In Texas, barbecue isn’t just food — it’s family, it’s community, and it’s the smoky heartbeat of the Lone Star State. Join us for a trek across Texas to discover several favorite BBQ joints.
From the crackle of oak logs in the pit to the first juicy slice of brisket on your plate, every bite tells a story. We don’t save BBQ for birthdays or the Fourth of July — it’s at rodeos, Friday night football games, church fundraisers, and, if we’re being honest, just about any excuse we can come up with.
One of the largest barbecue competitions in the world happens right here in the Houston area every late winter: the legendary Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. For three days, the air around NRG Park is thick with hickory, mesquite, and oak smoke, and thousands of hungry fans wander from pit to pit, judging for themselves.
Before the first cowboy climbs into the chute, Houston kicks things off with this massive barbecue contest — hundreds of teams, thousands of hungry fans, and enough smoke to make the whole city smell like brisket.
We really love our BBQ, friends.
Let’s Talk Texas BBQ!
Today, we’re taking you on a tour of the Top 10 barbecue joints in Texas — a list inspired by the experts at Texas Monthly, but flavored with our own stories and recipes. And while we can’t all hop in the truck and hit all ten spots this weekend, you can bring their spirit into your own backyard with a few tried-and-true dishes from Backyard, Texas Grill.
Before we dive in, we have to pay homage to a few of Houston’s favorite BBQ spots that didn’t make the top ten list. Big Bertha’s is owned and run by family friends. They have the best sweet beans in town! Goode Company BBQ is a family favorite. Lots of memories of eating there, back in the day.
H-Town is Known for its BBQ!
We’re also keen on Pappas BBQ. Oh, and Spring Creek. We eat there frequently, in part for the homemade yeast rolls. And Rudy’s, of course. The ambiance is terrific at Rudy’s, with their long picnic tables and red checkered tablecloths. There’s a great place in Old Town Spring called Corkscrew. And our local list wouldn’t be complete without naming Killens in the Woodlands. Oh, and Pinkerton’s, in town. Yep, we’ve got a lot of hometown favorites.
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention our favorite from years-gone-by. . .Luther’s. I can still taste those french fried onion rings now! And they definitely had the best sausage in town.
Of course, we’d like to think our own straight-from-the-grill meats are just as good–if not better–than most of these, but you’ll have to try out our recipes to know for sure.
Without Further Ado. . .Here’s the Top Ten List of BBQ Joints (in Reverse Order)
#10 — Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue – Wolfforth
The BBQ
If West Texas had a flavor, it would taste a lot like Evie Mae’s. Since opening in 2015, they’ve been turning out brisket so tender it nearly bows when sliced, and green chile–cheese sausage with just enough heat to keep you coming back for another bite. Their oak-fired rotisserie smoker gives a deep, even smoke that clings to every morsel. And in true West Texas style, all their sides — from the buttery mashed potatoes to the tangy slaw — are naturally gluten-free.
The Town
Wolfforth is a small but growing community just outside Lubbock. Life here moves at a slower pace, under skies so wide you feel like you can see the curve of the earth. Barbecue is less about showmanship and more about honest, hearty cooking that feeds neighbors as well as travelers.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
Can’t make it to Wolfforth? No worries! Bring the West Texas vibe home with Backyard Texas Grill’s Texas Style Beef Brisket, so tender and juicy, it melts in the mouth!
#9 – Truth Barbecue – Houston
The BBQ
Truth Barbecue is a mix of tradition and personality. Their brisket is pure Central Texas — seasoned simply with salt and pepper, smoked low and slow over post oak — but then they throw in showstoppers like tea-brined pork chops and brisket boudin that make you rethink what barbecue can be. Their sides are as beloved as the meats: garlicky kale Caesar, sweet-glazed Brussels sprouts, and house-made cakes so tall they deserve their own zip code.
The Town
Houston is a city that never stops moving, a melting pot of cultures and flavors. In the midst of skyscrapers and bayou trails, Truth has carved out a corner where people gather around the table to slow down and savor a plate of honest barbecue.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
Can’t make it to Truth BBQ for those tea-brined pork chops? Try our Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin— encrusted with the unmatchable flavors of fresh rosemary, sage & thyme. You’re going to love it!
#8 — LaVaca BBQ – Port Lavaca
The BBQ
LaVaca BBQ is where Gulf Coast sensibility meets smoky tradition. You’ll find brisket and ribs, of course, but also smoked tamales, jalapeño cream corn, and brisket tacos wrapped in warm blue corn tortillas. Their Cochinito pork steak — thick-cut, juicy, and crowned with tangy pickled onions — is the kind of dish you’ll dream about later.
The Town
Port Lavaca is a charming fishing town on the Gulf, where salty breezes and shrimp boats are as common a sight as pickup trucks. Life here has a coastal rhythm — slow, relaxed, but full of flavor. That coastal influence sneaks into the barbecue, giving it a personality all its own.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
If you’re not able to drive down to Port Lavaca for that jalapeno cream corn, no worries! Here at Backyard Texas Grill we’ve got a corn recipe of our own, our delicious Cheesy Corn Casserole, a true southern favorite!
#7 — Dayne’s Craft Barbecue – Aledo
The BBQ
Dayne’s started as a backyard dream — literally. Pitmaster Dayne Weaver and his wife Ashley began by smoking meats for friends and neighbors before moving into a food truck, and eventually opening a brick-and-mortar spot. They’re known for their peppery, Central Texas-style brisket, snappy handmade sausages, and thick, juicy pork ribs. Everything is smoked with post oak, giving that classic Texas depth without overpowering the meat.
The Town
Aledo sits just west of Fort Worth, where rolling hills meet cattle country. It’s a place that still feels small-town even as new neighborhoods spring up. On weekends, you’ll find families filling the local diners, high school football stadium, and — more and more — lining up outside Dayne’s for that slow-smoked perfection.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
If you can’t make it to the Ft. Worth area for some of those delicious ribs from Dayne’s, don’t worry! Here at Backyard Texas Grill we’ve got an amazing rib recipe you can make on your own grill!
#6 — InterStellar BBQ – Austin
The BBQ
InterStellar has a reputation that matches its name — out-of-this-world flavor. They earned a coveted Michelin star by marrying meticulous smoking techniques with bold, unexpected twists. Think peach tea–glazed pork belly burnt ends, smoked scalloped potatoes, and a brisket so perfectly rendered it’s almost buttery. The menu changes often, but the commitment to creativity and quality never does.
The Town
Austin is Texas’ creative heartbeat — the place where tradition meets innovation. Food trucks sit alongside fine dining, and InterStellar embodies that spirit by pushing BBQ boundaries without losing sight of its roots.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
If you’re a fan of scalloped potatoes but you can’t make it to the Austin area, don’t fret! You’re going to love our Cheesy Potatoes with Bacon. Here at Backyard Texas Grill we love our potatoes!
#5 — GW’s BBQ – San Juan
The BBQ
GW’s brings South Texas flair to the pit, specializing in barbacoa, mesquite-smoked brisket, and tacos that rival anything north or south of the border. They’ve built a loyal following on authenticity — from their spice blends to their slow-smoke methods that echo generations of family tradition.
The Town
San Juan sits in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, a region rich in culture, history, and flavor. It’s a place where Tex-Mex and BBQ naturally blend, and where pitmasters pull from both traditions to create something uniquely South Texas. (While you’re there, you might want to swing over to South Padre for a dip in those beautiful blue waters!)
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
Can’t make it down to the border? No problem! If you like it spicy, you’ll love our Smoked Pig Shots from Backyard Texas. They’ve got a jalapeno kick!
#4 — Redbird BBQ – Port Neches
The BBQ
Redbird BBQ blends Gulf Coast freshness with East Texas heart. Their brisket is smoky and tender, their ribs are tangy and sauced just enough, and their smoked seafood specials nod to the coastal bounty nearby. The pitmasters here understand that barbecue is about balance — between smoke, spice, and sweetness.
The Town
Port Neches is a working town on the banks of the Neches River. The Gulf Coast breeze and a sense of grit and determination define this community. Here, BBQ feels both like a reward for a hard day’s work and a reason to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
Speaking of finding a balance between spice and sweetness, we’ve got a recipe that does just that (and it’s one of our most popular). Have you checked out our Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle?
#3 — Goldee’s Barbecue – Fort Worth
The BBQ
Goldee’s became a household name in Texas BBQ after claiming the #1 spot in 2021. Their brisket is flawlessly smoked, the turkey is juicy and seasoned with finesse, and their sausages often come with Southeast Asian-inspired flavors — like lemongrass or Thai chili. Goldee’s approach is minimalist but masterful: get the basics right, then surprise people with something new.
The Town
Fort Worth wears its cowboy heritage proudly, from the Stockyards to its annual rodeo. But it’s also home to a growing food scene, and Goldee’s proves you can honor tradition while quietly rewriting the rulebook.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
Goldee’s is known for their technique and their smokers. Here at Backyard Texas Grill we’re firm believers in the basics, too. That’s why we dedicated a whole post to Essential Grilling Tools and Equipment. Check it out!
#2 — LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue – Austin
The BBQ
LeRoy and Lewis is the kind of place that could only thrive in Austin — inventive, welcoming, and unafraid to break the mold. Smoked cheeseburgers, beef cheeks, and even smoked cauliflower headline a menu that proves BBQ can be both creative and deeply satisfying. They started as a food truck, built a loyal following, and now serve from a permanent spot while still keeping that casual, friendly vibe.
The Town
South Austin is laid-back, eclectic, and endlessly creative. It’s a neighborhood where live music spills out of every doorway and people aren’t afraid to try something different — especially when it comes to food.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
Not able to make it to LeRoy and Lewis for one of those juicy burgers? No problem! Here at Backyard Texas Grill we’ve got the best burger recipe, not just in H-Town, but the whole state!
#1 — Burnt Bean Co. – Seguin
The BBQ
Burnt Bean Co. holds the crown for good reason. From breakfast tacos in the morning to brisket, ribs, and scratch-made sides all day, this place is an all-day love letter to Texas barbecue. Their brisket is rich with post oak smoke, their pork ribs are just the right side of sweet, and their sides — from cheesy grits to charro beans — taste like something your grandmother made.
The Town
Seguin is a pecan capital, a historic river town, and a place where everyone seems to know everyone else. The warmth of the community comes through in the barbecue — it’s hearty, generous, and served with a smile.
Backyard Texas Grill Recipe
If driving to Burnt Bean Co isn’t doable for you, don’t fret! We’ve got a bean recipe of our own, here at Backyard Texas Grill. And trust us when we say that our Sweet and Savory Southwest Beans will give any restaurant a run for its money!
Thanks for stopping by, y’all. I hope you’ve enjoyed your trek across the Lone Star state. Whether you’re looking for brisket, pork, poultry or sides, we’ve got what you’re looking for, here in Texas.
Whether you’re planning a Texas road trip or firing up the backyard, let the spirit of these ten joints guide your smoke. Because here in Texas, barbecue isn’t just a meal — it’s our heritage. See y’all at the pit.
Before you go, why not pin some photos?
Wondering Which Texas BBQ Joint Matches Your Taste? Take our quiz to find out!
About the Man Behind the Grill
Zach Morrow was born and raised in Texas and has always had a passion for great barbecue. He’s at home behind the grill and loves to feed his friends and family home-cooked favorites as often as he can. He especially loves trying new things and is excited to produce recipes like this one for Backyard Texas Grill.