Texas BBQ Joints: When it comes to Texas barbecue, everyone has a favorite spot and a strong opinion about what makes it the best.
Now, things are heating up again as USA Today has launched a fiery competition to find the top 10 Texas-style barbecue joints in America. Out of 20 restaurants chosen across the country, 10 are proudly from Texas, proving that the Lone Star State still rules the grill.
How the Contest Works
According to USA Today, the editors teamed up with a group of barbecue experts to shortlist the best of the best. Their rule was simple — let the meat speak for itself.
No heavy sauces, no fancy toppings, just classic Texas-style slow-smoked meat seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked low and slow over hardwood.
USA Today explained their judging method clearly:
“No heavy sauces, no distractions. Just brisket and other cuts cooked low and slow over hardwood, seasoned simply with salt and pepper to let the smoke do the talking.”
That’s the heart of Texas barbecue — pure, smoky flavor that comes from patience and tradition.
San Antonio’s Star: Two Bros. BBQ Market
Among the Texas contenders, Two Bros. BBQ Market in San Antonio has earned special praise. Owned by chef Jason Dady, this spot has become a local favorite and now, a national name.
The restaurant is famous for its cherry-glazed baby back ribs, accordion-stretch brisket, homemade pickles, and even Kool-Aid and Shiner-molasses barbecue sauce. USA Today also highlighted its sweet side — customers can enjoy deep-fried strawberry pie or homemade fudge after a hearty meal.
Food critic Mike Sutter from the San Antonio Express-News calls it “the kind of place you send out-of-town friends for a real taste of Texas.”
The Top Texas Barbecue Joints Nominated
Here’s the full list of Texas barbecue restaurants that made it into USA Today’s “10 Best” list:
| Name of Restaurant | City / Location |
|---|---|
| Two Bros. BBQ Market | San Antonio |
| Burnt Bean Co. | Seguin |
| Central Texas Style BBQ | Pearland |
| Evie Mae’s BBQ | Wolfforth |
| Franklin Barbecue | Austin |
| Heim Barbecue | Fort Worth |
| Hoot’s Smokehouse | Houston |
| Killen’s BBQ | Pearland |
| La Barbecue | Austin |
| Pinkerton’s Barbecue | Houston, San Antonio |
Each of these joints brings something special to the table. Some are known for their brisket, others for ribs or signature sauces, but all share a commitment to quality, tradition, and flavor.
Why Texas Barbecue Stands Out
Barbecue in Texas is more than food — it’s a part of life. Every pitmaster takes pride in how they smoke their meat. The main things that make Texas barbecue special include:
- Cooking meat slowly over hardwood
- Using simple seasoning (salt and pepper)
- Allowing the natural smoke flavor to shine
- Keeping the process authentic and consistent
This is why Texas remains the gold standard for barbecue in the United States.
The USA Today Top 10 Best Barbecue Contest celebrates what Texans already know — their barbecue is unbeatable. From Two Bros. BBQ Market in San Antonio to Franklin Barbecue in Austin, these joints prove that Texas continues to set the bar for flavor, smoke, and tradition.
Whether you’re a tourist or a true Texan, visiting these spots is a must if you want to taste the real spirit of Texas barbecue.
FAQs
What makes Texas barbecue unique?
Texas barbecue focuses on slow-cooked meat with simple seasoning, letting the smoke flavor be the main highlight.
Which San Antonio restaurant made the list?
Two Bros. BBQ Market, owned by Jason Dady, was chosen for its famous cherry-glazed ribs and delicious desserts.
How were the best barbecue joints selected?
A panel of experts helped USA Today pick the finalists by judging the meat’s taste, tenderness, and overall flavor.
