High-quality meats; unique offerings. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Daily: 11 AM – 9 PM |
| 23 | Panther City BBQ | Fort Worth | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Elote, Macaroni and Cheese | Known for its Tex-Mex BBQ fusion; offers unique dishes like brisket elote. | Innovative menu; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Wed–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 24 | Barbs B Q | Lockhart | Brisket, Pork Ribs, Sausage | Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Mac and Cheese, Pickled Vegetables | Led by a young pitmaster; offers creative and modern BBQ dishes. | Innovative menu; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Fri–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
| 25 | Kafi BBQ | Irving | Wagyu Brisket, Lamb Ribs, Chicken | Sumac Slaw, Pita Bread | Halal-certified BBQ spot offering unique flavors inspired by Iraqi heritage. | Unique offerings; recognized among top BBQ spots. | Limited operating days; often has long lines. | Fri–Sun: 11 AM – Sold Out |
🏆 Best Brisket
- Franklin Barbecue (Austin) – Unmatched tenderness and bark.
- Goldee’s Barbecue (Fort Worth) – Incredibly moist and smoky.
- Truth BBQ (Houston) – Perfectly rendered fat and deep smoke ring.
- Snow’s BBQ (Lexington) – Legendary slow-smoked texture.
- Cattleack Barbeque (Dallas) – Prime-quality meat with excellent seasoning.
🔥 Best Pork Ribs
- Terry Black’s Barbecue (Austin) – Juicy, fall-off-the-bone.
- Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor) – Deep smoke penetration.
- 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio) – Mexican-inspired glaze and flavors.
- Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth) – Tex-Mex fusion ribs.
- Micklethwait Craft Meats (Austin) – House-made rubs, perfectly charred.
🐔 Best Turkey
- Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue (Wolfforth) – Juiciest smoked turkey in Texas.
- Blood Bros BBQ (Bellaire) – Asian-influenced turkey with deep flavors.
- Interstellar BBQ (Austin) – Lightly smoked, ultra-moist slices.
- CorkScrew BBQ (Spring) – Well-seasoned, juicy turkey breast.
- Style Switch BBQ (Austin) – Tender and slightly sweet finish.
🏡 Best Atmosphere
- Snow’s BBQ (Lexington) – Old-school Texas BBQ experience.
- Smitty’s Market (Lockhart) – Historic smoke-stained walls & open-pit cooking.
- City Market (Luling) – Authentic small-town Texas BBQ vibe.
- Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q (Tyler) – BBQ and live music.
- Kreuz Market (Lockhart) – No-frills, historic, and delicious.
🍽️ Best Sides
- Reese Bros BBQ (San Antonio) – Poblano Mac and Cheese, fresh tortillas.
- 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio) – Chicharrón Mac & Pickled Nopales.
- Truth BBQ (Houston) – Tater Tot Casserole & Corn Pudding.
- Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth) – Brisket Elote.
- Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart) – Classic Mac & Cheese and Pinto Beans.
💡 Most Innovative BBQ
- Blood Bros BBQ (Bellaire) – Asian-Texas BBQ fusion.
- 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio) – Mexican-inspired smoked meats.
- Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth) – Tex-Mex BBQ.
- Reese Bros BBQ (San Antonio) – Smoked brisket tacos.
- Kafi BBQ (Irving) – Halal Iraqi-inspired BBQ.
🌭 Best Sausage in Texas BBQ
- Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor) – Legendary black pepper-crusted beef sausage with a deep smoke flavor.
- 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio) – House-made jalapeño and Oaxaca cheese sausage, bursting with flavor.
- City Market (Luling) – Traditional Central Texas sausage links with a perfect snap.
- Kreuz Market (Lockhart) – Coarse-ground, smoky, and meaty sausage with no sauce needed.
- Snows BBQ (Lexington) – Classic, juicy pork and beef blend with a crispy casing.
From time to time, I get a group together and we go on a BBQ trip, If interested make sure you follow for future details!🔥