10 Best BBQ Joints in Texas That Aren't in Austin
Texas barbecue is a smoky, slow-cooked symphony of flavors, where pitmasters craft tender brisket, juicy ribs, and legendary sausages that keep fans lining up for more.
- Alyana Aguja
- 4 min read
Texas barbecue is a mythic culinary heritage, characterized by slow-smoked meats, assertive flavors, and fervent pitmasters who transform humble cuts into masterpieces. From the tender-in-your-mouth brisket at Snow’s BBQ to the enormous beef ribs at Louie Mueller, every joint has a distinct spin on this smoky, venerable art. Whether hidden in a small-town smokehouse or flourishing in a metropolis, these BBQ joints demonstrate that the heart of Texas pumps through fire, smoke, and an unforgettable bite.
1. Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor)
Image from www.louiemuellerbarbecue.com
Founded in 1949, Louie Mueller Barbecue is famous for its enormous “dino” beef ribs and smoked brisket. Located in a historic building that was originally a gymnasium, the restaurant is full of genuine Texan character. In 2006, it received the esteemed James Beard Foundation Award in the “America’s Classics” category.
2. Killen’s Barbecue (Pearland)
Image from OpenTable
Just south of Houston, Killen’s Barbecue has gained recognition for its impeccable smoked meats, especially the brisket and beef ribs. Quality is paramount with founder Ronnie Killen, using only high-quality cuts and executing careful smoking methods. Killen’s was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in November 2024, which signifies its great value and quality.
3. Cattleack Barbeque (Dallas)
Image from Condé Nast Traveler
A North Dallas secret, Cattleack Barbeque is renowned for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, zesty sausages, and decadent “Que-T-Pie” dessert. Open only on abbreviated hours, the place regularly has waits lining up early, a reflection of its loyal following. The pitmasters’ careful attention to detail means that the experience is uniformly first-rate barbecue.
4. Snow’s BBQ (Lexington)
Image from Wikipedia
Open only on Saturdays, Snow’s BBQ is a legend, partly due to pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz, a James Beard Award semifinalist. Its perfectly barked and tender brisket attracts devotees from across the state. Though humble in its surroundings, Snow’s has been consistently voted one of Texas’s best barbecue joints.
5. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
Image from Wikipedia
Located in the Deep Ellum neighborhood of Dallas, Pecan Lodge opened as a humble farmers market stand and has developed into a barbecue force to be reckoned with. Their “Hot Mess” – a massive sweet potato with shredded brisket, chipotle cream, and cheese on top – is popular with fans. The lines outside are a guarantee of the delish smoked meats and Southern comfort foods.
6. Truth BBQ (Brenham)
Image from Yelp
Located between Houston and Austin, Truth BBQ serves up a traditional Central Texas-style barbecue menu. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV cooks each cut, from the tender brisket to jalapeño-cheddar sausage, to perfection. The down-home atmosphere and delicious homemade desserts, such as the banana caramel pudding, add to the experience.
7. Hutchins BBQ (McKinney)
Image from Tripadvisor
Family-owned and operated, Hutchins BBQ has been in the DFW area since 1978. Famous for their all-you-can-eat, customers can enjoy a multitude of smoked meats and traditional sides. Peach cobbler and banana pudding are a must-try dessert that finishes off a filling meal nicely.
8. Corkscrew BBQ (Spring)
Image from The Woodlands, Texas
North of Houston, Corkscrew BBQ is a family-owned business focusing on quality rather than quantity. Their brisket, which has a smoky outside and tender inside, tends to sell out in no time. A friendly atmosphere and commitment to craftsmanship have brought in a faithful following.
9. Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart)
Image from Black’s BBQ
As an old Texas barbecue restaurant, Black’s Barbecue has been a fixture since 1932. Their slow-cooked brisket and massive beef ribs are perfectly cooked on seasoned pits. Its rich history and dedication to tradition make it worth visiting for barbecue enthusiasts.
10. Goldee’s Barbecue (Fort Worth)
Image from Star-Telegram
A relative newcomer to the Texas barbecue landscape, Goldee’s has established itself with a popularity that is a reflection of the quality of its moist brisket, tender ribs, and tasty sausages. The simple menu emphasizes quality, with such sides as potato salad and coleslaw rounding out the showstoppers. Their passion has paid off in terms of awards and loyal followers.