Texas is synonymous with BBQ, and the state’s barbecue scene is legendary. With a rich history and deeply rooted traditions, the Lone Star State has perfected the art of slow-smoking meats to perfection. From brisket to ribs, Texas BBQ is a unique and mouthwatering experience. If you’re on the hunt for the best BBQ in Texas, here are the top 8 must-visit BBQ joints that showcase the state’s finest smoked meats.
1. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)
No list of the best BBQ in Texas would be complete without mentioning Franklin Barbecue. Located in Austin, Franklin is often hailed as the holy grail of Texas BBQ, attracting long lines of devoted fans eager to taste its world-renowned brisket.
Key Highlights:
- Brisket: Franklin’s brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a perfectly charred crust and smoky flavor that keeps customers coming back for more.
- Hours of Operation: Due to the overwhelming popularity, the restaurant opens early and often sells out quickly, so plan ahead to get in line.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Despite its fame, Franklin maintains a casual and laid-back environment, focusing entirely on the quality of its BBQ.
2. Micklethwait Craft Meats (Austin)
Micklethwait Craft Meats is another Austin BBQ legend known for its commitment to using high-quality meats and old-school smoking techniques. It’s a favorite for locals who appreciate great BBQ in a less-crowded, more relaxed setting.
Key Highlights:
- Sausages: Micklethwait is renowned for its house-made sausages, offering a variety of flavors such as jalapeño cheddar and pork-and-beef blends.
- Brisket and Ribs: The brisket is tender, and the ribs are glazed with a sweet, tangy sauce, making them an irresistible combination.
- Creative Sides: The sides are just as impressive, from the creamy potato salad to the tangy pickles and slaw.
3. Snow’s BBQ (Lexington)
Snow’s BBQ, located in the small town of Lexington, is one of the most famous BBQ spots in Texas, earning a reputation as a must-visit destination for BBQ lovers. Open only on Saturdays, Snow’s is known for its outstanding meats and incredible flavors.
Key Highlights:
- Brisket and Pork Steak: Snow’s offers some of the most tender brisket in Texas, along with perfectly smoked pork steaks.
- Pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz: The legendary Tootsie Tomanetz has been cooking at Snow’s for over 40 years, and her BBQ is renowned for its tenderness and depth of flavor.
- Early Bird Gets the Brisket: Be prepared to arrive early, as Snow’s often sells out of its famous meats within a few hours.
4. The Salt Lick (Driftwood)
Located just outside of Austin in Driftwood, The Salt Lick is an iconic BBQ joint that has been serving up smoked meats for over 50 years. The family-friendly atmosphere and vast outdoor seating make it a great spot for a Texas BBQ experience.
Key Highlights:
- All-You-Can-Eat BBQ: For a truly Texas-style feast, opt for the all-you-can-eat BBQ plate, which includes a selection of meats and sides.
- The Salt Lick Sauce: Their signature sauce, a slightly sweet and tangy blend, complements the smoky meats perfectly.
- Live Music and Scenic Views: Enjoy your BBQ while listening to live music on the outdoor patio overlooking the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
5. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
Pecan Lodge is considered one of the best BBQ joints in Dallas and has quickly earned a loyal following. Located in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, this spot is perfect for those seeking mouthwatering BBQ in a vibrant, urban setting.
Key Highlights:
- Brisket and Burnt Ends: Pecan Lodge is known for its incredibly tender brisket and delicious burnt ends, which are a crowd favorite.
- Mac ‘n’ Cheese: The sides here are equally delicious, especially the creamy mac ‘n’ cheese that pairs perfectly with your BBQ.
- No-Frills Dining: Pecan Lodge is known for focusing purely on the quality of its BBQ without any unnecessary frills, making the experience all about the meat.
6. La Barbecue (Austin)
La Barbecue is a staple of Austin’s BBQ scene and has become known for its mouthwatering, slow-cooked meats. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, La Barbecue offers a true taste of Texas BBQ with flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Key Highlights:
- Brisket and Sausage: La Barbecue’s brisket is smoky and tender, and their homemade sausages are a must-try.
- Queue Line: Expect to wait in line, as the restaurant often sells out of their signature meats, but the wait is more than worth it.
- Unique Sides: Try the jalapeño cheese grits or the tangy slaw as a delicious complement to your BBQ.
7. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que (Llano)
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, located in Llano, is famous for its pit-style BBQ, where meats are cooked over an open flame in massive open pits. This traditional style of BBQ gives the meats a smoky, caramelized crust and tender interior.
Key Highlights:
- Pit-Smoked Brisket: Cooper’s brisket is slow-cooked in an open pit, giving it a crispy bark and incredibly tender meat.
- BBQ Chicken and Ribs: Their smoked chicken and ribs are flavorful and perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of smoky goodness.
- Rustic Setting: The atmosphere at Cooper’s is laid-back and rustic, with seating available both inside and outside.
8. Honey BBQ (Dallas)
Honey BBQ is a newer contender in the Dallas BBQ scene but has quickly gained recognition for its fantastic BBQ and friendly vibe. Located in the Oak Cliff area, this spot brings a mix of traditional and innovative BBQ flavors to the table.
Key Highlights:
- Smoked Wings: Honey BBQ’s smoked wings are a standout, with a crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat on the inside.
- Brisket Tacos: Their brisket tacos are a unique twist on the traditional BBQ experience, with smoky brisket tucked inside fresh tortillas.
- Craft Beer Pairings: The restaurant offers a great selection of craft beers to pair with your BBQ for a truly Texas-style experience.
Conclusion
Texas is a BBQ lover’s dream, with countless restaurants offering slow-smoked, perfectly seasoned meats that showcase the state’s BBQ tradition. Whether you’re in Austin, Dallas, or the small town of Lexington, these top 8 BBQ joints serve up some of the most delicious, authentic, and mouthwatering barbecue you’ll ever taste. From classic brisket to creative BBQ dishes, these spots offer the best of Texas BBQ, ensuring that every bite is a flavorful adventure.
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