In Texas, a few towns are famous for their amazing barbecue places. Just hearing the names—Llano, Lockhart, Luling, Taylor—makes you think of the delicious smell of barbecue and makes you want to hop in the car. In the past, you had to go to these rural areas, especially in Central Texas, to find really good smoked meat.
Texas is well-known for its barbecue scene, offering a variety of smoked and grilled dishes. Whether you like brisket, ribs, sausage, or chicken, there’s a barbecue spot in Texas that will satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the top places to enjoy great barbecue in the Lone Star State.
Briscuits
This food truck at Radio Coffee & Beer in South Austin serves a unique combo of brisket and biscuits. Grab a drink from Radio Coffee & Beer, sit at a picnic table, and wait for your order.
Enjoy the special mix of savory biscuits, chunky homemade strawberry jam, and your choice of sliced brisket, pork belly, or beef-belly bacon.
The made-from-scratch biscuits are crunchy on the edges and buttery inside, creating a tasty contrast between sweet and salty. The menu also features peppery chicken wings in tangy buffalo sauce, pork steak with chimichurri, and a delicious jalapeño-cheese sausage that might just take your breath away.
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Douglas Bar and Grill
This restaurant in Snider Plaza is kind of special. It serves both barbecue and fancy steaks. At dinner, they mainly focus on delicious Prime steaks and a tasty honey-glazed smoked salmon.
For lunch, barbecue is the star of the show. The Wagyu brisket is always tender, the glazed ribs are just sweet enough, and don’t forget to try the brisket bullets – they’re bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with meat. And when you order your meal, make sure to ask for the best fried apple pie you’ll ever taste.
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Heritage Butchery & Barbecue
Think about traditional barbecue places where you can buy fresh meat. Imagine a place like Dozier’s in Fulshear, but more modern. Here, they get their raw beef, pork, and chicken from nearby farms. If you spot a sausage, like a spicy chipotle-and-jack-cheese one, it’s likely to be on the smoked menu too.
While Heritage gets most of its barbecue meat from big suppliers, the burgers are a mix of Wagyu and Angus beef. The chicken sandwich is special – it’s made with a smoked boneless thigh, then fried until golden brown.
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Hallelujah BBQ
Since 1952, the Rescue Mission of El Paso has been helping homeless people. In 2015, Director Blake Barrow started a catering service at the mission.
This year, he finally opened Hallelujah BBQ in a renovated historic building nearby. The restaurant is run by people who have been helped by the mission.
They serve delicious barbecue options like tender brisket, peppery baby back ribs, and a spicy sausage called 13 Habaneros. The place also offers carb-loaded sides such as tater tot casserole, au gratin potatoes, and mac and cheese.
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Vargas BBQ
Nidia Vargas and her husband, Ram, started selling smoked chicken from their home to raise money for a restaurant. At first, Nidia didn’t even know how to cook rice, but when their restaurant, Vargas BBQ, opened, she had created many non-barbecue recipes.
These included a hearty brisket fideo, charro beans, and a creamy green spaghetti with a special sauce made from jalapeños, poblanos, and cilantro.
These dishes stood out alongside Ram’s beef-cheek barbacoa (available only on Saturdays) and brisket birria tacos. Even if you’re looking for Rio Grande Valley specialties, the brisket and pork ribs at Vargas BBQ are also exceptional.
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To Conclude
From traditional smokehouses to modern food trucks, Texas has a diverse barbecue scene that caters to everyone’s taste. Whether you’re in the mood for tender brisket, flavorful ribs, or succulent chicken, the Lone Star State offers a variety of flavors and cooking styles to satisfy your cravings.
So, get ready with your napkin, loosen your belt, and embark on a tasty journey through the world of Texas barbecue. With its deep-rooted history, skilled pitmasters, and constantly evolving culinary landscape, Texas barbecue reflects the state’s passion for good food and friendly hospitality.
Keep in mind, barbecue isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, and Texas knows how to do it right.
