The 10 Best Texas BBQ Joints (With Photos!)

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Are you looking for the Top Ten BBQ in Texas based on the Texas Monthly BBQ 2023 Top 50 List? Then you came to the right place, at least in theory. Because to tell you the truth: There is no Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ 2023 list. They publish that list every 4 years and the current one is from 2021! Thus, the 2021 list is also the de-facto Texas Monthly Best BBQ 2023 list!

The grill and the holy trinity of meats have shared a rather long history here in Texas. Growing up in the Lone Star State, I can’t even imagine a week without some good old Texas barbecue. The sizzle on the grill, the musky smoke in the air, and of course the tender, juicy meat—all senses are pleasured by this much-loved Texan cuisine. Pork Spare Ribs or Beef Brisket? How about both! See what BBQ champion Myron Mixon can teach you! If you’re awake at night asking “What are the best BBQ places in Texas?” then we have the answer to that. No matter if you are looking for the best BBQ in Texas, best BBQ East Texas, or Central Texas, or North Texas - or simply the best BBQ places in Texas near you - we’ve got you covered!

But the question is, what sets good Texan barbecue and BBQ sauces apart from your run-of-the-mill grilled meats? In my time driving around the state, I’ve visited quite a number of barbecue joints and can tell you that some pitmasters out there make cooking meat over the fire a religion and, through their delicious dishes, it really shows. It's not just about having a famous barbecue in Texas; it’s all about the taste; some people even say it's almost a religion!

In the past few decades, a whole host of barbecue joints have sprung up across Texas, with many boasting generations of loyal customers. Here are the top 10 BBQ Joints in Texas as provided by Texas Monthly, with my personal take on them, and here’s to the best BBQ in Texas 2023!

Please note: Texas Monthly published the current Texas Monthly BBQ list in 2021. They visited 411 Texas BBQs to come up with the top 50. They usually publish a new list every 4 years, as mentioned. It is by far their most popular article and has been forever. Have you heard about the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest that they organize every year in Lockhart, the BBQ capital of the world? The 2023 edition is coming up in Lockhart City Park in November. TM BBQ Club Members can get early bird tickets. VIP tickets start at $125. VIP ticket holders, your tickets include food at all the featured joints, plus an extra hour of VIP access, meaning fewer lines!

1. Goldee’s BAR-B.Q

Goldee’s BAR-B.Q in Fort Worth was established back in 2020 by five barbecue aficionados with seven years of industry experience. Named by Texas Monthly as the #1 BBQ in Texas for 2021, they have certainly earned their spot through their modern take on Texas barbecue. The owners have created a barbecue that has a balance of seasonings and enough smoky flavor to make their briskets, pork shoulder steak, and sausages as close to perfection as possible. If you get to visit this top-rated barbecue joint, then you’ve got to try their Laotian sausage created by owner Nupohn Inthanousay, which is paired with sticky rice and topped with a spicy-sour jeow som sauce! And don't forget to try their beans, coleslaw, and other side dishes as well! They have definitely earned their place as one of the best BBQ in Texas.

Check out Goldee’s for some brilliant barbecue and good times.

Patrick Scott Armstrong from the Lone Star Plate has a special episode on Goldee’s that you can check out right here.

Address: 4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, Texas
Contact: (817) 480-4131

2. Interstellar BBQ

Rated as the second-best barbecue joint in Texas, (and probably one of the best Austin BBQ restaurants) InterStellar BBQ in Austin is simply out of this world. Opened in 2019, this BBQ joint is owned and run by pit boss John Bates, a man who prides himself on the quality of the ingredients, meats, and wood used to make his heavenly barbecue. Located at a strip mall in North Eastern Austin, this barbecue joint is hard to miss as its smokers sit right out in the parking lot. The big smoker is dedicated to pitmaster John’s staple creations, with the small smoker saved for his impressive smoking experiments. His simple take on Texas brisket uses garlic, pepper, salt, and a keen attention to detail regarding heat management, thus producing the juiciest and tastiest meats you’ll find in Austin, Texas. Just don’t forget to try the scalloped potatoes and other side dishes while you’re there! Another Austin, Texas favorite is Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, a rural smokehouse serving acclaimed ribs, brisket, sausage, pork & chicken. Online ordering, take out, catering.

Interstellar BBQ will give you a barbecue experience unlike any other.

Address: 12233 Ranch Road 620 N, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
Contact: (512) 382-6248

3. Truth Barbeque

Starting out from humble beginnings, Truth BBQ was opened in 2015 in a small Brenham-based shack, right by a rural highway crossing between Houston and Austin. By 2017, pitmaster Leonard Botello IV had already garnered 10th place on Texas Monthly’s list with Truth BBQ, and in 2021, it was bumped up into third position. This climb in the rankings is due to the passion that Botello puts in when it comes to grilling meats. His barbecue also stays true to the Central Texas barbecue tradition of cooking over an open fire. Botello also pushes the boundaries of tradition with his Carolina-style whole hog, pastrami brisket, and boudin smoked sausage that adds variety to TRUTH BBQ’s stellar selection of grilled meats. And for those who prefer chicken? Well, they have some pretty killer chicken BBQ as well! There's something for everyone! I mean, look at that spread, with BBQ and side dishes like those, who needs desserts right? Definitely one of the, if not the best bbq in Texas in some of our writers’ opinion.

TRUTH BBQ serves up a truly Texan BBQ with a few delightful twists. Houston is spoilt for choice in noted BBQ restaurants so add these to your list to try: Brisket Love Lindale TX, or 1775 Texas Pit BBQ.

Address: 110 S Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 | 2990 US 290, Brenham, TX 77833
Contact: (832) 835-0001 | (979) 830-0392

4. Burnt Bean Co.

Opened in October 2020 in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Burnt Bean Co could be said by some to have been a bit of a risk. However, pitmasters Ernest Servantes and Dave Kirkland took the gamble and won, with droves of people frequently lining up at their eatery in Seguin, Texas to get a taste of their grilled meats. Ranked fourth in Texas Monthly’s list, Burnt Bean’s place in the sun has been due to the passion and hard work that Servantes and Kirkland have put in throughout the years. During his career, Servantes has taken part in a whole host of BBQ competitions in Texas, going on to compete in national events. In many of these competitions, he was repeatedly pitted against Dave Kirkland—and the rest is history. Learning from each other, the two eventually worked together to win cook-offs across the Lone Star State. And due to their collective experience and attention to detail, they now serve up a great Texas Holy Trinity platter of beef brisket, baby back ribs, and sausage that uses prime 30-day wet-aged meats. P.S. Try their side dishes to for a more complete meal, or as I lovingly call it, a meat coma!

If you’re ever in Seguin, drop by the Burnt Bean Co. for an awesome barbecue experience. Be sure to get there early to be first in line!

Address: 108 S Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155
Contact: burntbeanco.com/contact

5. Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is one of the most creative BBQ joints in Austin, using a variety of meat cuts for a unique barbecue experience. This has allowed them to nab a fifth place in Texas Monthly’s ranking of the best Texan BBQ joints. Operating out of a food truck, Leroy and Lewis offer smoked beef cheeks instead of brisket, an out-of-the-ordinary experience even for the most hardcore barbecue enthusiasts. They also serve bacon (how long does bacon last?) ribs on Saturdays—yes, you heard that right. Bacon. Ribs. These are truly the love child of pork ribs and bacon and will knock your socks off with their rich taste. While at the joint, make sure to also try their smoked barbacoa, which is packed full of mouthwatering, juicy flavor.

For a creative take on Texas barbecue, Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is sure to impress.

Address: 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Contact: (512) 945-9882

6. Cattleack BBQ

Open only two days a week (Thursdays and Fridays) and every first Saturday of the month, Cattleack prioritizes the quality of every single bite of their barbecue. Their pulled pork, beef ribs, and Wagyu brisket create a divine combination of smokiness and juiciness that you won’t find elsewhere. Cattleack also has house specials such as their Wagyu pastrami ribs, spicy beef boudin, and beef bologna that are loved by their customers and are known to run out fast! With their great dishes and overall good times, Cattleack BBQ easily made it to sixth place in Texas Monthly’s rankings.

Cattleack BBQ offers premium meats cooked to perfection that are sure to delight both regulars and first-timers. Also, try out Pecan Lodge BBQ restaurant in central Dallas, where the BBQ pit burns 24 hours a day, fueled by nothing but wood and passion.

Address: 13628 Gamma Rd, Dallas, TX 75244
Contact: (972) 805-0999

7. Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue was established out of the small cookouts that Aaron and Stacy Franklin used to organize. Little did they know that these cookouts would blossom into a restaurant that has been visited by Jimmy Kimmel, Anthony Bourdain, and even President Obama. Franklin barbecue has become one of the most famous bbq in Texas. Their success is owed to the level of detail and passion that graces their Texan barbecue. Franklin Barbecue is so good that people have been known to queue up as early as 4:00 am and wait in line till the restaurant opens at 11:00 am. Their fatty briskets are exquisitely smoked, with the final product wearing a delicious black crust. Their pork ribs are simply beautiful—the juice that oozes out of these cuts make them oh-so delectable. And let’s not forget to mention their pulled pork, which is so close to perfection that it would certainly feel right at home on the President’s plate.

The BBQ isn't only the star of the show, but their side dishes as well! From coleslaw to beans, their side dishes help bring out the flavor of the meats! Due to the awesome food they serve up to the masses, Franklin Barbecue has made it to seventh place on Texas Monthly’s list.

The legend that is Franklin Barbecue has been a major influence on Texan pitmasters for years and continues to be a staple food stop for all.

Address: 900 E. 11th, Austin, TX 78702
Contact: (512) 653-1187

8. Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque

The story of Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque starts in 2015, with a small trailer selling food and a smoker named the “Black Pearl”. Arnis and Mallory Robbins sold their successful landscaping business to jump right into the world of barbecue and, since then, have never looked back. After a year of successfully operating out of their trailer, they moved to a brick-and-mortar location where they now serve droves of people from Thursdays to Saturdays. They pride themselves on using Certified US Angus beef, meaning their beef ribs are always the first item to sell out. However, if this happens, you’ll be relieved to find out that their fatty beef brisket is one of the best in West Texas—the burnt ends are to die for. Evie Mae’s also serves St. Louis-cut ribs, complete with a subtle seasoning that makes for a taste and texture explosion that is out of this world. Their meticulous approach to grilling has awarded them the title of the eight best BBQ joint in Texas. Arguably some of the best brisket in Texas.

Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque is a true gem of Lubbock, Texas, serving delectable meats that will get your tastebuds dancing.

Address: 217 US-62. Wolfforth, TX 79382
Contact: (806) 782-2281

9. Snow’s BBQ

In 2008, Texas Monthly named Snow’s BBQ the number one barbecue joint in Texas, skyrocketing the reputation of the formerly lesser-known restaurant in Lexington. Now, they are ninth on the list and owner Kerry Bexley and pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz are still going strong. The key to their tasty meats is a simple combination of subtle seasoning, plentiful moisture from mopping the meats, and a real feel for the grill. As a result, Snow’s BBQ has become a nationwide icon for grilled meats. Tasting their fall-off-the-bone briskets and melt-in-your-mouth ribs is the perfect way to learn about how this established grill house has become a destination for BBQ lovers all over the world. And if you're looking for white meat, they also have some great turkey breast and chicken that's available by the pound!

Snow’s BBQ offers a great dining experience and the quality of their smoked meats is definitely worth it. Visit Snow's BBQ!

Address: 1334 W Fm 696, Lexington, TX 78947
Contact: (979) 773-4640

10. Panther City BBQ

Ranked 10th on Texas Monthly’s list of top BBQ joints, Panther City BBQ (and its success) are the work of owners Chris Magallanes and Ernest Morales. You can expect generous servings of slow smoked meats at this joint, which offers tender spare ribs smoked in their amazing rib rub and coated in a sweet barbecue sauce, moist smoked turkey with a hint of spice, sweet jalapeño, and cheese sausages bursting with flavor, and porky belly burnt ends with a touch of sweetness. But what really put Panther City BBQ on the map is their brisket elote, which is layered in a cup with chopped cilantro, hot sauce (how long does hot sauce last?), creamed corn, cilantro slaw, and queso fresco. What’s more, their delicious side dishes, such as their potato salad and homemade spicy vinegar coleslaw, complement the juicy meats that this top BBQ joint serves up all week.

Panther City BBQ gives you a sweet BBQ experience with some top-notch sides.

Address: 201 E Hattie Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104
Contact: (682) 499-5618

If you’re near Dallas, try Alfonso's Breakfast Burritos in Duncanville. Newly opened and already a hit with locals. The best burritos in town.

Conclusion

These 10 Texan BBQ joints featured on Texas Monthly’s list serve up smoked, tender cuts of ecstasy that are sure to have you rolling back your eyes. But as much as how awesome their food is, it’s the community and stories behind these joints that have molded them into what they are today. This combined with Texas’ love for barbecue, has made these eateries a must-try for all meat lovers.

Now, do I rank them the same as Texas Monthly does?

Well, yes and no. You see, I’m an equal-opportunity eater when I eat BBQ. And for me, as long as it’s the top 10 BBQ grills, whether it's brisket grilled cheese sandwich, fried ribs, or fried chicken, all served with baked potato salad, and fried pickles then that’s the best barbecue at that point in time! You can’t go wrong with Texas BBQ houses, and all these joints are well worth the drive and wait! And if you're like me, Friday nights will never be the same as I make my pilgrimage to the Best BBQ Joints in Texas. So there you have it, not just a famous BBQ in Texas, but the best BBQ meats in Texas.

Want to learn some tricks of the trade from an expert? Check out Arnie Tex - he is a BBQ enthusiast and experienced mentor.
B4 Barbeque & Boba based in Mabank TX - winning praise for their Barbeque with a Twist!
L2 Texas BBQ in Warm Springs Road, Houston, where you can try the authentic taste of Hill Country Texas barbecue, slow smoked over hickory, oak and mesquite wood!
Famous Dave’s is established throughout Texas with his award winning ribs and BBQ feasts.

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