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

Esaul Ramos started in barbecue the same way many others did -- in his backyard. After working in the industry in Austin for a few years, Ramos and his friend/co-owner Joe Melig IV teamed up and accomplished their dream of opening 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio. Their impact was felt instantly. Not only is 2M Smokehouse a member of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ joints, but Ramos has also been nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award ... twice.

MABANK
PITMASTERS: EMILY & NOLAN BELCHER

Perhaps no barbecue joint in Texas has made the kind of noise in the industry as a little joint in the back of a feed store in Mabank, Texas. Nolan Belcher took the time during the COVID-19 pandemic to teach himself barbecue, and boy if he didn't do a killer job. He and his wife, Emily, along with regular help from their two boys, are putting out some of the best BBQ in Texas. So much so that they were listed on Texas Monthly's list of Top 25 Best New Joints in Texas in 2023.

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, NEW BRAUNFELS, SAN MARCOS
PITMASTER: KENT BLACK

Black's Barbecue needs no introduction. Not only is Black's one of the biggest names in barbecue history, it also remains the longest running BBQ joint in the same family. Third-generation pitmaster Kent Black, along with his sons and fourth-generation pitmasters Barrett Black and Eric Lenderman, continue the legacy that started nearly 100 years ago in Lockhart -- the Texas BBQ Capital.

HOUSTON
PITMASTERS: QUY HOANG, ROBBY WONG, TERRY WONG

After growing up together and spending many years apart during various things, Quy Hoang, Robby Wong, and Terry Wong found themselves together again. This time it was to create Blood Bros. BBQ, one of the most unique, incredible barbecue experiences in Texas. Whether it's the Thai chili peanut butter sticky ribs, brisket burnt end steam buns, or the regular Texas-style brisket, they will amaze you at every turn. After being named to Texas Monthly's Top 50 list in 2021, Hoang was honored as a finalist for a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas in 2022.

ROCKDALE
PITMASTER: BRETT BOREN

Brett Boren was quite the renaissance man well before he reached his mid-30s. He lived all over the world, worked corporate jobs, and eventually found himself in Rockdale, Texas. A longtime competitor in the BBQ circuit, he opened Brett's Backyard Bar-B-Que in Rockdale to much fanfare and with killer food. His joint was named to Texas Monthly's Top 50 list in 2021.

KATY
PITMASTER: BRETT JACKSON

Brett Jackson always had the dream of opening his own barbecue joint in his hometown of Katy, Texas, and that's exactly what he did in 2018. He got his chops going to culinary school and working at the legendary Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor for a couple of years before going on his own. He moved the restaurant to a bigger location in 2022, but not after Brett's BBQ Shop was named among Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints in 2021.

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: BOBBY HOLLEY

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.

ALEDO
PITMASTERS: DAYNE WEAVER & THOMAS LOVEN

What started out as a hobby in the backyard turned into one of the great Texas BBQ joints for Dayne Weaver. He started selling barbecue out of his backyard in 2017 before eventually opening a truck in Fort Worth. They operated for several years -- earning a spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list on the way -- before opening their first brick and mortar spot in Aledo in 2024. Not only known for stellar craft barbecue, Dayne has made the OG Burger one of the best anywhere.

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.

HOUSTON
PITMASTER: PATRICK FEGES

Patrick Feges and his wife Erin Smith each have their own fascinating stories, and both lead to their opening of Feges BBQ in 2018. It wasn't long before Feges was named on Texas Monthly's Top 25 Best New Joints list in 2019 and the Top 50 list in 2021. Patrick, a Purple Heart recipient, taught himself barbecue while recovering from injuries sustained in Iraq. For Erin, her stellar culinary career includes learning under the esteemed Thomas Keller, winning an episode of Chopped on the Food Network, and earning titles such as Executive Chef and Sommelier. Needless to say, you get the best of both worlds at Feges BBQ.

WACO
PITMASTER: REID GUESS

Reid Guess and his crew serve some of the best Central Texas barbecue in the heart of Waco. After being named in the Texas Monthly Top 25 Best New BBQ Joints in 2019, Guess Family earned a spot in the prestigious Top 50 list in 2021. While making stellar barbecue at the restaurant, Reid is renowned for his BBQ creations at festivals, which have included smoked and grilled bone marrow, live-fire Oysters Rockefeller, and homemade chicharrones with apple guacamole.

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

It's 'out of this world' barbecue tucked away in a small trip in North Austin. John Bates, who once helmed the Noble Pig sandwich shop with constant long lines, pivoted to barbecue in 2019 with InterStellar. It didn't take long for everyone to notice. Texas Monthly's No. 2 BBQ joint in Texas is great at everything, but it's some of the lesser-seen items that catch your eye here. The peach tea glazed pork belly is a showstopper, and never ever skip out on the pulled lamb shoulder.

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.

PORT LAVACA, VICTORIA
PITMASTER: KELLI NEVAREZ

The Nevarez family has created a southeast Texas staple in LaVaca BBQ, which earned the restaurant a spot on Texas Monthly's Top 50 list in 2021. Pitmaster Kelli Nevarez, one of the state's few female pitmasters, is a master at her craft while her parents, Lupe and Christine, help execute the meats and sides ... and the always-incredible smoked tamales.

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.

WAXAHACHIE
PITMASTER: MATT PITTMAN

Meat Church might be the only 'non-restaurant' at Troubadour Festival, but Matt Pittman's food and long history of doing events like these are well worth the price of admission. Pittman jumped into barbecue head first after touring several Central Texas joints. He eventually entered barbecue competitions and hosted huge tailgates at Dallas Cowboys games before he found himself on an episode of BBQ Pitmasters. Even though he didn't win, that's where Meat Church was born. Now, Meat Church is one of the most recognizable barbecue brands in the world, and it's easy to see why when you try his food.

CROCKETT
PITMASTER: WADE ELKINS

Wade and Kathy Elkins have created something special in their restaurant in the heart of Crockett, Texas. You come for the BBQ, but you stay for the rotating specials. The steak nights are legendary, as are the Akaushi brisket burgers. In 2022, Mimsy's -- another joint on the Texas Monthly To p50 list -- went a step further and added a meat and spice market inside the restaurant.

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
PITMASTERS: KYLE STALLINGS & HARVEY COTTONGIM

Tucked away in the Arbor Food Park on E. 12th. St. in Austin is one of Texas's best-kept barbecue secrets. Kyle Stallings puts out some of the best 'cue in Central Texas, whether it's the traditional offerings or rotating specials like the OG Burrito -- a Carne Guisada burrito with homemade mac and cheese. Rollin' Smoke is also unique is that it's always open late, so if you've got the late-night munchies and you're in East Austin, this is the place.

HARKER HEIGHTS
PITMASTERS: KRISTEN & STEVEN ROSSLER

When you click on 'The Crew' link on Rossler's website, you'll notice everyone's last name ends with 'Rossler,' including Steven and Kristen's two daughters. Everyone plays a role at the Rossler's truck, and they serve some damn fine barbecue. One of Texas Monthly's Top 25 Best New Joints in 2023, Rossler's is a veteran-owned business. Steven served 20-plus years in the U.S. Army, deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. There's no doubt you'll find that kind of passion in the food and people at Rossler's. Steven is also easy to find -- he's that guy with 'BARBECUE' tattooed across his knuckles.

LAKE TRAVIS
PITMASTER: CHAD FRANKS

Schmidt Family Barbecue is the combination of a long family history coming together to create something special. In 2013, the Schmidt grandchildren who were part of the Kreuz Market and Smitty's Market legacies got together to open a new restaurant -- Schmidt Family Barbecue. Chad Franks and his wife Susie, a member of the Schmidt family, and others keep this Bee Cave institution humming on a daily basis and constantly put out stellar barbecue.

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.

LEXINGTON
PITMASTERS: KERRY BEXLEY, MS. TOOTSIE TOMANETZ, CLAY COWGILL

Let's be honest: Snow's BBQ needs no introduction. One of the most popular barbecue restaurants in the WORLD, Snow's is a Texas institution. We all know the highlights: the ageless, wonderful Ms. Tootsie running the pits, only open from 8:00 AM to noon on Saturdays, and my goodness those pork steaks. Now open for more than 20-plus years, Kerry Bexley and Company have taken their approach to good barbecue, good service, and friendly people to the pinnacle of Texas BBQ. Twice named No. 1 on Texas Monthly's Top 50 list, Snow's is a place that if it isn't already, belongs on your Texas BBQ bucket list.

AUSTIN, DRIPPING SPRINGS, CEDAR PARK
PITMASTER: LANCE KIRKPATRICK

Shane Stiles and Catherine Stiles (you might know her as Barbecue Wife) are at the helm of a delicious barbecue empire in the Austin area, and it all started with the original Stiles Switch location on North Lamar Blvd. You might recognize the building -- it was The Emporium pool hall in the movie 'Dazed and Confused.' But inside is where the magic happens. Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick, who spent time at Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor (where Shane is also from), and his crew put out stellar meats on the daily. Stiles Switch has twice been named to Texas Monthly's Top 50 list, and it's easy to see way. Pro tip: never skip the corn casserole.

WESLACO
PITMASTER: JOEL GARCIA

Way down in South Texas, just east of McAllen near the Texas-Mexico border, lies a gem and its name is Teddy's Barbecue. Named to the Texas Monthly Top 50 list in 2021, Teddy's stays true to Central Texas barbecue thanks to the work of brothers Joel and Jesse Garcia. Joel, a Texas A&M alum who spent time working with other Texas BBQ masters, and his family are masters at their craft. The New York Times dubbed Teddy's one of the best 20 Texas BBQ joints in 2023.

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.

GRAPEVINE
PITMASTER: ARNULFO 'TREY' SANCHEZ III

Arnuflo '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.