7 Restaurants for Farm-Fresh Smoked BBQ in Texas
There’s no shortage of southern-style, slow-cooked smoked barbecue in Texas. Nothing tops a plate of succulent pulled pork and melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket (What wine goes well with beef brisket?) with a side of potato salad. But when the desire for slow-cooked meat hits it can be daunting to imagine that we have to wait hours (and hours…) before we get to roll up our sleeves and satisfy our carnivorous cravings. So, we’ve rounded up 7 restaurants where you can get the freshest cuts of meats, smoked to mouth-watering perfection, in Texas. The two most important things to be considered are top-quality meat and cooking technique – the slower it smoked the better it tastes. While many BBQ joints are exactly what you’d expect them to be, there are some on our list that have been ‘modernized’ but are no less worthy of inclusion. Before you head on down to any of these great BBQ places, make sure you’ve worked up an appetite because you’re going to need it!
Harlem Road Texas BBQ
At Harlem Road Texas BBQ you’ll find some of the most succulent handmade beef sausage, smoked brisket, beef and pork ribs, and pulled pork – smoked ‘vintage’ style! This fuss-free restaurant is located on the fringes of southwest Houston, near Highway 99. The meats are prepared in vintage wine barrels – made of wood that retains the flavor of the vintage they contained – giving the meat a unique, genuinely smokey flavor that you won’t find anywhere else in Texas! They make their own bacon and butter, which accompanies the BBQ and balances each dish. Their other ingredients are also locally sourced and fresh-to-taste! Be sure to try the potato salad, which is out of this world! Take your own beer to this popular restaurant and make sure you arrive early because they’ve been known to sell out! There are decadent desserts on offer to round off a distinctly satisfying meal!
Good to know: They have craft fountain drinks that are made with natural flavors and zero artificial ingredients!
9823 Harlem Rd | Richmond | Texas | 832-278-2101
LeRoy and Lewis
Located on South Congress just North of Ben White Blvd. At this relaxed eatery they have a rotating menu based on availability. You know the meat is lovingly prepared when there’s an award-winning chef at the helm. The menu is small but interesting, including unique cuts such as smoked beef cheeks. The usual elements of a BBQ joint can still be found and the classic favorites are available. You can make your own plate with your choice of meats and sides. The meats are sliced to order and served by the pound. They also offer sandwiches with your choice of smoked meat. Their sides are original and depend on seasonal ingredients, which have been sourced from local farms, such as the ‘Kale Caesar Slaw.’ The employees are honest and knowledgeable about where the items on the menu are sourced. Dessert options may be lacking, but we’re not complaining about the cheesecake with it’s Ritz cracker crust, Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar, green apple and cheddar crisp!
Good to know: Take a blanket with and enjoy a picnic-style BBQ on the lawn
121 Pickle Rd | Austin | Texas | 512-945-9882
Lamberts
This is a cozy downtown restaurant, located inside a renovated general store, that serves upscale BBQ food. You can never go wrong with a brisket or pulled pork from Lamberts. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can stop by without making a reservation. For bigger groups a reservation is recommended - just in case there’s not enough space to accommodate you. They have an interesting menu, with lots of variety, offering brunch, lunch, and dinner. There’s also a ‘Bar Food’ menu that you can order from. The service is fast and friendly and the food is attractively presented.
Good to know: Upstairs bar with Live Music and Happy Hour!
401 W 2nd St | Austin | Texas | 512-494-1500
Local Yocal BBQ and Grill
At this family-owned restaurant in downtown McKinney, it’s ‘all about the beef!’ You’ll find proper Texas barbecue here. It’s a Farm-to-table restaurant where the food is made from scratch and prepared honestly with ingredients that are locally sourced. Local Yocal is committed to quality and sustainability. The staff will be able to give you details and tell you stories about the food you’ll eat. The ambiance here is rustic and family-friendly. The other menu items include Wagyu steaks, Craft beer, and single barrel bourbons. There’s also a large selection of wines and barrel-aged cocktails. You can order family-sized meals and there’s an option to order online and pick up.
Good to know: They have a great bar.
350 E Louisiana St, Suite A| McKinney | Texas| 469-225-0800
Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue
This restaurant is situated inside the notable Gage Hotel. Here you’ll find all your favorite smoked meats such as brisket, pork spare ribs and pulled pork – expertly prepared. They also have turkey breast and a house-made sausage. We suggest giving the Jalapeno Cheddar sausage a try but, if you’re feeling less adventurous the original sausage is also delicious. The staff are enthusiastic and friendly which creates an enjoyable vibe. They have Craft beers from the brewery as well as a selection of beers on tap. Brick Vault Brewery and Barbecue was featured in “Top 25 Barbecue Joints in Texas.” Dessert options include beloved favorites such as peach cobbler.
Good to know: The Banana Pudding is second-to-none.
102 NW 1st St | Highway 90w | Marathon | Texas | 432-386-4205
Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse
Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse has been servicing the community for over 75 years. That’s four generations of smokehouse experience under the belt! It’s a no-frills, diner-style restaurant famous for the hickory-smoke flavor of the high-quality meats. The savory sausage is made with natural casings. On the menu, you’ll find everything delicious: pulled pork, ribs, smoked pork, briskets and much more. They also have sandwiches, baked potatoes, and dessert options.
If you’re keen on some BBQ for breakfast but don’t feel like getting ready to go to a restaurant, they have a drive-thru option with a menu that includes beef sausage and beef brisket by the half-pound. Whatever your mood, there’ll be something to satisfy your hunger cravings at this smokehouse!
Good to know: You can buy meat to take home and they also do delivery.
188 US-290 | Elgin | Texas | 512-281-3331
Killen’s STQ
This is a rustic restaurant with an open kitchen and plenty of dining space available in a sociable, relaxed setting. The restaurant has been featured in many ‘Top’ lists and even ranked as the number 2 ‘Best BBQ in America’ by Food Network in recent years. They serve wood-fired smoked meats such as smoked brisket, fillet, and short rib but are also known for their juicy steaks. You can top your mains off with deliciously prepared sides such as mashed potatoes, ‘Gouda Mac and Cheese’ or creamed corn. The dessert menu is impressive, with unique options like ‘Bacon Tres Leches Bread Pudding,’ and, ‘Smoked Chocolate Cake.’
Good to know: A variety of decent ports available on the drink’s menu.
2231 S Voss Rd | Houston | Texas | 713-586-0223
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