Texas is home to some of the most iconic barbecue in America, but choosing the best BBQ in Texas is not always easy. With hundreds of smokehouses across the state, travelers often wonder which spots are truly worth the wait.
This guide highlights legendary BBQ joints known for flavor, consistency, and experience, while giving you practical details to plan a memorable Texas barbecue journey.
Goldee’s Bar-B-Q: Best BBQ in Texas for Championship Brisket
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand why Goldee’s has become a benchmark for traditional Central Texas barbecue. For many locals, Goldee’s consistently represents the best BBQ in Texas when it comes to championship-level brisket.
Why Goldee’s Is a Must-Try for BBQ Lovers
Goldee’s Bar-B-Q has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most respected smokehouses in the state. Located in Fort Worth, this family-run spot focuses on traditional Central Texas barbecue techniques.
Their rise to fame came after receiving top recognition from Texas Monthly, which placed Goldee’s at the center of the Texas BBQ conversation.
Many locals consider Goldee’s a strong contender for the best BBQ in Texas thanks to its consistency and craftsmanship.
What sets Goldee’s apart is discipline and simplicity. The pitmasters rely on time-tested methods, prime beef, and perfectly controlled smoke. There are no shortcuts here. Every brisket reflects patience and deep respect for Central Texas BBQ traditions.
This commitment to tradition is why Goldee’s is often mentioned in conversations about the best BBQ in Texas today.
Signature Dishes and Visitor Information
Here’s what visitors should know before planning a trip to Goldee’s Bar-B-Q.
- Best for: Brisket traditionalists and first-time Texas BBQ visitors
- Signature flavor: Salt-and-pepper smoked brisket, house-made sausage
- Why it’s considered best: Ranked #1 by Texas Monthly, sells out daily
- Address: 4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76140
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 15:00 from Friday to Sunday
- Reservation or line policy: Walk-in line only, arrive early
Franklin Barbecue: Legendary Brisket Experience
Franklin Barbecue is more than a restaurant. It represents the classic Texas BBQ experience that many travelers plan their entire trip around.
What Makes Franklin a Texas BBQ Icon
Franklin Barbecue in Austin is often described as the benchmark for Texas brisket. Founded by pitmaster Aaron Franklin, this restaurant helped bring Texas BBQ to international fame. Franklin Barbecue is not just a meal, but an experience defined by patience and reward.
Long lines are part of the tradition. Visitors from around the world arrive early, knowing the wait is part of earning some of the finest brisket ever served in Texas.
The experience reinforces Franklin’s reputation as one of the most iconic stops for anyone chasing the best BBQ in Texas.
Signature Dishes and Visitor Information
Franklin Barbecue rewards patience with some of the most iconic brisket in Texas.
- Best for: BBQ enthusiasts seeking a legendary experience
- Signature flavor: Perfectly rendered brisket, tender pork ribs
- Why it’s considered best: World-famous reputation and consistent quality
- Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 15:00 from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)
- Reservation or line policy: Long line, early arrival recommended
InterStellar BBQ: Modern Michelin-Style BBQ in Austin
For diners looking beyond traditional pit barbecue, InterStellar BBQ offers a modern interpretation that still respects Texas roots.
Best BBQ in Austin Texas for Modern BBQ Fans
InterStellar BBQ represents a new generation of Texas barbecue and is often mentioned among the best BBQ in Austin Texas, for modern BBQ fans.
Located in Austin, this restaurant blends classic smoking methods with creative culinary techniques. Its Michelin recognition highlights how Texas BBQ continues to evolve.
InterStellar appeals to diners who appreciate bold flavors and inventive combinations. The menu reflects thoughtful craftsmanship while staying rooted in Texas traditions. This balance of creativity and technique makes it a standout choice for those searching for the best BBQ in Austin Texas, with a modern twist.
Signature Dishes and Visitor Information
InterStellar BBQ blends creativity with classic smoking techniques.
- Best for: Foodies and Michelin-seekers
- Signature flavor: Peach tea–glazed pork belly, creative seasonal sides
- Why it’s considered best: Michelin recognition and innovative menu
- Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
- Opening hours: 11:00 – 16:00 from Wednesday to Sunday
- Reservation or line policy: Shorter wait, online ordering available
Truth BBQ: Classic Central Texas Flavor in Houston
Truth BBQ shows how classic Central Texas techniques can thrive in a major city like Houston without losing authenticity. It is often included in statewide discussions about the best BBQ in Texas, especially among travelers exploring Houston.
Why Truth Represents Authentic Texas BBQ
Truth BBQ brings authentic Central Texas flavors to Houston. Known for its meticulous smoking process, Truth focuses on quality meats and traditional techniques. Locals and food critics alike consistently rank Truth among the top Texas BBQ destinations.
Truth proves that Houston is a strong contender in the conversation around the best BBQ in Houston, Texas. For many visitors, Truth is a reliable answer when searching for the best BBQ in Houston Texas, with classic Central Texas roots.
Signature Dishes and Visitor Information
Truth BBQ delivers reliable Central Texas flavors in the heart of Houston.
- Best for: Travelers visiting Houston and classic BBQ fans
- Signature flavor: Brisket, beef ribs, scratch-made sides
- Why it’s considered best: Consistent top-list rankings and local praise
- Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
- Opening hours: Closed on Monday
- 11:00 – 15:00 and 17:00 – 20:00 from Tuesday to Friday
- 11:00 – 20:00 on Saturday and 11:00 – 16:00 on Sunday
- Reservation or line policy: Line-based ordering, early sell-out
LeRoy and Lewis: Creative BBQ for Adventurous Eaters
LeRoy and Lewis stand out by pushing Texas barbecue forward with creativity, seasonal menus, and bold flavor choices.
A New Generation of Texas BBQ
LeRoy and Lewis offer a creative take on Texas barbecue with a seasonal approach. Known for pushing boundaries, this Austin-based spot focuses on whole animal cooking and inventive flavors. Michelin recognition has helped cement its reputation.
The restaurant appeals to diners who want something beyond traditional brisket. This creative direction has secured LeRoy and Lewis a place among the most talked-about spots for the best BBQ in Texas.
Signature Dishes and Visitor Information
LeRoy and Lewis attract diners looking for something bold and different.
- Best for: Adventurous eaters and modern BBQ lovers
- Signature flavor: Smoked beef cheeks, inventive seasonal sides
- Why it’s considered best: Michelin recognition and creative pitmaster style
- Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX 78745
- Opening hours: Closed on Tuesday
- 11:00–21:00 from Monday to Thursday and Sunday
- 11:00–22:00 from Friday to Saturday
- Reservation or line policy: Limited seating, arrive early
What City in Texas Has the Best BBQ?
With so many standout BBQ destinations, travelers often wonder which Texas city best matches their taste and travel style.
Austin vs. Houston vs. Fort Worth
Many travelers ask what city in Texas has the best BBQ. Austin is often seen as the brisket capital with both classic and modern smokehouses.
Houston offers diverse styles influenced by its multicultural food scene. This diversity plays a major role in shaping opinions about where to find the best BBQ in Texas today.
Fort Worth stands strong with traditional pit smoking roots. Dallas also deserves mention for its growing BBQ scene, making the best BBQ in Dallas Texas a rising search among travelers.
Each city contributes something unique to the ongoing debate about the best BBQ in Texas.
How to Choose the Right City for Your BBQ Trip
Choosing the right Texas city depends on what kind of BBQ experience you want. If brisket is your top priority, Austin and Fort Worth are often considered the safest bets.
Austin offers both traditional and modern smokehouses, while Fort Worth leans heavily into classic pit-smoking heritage.
Travelers who enjoy variety and creative flavors may prefer Houston, where the BBQ scene reflects the city’s diverse food culture. If you are asking yourself what city in Texas has the best BBQ, the honest answer is that the best city is the one that matches your taste, schedule, and willingness to explore.
Conclusion
Finding the best BBQ in Texas depends on flavor, experience, and tradition. From championship brisket to Michelin-recognized innovation, Texas offers unmatched barbecue diversity.
Each city brings its own strengths, making this guide a reliable starting point for anyone planning a true Texas BBQ adventure. Hope this HanksTexasGrill assists you in finding your most delicious BBQ.
