The 12 Highest Rated BBQ Restaurants in All of Texas

There is something about Texas BBQ that makes you want to plan an entire road trip around it. I still remember the first time I caught that smoky, wood-fired smell drifting through an open car window somewhere outside Austin, and I knew right then that this state takes its barbecue seriously.

Texas barbecue is not just a cuisine, it is a culture, and each of these restaurants represents that culture in its own distinct and delicious way. I put together this guide for anyone who loves great food and wants to experience Texas through the smoke and flavor of its finest pitmasters.

Whether you are a seasoned BBQ traveler or planning your very first smoked brisket experience, these twelve spots are absolutely worth the drive.

1. Goldee’s Bar-B-Q, Texas

Walking up to Goldee’s Bar-B-Q for the first time feels like stumbling onto something the rest of the world hasn’t fully discovered yet, even though the BBQ community absolutely has.

Located on Dick Price Road in Fort Worth, this spot has quietly built one of the most impressive reputations in all of Texas barbecue.

The team behind Goldee’s is young, passionate, and deeply committed to the craft, and that energy shows in every single bite.

The brisket here is the kind that requires zero sauce, with a bark so perfectly seasoned and a smoke ring so vivid it almost looks painted on. Pork ribs and turkey round out the menu with equal confidence.

The setting is humble and unpretentious, which somehow makes the food taste even better.

Getting here early is strongly recommended because they sell out fast, and for very good reason. This is a Fort Worth experience that food lovers should not skip under any circumstances.

Address: 4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76140

2. Franklin BBQ, Texas

Franklin BBQ is the kind of place that earned its legend the hard way, one early morning smoke session at a time. This restaurant has become a pilgrimage destination for BBQ lovers from across the country and around the world.

I had heard about the lines long before I ever visited, and standing in one felt less like waiting and more like being part of something bigger than just lunch.

The brisket at Franklin is widely considered among the best ever made, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that genuinely surprises you the first time. Ribs and pulled pork hold their own with remarkable consistency.

The whole operation runs with a kind of quiet precision that is easy to respect.

Arriving early in the morning is not an exaggeration here, it is a real strategy. The reward for that patience is a plate of smoked meat that makes every minute of the wait feel completely worthwhile.

Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

3. InterStellar BBQ, Texas

Out in the northwest corner of Austin, InterStellar BBQ sits in a strip mall that you might drive past without a second glance, until you smell the smoke. That aroma is your signal to pull over immediately.

This spot has earned serious recognition on Texas Monthly’s prestigious BBQ list, and one visit makes it very clear why the judges felt so strongly about placing it near the top.

The brisket is exceptionally tender with a crust that carries real depth of flavor from long, careful smoking. Sausage links here have a satisfying snap and a seasoning profile that feels both classic and slightly inventive.

The staff is warm and genuinely enthusiastic about what they are serving, which adds a lot to the overall experience.

The strip mall setting might seem unexpected for a restaurant of this caliber, but that contrast is part of the charm. Great barbecue in Texas does not always come dressed up, and InterStellar proves that point beautifully with every tray it sends out.

Address: 12233 RR 620 N #105, Austin, TX 78750

4. Truth BBQ, Texas

Truth BBQ carries a name that sets a high standard, and somehow it meets that standard with ease every single time.

Hidden in the Heights neighborhood of Houston on South Heights Boulevard, this restaurant brings a level of care and precision to smoked meats that has earned it a devoted following across the city and well beyond.

The first time I walked through the door, the smell alone was enough to make me feel like I had made a very good decision.

Brisket is the crown jewel here, sliced thick and glistening, with a smoke flavor that lingers on the palate in the best possible way. The sides at Truth BBQ are treated with the same respect as the meat, which is not always the case at BBQ joints.

Banana pudding has become a beloved fixture on the dessert side.

Houston is a city full of incredible food, and Truth BBQ holds its own in that competitive landscape without breaking a sweat. It is a must-visit stop for any serious BBQ traveler passing through.

Address: 110 S Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

5. Cattleack Barbeque, Texas

Cattleack Barbeque is a Dallas institution that operates on its own schedule, and regulars will tell you that schedule is absolutely worth planning around.

Open only a few days a week, this spot in North Dallas has built a reputation for consistency and quality that is hard to match anywhere in the DFW area.

There is something refreshing about a restaurant that does not try to be everything to everyone.

The brisket here is deeply smoky, with a bark that has a pleasant crunch before giving way to tender, juicy meat underneath. Burnt ends and ribs show up on certain days and disappear fast when they do.

The no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus exactly where it belongs, on the food.

Cattleack has a loyal crowd that shows up rain or shine, and that loyalty is telling. Dallas has no shortage of great restaurants, but this one occupies a very specific place in the hearts of those who know their Texas barbecue well and take their lunch plans seriously.

Address: 13628 Gamma Rd, Dallas, TX 75244

6. Snow’s BBQ, Texas

Snow’s BBQ in Lexington operates on a schedule that makes it feel like a secret, even though it has been named the best BBQ in Texas by Texas Monthly.

Open only on Saturday mornings, this tiny spot on Main Street draws people from hundreds of miles away who set their alarms for before sunrise just to make the drive.

I had heard stories about it for years before finally making the trip, and nothing quite prepares you for how good it actually is.

Pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz has been smoking meat here for decades, and her brisket carries a depth of flavor that reflects that lifetime of practice. Pork ribs and shoulder are equally worth your attention.

The setting is as simple as it gets, folding tables and all, which makes the whole experience feel wonderfully unpretentious.

Lexington is a small town, and Snow’s is its biggest claim to fame. Arriving early is not optional here, it is survival strategy, because once the meat runs out, it is gone until next Saturday.

Address: 516 Main St, Lexington, TX 78947

7. Panther City BBQ, Texas

Panther City BBQ started as a food truck and grew into something Fort Worth genuinely rallied around, which says a lot about the quality and personality of this place.

Parked and operating on East Hattie Street, this spot brings a creative energy to traditional Texas BBQ that feels fresh without losing respect for the craft.

The first time I tried their brisket, I appreciated how much thought had clearly gone into the seasoning and smoke balance.

Chopped brisket sandwiches here have developed a cult following, and the creative toppings and sauces add layers of flavor that feel intentional rather than gimmicky. The outdoor, casual vibe makes it a great spot to linger over a meal with friends.

Fort Worth locals speak about Panther City with genuine pride.

The surrounding neighborhood has a gritty, authentic feel that suits the personality of this BBQ spot perfectly. It is the kind of place that reminds you why food trucks and small operations can sometimes outshine even the most established brick-and-mortar restaurants in any city.

Address: 201 E Hattie St, Fort Worth, TX 76104

8. Tejas Chocolate & BBQ, Texas

Tejas Chocolate and BBQ in Tomball is one of those places that immediately makes you wonder why you waited so long to visit.

Situated on North Elm Street in a town that feels refreshingly removed from city noise, this restaurant combines two things that might sound unusual together but work beautifully in practice.

The smoked meats here stand fully on their own, but knowing that the kitchen also makes handcrafted chocolate adds a fun layer of discovery to the whole visit.

Brisket arrives with a crust that has real character, and the smoke penetration is deep and even throughout. The atmosphere inside is warm and inviting, with a feel that is part rustic Texas roadhouse and part artisan food shop.

Service is genuinely friendly in a way that feels natural rather than rehearsed.

Tomball itself is worth a short wander before or after your meal, as the downtown area has a charming small-town energy. This restaurant is a strong argument for exploring the smaller towns tucked around Houston rather than always sticking to the city itself.

Address: 200 N Elm St, Tomball, TX 77375

9. CorkScrew BBQ, Texas

CorkScrew BBQ in Spring has the kind of reputation that makes people from across the Houston metro area rearrange their weekend plans just to show up before it sells out. This family-run spot has been putting out some of the most talked-about brisket in the greater Houston area for years.

There is a real sense of community around this place, with regulars who show up week after week like clockwork.

The brisket is consistently excellent, with a smoke ring that would make any pitmaster proud and a tenderness that holds up even after sitting on the tray for a few minutes. Ribs and sausage are crowd favorites that deserve equal attention.

The line moves steadily and the staff keeps things organized without making you feel rushed.

Spring is a suburban area north of Houston, and CorkScrew fits right into the fabric of that community while also drawing visitors from much farther away. It is the kind of neighborhood BBQ spot that every city wishes it had, and Spring is lucky to call it home.

Address: 26608 Keith St, Spring, TX 77373

10. 2M Smokehouse, Texas

2M Smokehouse sits on the South Side of San Antonio, and the neighborhood it calls home is as much a part of its identity as the brisket itself.

Founded by two friends deeply rooted in the local community, this spot has become a point of pride for San Antonio and a destination for BBQ travelers who want something that feels genuinely connected to its surroundings.

The first visit here feels personal in a way that bigger operations sometimes struggle to replicate.

The barbacoa and brisket here reflect a blend of Texas BBQ tradition and South Texas flavor influence that is entirely their own. Smoked meats are treated with care and cooked low and slow with real commitment to the process.

The colorful exterior and welcoming energy of the place set the tone before you even step inside.

San Antonio is a city with deep culinary roots, and 2M Smokehouse adds a chapter to that story that feels both modern and deeply authentic. It is a stop that stays with you long after the last bite.

Address: 2731 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222

11. Terry Black’s BBQ, Texas

Terry Black’s BBQ on Barton Springs Road in Austin is the kind of place where the energy hits you before the food does. The building is large and lively, with a cafeteria-style line that moves efficiently while still giving you enough time to make genuinely difficult decisions about what to order.

I appreciated how the whole setup felt both accessible to first-timers and deeply satisfying for people who know exactly what they are looking for.

Brisket here is sliced to order and consistently delivers on the promise of great Texas BBQ, with a smoke flavor that is assertive without being overpowering. Ribs and sausage are popular choices that regulars rarely skip.

The communal tables and high ceilings give the dining room a convivial atmosphere that encourages lingering over a meal.

Barton Springs Road is a great stretch of Austin with plenty to explore before or after eating, and Terry Black’s anchors that area as a must-visit food destination. For visitors who want a full Austin BBQ experience without the all-day wait, this is a very strong option.

Address: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

12. Burnt Bean Co., Texas

Burnt Bean Co. claimed the top spot on Texas Monthly’s 2025 list of the best BBQ joints in Texas, and a visit to this Seguin gem makes that ranking feel completely earned.

Situated on South Austin Street in a small town about an hour from both San Antonio and Austin, this restaurant has put Seguin on the Texas food map in a way that the whole community seems genuinely proud of.

The downtown setting is quiet and unhurried, which gives the whole meal a relaxed, unhurried pace.

Short ribs here are extraordinary, with a crust that gives way to meat so tender it practically dissolves. Korean-inspired beef back ribs bring a creative dimension to the menu that feels bold and confident.

Brisket and turkey are handled with the same level of attention that elevates every item they serve.

Seguin is a lovely small Texas town worth exploring beyond just the restaurant, with a historic downtown that rewards a slow afternoon walk. Burnt Bean Co. is the kind of place that makes you plan a return trip before you have even finished your first visit.

Address: 108 S Austin St, Seguin, TX 78155