Austin’s most famous smokehouse has strengthened its claim as one of the defining names in American barbecue. Southern Living readers selected Franklin Barbecue as the best barbecue restaurant in Texas for a fifth consecutive year, extending a winning streak that began before many of the state’s newest craft barbecue businesses opened their doors.
The latest recognition appeared in Southern Living’s 2026 list of the best barbecue joints in every Southern state. Published on March 12, 2026, the ranking was based on an online survey conducted by Proof Insights. More than 17,000 Southern Living consumers participated between July 9 and September 9, 2025.
That result updates earlier reports describing Franklin Barbecue as Texas’ top restaurant for four consecutive years. The Austin restaurant earned its fourth straight title in the 2025 poll, then returned to the top again in 2026. The continuing streak shows that Franklin has maintained strong public support despite intense competition across Texas.
Franklin Barbecue extends its Texas BBQ winning streak
When we discuss the best barbecue in Texas, we enter one of the most competitive food debates in America. Texas contains historic meat markets, roadside smokehouses, Michelin-recognized restaurants, modern food trucks and family businesses that have cooked over wood for generations…