13 Texas BBQ Spots So Good They Deserve The Buzz
I once promised a friend I would not cry over brisket, then Austin proved me a liar with smoky tears of joy.
You know that scene where the hero finally finds the holy grail? That was me, holding a tray of ribs like it glowed.
Texas BBQ hits bold yet tender, familiar but thrilling.
So here are thirteen Texas BBQ spots worth the hype and the money.
1. Franklin Barbecue, Austin
Franklin on 900 E 11th Street in Austin steals the scene with brisket that whispers sweet nothings.
The bark crackles, the fat puddles, and patience suddenly tastes like victory.
You inch along the line, then boom, a tray lands like a trophy.
That pepper crust sings a low Texas lullaby.
Slices bend like an old blues riff.
Every bite here feels earned.
The turkey is shockingly juicy, the ribs grin with gentle tug.
Sauce stays on standby, like a cameo.
You run the credits with banana pudding, and the crowd goes wild.
Outside, smoke perfumes your jacket, humble yet magnetic.
Inside, time slows, smiles widen.
Franklin makes waiting feel like the show.
2. Louie Mueller Barbecue, Taylor
Louie BBQ on 206 W 2nd Street in Taylor carries a smoky swagger that never fades.
Walk in and the brisket whispers stories louder than a Taylor Swift bridge.
Order the beef rib, a shank so big it should have its own album.
The bark snaps, the meat melts, and you briefly question gravity.
Sausage pops and your grin can’t hide.
Potato salad keeps it mellow, the perfect interlude.
Sauce stays polite, letting the meat take the spotlight.
Leave speckled in smoke and satisfaction, humming “You Belong With Brisket.”
Taylor’s treasure proves swagger comes in bites, not fuss.
3. InterStellar BBQ, Austin
InterStellar on 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N is truly a cosmic experience.
Burnt ends sparkle like meteor chunks with buttery centers.
The line shuffles, and your appetite orbits the pits.
Jalapeño popper sausage fires playful sparks without drama.
Brisket slices drape, tender and proud.
Sides show craft, especially potato salad with confident balance.
Every bite nods to Austin charm and hill country comfort.
The team works calm, focused, friendly.
Smiles rise like smoke signals on a clear day.
Save room for the pork belly that chuckles at restraint.
It melts, then vanishes like a magic trick.
InterStellar shoots high and sticks the landing.
4. LeRoy And Lewis Barbecue, Austin
Who knew that 5621 Emerald Forest Dr hides a playground for curious carnivores?
You sidle up and the pits wink back.
Creativity hums, but tradition still shakes hands.
Try barbacoa or beef cheeks that flirt with gravity.
Brisket lands soft, with pepper forward and balanced smoke.
The slaws brighten like a well timed punchline.
Austin’s weird streak shows in the fun specials.
You taste risk, reward, and steady craft.
No gimmicks, just smart flavor choreography.
Mac and cheese comforts without slowing the beat.
Sauces add nudges, not noise.
You leave grinning, pockets smoky, spirit lighter.
5. Terry Black’s Barbecue, Austin
At 1003 Barton Springs Rd folks chase peppered dreams.
Inside Terry Black’s Barbecue, the cutting block looks like a stage.
Knives dance, and trays land with happy thuds.
Beef rib arrives like a friendly giant.
Brisket bends, shining with rendered wisdom.
Sausage clicks with a clean snap and warm spice.
Texas energy buzzes between bites and big smiles.
Sides keep pace, especially the creamed corn.
Pickles and onions play backup with bright crunch.
Sauce helps, never hogs the spotlight.
You finish fast, then slow, then sigh.
Terry Black’s makes appetite feel athletic.
6. Truth BBQ, Houston
Truth BBQ on 110 S Heights Blvd struts in with brisket that stays cool under pressure.
The trays are tidy, the bark jet black.
Every slice sits like a confident headline.
Ribs glide with clean bite and balanced sweetness.
Jalapeño cheddar poppers flirt with your better judgment.
Sides whisper comfort while the pit crew grins.
Houston swagger shows up polished and playful.
Layer cakes tempt with towering drama.
You consider dessert, then nod like a detective who knows.
Sauce leans bright, a quick rhythm guitar.
You hum along and keep eating.
They call it Truth BBQ because one bite tells all.
7. Pecan Lodge, Dallas
Pecan Lodge at 2702 Main St in Dallas adds murals to your meat parade.
Smoke threads through music and street art.
The line moves with good attitude and hungry focus.
Brisket arrives plush, with bold pepper and clean smoke.
Ribs answer with tidy tug, sweet and savory friends.
Burnt ends wink like crispy candy.
Dallas pride struts beside cast iron mac.
Jalapeño tots crunch like applause.
Pickles cut through like a fresh chorus.
Sauce serves tempo, not lead vocals.
You mop neatly and keep smiling.
Pecan Lodge turns sidewalks into celebrations.
8. Cattleack Barbeque, Dallas
Cattleack on 12628 Gamma Rd hides a flavor lab that opens select days.
The crowd knows, and the vibe crackles.
You step in and the smoke shakes your hand.
Pastrami beef rib drops with spicy swagger.
Brisket slices sigh like they trained for tenderness.
Whole hog appears sometimes, and hearts skip beats.
Texas grit meets careful technique behind the counter.
Sides carry snap and comfort in equal shares.
Jalapeño slaw keeps everything bright and tidy.
Sauce stays useful, never bossy or loud.
You wipe a grin off your chin.
Cattleack rewards the punctual and the bold.
9. Killen’s Barbecue, Pearland
Killen’s Barbecue on 3613 Broadway St delivers a meaty mic drop in Pearland.
Brisket comes glossy, with pepper bark that bites gently.
You lean in, then lean back, happily stunned.
Ribs balance sweet and smoke like tightrope pros.
Sausage snaps bright with seasoned finesse.
Sides stay classic, dependable, and quietly proud.
Houston metro vibes meet small town warmth.
The line moves smooth, like a well tuned song.
Every tray looks photo ready without fuss.
Sauce adds polish and a brisk wink.
You nod, then take another confident bite.
Needless to say, Killen’s is killen it!
10. Heim Barbecue, Fort Worth
Heim on 1109 W Magnolia Ave flips the lights on flavor with swagger.
Bacon burnt ends arrive like mischief in a bowl.
Brisket follows, tender and pepper forward.
Ribs offer clean bites and soft smiles.
The patio hums with easy chatter and clinking trays.
Fort Worth charm hangs in the air like a chorus.
Texas roots show in the oak and the hospitality.
Everything feels familiar yet bright.
Sauce plays rhythm, you keep time with bites.
You promise to share, then forget instantly.
You came hungry, Heim made it history.
11. Kreuz Market, Lockhart
Kreuz on 619 N Colorado St guides you into Lockhart legend status.
You order meat like a proper rite.
Butcher paper is plate, napkin, and promise.
Sausage rings snap with peppered thunder.
Shoulder clod tastes clean, beefy, gloriously simple.
Pork chops arrive thick and proud of it.
Texas barbecue capital energy fills the hall.
Post oak pops softly, like polite fireworks.
The rules are simple and charming.
No forks needed when craft stands tall.
Sauce stays optional, confidence mandatory.
Kreuz keeps tradition brisk and bright.
12. The Original Black’s Barbecue, Lockhart
The Original Black’s on 215 N Main St in Lockhart feels like a reunion with smoke.
Family history leans on the walls, smiling.
You step closer and the beef rib grins back.
Brisket carries smooth smoke and pepper charm.
Sausage clicks, juicy and cheerful.
Sides arrive cozy, especially the creamed corn hush.
Texas heritage sits kindly at every table.
The line hums with patience and jokes.
Butcher paper turns into edible memories.
Sauce tastes bright, respectful, and brief.
You nod, then chase one last bite.
You came for the smoke, stayed for the legends on a plate.
13. Goldee’s Barbecue, Fort Worth
Another oldie but Goldee!
4645 Dick Price Rd keeps secrets that smell heroic.
The pits purr, the line smiles, and the trays glow.
You feel like you found the cheat code.
Brisket balances smoke and butter like a pro.
Pork ribs tug clean, seasoning crisp and confident.
House bread adds a soft, warm encore.
Texas Monthly praise lingers like a drumbeat.
The team moves calm and focused, gracious and quick.
You blink, and your tray is history.