Discover the best BBQ in Texas! Explore Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints of 2025 featuring award-winning brisket, ribs, and innovative smoked dishes.
When it comes to barbecue, no place does it better—or with more passion—than Texas. Every four years, Texas Monthly releases its much-anticipated Top 50 BBQ Joints list, an event that sends food lovers and pitmasters across the state into a smoky frenzy. The 2025 edition is a testament to the enduring legacy of Texas BBQ and its exciting future.
Table of Contents
The Top 10 BBQ Joints of 2025
1. Burnt Bean Co. – Seguin
Claiming the coveted number one spot, Burnt Bean Co. has become the talk of Texas. This joint has built a loyal following with its carefully smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and inventive spins on traditional favorites. Brisket is the crown jewel here—smoky, tender, and perfectly seasoned. Their dedication to the craft has earned them the top honor in 2025.
2. Goldee’s Barbecue – Fort Worth
Goldee’s is a barbecue fairytale. Started by a group of friends with big dreams and a passion for smoke, this joint has quickly become a powerhouse in the BBQ world. Their commitment to using prime cuts, paired with impeccable smoking techniques, has earned them consistent praise. The brisket, pork ribs, and house-made sausage are fan favorites.
3. Truth BBQ – Houston
Truth BBQ blends Southern charm with big-city flair. Their signature brisket, with its black pepper bark and juicy interior, is a must-try. What sets Truth apart is their emphasis on presentation and flavor harmony, from their house pickles to their irresistible desserts like banana pudding and cakes.
4. InterStellar BBQ – Austin
Known for pushing boundaries, InterStellar BBQ is a culinary laboratory wrapped in a smokehouse. They offer smoked beets, pastrami brisket, and other rotating specials that blend classic technique with bold new ideas. Their brisket still reigns supreme, but you’ll also find standout sides like smoked scalloped potatoes and brisket-stuffed jalapeños.
5. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue – Austin
This isn’t your grandfather’s BBQ. LeRoy and Lewis have turned heads with their “new school” approach to smoking meats. Whole hog barbecue, smoked cauliflower, and beef cheeks are all on the menu, cooked with a level of finesse that rivals fine dining. Their food truck setup in Austin makes them approachable while still offering gourmet-level quality.
6. Cattleack Barbeque – Dallas
Cattleack has long been a legend in the Dallas area, and 2025 sees them still going strong. Their prime-grade brisket, tender ribs, and sausage made in-house are simply outstanding. The “Toddfather” sandwich—a combination of brisket, pulled pork, and sausage—is a fan favorite that embodies the spirit of Texas BBQ excess in the best way possible.
7. Snow’s BBQ – Lexington
A Texas institution, Snow’s BBQ continues to draw crowds every Saturday morning when it opens its doors. Pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz, in her late 80s, still helps man the pits. The food here, including juicy pork steaks, perfectly smoked chicken, and brisket that melts in your mouth, is made with love, tradition, and a lot of smoke.
8. Panther City BBQ – Fort Worth
Panther City BBQ brings bold flavors and inventive dishes to the Fort Worth BBQ scene. Known for their pork belly burnt ends and brisket tacos, this joint has carved out a niche with its blend of Tex-Mex and BBQ fusion. Their rib tips and elote-style corn are just as impressive as the main attractions.
9. La Barbecue – Austin
Located in the heart of Austin, La Barbecue stays true to traditional Central Texas barbecue while offering big, bold flavors. Their brisket and turkey are smoked to perfection, and their sandwiches—like the El Sancho Loco—pile high with meat, pickles, and onions. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
10. Franklin Barbecue – Austin
No top 10 list would be complete without Franklin Barbecue. Still drawing hours-long lines, this joint has become a pilgrimage site for barbecue lovers. The brisket is legendary—slow-smoked over post oak wood, with a bark that’s dark and flavorful. Despite the fame, Franklin remains grounded in its mission: to serve the best BBQ with humility and heart.
Regional Breakdown of Top BBQ Joints
Greater Houston
Houston has emerged as one of the premier BBQ destinations in the state. The city’s diverse culinary scene is reflected in its barbecue, where classic flavors meet global inspiration. From neighborhood gems to high-end joints, Houston’s BBQ culture is thriving.
Top mentions include:
- CorkScrew BBQ
- Pinkerton’s Barbecue
- Bar-A-BBQ
- Brisket & Rice
- Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q
- Jennings & Co. BBQ
Each offers something different—from sweet-glazed ribs to jalapeño cheddar sausage and brisket-stuffed rice bowls.
North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth)
North Texas is a hotbed for both traditional and new-age BBQ. The Fort Worth scene in particular has exploded, with newcomers challenging established names. Joints like Goldee’s and Panther City BBQ are elevating the game with innovative flavor combinations, while classics like Cattleack continue to dominate with old-school excellence.
Other notable spots include:
- Terry Black’s Barbecue (Dallas)
- Smokey Joe’s BBQ (Dallas)
- Hurtado Barbecue (Arlington)
- Hutchins BBQ (Frisco)
- Zavala’s Barbecue (Grand Prairie)
Austin and Central Texas
Austin continues to be the nucleus of Texas barbecue innovation. From food trucks to James Beard-nominated establishments, the city embraces variety. Whether you’re seeking the no-frills magic of Franklin or the experimental approach of LeRoy and Lewis, Austin has it all.
Must-visit locations:
- InterStellar BBQ
- La Barbecue
- LeRoy and Lewis
- Franklin Barbecue
Central Texas is also known for its strong traditions, emphasizing brisket, sausage, and minimal sauces. Smoke, salt, and pepper are the holy trinity here.
East Texas
East Texas barbecue is known for its sweet sauces and falling-off-the-bone meat. Though fewer in number, the region has standout spots that made it to the list.
Examples include:
- Mimsy’s Craft Barbecue (Crockett)
- Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q (Tyler)
East Texas joints focus more on chopped beef sandwiches, ribs, and saucy brisket—perfect for those who prefer their BBQ juicy and tangy.
Key Trends in Texas Barbecue (2025)
1. Creative Culinary Fusion
BBQ joints are no longer confined to the basics. New entrants are combining Korean, Mexican, and Caribbean flavors with classic Texas barbecue. Smoked beef bulgogi, brisket birria tacos, and curry-rubbed pork ribs are becoming more common.
2. Plant-Based Innovation
A few establishments are introducing meatless options that still embrace the smoky tradition. Dishes like smoked mushrooms, jackfruit tacos, and cauliflower burnt ends are gaining traction, especially in urban centers.
3. Michelin Recognition
For the first time, Texas barbecue is gaining global culinary recognition. A handful of joints now boast Michelin stars or have been featured in international food guides. This acknowledgment elevates the craft and brings new prestige to pitmasters.
4. Expanded Sides and Sweets
Sides are no longer an afterthought. From gouda mac and cheese to green chile hominy and cornbread pudding, BBQ joints are putting effort into creating memorable accompaniments. Desserts like bourbon pecan pie and banana pudding continue to wow customers.
5. Technology at the Pit
Modern smokehouses are integrating technology to monitor temperature and smoke levels with precision. This innovation allows for consistency while maintaining the authenticity of the slow-smoking process.
Texas Monthly BBQ Fest 2025
To celebrate the 2025 Top 50 list, Texas Monthly is hosting its famous BBQ Fest in Lockhart, the Barbecue Capital of Texas. The event will span a weekend and feature tastings from the top joints, live music, panel discussions with pitmasters, and hands-on workshops. It’s an immersive experience that offers a taste of Texas BBQ culture at its finest.
Conclusion: A Smoked Legacy Lives On
Texas barbecue continues to evolve without losing its roots. The 2025 Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints list is a celebration of heritage, innovation, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster, a backyard griller, or a foodie on a road trip, these establishments offer a slice of smoky heaven worth seeking out.
With new stars rising and legends holding strong, one thing is clear—the heart of Texas BBQ still beats strong, with smoke in its lungs and fire in its soul.
