8 BBQ Joints In Texas That Keep The Summer Spirit Alive All September Long
In Texas, barbecue isn’t just summer food—it’s a way of life. When September rolls around and the air starts to cool, pitmasters across the Lone Star State keep their smokers burning, filling the skies with the scent of oak and mesquite.
From historic family-run joints to innovative newcomers redefining tradition, these eight legendary spots prove that brisket, ribs, and sausage taste just as good—maybe even better—when the rest of the country thinks BBQ season is over.
1. Burnt Bean Co. (Seguin)
Last month, I stumbled upon this Seguin gem while dodging a thunderstorm, and boy was that a lucky break! The pitmaster here treats brisket like an art form, with smoke rings so perfect they could be framed.
Their outdoor picnic tables still buzz with laughter well into September, with string lights twinkling overhead as evening falls earlier each day. The smell of post oak smoke mingles with the cooling September breeze in a way that just feels right.
What keeps me coming back? Their jalapeño-cheddar sausage links that snap with each bite and the banana pudding that somehow tastes like childhood summers. The line forms early, but trust me—conversations with fellow BBQ enthusiasts make the wait part of the experience.
2. LeRoy And Lewis Barbecue (Austin)
Who says food trucks can’t deliver world-class BBQ? My first bite of their smoked beef cheek converted me instantly. This Austin standout breaks all the traditional rules with their new-school approach to old-school Texas techniques.
Parked permanently in south Austin, their signature blue truck creates a perfect September hangout spot. Picnic tables under shade trees offer relief from the still-warm Texas sun, while their rotating menu keeps the experience fresh week after week.
Frankly, their barbacoa served with sea island red peas changed my understanding of what barbecue could be. Don’t skip their Citra hop sausage—it pairs perfectly with a local craft drink as the evening cools down. Their sustainable whole-animal approach means unique cuts you won’t find at other joints.
3. InterStellar BBQ (Austin)
Holy smoked meats! When a NASA engineer decides to become a pitmaster, magic happens. My buddy dragged me here on a sweltering September afternoon, and I’ve been thanking him ever since.
Located in a nondescript strip mall in north Austin, InterStellar proves you shouldn’t judge a BBQ joint by its exterior. Their scientifically perfected smoking process creates brisket with a peppery bark that’s practically otherworldly. The restaurant’s space-themed interior offers cool refuge from September’s lingering heat.
Their pulled pork tacos topped with housemade kimchi slaw create flavor combinations that are truly out of this world. I’ve driven three hours just for their Saturday-only beef ribs—massive, dinosaur-sized beauties that make grown adults giggle with joy. The line moves quickly despite their growing popularity.
4. CorkScrew BBQ (Spring)
Pink smoke rings are serious business at this family-owned treasure in Spring. I accidentally discovered CorkScrew while helping my cousin move last September, and now I find excuses to visit the Houston suburbs regularly.
Their covered patio, complete with massive fans, creates the perfect microclimate for September feasting. The husband-and-wife team behind this operation has perfected a brisket so moist it glistens in the sunlight, with a peppery crust that provides just the right crunch.
Giant stuffed baked potatoes topped with chopped brisket, cheese, and all the fixings make for the ultimate comfort food as summer transitions to fall. My personal ritual includes their cobbler for dessert while watching football on the outdoor TVs. Just remember they’re closed Sundays and Mondays—plan accordingly!
5. Black’s Barbecue (Lockhart)
Stepping into Black’s feels like traveling back to 1932—the year they first fired up their pits. My grandpa brought me here when I was just knee-high, and the recipes haven’t changed since then (thank goodness).
The oldest family-owned BBQ joint in Texas, Black’s maintains its summer vibe year-round with pitmaster techniques passed down through generations. Their dining room’s wood-paneled walls display decades of Texas memorabilia, creating a museum-like atmosphere that keeps BBQ history alive.
Giant beef ribs—their specialty—remain my September splurge when I need a reminder of summer’s indulgences. Their sides deserve equal praise: the creamy mac and cheese and homemade coleslaw provide perfect counterpoints to the richness of slow-smoked meats. The line moves efficiently despite their legendary status in the BBQ world.
6. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
Forget what you’ve heard about Dallas being all glitz—Pecan Lodge brings serious smoke to the Big D! My first visit happened during a September business trip, and I’ve scheduled every subsequent Dallas meeting around their operating hours.
Located in the vibrant Deep Ellum neighborhood, their massive smokers churn out brisket with a bark so spectacular it should be considered a Texas treasure. The restaurant’s industrial-chic interior features communal tables that foster the kind of stranger-to-friend conversations that define Texas BBQ culture.
Their “Hot Mess”—a sweet potato stuffed with barbacoa, chipotle cream, cheese, and green onions—makes for the perfect transition food as summer yields to fall. Pro tip: order “The Trough” if you’re with friends—it’s a sampler platter that lets you try everything without committing to full portions.
7. Feges BBQ (Houston)
A classically-trained chef and an Iraq war veteran walk into a kitchen… and create BBQ magic! I discovered their Greenway Plaza location during a rainy September lunch break and nearly wept at the flavor combinations.
Their innovative approach blends traditional Texas smoking techniques with chef-driven sides that elevate the entire experience. Even as September brings slightly cooler temperatures to Houston, their air-conditioned space provides welcome relief while you feast on perfectly executed classics with modern twists.
The moroccan-spiced carrots and chana masala sides showcase their culinary range beyond the excellent brisket and pork ribs. My personal September ritual includes their PB&J chocolate cake—decadent enough to make you forget summer’s ending. Their expanding locations across Houston mean more opportunities to experience their unique take on Texas tradition.
8. Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (Aledo)
Sometimes the best discoveries happen in the smallest towns! During a wrong turn outside Fort Worth last September, I spotted smoke rising behind a brewery and followed my nose to barbecue paradise.
Dayne’s craft approach combines traditional Texas post oak smoking with creative flavor profiles that keep the summer spirit alive well into autumn. Their weekend-only service creates a festival atmosphere in Aledo, with picnic tables filled with BBQ enthusiasts who’ve made the pilgrimage from across the state.
Their pork belly burnt ends glazed with a sweet-heat sauce create flavor bombs that explode with each bite. The house-made pickles and onions cut through the richness perfectly. Fair warning: they sell out regularly, so arrive early or pre-order online to avoid disappointment—a lesson I learned the hard way on my second visit!