BBQ Joints In Texas That Are the Best in the State

The most well-known Texas BBQ joints, including the (new) Michelin Awards!

As we all know, Texas is not shy of barbecue restaurants. The best BBQ joints in Texas are worth seeking out when planning a trip to the Lone Star State. If you want dynamic, savory Texas barbecue, it’s everywhere in the state, but finding the ones that cook their barbecue low and slow and smoked is a quest. Now that Texas finally has restaurants in the Michelin Guide, there are a few barbecue places you’ll want to know about.

We have a pretty good list of the best barbecue joints in the Lone Star State, so grab a pen or your phone and jot down these most talked-about barbecue restaurants in Texas.

Texas Monthly has dubbed many of these BBQ joints the best in Texas and/or in its top 10 – every year.

Most Talked About BBQ Joints In Texas

When traveling through Texas, there are plenty of places to grab a barbecue lunch or dinner, as we are known to have the best! And, if you take your barbecue as seriously as Texas, you’ll want to visit a few of these BBQ joints on your travels.

According to Texas Monthly, in 2021, Goldee’s Barbecue was ranked as the best in Texas. So, if you’re near Fort Worth, look them up. The best Texas BBQ is closer than you think – keep reading!

Is it all in the BBQ sauce?

Texas has some of the best, whether you like tender pork ribs or spare ribs. I like my meat falling off the bone, but I will take it tender on a bun. While researching, I found Austin and the Houston market to have more places than any other city in Texas. Lockhart, TX, runs close. But the best restaurants are in Fort Worth. Now, I’ve got to go!

Question: Who has the best BBQ in Texas? Answer in the comment section.

A Great List Of The Best BBQ Joints In Texas Starts Here!

When it comes to Texas and barbecue, all you need to think about is mouthwatering Texas-style barbecue. That’s it.

And…if possible – save room for a slice of sweet potato pie. See below who I think makes the best sweet potato pie in Texas…and it’s not at a BBQ joint—hint: Roanoke, TX.

Best BBQ Joints in Amarillo

• Tyler’s Barbeque

Tyler’s won Choice Awards for its BBQ and Ribs and has been in national magazines and on TV morning shows. The new location (3301 Olsen Boulevard) has the same taste!

Best BBQ in Austin & Central Texas

Have you heard of the Texas BBQ Trail?

Luling, Lockhart, Elgin, and Taylor. Start in Luling at 421 E. Davis St.

• InterStellar BBQ, Austin – Michelin Award

Michelin 1 Star – worth a stop! Expect long lines even before they open! Address: 12233 Ranch Rd. 620 N.

• La Barbecue, Austin – Michelin Award

Michelin 1 Star – worth a stop! A custom-built pit in the backyard. Address: 2401 E. Cesar Chavez St.

• LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, Austin – Michelin Award

Michelin 1 Star – worth a stop! It started as a food truck and is now a brick-and-mortar in Garrison Park. Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Dr.

• Franklin Barbecue – Austin

Lines are always long at Franklin BBQ. That does say something about the BBQ!

• City Market (Luling)

City Market BBQ has been in Texas Monthly’s top 10 for many years.

• Lockhart, Texas – The Official Barbecue Capital of  Texas

The big three BBQ spots in Lockhart are worth the drive …so I hear! Lockhart, 36 miles south of Austin, is the Official Barbecue Capital of Texas as of 2003. Lockhart’s big three include Black’s Barbecue, Smitty’s Market & Kreuz Market. Of course, you won’t want to limit yourself to the meat—the sides are just as good, too, and it wouldn’t be prudent to eat BBQ without side dishes like a loaded baked potato, coleslaw, or chickpea salad.

Other BBQ places in Lockhart are Lockhart Chisolm Trail BBQ and Barbs-B-Q, which quickly topped the charts. Look for Texas Monthly’s annual BBQ Fest in Lockhart: 35+ BBQ joints, live music, and more.

• Barbs B Q, Lockhart – Michelin Award

Michelin Bib Gourmand – Best value for your buck! It’s only open on Saturday and Sunday, so expect a long line. Maybe they’ll open on Friday now that Michelin has noticed. Address: 102 E. Market St.

• Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor)

This family-owned BBQ joint has served the public finger-licking ribs, sausage, brisket, poultry & steaks for three generations.

• Helberg Barbecue (Waco)

They are very proud to be part of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas in November 2021. Salt, Pepper & Jesus got ’em there!!

Texas Hill Country’s Best BBQ Joints

• The Salt Lick BBQ

(Driftwood, Round Rock, and Dallas)

I’ve eaten at the Driftwood The Salt Lick BBQ. The atmosphere is great—live music and outdoor seating are a plus. It’s a busy place all day and all night. Get there early so you won’t have to wait in line.

• Klein Smokehaus (Boerne)

It’s the best in town. Klein’s is where you want to get a good smoked BBQ and sausage links. It’s a butcher shop, but they offer fabulous lunches and dinners with all the sides. The last time I was there, they discussed expanding the seating area for sit-down meals.

• Old 300 BBQ (Blanco)

They say, “Come and get it…,” and so they do. Just look for the old truck in town. Passerbys and locals won’t pass up a good barbecue sandwich or BBQ plate from Old 300 BBQ. If you’re a visitor, you’ve probably been told about this place by someone who knows how good it is. Enjoy a plate for me!

• Best BBQ in Bastrop

Try Southside Market & Barbecue at 534 State Hwy 71. It’s on every list on the web!

Big Bend Area

• Brick Vault Brewery & Barbecue (Marathon)

There is not much in the town of Marathon, but this restaurant, a few more, and one luxury hotel. Marathon is said to be the gateway to Big Bend National Park. So, on your way there, stop for a good barbecue meal.

BBQ Joints In Dallas

• Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum)

Dallas’ most award-winning BBQ is in Deep Ellum—I’ve seen this place all over Facebook.

• Mesquite BBQ In Mesquite, Texas

Though I didn’t order a slab of brisket, I did order this brisket-baked potato, which I couldn’t finish. It’s huge. According to incredible sources, Mesquite BBQ is family-owned and the best in town …according to incredible sources. I agree. Mesquite, TX, is just 15 minutes from downtown Dallas.

Best Of Best BBQ In Fort Worth, Texas

• Goldee’s Barbecue – A Michelin Mention

Voted the best barbecue in Texas by Texas Monthly (2021). If I didn’t live an hour away and had to deal with awful traffic getting there, I’d go tonight! Again, Goldee’s landed on the Texas Monthly Top BBQ 2022 list. I watched the show online, and I know I saw that Goldee’s was mentioned.

• Riscky’s Barbeque

A Fort Worth Stockyard staple. When in the Stockyards, grab some barbecue. It is located at 120 E. Exchange. Two other locations in Fort Worth include Sundance Square and the West Side.

• Hard Eight BBQ (Roanoke)

Always long lines. But, honestly, the meat is too salty for me. If you go here, a must for the best sweet potato pie is Oak St. Pie Co., which is within walking distance. Check opening times.

• 407 BBQ (Argyle)

One of the best family-owned barbecue restaurants near Fort Worth, off I-35 South and Justin Road toward Argyle. They started in a small building with barely any seating—now they’ve grown into something big! Those things happen when you serve good food. Congrats to them!!

• Sammies Bar-B-Q

You can’t beat a joint that serves down-home barbecue, homestyle fixings & meat by the pound. Plus, they have a drive-thru. They are located at 3801 E Belknap St., Fort Worth.

• Fort Worth Barbecue Co. (formerly Bailey’s Bar-B-Que)

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• Natty Flat Smokehouse (Mineral Wells)

Find this restaurant on Hwy 281 between Mineral Wells and Stephenville. There are also great photo ops and a great place to pick up gifts inside the Texas Hill Country Mercantile and Furniture store. There is also one in Lipan, TX.

• Mesquite Pit (Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Granbury)

They specialize in Mesquite-grilled steaks and barbecue, seafood, family fare, and American favorites. Each restaurant has its daily specials and hours.

Galveston Island BBQ

• Leon’s World’s Finest In & Out Bar-B-Que

Smoked-meat sandwiches and beer and wine – just yum! In town on Broadway.

• Texas Pit Stop BBQ

No cheese on my BBQ, please! But you can get piles of it here on the Seawall if you like it.

Houston Area

• CorkScrew BBQ, Spring, TX – Michelin Award

Michelin 1 Star – worth a stop! Long lines mean great BBQ! Address: 26608 Keith St.

• Blood Bros. BBQ

A come-as-you-are restaurant. This place has some awards. Here’s one. The New York Times says one of the 50 places in America we’re excited about (2021). They are located in Bellaire, a Houston suburb.

• Ray’s BBQ Shack, aka Rays Real Pit BBQ Shack

Hickory-smoked meats and seafood.

• Feges BBQ (Greenway Plaza)

Traditional & modern BBQ fare, foodcourt style.

Love camping – jump to Camping Near Houston for a fun time!

Best Barbecue in San Antonio

• Smoke Shack BBQ

They were voted Best BBQ in San Antonio by locals. There you go. You know, the locals know things!!

• Harmon’s BBQ (Cibolo)

The Best Barbecue restaurant in town.

• Purple Pig (Schertz)

Midwest Style BBQ with a Texas Twist and purple umbrellas!

• Davila’s BBQ (Seguin)

With a rustic vibe serving the community since 1959, Davila’s offers by the slice or the pound! They share their recipes!!

The most talked-about BBQ joints in Texas are right here. I’ll add more if I see that they are worthy. Contact me if you have a worthy BBQ I need to know about!

Comments, please: What’s your favorite BBQ joint in Texas?

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