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…