There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth brisket burnt end. These flavorful morsels – the crispy, caramelized ends of a smoked brisket – have become legendary in Texas barbecue circles. While many pitmasters claim to have mastered this delicacy, only a handful truly deserve royal status in the burnt ends kingdom. I’ve traveled across the Lone Star State, sampling these smoky treasures, and am ready to share my top spots where brisket burnt ends reign supreme.
1. Franklin Barbecue: The Mecca of Burnt Ends
If brisket burnt ends were a religion, Franklin Barbecue would be its holiest temple. Aaron Franklin’s legendary Austin establishment has folks lining up before sunrise, and honestly, I’d wake up at 4 AM any day for these magnificent morsels.
What makes these burnt ends extraordinary is the perfect balance of pepper-crusted bark, rendered fat, and melt-in-your-mouth meat. The smoking process here is practically a science – low and slow over post oak for 12-15 hours creates that signature mahogany crust while keeping the inside tender.
Though the wait can stretch for hours, consider it a pilgrimage that barbecue enthusiasts must make at least once. The burnt ends here aren’t just food; they’re an experience that’s transformed Texas barbecue culture forever.
2. Snow’s BBQ: The Surprising Small-Town Champion
Hidden in tiny Lexington (population: barely 1,200), Snow’s BBQ shocked the barbecue world when it claimed Texas Monthly’s top spot years ago. Their burnt ends might be the state’s best-kept secret – if you can actually get them before they sell out…