Texas barbecue isn’t one thing — it’s a living tradition shaped by regions, pit styles, and generations of craft. From pepper-forward Central Texas brisket to Gulf Coast personality and South Texas heat, the best BBQ joints in Texas share a common thread: consistent execution, clean smoke, and meat that speaks for itself.
Below is a ranked list of the top 25 BBQ spots in Texas, built for readers who want a clear answer to the question: Where should I go for the best barbecue in Texas?
Top 25 BBQ Joints in Texas (Ranked)
1) Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue (Tomball, TX)
Special because it’s elite across the board — brisket, sausage, ribs, and the extras. Thursdays are famous for pastrami, and the craft chocolate program is a rare “only-in-Texas” bonus.
Website: https://www.tejaschocolate.com/
2) Brisket & Rice (Houston, TX)
A modern Texas BBQ standout that blends serious brisket with a tight, focused menu and strong identity.
Website: https://brisketnrice.com/
3) Bar-A-BBQ (Montgomery, TX)
Craft barbecue that keeps the fundamentals in focus — clean smoke, strong bark, and consistency that keeps locals returning.
Website: https://www.barabbq.com/
4) Panther City BBQ (Fort Worth, TX)
A Fort Worth favorite with top-tier brisket and a menu that’s confident enough to explore beyond the classics.
Website: https://www.panthercitybbq.com/
5) Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin, TX)
One of the most complete experiences in the state — great meat, great sides, and a pitroom that feels like a destination.
Website: https://www.burntbeanco.com/
6) Pinkerton’s Barbecue (Houston, TX)
Big flavor, serious smoke, and a menu built for brisket fans who want the full Texas spread.
Website: https://www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com/
7) CorkScrew BBQ (Spring, TX)
A legendary Spring-area stop with a reputation built on consistency and lines that prove the point.
Website: https://www.corkscreworders.com/
8) InterStellar BBQ (Austin, TX)
Clean smoke, excellent sourcing, and a menu that stays sharp even in a crowded Austin BBQ scene.
Website: https://www.theinterstellarbbq.com/
9) Terry Black’s Barbecue (Austin, TX)
A major name that still delivers — a rare combination of scale and consistent quality.
Website: https://terryblacksbbq.com/
10) LaVaca BBQ (Port Lavaca, TX)
Coastal Texas energy with Central Texas technique — a place that feels distinct and memorable.
Website: https://www.lavacabbq.com/
11) Goldee’s Barbecue (Fort Worth, TX)
Craft-forward BBQ that’s become part of the state’s modern barbecue conversation.
Website: https://goldeesbbq.com/
12) Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor, TX)
A historic pillar — old-school smokehouse flavor that still defines what Texas brisket should taste like.
Website: https://www.louiemuellerbarbecue.com/
13) 3rd Coast BBQ (Spring, TX)
Texas BBQ with Gulf Coast personality — a menu that keeps things interesting without losing the plot.
Website: https://3rdcoastbbq.com/
14) Truth BBQ (Houston, TX)
A Houston heavyweight known for precision, polish, and brisket that holds up under the hype.
Website: https://truthbbq.com/
15) Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque (Wolfforth, TX)
West Texas excellence — hospitality and consistency with a menu that keeps brisket fans coming back.
Website: https://www.eviemaesbbq.com/
16) LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue (Austin, TX)
New-school approach with serious technique — one of the most distinctive menus in Texas BBQ right now.
Website: https://leroyandlewisbbq.com/
17) Redbird BBQ (Port Neches, TX)
Scratch-made, smoke-forward, and built around a full dining experience — not just a tray and a photo.
Website: https://theredbirdbbq.com/
18) GW’s BBQ (San Juan, TX)
A South Texas/RGV presence with comfort-driven barbecue and a menu that leans into regional flavor.
Website: https://www.gwsbbqco.com/
19) Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (Aledo, TX)
Prime cuts, post oak, and detail-driven execution — a craft BBQ destination worth the drive.
Website: https://daynescraftbarbecue.com/
20) Jay’s BBQ Shack (Abilene, TX)
Classic Texas BBQ done with care — a strong stop for brisket, ribs, and a full plate that hits.
Website: https://jaysbbqshack.com/
21) Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q (Spring, TX)
A local favorite that keeps earning fans — the kind of BBQ that turns first-timers into regulars.
Website (Online Ordering): https://rosemeyerbbq.square.site/
22) Teddy’s Barbecue (Weslaco, TX)
RGV barbecue with Central Texas backbone — brisket, ribs, and sausage done low and slow.
Website: https://www.teddysrgv.com/
23) Helberg Barbecue (Woodway, TX)
Brisket and ribs with a loyal following — a place that’s earned its reputation through consistency.
Website: https://www.helbergbarbecue.com/
24) Smoak Town BBQ (Fate, TX)
A community-driven BBQ spot with a growing reputation — and a menu that keeps people coming back.
Website: https://www.smoaktownbbq.com/
25) Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue (Harker Heights, TX)
Central Texas-style BBQ with a strong story behind it — and meat that stands on its own merit.
Website: https://rosslersbluecordbbq.com/
Planning Tip
Many of the best BBQ joints in Texas sell out fast — especially on weekends. If you’re making a drive, go early, know what you want, and don’t hesitate when the line starts moving.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best BBQ in Texas
What is considered the best BBQ in Texas?
The best BBQ in Texas is typically defined by expertly smoked brisket with a strong bark, tender slices, clean smoke flavor, and consistent execution across the full menu. Many top Texas barbecue joints also stand out for house-made sausages, beef ribs, and signature specials that regularly sell out.
Where is the best brisket in Texas?
The best brisket in Texas is found at BBQ spots that consistently manage fire, time, and trimming technique to produce a moist flat, a rich point, and balanced seasoning. The top brisket joints often sell out daily, especially on weekends, so arriving early matters.
What style of barbecue is Texas known for?
Texas is best known for Central Texas-style barbecue, especially post oak–smoked brisket seasoned simply with salt and pepper. However, Texas barbecue varies by region, with influences across East Texas, South Texas, West Texas, and the Gulf Coast—each adding its own flavor, sides, and traditions.
What are the best BBQ cities in Texas?
Some of the best BBQ cities in Texas include Austin, Houston, Fort Worth, and many smaller towns with destination-level smokehouses. Great Texas barbecue is not limited to major cities—many of the state’s most respected pitmasters operate in small communities where lines form early and sell-outs happen fast.
How early should I arrive at a top Texas BBQ place?
For the most popular BBQ spots in Texas, arriving before opening is a smart move—especially on Fridays and weekends. Many of the best BBQ joints sell out of brisket, beef ribs, and specials by early afternoon, and some sell out even sooner.
Do the best BBQ places in Texas sell out?
Yes. Many of the best BBQ restaurants in Texas smoke a limited amount of meat each day and serve until it’s gone. Sell-outs are common and are often a sign of quality and consistency. If there’s a specific item you want, arriving early is the safest plan.
What should I order at a Texas BBQ restaurant?
If you want a classic Texas barbecue tray, start with brisket, smoked sausage, and ribs. Add a side or two like potato salad, beans, or mac and cheese, and consider trying any special items that day. Many top BBQ spots also have standout desserts or unique weekly specials worth planning around.
Is Texas BBQ better than other states?
Texas barbecue is widely considered among the best in the United States, especially for brisket. While barbecue is excellent across many regions—like Kansas City, Memphis, and the Carolinas—Texas is distinct for its brisket tradition, wood-smoked technique, and the depth of its statewide BBQ culture.
What is the difference between BBQ and barbecue in Texas?
In Texas, “BBQ” and “barbecue” generally refer to the same thing: meats smoked low and slow over wood. The distinction is usually stylistic or regional rather than a different cooking method. What matters most is the quality of smoke, meat, and execution.
What is the best BBQ in Texas for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, the best approach is to choose a top-rated BBQ joint known for brisket and a strong all-around menu. Prioritize places that consistently execute the basics well, then branch out into signature items like beef ribs, pastrami specials, and house-made sausages.
