Texas barbecue has always been legendary, but a new wave of gastropubs is taking smoked meats to unexpected places. From brisket tacos with homemade tortillas to Korean-inspired burnt ends, these innovative spots blend traditional smoking techniques with global flavors and creative sides. Whether you’re a local foodie or a traveler seeking unforgettable tastes, these ten gastropubs offer BBQ experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else.
1. Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar (Austin)
A collaboration between celebrated Chef Tyson Cole and legendary pitmaster Aaron Franklin brings together two culinary worlds in spectacular fashion. Oak-grilled snap peas with kimchee emulsion sit alongside perfectly smoked brisket drizzled with chili gastrique, creating flavor combinations that surprise and delight with every bite. The smoked salmon with Thai chili glaze showcases how Asian techniques can elevate traditional Texas barbecue.
Located in South Austin, this gastropub features a relaxed outdoor patio perfect for enjoying inventive dishes. The menu constantly evolves with seasonal ingredients while maintaining that signature blend of smoky Texas flavors and bright Asian spices.
Travelers seeking something completely different from standard BBQ joints will find Loro’s creative approach refreshing and memorable, making it worth a special trip.
2. Leroy and Lewis Barbecue (Austin)
Forget everything you think you know about traditional Texas barbecue. This Austin favorite flips the script by focusing on lesser-known cuts and wildly inventive sides that challenge BBQ conventions. Beef-fat potato chips provide addictive crunch, while kimchi adds tangy brightness to rich smoked meats.
Even vegetarians find happiness here with cauliflower burnt ends that capture all the caramelized, smoky goodness typically reserved for meat. The savory beet-BBQ sauce offers an earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with everything on the menu. Their smoked cheeseburger has become a top seller, proving that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning comfort food.
Operating from a food truck setup, Leroy and Lewis maintains a casual vibe while delivering seriously creative flavors. Locals line up early because these pitmaster creations sell out fast.
3. Blood Bros. BBQ (Houston)
Houston’s diverse culinary scene finds perfect expression in this gastropub where Asian flavors meet Gulf Coast smoking traditions. Char siu pork belly burnt ends glisten with a sweet-savory glaze that makes every bite unforgettable. The gochujang-glazed ribs deliver a spicy kick balanced by the deep smoke flavor that defines great Texas barbecue.
These pitmasters understand that traditional smoking techniques can showcase international seasonings beautifully. Each dish honors both the low-and-slow cooking methods Texas is famous for and the bold flavors of Asian cuisine.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families and BBQ enthusiasts alike, with friendly staff happy to explain their unique fusion approach. Weekend lines stretch long, so arriving early or ordering ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these creative smoked creations.
4. Hurtado Barbecue (Fort Worth)
Fort Worth’s BBQ landscape gets a flavorful Mexican twist at this family-run gastropub that honors both culinary traditions. Classic brisket maintains all the smoky tenderness Texas demands, while house-made Mexican-flavored sausages introduce exciting spice profiles and seasonings. The inventive sides draw inspiration from both cultures, creating a menu that feels familiar yet refreshingly different.
Pitmaster techniques passed down through generations meet creative recipe development that keeps regulars coming back. The warm, welcoming atmosphere reflects genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.
Located conveniently for travelers exploring the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this spot offers authentic flavors without pretension. The combination of traditional smoking methods and Mexican culinary creativity results in dishes that satisfy both BBQ purists and adventurous eaters looking for something special.
5. Barbs B Q (Brownsville)
Way down in Brownsville, near the Mexican border, pitmasters showcase influences from Argentina and beyond while maintaining Texas smoking traditions. Lamb chops receive the same careful attention as brisket, developing incredible char and tenderness. Green spaghetti provides an unexpected side that adds color and flavor complexity to the plate.
The homemade spelt swirl bread demonstrates the gastropub’s commitment to crafting everything from scratch. These global influences create a menu that reflects South Texas’s unique cultural position, blending traditions from multiple countries into cohesive, delicious dishes.
Travelers making the journey to the Rio Grande Valley will find this hidden gem worth the detour. The friendly atmosphere and truly one-of-a-kind flavor combinations make Barbs B Q a memorable stop that showcases how diverse Texas barbecue has become.
6. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ (Austin)
Early morning lines form before this Austin favorite even opens, with locals knowing that the mesquite-smoked brisket tacos disappear quickly. Homemade tortillas provide the perfect vehicle for tender, smoky meat topped with fresh salsas and traditional Tex-Mex accompaniments. The mesquite wood adds a distinctive flavor profile different from the oak typically used in Central Texas barbecue.
Starting as a food truck, Valentina’s has maintained its accessible, unpretentious approach while building a devoted following. The breakfast tacos combine two Texas obsessions into one perfect handheld meal that satisfies from the first bite.
Weekend brunches showcase the full range of Tex-Mex BBQ possibilities, from smoked meats to flavorful sides. Visitors seeking an authentic Austin food experience will find everything they’re looking for in these simple yet expertly crafted dishes.
7. Pecan Lodge (Dallas)
Dallas locals have turned Pecan Lodge into a cult favorite, with visitors planning entire trips around tasting these pit-smoked meats. Classic brisket and ribs demonstrate mastery of traditional techniques, while creative dishes like The Hot Mess elevate the menu beyond standard BBQ fare. This sweet potato loaded with barbacoa, cheese, and toppings has become legendary in its own right.
The gastropub atmosphere balances casual comfort with attention to quality that serious BBQ lovers appreciate. Long lines during peak hours prove the restaurant’s popularity, but the wait moves relatively quickly.
Located in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, Pecan Lodge fits perfectly into Dallas’s evolving food scene. The combination of time-honored smoking methods and inventive menu items creates an experience that satisfies both traditionalists and those seeking creative twists on Texas barbecue classics.
8. Black Sheep Curbside (Austin)
What started as a humble food truck has evolved into an Austin institution known for pushing BBQ boundaries. Smoked salmon candy exemplifies the creative thinking that defines this gastropub, combining smoking techniques with unexpected ingredients to create addictive flavors. The sweet-savory glaze on the salmon demonstrates how barbecue methods can transform seafood into something entirely new.
Gourmet street-style dishes arrive with careful plating that elevates the food truck experience without losing the casual accessibility that made Black Sheep popular. Creative smoked meat preparations change regularly, giving repeat visitors new flavors to discover.
The outdoor seating area provides a relaxed environment perfect for enjoying inventive dishes with friends. Travelers exploring Austin’s famous food truck scene will find Black Sheep Curbside represents the best of what mobile kitchens can achieve with skill and imagination.
9. Interstellar BBQ (Austin)
Recognition from prestigious culinary guides confirms what Austin locals already knew about this exceptional BBQ gastropub. High-quality smoked meats achieve the perfect balance of smoke, tenderness, and flavor that separates good barbecue from great. The beet salad might seem unusual alongside brisket, but its earthy sweetness and bright vinaigrette provide perfect contrast to rich smoked meats.
Unique sides elevate the entire meal into something approaching fine dining while maintaining the soul of Texas barbecue. Attention to detail shows in every aspect, from meat selection to side dish preparation to the welcoming service.
The comfortable gastropub setting feels sophisticated without being stuffy, making it appropriate for special occasions or casual meals. Travelers seeking the highest level of BBQ craftsmanship will find Interstellar delivers an unforgettable experience worth planning a trip around.
10. Parish (Austin)
Southern hospitality takes on new meaning when Louisiana flavors meet Texas barbecue traditions. Brisket gets treated to Cajun-inspired seasonings that add complexity without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor. Sausages incorporate Louisiana spice blends, while ribs feature glazes reminiscent of New Orleans cooking.
The warm, inviting gastropub atmosphere reflects both Texas friendliness and Louisiana’s famous joie de vivre. Live music occasionally fills the space, enhancing the celebratory feeling that makes every meal feel special.
Located in a historic building, Parish combines old-world charm with contemporary culinary innovation. The fusion of two proud Southern BBQ traditions creates dishes that honor both while forging something distinctly unique. Travelers exploring Austin’s diverse food scene will appreciate how Parish stands out even in a city famous for creative restaurants and exceptional barbecue.
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