7 Texas Grocery Chains Where BBQ Counters Rival Real Smokehouses

In Texas, barbecue is as common at roadside smokehouses as it is inside grocery stores. Some supermarkets have turned their deli counters into full-fledged smokehouses, where brisket, sausage, and ribs are sliced fresh to order.

While not every grocery BBQ has the same fame as a pitmaster’s trailer, several chains have built strong followings. Here are seven Texas grocers where barbecue is part of the shopping trip.

1. H-E-B True Texas BBQ

When H-E-B announced its True Texas BBQ concept in 2014, locals were curious whether a supermarket could capture the essence of Central Texas barbecue. Since then, the brand has expanded to more than 40 locations, with counters that look and feel like stand-alone restaurants.

In 2019, Texas Monthly recognized True Texas BBQ as the state’s top barbecue chain, a notable achievement given the tough competition. The brisket, smoked over post oak in the traditional style, is sliced thick and served with house-made sides.

Diners often mention the consistency and skill of the pitmasters, many of whom are local to the region. True Texas BBQ has become a reason in itself to visit H-E-B, whether for a sit-down meal, drive-thru service, or a plate to go.

2. Central Market Smoked Meats

Walking into Central Market, you’ll notice the aroma of prepared foods mingling with fresh produce and gourmet cheese. As H-E-B’s premium concept, Central Market emphasizes quality and variety, and smoked meats are part of that offering.

The prepared foods section often includes brisket, ribs, and smoked turkey, along with specialty sausages and sides that reflect Central Texas traditions. The barbecue is usually prepared in small batches, keeping it fresh and in line with the store’s upscale approach.

While not branded as a formal smokehouse chain, Central Market’s barbecue reflects its philosophy: curated flavors, regional authenticity, and service that helps customers pair smoked meats with wines, cheeses, and produce under the same roof.

3. Brookshire’s Deli BBQ

In East Texas, Brookshire’s has become a familiar stop for both groceries and hot meals. The deli counters often feature sliced brisket and sausage, evoking the feel of a roadside joint inside a family grocery.

Regulars note that the flavors can rival those found at nearby smokehouses, making it a popular lunch option for workers and families alike.

Brookshire’s approach is rooted in convenience and consistency. Brisket, ribs, and pulled pork are staples, paired with rotating seasonal sides. Customers can grab a plate to eat at the store’s café tables or take it home, reinforcing Brookshire’s role as both a neighborhood grocer and a go-to spot for everyday barbecue.

4. Brookshire Brothers Smokehouse

For residents of rural Texas and smaller towns, Brookshire Brothers is as much a gathering place as it is a grocery store. Its deli smokehouse counters have become reliable for those looking for barbecue without a long drive.

Customers regularly pick up dinner after work or stop by for a quick lunch, creating a steady flow of locals who treat the barbecue counter as part of their routine. The menu is straightforward: brisket, sausage, and smoked chicken most days, supported by familiar sides like beans and slaw.

Preparation mirrors traditional pit methods on a smaller scale, prioritizing consistency and community connection. For many small towns, Brookshire Brothers is where the weekly grocery run and the craving for barbecue intersect.

5. United Supermarkets Smokehouse

On the plains of West Texas, United Supermarkets and its Market Street stores incorporate barbecue into their deli programs. Counters often showcase brisket, ribs, and turkey, smoked with hickory or mesquite for authentic flavor.

Customers say the brisket is the standout, praised for its tenderness and balanced seasoning. Market Street locations go a step further by focusing on the experience. Shoppers can sample smoked meats, ask for pairing suggestions, or grab a hot plate on the way home.

United has managed to blend the casual appeal of Texas barbecue with a modern grocery environment, serving both locals and travelers passing through wide-open country.

6. Fiesta Mart Barbecue

Fiesta Mart in Houston is best known for its multicultural aisles, but the hot foods counter is a hidden gem for barbecue lovers. Brisket tacos and smoked ribs are served alongside Tex-Mex dishes, creating a fusion that reflects the city’s diverse food scene.

While Fiesta isn’t a pitmaster destination in the traditional sense, its barbecue offerings stand out for accessibility and variety. Patrons enjoy combining smoked meats with tortillas, salsas, and sides inspired by Latin cooking.

This crossover approach gives Fiesta’s hot foods counter a character all its own, where brisket shares space with global flavors. It’s a uniquely Houston way of experiencing barbecue inside a supermarket setting.

7. Lowe’s Market Deli BBQ

In small Texas towns, Lowe’s Market often fills the role of both grocery store and local diner. The deli BBQ counter serves brisket, sausage, and ribs prepared in-house, providing residents with flavors reminiscent of small-scale smokehouses.

Many customers stop in for a hot plate after shopping, keeping the connection between daily groceries and barbecue alive. The menu is intentionally simple, emphasizing freshness and approachability. Staff often know their customers by name, reinforcing the community feel.

In places without a well-known pit nearby, Lowe’s Market becomes the practical neighborhood barbecue spot, blending tradition, convenience, and a sense of belonging.