These 5 new BBQ joints are the best Texas has to offer, says Southern Living
Texas has no shortage of good barbecue, but where are the best places?
Southern Living has compiled a list of the 22 best new barbecue joints in the South. Of course, Texas had to make five appearances on the list.
All joints on the list cook on wood-fired pits. Texas barbecue is low and slow, with a smokey flavor. The state is known for beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage.
“Texas barbecue is usually seasoned with a dry rub consisting of spices such as black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder,” according to Dickey’s Barbecue, “This combination of spices results in a complex flavor that has become synonymous with Texas barbecue.”
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Each region of Texas has minor differences in their barbecue style, says Dickey’s.
Central Texas barbecue is cooked on mesquite wood and served without sauce. East Texas fare is smoked on oak woods and isn’t afraid of serving it with sweet, tomato-based BBQ sauce.
West Texas is cooked “cowboy style” with an open pit of mesquite wood, which means less smokey flavor. It’s also served with a “MOP sauce,” a thin vinegar-based moistener. South Texas barbecue is influenced by Mexican flavors and offers many taco options.
Dallas-Fort Worth falls into the central Texas genre with smoked meats, dry rubs and minimal sauce. However, Southern Living acknowledges all Texas barbecue styles in their list. The five joints are sprinkled all around the Lone Star State, so you have no excuse not to try one of the best BBQ joints in the South.
Best new Texas BBQ joints, according to Southern Living
No. 2 Barbs-B-Q
Address: 102 E Market St, Lockhart.
Hours: It is closed Monday through Friday. It is open Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. until the food is sold out (approximately 2 p.m.).
Located in the capital of Texas barbecue, Lockhart, Ms. Chuck Charnichart opened Barb’s in May 2023.
This woman doesn’t just know how to do some mean brisket, turkey, and beef ribs but offers iconic sides like creamy poblano noodles.
“Each Saturday and Sunday, she and her team are bringing together Texas classics—slow-smoked brisket, turkey, and beef ribs—with an array of fresh and vibrant flavors. Highlights include herb-crusted smoked Lamb Chops, Molotov Pork Ribs finished with serrano syrup and lime zest, and Charnichart’s now-famous green spaghetti.” according to Southern Living.
They also offer desserts like concha and chocolate pudding. As well as a vegan chopped sandwich option for those who don’t eat meat.
No. 6 Dayne’s Craft BBQ
Address: 100 S Front St, Aledo.
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday, they are open from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This joint opened this year. Previously at Lola’s Saloon (a now-closed music venue) in Fort Worth, Dayne and Ashley Weaver now have their very first brick-and-mortar location in Aledo.
According to Southern Living experts, the barbecue spot got its recognition from its flair for the classics.
“Even in a state overflowing with good brisket, Dayne’s thick, peppery slices stand out. Of equal note are the slabs of smoked pork belly with a crisp bark and the Fritos-pie beans—savory cowboy-esque pintos that are topped with cheese, crunchy Fritos, pickled jalapeños, and squiggles of lime-infused crema.”
As more BBQ joints are beginning to offer burgers, Dayne’s does well. Their double patter smashed burger is only $11 and is served Wednesday through Saturday.
No. 9 Brisket and Rice
Address: 13111 FM 529, Houston
Hours: Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday through Sunday open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Brisket and Rice, opened by Hong and Phong Tran brothers in Houston in 2022, deserves recognition for their spin on classic brisket barbecue.
Rice is not the typical side here in Texas. However, brisket is served atop a large helping of jasmine rice with sauce. Southern Living describes the cuisine as, “Two Primitive Pits offset smokers turn out solid Texas standards like pork ribs, pulled pork, and handmade beef and jalapeño sausages. They’re joined on the paper-lined trays by big spheres of BBQ Fried Rice dotted with diced brisket and Chinese sausage as well as Poor Man’s Macaroni—noodles wok-fried with bacon and a sweet tomato sauce.”
All ingredients used are locally sourced from Houston farmer’s markets.
No. 13 Leroy and Lewis Barbecue
After operating as a food truck since 2017, Evan Leroy and Sawyer Lewis graduated to their very own building in Austin early this year. They call their style “New School barbecue.”
According to Southern Living, because of their location expansion, their menu has grown in size as well.
“You can still get favorites like pulled whole hog and smoked Italian beef alongside direct-heat-cooked chicken and sliced or chopped beef made from whole forequarters butchered in-house.”
Of course you can get the classic smoked meats and sides, but also burgers and sandwiches. In case you need another reason to go, this barbecue joint also offers craft cocktails at their full bar.
No. 17 Reese Bros Barbecue
Address: 906 Hoefgen Ave, San Antonio
Hours: Closed Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. until sold out (approximately 3 p.m.)
Reese Bros Barbecue was opened in 2022 by Nick and Elliot Reese after operating out of a trailer and doing pop-ups across San Antonio.
This restaurant uses the classic Central Texas barbecue flavors with Mexican-American inspiration. Southern Living gives ode to some of its most popular menu items: ”Brothers Nick and Elliott Reese serve brisket, ribs, and queso fundido sausage links along with homemade flour tortillas and poblano-laced mac ‘n cheese.”
The menu is small and simple but satisfying for their customers.
How Southern Living came up with its rankings
To qualify, the restaurants must have been opened in 2021 or after and must be “a restaurant with an enclosed pit house, indoor dining, and restrooms,” says Southern Living.
