The Best BBQ in Texas for Your Next RV Road Trip
Eat your way through the best Texas BBQ during your next RV road trip.
You can try multiple eateries along the way or even go out of your way to experience one of the best.
We put together a list of the 10 best Texas BBQ joints to help you plan your route.
Let’s have a look!
What Is So Special About Texas BBQ?
BBQ in Texas is more than a menu option. It originated from German and Czech migrants who came to Texas in the 19th century. Their meals mainly included cooked meats and sausages and eventually smoked meats. While they first settled between Austin and San Antonio, BBQ soon became sought after throughout the state.
Each of the four regions of Texas has its own type of BBQ. Central Texas is the birthplace of Texas BBQ. The smoked meat usually has a simple dry rub with salt and pepper and is served on a plate or butcher paper.
East Texas similarly slow cooks the meat, and it’s also known for a “falling off the bone” quality. South Texas BBQ has a sweet molasses-based sauce, which helps hold in the meat’s moisture. Mexican cuisine combined with BBQ in the south is called barbacoa. And finally, West Texas cooks their BBQ over an open flame.
ince it’s grilled rather than smoked, they use mesquite wood to flavor the meat.
BBQ You Shouldn’t Miss on Your Texas Road Trip
Is your mouth watering yet? Check out these BBQ joints in Texas.
#1. Cattleack Barbeque, North Texas
Address: 13628 Gamma Rd., Dallas, TX 75244
What Makes It the Best: Cattleack is a BBQ joint in Dallas. It’s been “branded the best” for its fall-off-the-bone smoked meats since 2010. They also have a special reserve BBQ sauce. In addition, they put on fun events like “Pits and Punch” on the first Saturday of every month.
Don’t Miss This: The brisket is a favorite. However, we recommend trying the Pitboss signature sandwich. It comes with brisket, ribs, sausage, pickled red onion, and jalapeno.
#2. Hutchins BBQ, East Texas
Address: Hutchins has two locations.
McKinney: 1301 N Tennessee St., McKinney, TX 75069
Frisco: 9225 Preston Rd., Frisco, TX 75033
What Makes It the Best: Established in 1978, Hutchins BBQ in Texas is family-owned. Its traditional smoked meats are famous, particularly the brisket. Their sought-after meats ship nationwide. You can partake in their premium product from anywhere in the U.S.
Don’t Miss This: Their brisket is famous and a must-try. We recommend the Party Pack, which feeds five to six people. You get your choice of up to six meats, one pound of brisket, three sides, and bread and sauce. It’s a great way to sample the various meats.
#3. Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que, South Texas
Address: 2404 Southmost Rd., Brownsville, TX 78521
What Makes It the Best: Vera’s Backyard Bar-B-Que is the real deal and worth going out of your way for when passing by Brownsville. They cook in a pit in the ground. Plus, they know how to combine the best sides from Mexican cuisine. You can check out their Facebook page for photos and updates.
Don’t Miss This: We recommend the pit-smoked brisket. It’s mouth-watering goodness. Try the cachete, too. The beef cheeks are perfection.
Pro Tip: When road tripping around Texas for the best bbq make sure to avoid driving on The Most Dangerous Roads in Texas.
#4. South BBQ and Kitchen, South-Central Texas
Address: 2011 Mission Rd., San Antonio, TX, 78214
What Makes It The Best: South BBQ and Kitchen is a San Antonio favorite. They make their smoked meats and sauces in-house daily. It’s home cooking BBQ Texas-style.
Don’t Miss This: We recommend the BBQ tacos on their homemade brisket fat flour tortillas if you like tacos. You can get them with chopped brisket or pulled pork and all the fixings. The jalapeno cheddar pork link can also spice up your meal.
#5. Black’s Barbeque, South-Central Texas
Address: Black’s has four locations, including Austin, Lockhart, New Braunfels, and San Marcos.
Austin: 3110 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78705
Lockhart: 215 North Main St., Lockhart, TX 78644
New Braunfels: 936 TX-337 Loop, New Braunfels, TX 78130
San Marcos: 510 Hull St., San Marcos, TX 78666
What Makes It the Best: Black’s BBQ has been family-owned since 1932. They’re one of the oldest BBQs in Texas and named a “Top 50 BBQ Joint.” You can visit the original location in Lockhart, complete with memorabilia and their popular menu.
Don’t Miss This: While each location’s menu has some differences, we recommend homemade sausage. It’s an 80-year-old recipe with original sauce. The sausage is hand stuffed and hand-tied. Each smoked ring is about one-quarter pound.
#6. Franklin Barbecue, South-Central Texas
Address: 900 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702
What Makes It the Best: Franklin Barbecue is owned and operated by Aaron Franklin. He’s an influential pitmaster who has published books on the topic. And he’s earned Texas Monthly’s coveted Best Barbecue Joint in Texas award, as well as Bon Appetit’s Best Barbecue Joint in America award. Aaron and co-owner Stacy Franklin put together a menu worth a stop.
Don’t Miss This: We recommend trying the brisket and also their original BBQ sauce. You can purchase their sauce off their website. Plus, they sell pits they’ve designed on their site and ship nationwide.
#7. Fargo’s Pit BBQ, Southeast Texas
Address: 1701 Texas Ave., Bryan, TX 77802
What Makes It the Best: Fargo’s Pit BBQ is known for its ribs and brisket. Texas Monthly named the family-owned BBQ joint one of the “50 Best BBQ Joints in the World.” They craft a menu for any type of meat lover.
Don’t Miss This: The BBQ chicken and brisket are favorites at Fargo’s. They have that traditional central Texas dry rub.
Pro Tip: Looking for a place to stay while on your road trip hunt for the best Texas bbq? Try one of these 11 Best RV Parks In Texas.
#8. Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue, Southeast Texas
Address: 200 N. Elm St., Tomball, TX 77375
What Makes It the Best: Chocolate and BBQ in one place? You’re not dreaming. Tejas Chocolate + Barbecue combines handcrafted chocolate delights with authentic Texas BBQ. Their premium meat cuts are flavored just right with salt and black pepper.
Don’t Miss This: The Brisket and Blues signature sandwich is a great main course. It comes on a brioche bun with brisket, blue cheese, red onion, and tomato. Then, you’ll definitely want some artisan-made chocolates for dessert and, of course, take some home for later.
#9. Convenience West, West Texas
Address: 1411 West San Antonio St., Marfa, TX 79843
What Makes It the Best: Convenience West has brought BBQ Texas-style to Marfa. They provide a unique menu for their customers. Popular for their brisket and Tex-Mex creations, we recommend stopping for a taste on your Texas road trip.
Don’t Miss This: Don’t miss the brisket tacos. Convenience West combines their brisket with tasty taco mix-ins that will likely keep you wanting more.
#10. Brick Vault Brewery & Barbeque, West Texas
Address: 102 Northwest 1st St., Hwy 90, Marathon, TX 79842
What Makes It the Best: Brick Vault is a fun BBQ joint and brewery in one. With a nice outdoor patio and some of the best BBQ in Texas, it’s a great place to go with friends. You can even bring your dog along if you eat on the patio.
Don’t Miss This: Brick Vault’s brisket and housemade sausage are among fan favorites. We also recommend trying the Brick Vault craft beer. You can’t go wrong with pairing a beer with any of their meats.
Who’s ready for some BBQ in Texas?
We hope you’ll try one or more of the BBQ joints on our list. You can make it a mission to check off as many as you can on your RV road trip through the state. Be sure to tag us in your photos as you go!
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