10 Legendary Texas BBQ Joints Every Meat Lover Has To Try
Texas barbecue isn’t just food, it’s a way of life: a tradition handed down through generations, and a smoky, mouthwatering religion all its own. Across the legendary pits of Austin and the hidden gems in tiny towns, the Lone Star State turns out some of the most unforgettable brisket, ribs, and sausage you’ll ever taste.
Whether you’ve lived here forever or you’re only passing through, these iconic BBQ joints capture the soul of Texas cooking. Before long, you’ll be meeting the pitmasters, breathing in the smoke, and tasting the magic at ten spots every serious meat lover should experience.
1. Franklin Barbecue
Aaron Franklin turned a humble trailer into a barbecue empire that changed the game forever. His brisket has become the gold standard by which all other Texas barbecue is measured, with a perfect smoke ring and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes the legendary wait worthwhile.
People start lining up before dawn outside the restaurant at 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702, hoping to snag a few precious pounds before they sell out.
The meat here speaks for itself—no fancy sauces needed, just pure oak-smoked perfection. Each slice of brisket reveals a beautiful pink smoke ring and glistening fat that practically dissolves on your tongue.
The ribs are equally impressive, with meat that pulls cleanly from the bone.
Franklin’s success sparked a barbecue renaissance across Austin and beyond. Even celebrities and presidents have made the pilgrimage to taste what many consider the best brisket in America.
If you’re serious about Texas barbecue, this is your starting point—just bring patience, good company, and an empty stomach ready for an unforgettable meal.
2. Snow’s BBQ
Saturday mornings in the tiny town of Lexington mean one thing: Miss Tootsie Tomanetz is firing up the pits at Snow’s BBQ. At over 80 years old, she’s been tending fires since 1966, making her one of the most experienced pitmasters in Texas history.
Her dedication earned Snow’s the title of best barbecue in Texas from Texas Monthly, and one bite explains why.
Located at 516 Main St, Lexington, TX 78947, this unassuming spot only opens on Saturday mornings, so plan accordingly. The brisket here carries decades of wisdom in every smoky bite, with a crust that crackles and interior meat so tender it barely holds together.
Miss Tootsie’s pork steak is another standout that locals guard as their secret favorite.
The atmosphere feels like stepping into authentic Texas—no pretense, just genuine hospitality and incredible food. You’ll find families gathering, strangers becoming friends in line, and everyone united by their love of perfectly smoked meat.
This is barbecue history happening in real time, served with a smile by a true legend.
3. Louie Mueller Barbecue
Walking into Louie Mueller Barbecue feels like entering a time machine that transports you straight to barbecue’s golden age. The walls are stained black from decades of smoke, the floors creak with history, and the smell hits you like a delicious wall the moment you open the door.
This place has been smoking meat since 1949, making it one of the oldest family-run barbecue joints still operating in Texas.
Situated at 206 W 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574, this James Beard Award-winning establishment serves brisket that’s become the stuff of legend. The bark on their brisket provides a peppery crunch that gives way to impossibly juicy meat underneath.
Their beef ribs are massive, meaty masterpieces that require two hands and zero shame.
What makes Mueller’s special isn’t just the food—it’s the complete package. The third-generation family ownership means traditions stay intact while quality never wavers.
You’ll eat at communal tables, wipe your hands on butcher paper, and leave smelling like smoke. That’s not a bug; that’s a badge of honor proving you experienced real Texas barbecue at its finest.
4. Kreuz Market
No forks. No sauce.
No kidding. Kreuz Market has been doing barbecue their way since 1900, and they’re not about to change for anyone.
This legendary spot serves their meat straight on butcher paper, believing that truly great barbecue doesn’t need sauce to shine. Their philosophy is simple: if you smoked it right, the meat speaks for itself.
You’ll find this institution at 619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644, in a spacious building that replaced their original downtown location. The ordering process is pure theater—you point at what you want from the massive pit, they slice it fresh, and you carry your treasure to long tables to feast.
Their original sausage recipe remains unchanged after more than a century, with a snappy casing and perfectly seasoned meat inside.
The brisket here leans toward the traditional style, with a simpler rub that lets the oak smoke flavor dominate. Some folks prefer the pork chops or prime rib, both cooked low and slow until they’re fork-tender.
Lockhart claims to be the barbecue capital of Texas, and Kreuz Market is a big reason why that claim holds weight.
5. Smithy’s Market
Family feuds sometimes create beautiful things, and Smithy’s Market is proof. Born from a split in the Kreuz family, this spot maintains the old-school traditions while carving out its own smoky identity.
The original building still stands, complete with the smoke-blackened walls and worn wooden floors that tell stories of countless meals served over decades.
Located at 208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644, Smithy’s occupies the original Kreuz location and keeps history alive with every brisket they slice. The atmosphere here feels frozen in time—you order at the pit, meat is weighed and priced, and you grab sides from a separate area.
Their brisket carries a beautiful bark and that classic Central Texas flavor profile.
What sets Smithy’s apart is the experience of eating in a building that’s been smoking meat continuously since 1900. The patina of smoke on every surface isn’t decoration; it’s earned through decades of dedication to the craft.
Their sausage remains a customer favorite, snappy and juicy with just the right amount of spice. Bring cash, bring appetite, and prepare to understand why Lockhart takes its barbecue crown seriously.
6. Truth BBQ
Leonard Botello IV brought Central Texas-style barbecue to Houston and proved that great ‘cue doesn’t have geographic boundaries. After apprenticing with some of the state’s best pitmasters, he opened Truth BBQ with a mission to serve honest, straightforward barbecue without shortcuts or compromises.
The result is some of the finest smoked meat you’ll find anywhere in Texas.
Truth operates at 110 N Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, in a location that’s become a pilgrimage site for Houston barbecue lovers. Their brisket achieves that perfect balance of bark, smoke ring, and tenderness that defines Texas excellence.
The pork ribs here deserve special mention—they’re competition-quality with a sweet, smoky glaze that complements rather than overwhelms the meat.
Botello’s attention to detail shows in every aspect, from wood selection to resting times to the precise moment each cut comes off the pit. The turkey here surprises first-timers with its moisture and flavor, proving that poultry can shine in a barbecue lineup.
Lines form early, especially on weekends, because word has spread that Truth delivers on its name—this is authentic, carefully crafted barbecue that honors Texas traditions while making Houston proud.
7. Goldee’s BBQ
Four pitmasters walked away from established barbecue careers to create something special, and Goldee’s BBQ emerged as an instant sensation. Within months of opening, they earned Texas Monthly’s top spot for best barbecue in Texas—an unprecedented achievement for such a new joint.
Their success proves that when talent, passion, and perfect execution combine, magic happens.
You’ll find them at 4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76180, where they’re redefining what Fort Worth barbecue can be. Every item on their menu shows championship-level skill, from the glistening brisket to the massive beef ribs that look like something from a cartoon.
Their pork ribs have won multiple awards, with a texture and flavor that converts even die-hard beef fans.
The team’s competition barbecue background shows in their consistency—every brisket meets exacting standards before it reaches customers. They’ve also brought creativity to sides, offering elevated versions of classic accompaniments that complement rather than compete with the meat.
Despite the accolades and inevitable lines, Goldee’s maintains a welcoming, unpretentious vibe. This is the future of Texas barbecue, built on respect for tradition but unafraid to push boundaries.
8. Burnt Bean Co.
Sometimes the best barbecue hides in the most unexpected places, and Burnt Bean Co. proves that theory deliciously correct. This family-owned spot started small but quickly developed a cult following among those who discovered their perfectly executed meats and creative sides.
Their name might reference beans, but the brisket is what keeps people coming back week after week.
Located at 1500 N State Highway 123 Bypass, Seguin, TX 78155, Burnt Bean combines traditional Texas techniques with a few creative twists. Their brisket shows beautiful smoke penetration and a bark that provides textural contrast to the tender meat beneath.
The jalapeño cheese grits here have achieved legendary status among regulars, offering a creamy, spicy complement to the smoky proteins.
What makes Burnt Bean special is the care evident in every detail. They don’t cut corners, they don’t rush the process, and they treat every customer like family.
The pulled pork here rivals the brisket for attention, with a vinegar-forward flavor profile that brightens the rich, smoky meat. It’s not the most famous spot on this list, but it might just become your personal favorite once you experience their hospitality and craftsmanship firsthand.
9. LeRoy And Lewis Barbecue
Evan LeRoy shook up Austin’s barbecue scene by asking a simple question: what if we applied fine-dining creativity to traditional Texas barbecue? The answer is LeRoy and Lewis, a boundary-pushing joint that respects tradition while fearlessly exploring new territory.
Their rotating menu means you might encounter smoked beef cheeks, barbacoa, or other cuts that rarely appear at conventional barbecue spots.
Operating from 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704, this spot draws adventurous eaters and traditionalists alike. The brisket here meets all the classic Texas standards—tender, smoky, perfectly seasoned—but it’s the creative offerings that make LeRoy and Lewis truly special.
Their smoked prime rib, when available, is an absolute revelation, combining steakhouse elegance with pitmaster technique.
LeRoy’s background in fine dining shows in thoughtful touches throughout the menu. Sides here receive the same attention as the meats, with seasonal vegetables and creative preparations that elevate the entire meal.
The barbacoa tacos have developed their own devoted following, offering rich, unctuous meat wrapped in fresh tortillas. This is barbecue for curious eaters who appreciate tradition but crave innovation, proving that Texas ‘cue can evolve while staying true to its roots.
10. InterStellar BBQ
John Bates and his wife Gloria brought a physicist’s precision to the art of barbecue, and the results are literally out of this world. InterStellar BBQ combines scientific methodology with traditional techniques, resulting in brisket that achieves near-perfect consistency every single time.
Their space-themed branding is fun, but the serious craftsmanship behind the smoke is what earned them a devoted following.
Find them at 1235 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702, where they’ve been serving stellar barbecue to enthusiastic crowds since 2017. Their brisket showcases textbook smoke ring development and that ideal balance between bark and tender interior that defines excellence.
The pork ribs here deserve equal attention, with meat that pulls cleanly while maintaining structure.
Bates’ analytical approach means every variable is controlled and optimized—wood moisture content, pit temperature, resting times, everything. The result is remarkable consistency that’s rare in a craft traditionally governed by intuition and experience.
Their beef ribs, when available, are massive and magnificent, with marbling that renders into pure, beefy bliss. InterStellar proves that science and soul can coexist beautifully in barbecue, creating food that’s both technically perfect and deeply satisfying on an emotional level.