Your Filthy Barbecue Pit Is Not “Seasoned”
Pitmasters should stop using the term to justify cooking in dirty smokers.
How Pioneering Pitmaster Etta Randall Conquered a Lawless Boomtown With Barbecue
In 1926 Etta Randall, a young black woman from deep East Texas, set off for a lawless boomtown in the Panhandle, where she found unexpected success not in the oil fields but in an old concrete pit.
Has Texas Brisket Peaked?
The state’s favorite smoked meat is so reliably excellent these days that it no longer feels like an achievement.
An Arlington Family Has Created a New Must-Try Cuisine, Tex-Ethiopian Barbecue
Smoke’N Ash BBQ pays homage to its dual traditions while wholly, joyfully embracing something new.
How to Order Gristles, Links, and a Bag of Breaks
Here’s a primer to the language of African American barbecue joints in Texas.
The Search for Pitmaster Ramone, the Man Behind Subway’s Smoked Brisket
The fast-food chain is using a longtime employee of Sadler’s Smokehouse in Henderson to help sell sandwiches.
Fire & Smoke: The Resurgence of Bodacious Bar-B-Q
The East Texas chain of Bodacious Bar-B-Q joints lost its founder, Roland Lindsey, in September. His son-in-law Jordan Jackson looks to not only carry on the brand’s barbecue legacy, but improve it one location at a time.
Scharbauer Cattle Company Creates a Model for Ranch-to-Retail Beef
The multigenerational ranch’s Midland Meat Company sells its famous Wagyu-Angus-Hereford crossbred beef directly to consumers.
Shoemaker’s Barbecue Is Long Gone, But Its Legacy Carries On
When you find school desks, sawdust, and pickle bars in a Texas joint, they owe a debt to what was once a Dallas lunchtime mainstay.
Kansas City Needs a BBQ Renaissance
Texas has it beat when it comes to beef-based barbecue. But a few upstart pitmasters are hoping to change KC's reputation.
792 Articles
BBQ
August 11, 2022
For a Different Kind of Brisket, Try Montreal’s Smoked Meat Sandwiches
The Canadian city has its own barbecue culture, and it centers on beef that's smoked—sometimes without wood—and served in old-school delis.
BBQ Joint Reviews
August 9, 2022
A Barbecue Joint and Brewery Bring a Much-Needed Pairing to San Angelo
Southern Smoke and Plateau Brewing are part of a revitalization effort of the downtown area and add more interest to this West Texas town.
BBQ
August 5, 2022
How Offset Smokers Became the De Facto Cooking Instrument of Texas Pitmasters
Barbecue has come a long way from being cooked in a hole in the ground. But how did steel offsets, less than 40 years old, come to define the state’s style?
BBQ Joint Reviews
August 3, 2022
Forget Pretty Brisket. This West Texas Joint Is Sticking to Its Direct-Heat Method.
Most pitmasters cook brisket on offset smokers, but Big Boy’s Bar-B-Que in Sweetwater practices the dwindling art of cooking over coals.
Business
August 1, 2022
Telling the Story of the “Bad Boy” of the ’90s Oil and Gas Industry in Texas
Texas Monthly writer Jan Jarboe Russell on profiling the larger-than-life Houston oilman Oscar Wyatt.
BBQ Joint Reviews
July 29, 2022
After Nearly Closing, This El Paso Barbecue Joint Opens Two Restaurants in One Week
At one location, you'll find Desert Oak Barbecue's classic menu. At the other, it's breakfast, coffee, burritos, and burgers using trimmings.
BBQ
July 28, 2022
Three Generations Have Kept Underwood’s Cafeteria Serving Barbecue for 76 Years
The rich history of the Brownwood restaurant includes expansions, bankruptcy, a catchy jingle, and a towering cowboy statue that still stands.
BBQ
July 20, 2022
Head All the Way North on I-35 for Texas-Style Barbecue in Minnesota
It may seem surprising, but this Midwestern state is excelling at brisket, ribs, and more, all inspired by Texas’s most famous joints.
BBQ Joint Reviews
July 15, 2022
After Serving the Oil Fields, This Barbecue Joint Starts Anew in the Hill Country
Up in Smoke BBQ closed its Midland location after the 2020 bust, but it has resurfaced three hours east, in Early, with a new meat market.
BBQ Joint Reviews
July 12, 2022
A Revamped Menu and Kitchen Breathe New Life Into This Abilene Joint
With more space and help, the Stearnses have developed a new brisket recipe and house-made sausages to take Jay’s BBQ Shack to the next level.
BBQ Joint Reviews
July 6, 2022
A Rare Under-the-Radar Austin Joint Serves Lamb Alongside Brisket
B. Cooper Barbecue is still relatively unknown after two-plus years in business, but it’s serving dishes worth discovering, including Mangalitsa pork ribs.
Libations
July 1, 2022
Martin House Brewing Is At It Again With a Barbecue Sauce–Flavored Beer
The Fort Worth–based company has come out with another unusual, savory beer, this time in collaboration with Weatherford’s T&D Barbecue.
Best Thing In Texas
June 27, 2022
An Indiana Man Put a (Smoke) Ring on It at Franklin Barbecue
A road trip from the Midwest to Austin culminated in Matt McKinney on bended knee in the pit room of the most famous joint in Texas.
BBQ Joint Reviews
June 24, 2022
Boudin and Baked Potatoes Star at This Meat Market and Barbecue Joint
Bud’s House of Meat in Houston took on the tradition of combining meat counter and restaurant, and it’s one of the few in the area still doing it.
BBQ Joint Reviews
June 22, 2022
The Perfect Barbecue Pit Stop for Your Houston–Dallas Drive
Wade and Becky Brewer provide their small town of Buffalo, located between two major hubs, with delicious smoked meat at W. B. Custom Cooking.
BBQ
June 17, 2022
How One Pitmaster’s Lebanese Heritage Influences His Barbecue
Stephen Joseph of Riverport Bar-B-Cue in Jefferson serves Lebanese potato salad and spiced spareribs, and he hopes to incorporate more of his family’s recipes.
BBQ
June 15, 2022
This Famous East Texas Barbecue Joint Tells Its History Through Sandwiches
From the Ex-Wife to the Mother Clucker, the sandwiches at Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue in Tyler hint at some legendary tales.
BBQ
June 10, 2022
How One Pit-Repair Company Saved a Historic Smoker
M&M BBQ Company brought a neglected wood-fired rotisserie from 1984 back to life, in addition to making its own custom builds.
BBQ Joint Reviews
June 7, 2022
Forget Gas Station Barbecue, Frisco Now Has Car Dealership Barbecue
The Texas-style ribs, crispy onion rings, and lemon squares at Earnest B’s BBQ will win over even the most skeptical ’cue fans.
BBQ Joint Reviews
June 3, 2022
A Merger of Two Classic Fort Worth Barbecue Joints Preserves Both Legacies
Remnants of the Smoke Pit can be found at Sammie’s Bar-B-Q, which boasts a massive smoked pork chop and the coldest, cheapest beer in town.
Books
June 2, 2022
New Barbecue Books Add a Pinch of Inspiration for Aspiring Pitmasters
These seven books cover the basics of smoking and grilling while livening things up with recipes for smoked duck lasagna and key lime cake.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 27, 2022
Trinidadian Flavors Bring the Heat to North Texas’s Barbecue Scene
Smoked jerk chicken, Trini pepper sauce, and fry bread sandwiches shine alongside Willie Meshack's classic Texas-style meats in Plano.
BBQ
May 24, 2022
Juicy, Crispy Smoked Chicken Is Having a Moment
Winner, winner, chicken dinner—and that’s exactly what you should order at barbecue joints across the state that smoke theirs to perfection.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 20, 2022
This Barbecue Joint Uses Brick Pits From 1935 Alongside a New Smoker
Even though Pizzitola's—formerly known as Shepherd Drive Bar-B-Q—embraces tradition, the Houston establishment isn't afraid of modernity.
Business
May 16, 2022
Scharbauer Cattle Company Creates a Model for Ranch-to-Retail Beef
The multigenerational ranch’s Midland Meat Company sells its famous Wagyu-Angus-Hereford crossbred beef directly to consumers.
BBQ
May 5, 2022
Put Down the Iced Tea: Coffee Is Resurging in the Barbecue Scene
Whether used in a sauce or served alongside a tray of meat, strong brews are finding their way back to Texas joints.
BBQ
May 2, 2022
Instagram-Famous Sandoitchi Pops Up at Goldee’s With Stellar Sandwiches
Hurry to the Fort Worth barbecue joint May 2 and 3 for Japanese sandwiches filled with egg salad, orange and cream, or smoked Wagyu tartare.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 26, 2022
Expect Chiles, Spice, and Everything Nice at Reese Bros Barbecue
The new San Antonio joint reflects the flavors of the city with menu items like Mexican-influenced mac and cheese and queso fundido sausage.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 21, 2022
The Half Acre Serves Excellent Barbecue From the Ranch Next Door
The 139-year old Scharbauer Ranch now boasts a meat market and barbecue joint, setting up a symbiotic—and delicious—relationship.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 18, 2022
With Brantley Creek BBQ & Co., Odessa Is Now a Barbecue Destination
The West Texas food truck serves road trip–worthy brisket and ribs.
BBQ
April 15, 2022
Through 70 Years of Booms and Busts, Jack Jordan’s Bar-B-Que Is Still Here
The Odessa staple was started by a musician tired of the night life. Now, his son and grandson carry on the tradition by staying "open and hoping."
BBQ
April 13, 2022
This Seasoning Is the Worst-Kept Secret in Texas Barbecue
While most joints proclaim there's just salt and pepper in their rubs, there is a key ingredient that even Aaron Franklin himself fesses up to using.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 9, 2022
The Valley’s GW’s BBQ Emulates Central Texas–Style ’Cue Exceptionally Well
House-made sausages and oak-smoked brisket help this joint—which recently debuted its brick-and-mortar—stand out from the local crowd.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 4, 2022
In Six Years, Vargas BBQ’s Cooks Went From Total Novices to Deft Experts
What started as a way to raise funds for medical bills became a purposeful endeavor for Ramiro Vargas and his family in Edinburg.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 28, 2022
In a Sliced-Brisket World, Smoke Crafters Barbecue Offers Birria Sausage
And that’s just the beginning of the fun menu items at this Mission joint. Next up: choriqueso smoked burgers and made-to-order Micheladas.
BBQ
March 18, 2022
Where to Eat Barbecue in San Antonio
Tortillas are just as common as white bread at these Alamo City joints, which excel at all manner of smoked meats, including chicken and lamb.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 14, 2022
Get a Taste of Texas’s Varied Regions at Burro & Bull in Cypress
After moving to the burbs, this barbecue joint is getting more adventurous with menu items like brisket enchiladas and fideo.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 9, 2022
Old Meets New at Houston’s Latest Gem, J-Bar-M BBQ
An upstart couple in the kitchen teams up with a nonagenarian owner for a restaurant that doesn't miss a beat, from sides to meats to desserts.
Food & Drink
March 7, 2022
New and Noteworthy Spots to Dine in Austin During SXSW 2022
After two years, the festival makes its glorious return to the Capital City, and the dining scene is a little different but no less enticing.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 4, 2022
Bexar Barbecue Solidifies Tomball as a Smoked-Meat Destination
The couple behind the joint, Justin and Kathryn Haecker, have even hacked their way to cheaper beef by starting their own cattle operation.
BBQ
March 3, 2022
Fourth Time’s the Charm for Gabrick Barbecue Sauces Entrepreneur
After three painful experiences operating barbecue joints, Mark Gabrick finds his sweet spot with a line of H-E-B-approved sauces.
BBQ Joint Reviews
February 25, 2022
Go Bananas for the Pudding at 2 Guys 1 Pit BBQ
The Tomball joint puts a delicious twist on the classic dessert with a fresh, hot waffle. And oh yeah, there’s barbecue, too!
BBQ
February 18, 2022
Grecia Ramos Whips Up Delightful Desserts for 2M Smokehouse
The San Antonio pastry chef breaks the banana-pudding mold with ube cheesecake, homemade versions of Pop-Tarts, and fruit galettes.
BBQ
February 15, 2022
At BBQ Joints Across the State, Burgers Are the New Sausage
Pitmasters have long used trimmings for sausage, but burgers—smoked and griddled—are easier ways to make the most out of expensive brisket.
BBQ Joint Reviews
February 11, 2022
In Beef-Loving Texas, This Okie Pitmaster Dares to Stick to Pork
Even though Marcus McNac of Crimson Creek Smokehouse in Austin claims brisket is not his thing, he still serves a mind-blowing tomahawk steak.
BBQ Joint Reviews
February 7, 2022
A Father-Son Duo Keeps the Barbecue Station Relevant
After thirty years, this San Antonio joint continues to improve while staying true to its loyal customer base.
BBQ
February 3, 2022
Kansas City Needs a BBQ Renaissance
Texas has it beat when it comes to beef-based barbecue. But a few upstart pitmasters are hoping to change KC's reputation.
BBQ Joint Reviews
January 28, 2022
Liberty Hill’s Agape BBQ Smokes Meat With Love
Polish off hearty chili and pickle-brined chicken with a latte at this Central Texas coffee shop turned barbecue joint.
BBQ
January 24, 2022
Where to Eat Barbecue in Dallas
Since this city hosts the State Fair of Texas, it’s no wonder Dallas barbecue joints go over the top with their ’cue.
BBQ
January 19, 2022
The Experts’ Guide to Selecting the Best Wood for Your Barbecue
Post oak or mesquite? Pecan or hickory? Texas pitmasters weigh in on which woods make the best smoked meats.