BEAUMONT
PITMASTER: BLUE BROUSSARD

"Broussard" is quite a familiar name in the Beaumont area, but Blue Broussard hit major recognition when he opened 1701 Barbecue. Undoubtedly one of the top BBQ joints in the Golden Triangle (and a Texas Monthly Top 50 member), Broussard and his team pride themselves on putting out killer barbecue.

COLLEGE STATION
PITMASTERS: BRAD & BRANDON DOAN

It really is a family affair at 1775 Texas Pit BBQ. You'll find Brad Doan and the rest of his family in various parts of the operation, from himself and brother Brandon at the pits, to their dad at the front door, their mother Belinda creating incredible sides and desserts, and Brandon's wife Glenda manning the register. A College Station native and Army veteran, Brad Doan and his family launched 1775 (a hat-tip to the year the U.S. Army was created) to the Honorable Mention list in Texas Monthly's Top 50 in 2021.

SAN ANTONIO
PITMASTER: ESAUL RAMOS

2M Smokehouse, the creation of best friends Esaul Ramos and Joe Melig IV, has been delighting barbecue fans from in and out of San Antonio for nearly a decade. Ramos has twice been nominated for Best Chef: Texas by the James Beard Awards and 2M was named on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list in 2021.

MONTGOMERY
PITMASTERS: SHELBY, COOPER & CALEB ABERCROMBIE

Bar-A-BBQ is another relative newcomer to the world of Texas BBQ, but Cooper Abercrombie's family restaurant has already made waves. Named on Texas Monthly's Top 25 Best New Joints list in 2023, Cooper (along with most of his family, including brother and pitmaster Caleb) are cementing themselves as one of the best BBQ joints in the greater Houston area.

LOCKHART, AUSTIN, SAN MARCOS, NEW BRAUNFELS
PITMASTER: KENT BLACK

The Original Black's Barbecue stands the test of time as the oldest operating barbecue joint in Texas owned by the same family. Kent Black and his family run an institution in multiple locations, but it's the original spot in Lockhart that continually boasts huge crowds and lots of brisket and beef ribs being served on a daily basis ... or as the sign says, "Eight Days A Week."

HOUSTON
PITMASTER: QUY HOANG

Quy Hoang, Terry Wong and Robby Wong are three lifelong fans who reconnected in 2014 and eventually set out on the journey of opening a Texas barbecue restaurant ... but with a lot of twists. Up and down the menu you'll find contemporary takes on barbecue with Asian influences. There's the Gochujang glazed pork ribs, brisket fried rice, Gyoza sausage, and plenty of other menu items that will have your tastebuds screaming for more. Blood Bros., a Texas Monthly top 50 joint, was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in November 2024.

KATY
PITMASTER:BRETT JACKSON

Brett Jackson and his business partner Jacqueline Herrera have created a barbecue institution in Katy, Texas. Now a Texas Monthly top 50 joint, Brett's has become a must stop if you're anywhere near Houston. You'll find all the classics here plus great specials like brisket enchiladas and Italian beef sandwiches.

MARATHON
PITMASTER: PHILLIP MOELLERING

Phillip Moellering has created something special way out in Marathon, Texas. But let us be the first to tell you: It's worth the drive. Named a Top 25 Best BBQ Joint in Texas by Texas Monthly, Brick Vault brings great barbecue together along with a stellar brewery while being part of the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon. If a trip to Big Bend is in your plans, so should Brick Vault.

PFLUGERVILLE
PITMASTER: DIRSEO GARAY JR.

John Brotherton escaped from the corporate world more than once to go after his barbecue dream. On the third time, he struck gold. Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue was born in 2015 and before long it was among the elite in Texas barbecue. Brotherton's was named to Texas Monthly's Top 25 Best New Restaurants in 2019 before hitting the prestigious Top 50 list in 2021. John Brotherton tragically passed away in January 2024, but his legacy lives on through his family and his team, who all will be present to cook the way John taught.

AUSTIN
PITMASTER: CADE MERCER

One of the more inventive and creative minds in the game, Cade Mercer brings out all the stops every time he gets in front of the pit or a pan. He's created items such as a brisket crunchwrap in homage to the Taco Bell creation, a hot honey turkey biscuit, and beef fat brioche cinnamon rolls. But even if it's just regular Texas barbecue, he can handle that just fine, too.

FREDERICKSBURG
PITMASTER: LANCE EAKER

Among the rapidly growing town of Fredericksburg with its wineries, distilleries, and endless shopping is Eaker Barbecue. Lance Eaker and his wife Boo Eaker have created one of Central Texas' best spots, earning a spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list in 2021. Along with stellar Central Texas-style BBQ, the Eakers are masters at Asian fusion offerings, from Gochujang pork belly burnt ends, to spicy Korean fried chicken sandwiches, and more.

WACO
PITMASTER: REID GUESS

Reid Guess and his barbecue joint took a path similar to many other Texas BBQ spots -- he started in a food trailer before eventually opening his brick and mortar in Waco. Guess Family does all the traditional barbecue the right way. Pro-tip: Go on Sundays for brunch, and get the pulled pork pancakes.

ARLINGTON, FORT WORTH
PITMASTER: BRANDON HURTADO

In only five years time, Brandon Hurtado saw his barbecue concept go from pop-up ventures and a later a food truck, quickly to having two brick-and-mortars and being the official barbecue of the Texas Rangers (complete with a permanent location in Globe Life Field). A master at 'Mexicue,' Hurtado takes normal barbecue offerings and elevates them with Mexican influences, which can be found in his Birria tacos, poblano oaxaca sausage, and brisket tostadas.

McKINNEY, FRISCO
PITMASTERS: TIM & TRACY HUTCHINS

If there is a barbecue name that is synonymous with DFW (especially north DFW), it's Hutchins. Tim and Tracy Hutchins have launched their family business into superstardom over the years. They are a mainstay on Texas Monthly's Top 50 list and are considered one of the premier joints to put out consistently great product despite huge volumes. Credited with inventing the 'Texas Twinkie' (if you haven't had one, GO), Hutchins is also the kind of place you can get your perfect BBQ fix, no matter what you order.

AUSTIN
PITMASTER: JOHN BATES

John Bates transitioned from owning a popular breakfast and sandwich shop in Austin to opening InterStellar Barbecue in northwest Austin in 2019. It wasn't long before the lines grew longer by the day as the barbecue world was taken by storm by this newcomer. InterStellar is known as one of the world's best BBQ joints, currently sitting at No. 2 on Texas Monthly's top 50 list. Its legend grew even larger in November 2024 when InterStellar received a coveted Michelin Star by the Michelin Guide at its first-ever Texas ceremony.

LOCKHART
PITMASTER: ROY PEREZ

Kreuz Market's story dates back nearly 125 years when Charles Kreuz Sr. purchased a meat market in Lockhart, Texas and renamed in Kreuz Market. Kreuz Market resided in downtown Lockhart for 99 years before it moved to its current location in 1999. The fire never went out, as still-pitmaster Roy Perez and crew walked the original hot coals from the original location to the new one. The sausage recipe remains the same, Roy still works the chopping block, and the beef clod is still a local favorite.

BRENHAM
PITMASTERS: COREY COOK & MATT LOWERY

Matt Lowery started his journey in barbecue experimenting on his pit at home, circa 2012. A few years later, LJ's was born via pop-ups before moving to the back of a liquor store. LJ's, named after Matt and Leah Cook's grandmother Laura Jean, now resides on Main St. in Brenham, where you can find a stellar menu of BBQ from the top down. LJ's was named to Texas Monthly's Top 50 list in 2021.

SPICEWOOD
PITMASTERS: SETH & COURTNEY GLASER

The folks at Opie's like to say 'Life is Good in Spicewood!' -- and for good reason. If you've ever stepped inside Opie's, you know you're somewhere special. It's an old-school joint that's been open since 1999, and has been a Texas BBQ fixture ever since. Seth Glaser and his wife, Courtney, along with other members of their family work tirelessly to make the experience the best it can be on a daily basis. And for all things holy, never skip the tater tot casserole!

HOUSTON, KATY
PITMASTER: RUSSELL ROEGELS

Russell Roegels has a long history of working in Texas barbecue, starting off at Bodacious BBQ in Longview before owning and operating a Baker's Ribs franchise in Houston. Russell and his wife, Misty, eventually broke away from the Baker's chain to build their own brand of barbecue. Thus, Roegels Barbecue Co. was born. The traditional meats are stellar, and you can't miss the specials such as the pastrami or the Katsu Turkey. Misty is a master at sides and desserts. As Russell likes to say, 'A smoked-filled sky is our limit.'

AUSTIN
PITMASTER: KYLE STALLINGS

Kyle Stallings has owned and operated a somewhat quiet, sleeping monster in Rollin' Smoke for more than a decade. But his status among the best in Austin is growing. Known for great traditional barbecue with rotating taco specials and other creations (the Carne Guisada burrito is stellar), Rollin' Smoke is doing things the right way in the state's capitol.

DALLAS
PITMASTER: KRIS MANNING

Smokey Joe's BBQ is a Dallas institution, opened 40 years ago by Joe Melton and Kenneth Manning when they converted an old gas station into a barbecue joint. Fast forward to 2014, when Kris Manning took over the business from his father and transformed it into not only a Texas Monthly Top 50 spot, but also one of the best BBQ joints in Dallas. Manning, a nephew of former New York Giants star linebacker Jessie Armstead, perfected the restaurant's brisket and maintained fixtures such as the famous pork ribs, fried okra, and collard greens.

AUSTIN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, CEDAR PARK
PITMASTER: LANCE KIRKPATRICK

The original Stiles Switch BBQ located at 6610 N. Lamar opened its doors in December of 2011. Stiles Switch BBQ is named after the historic 1800s I. & G. N. railroad stop in Stiles Switch, Texas. Stiles Switch is also the namesake of the owner Shane Stiles. Shane's inspiration for Stiles Switch BBQ is derived from his admiration of the Texas BBQ Legends he was raised on growing up in Central Texas. Stiles Switch plays tribute to these Texas "greats" by assembling a passionate team led by Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick who has decades of industry experience. Stiles Switch has been honored on the Texas Monthly Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints list in 2013 and 2017. The original location of Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, set in the historic art deco 1950s Violet Crown Shopping Center at 6610 N. Lamar, is designed to host a nostalgic atmosphere that transcends back to the old Austin neighborhood-style eatery. FUN FACT: The Violet Crown Shopping Center, one of the "oldest" shopping centers in central Austin, was also the film production hub for the late 1990s film "Dazed and Confused" starring Matthew McConaughey. The Stiles Switch BBQ lease space is the famed "Emporium" pool hall filmed in the movie.

WESLACO
PITMASTER: JOEL GARCIA

Joel Garcia and his brother Jesse embarked on owning and operating Teddy's Barbecue in 2019 just miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. The Garcias are Rio Grand Valley natives who didn't have to wait long to see their barbecue joint garner major accolades. Teddy's was named to Texas Monthly's top 50 list in 2021 and was also named among The New York Times' 20 best new-school barbecue restaurants.

TOMBALL
PITMASTER: SCOTT MOORE JR.

Imagine being a master at the craft of chocolate AND barbecue. That's what life is like if you're Scott Moore Jr. The fifth-generation Texan provides the best of both worlds inside an old house in Tomball, Texas. The Texas Monthly Top 50 joint is heralded for its stellar meats, including wonderfully inventive sausages and as anyone who's been will tell you: Always order the carrot souffle. In November of 2024, Tejas received a prestigious Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide at its first-ever Texas awards.

ALLEN
PITMASTER: ARNULFO 'TREY' SANCHEZ III

'Trey' Sanchez has been around barbecue for as long as he can remember. His father, Arnold, opened a Texas BBQ joint in East Dallas in 1989, and Trey carries on that tradition with Vaqueros in Grapevine (eventually Allen). Whether it's the traditional smoked meats or the rotating Mexican-inspired offerings (think BBQ Birria tacos and Smoked Cochinita Pibil), you can't go wrong here. One of Texas's most underrated spots is now flourishing in the limelight, highlighted by Trey's recent semifinalist nomination for a James Beard Award as Best Chef in Texas.