Blood Bros. BBQ’s Innovative Menu Combines Asian, Cajun, and Texas Flavors
The Houston joint not only excites diners with its experimentation, but it gets the barbecue basics right too.
Daniel Vaughn is the magazine’s Barbecue Editor.
In a former life, the Dallas-based Vaughn was an architect and a mere barbecue hobbyist, eating, reviewing, and writing about smoked meats for his popular blog, Full Custom Gospel BBQ. Then, in March 2013, hobby turned to profession, as he became the country’s one and only barbecue editor.
His first book, The Prophets of Smoked Meat: A Journey Through Texas Barbecue, was released in May 2013 by Ecco, Anthony Bourdain’s line of books.
Articles by Daniel Vaughn
Former Football Coach Scores Big With the BBQ Place
Robert Crivellari leads the way at his El Campo joint, with moist and tender brisket and delicious smoked chicken and turkey.
BBQ News Roundup: The Capitol Honors Tootsie, and Sausage Wars and a Barbecue Fest Are Coming to Houston
Plus: Lawmakers file a new bill regarding scales at barbecue joints and other food locales.
Marty B’s Overdoes It on Almost Everything, But the Brisket Is Great
The massive Bartonville barbecue and steak restaurant uses too much seasoning and butter, but the pitmaster knows what he's doing.
The Slow Bone’s New Smoked Pork Chop Takes Three Weeks to Make
This Monday night special at one of Dallas’s best joints is worth the unusually complex process undertaken by chef Jeffrey Hobbs.
Leaving Austin Was the Right Move For Louie’s BBQ
After struggling in the big city, Luis Vasquez's truck is now right at home in Buda. Don't miss the monster stuffed potatoes.
After a Split From His Family’s Chain, Joe Riscky Does Things His Own Way
The Fort Worth pitmaster wasn’t expecting to leave his dad’s business, but his excellent new joint is already validating his vision.
Line Up Early if You Want a Shot at Flawless Brisket from Zavala’s Barbecue
Joe Zavala's popular side project gets a permanent home in Grand Prairie, but he's serving only on Saturdays.
BBQ News Roundup: the Houston Rodeo Cook-Off, the History of Stubb’s, and the Best Desserts
Plus, the James Beard Foundation honors barbecue chefs.
Drive Through Uncle Henry’s Tamales for Beef Links and Cracklins
Hal Guillory serves Southeast Texas specialties at this Beaumont institution.
Stiky Ribz BBQ Piles Plates With Towering Sandwiches, Rich Sides
Opened in September, the Forney joint has already outgrown its trailer and ordered two smokers from the high school welding program.
Where to Find Great Barbecue on the Staked Plains
The Llano Estacado area isn't exactly known for smoked meats, but these joints are changing the scene.
Behold, the Brisket Biscuits From Green’s Texas Bar-B-Que
Veteran Euless pitmaster Don Green gives customers many reasons to flock to his Saturday-only BBQ truck, but these are pretty darn great.
BBQ News Roundup: Killen Teams Up with Papa John’s, Kiwis Love Houston, and a Texas Legend Lost
Plus, North Carolina’s governor responds to Stephen Colbert’s barbecue putdown.
Celebrate the Rebirth of Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que With a Plate of Ribs
The family-run Dallas institution is finally back in business after 2017's devastating fire.
With Syrupy Sauces, Brett’s Backyard Bar-B-Que Finds the Sweet Spot
Those with a sweet tooth will also appreciate the Nutter Butter banana pudding.
Bodacious Bar-B-Q’s Jordan Jackson Gets Back to His Barbecue Roots in Gladewater
The pitmaster avoids the stress of his popular joint in Longview by running the location twelve miles away.
The Switch Brings a Cajun Influence to Stiles Switch-Style BBQ
The jalapeño cheese sausage will win over fans of the Austin BBQ joint and newcomers.
A Guide to Texas Dried Sausage, the Perfect Portable Snack
Meet the masters behind this meat art form. You'll never overlook those links hanging in your favorite market again.
BBQ News Roundup: Super Bowl-Worthy BBQ, Brisket-Flavored Mezcal, and Californians Complaining About BBQ Smoke
Plus, smoked bologna in Houston and chicken-fried brisket in Garland.
Where to Find Some of the Best Sausage Wraps in Texas
The #roadsausage list consists of small-town joints that have been around for decades, all serving a version of the simple, classic BBQ comfort food.
Flores BBQ Is Moving from Whitney to Fort Worth
The year 2019 is shaping up to be a breakout one for barbecue in Cowtown.
Try the Hearty Smoked Brisket Salpicon at Lamberts
The dish is nicely balanced with a bright salad and fresh corn tortillas.
At Whitfield’s in Austin, Pickled Sides Take Center Stage
Try pickled strawberries, pickled broccoli, and pickled spicy pineapple—and don't forget some tender pork ribs on the side.
At The Brewer’s Table, Don’t Miss House-Aged Pork Ribs
The Austin brewery and restaurant has a constantly changing menu, but the unique flavor of the pork ribs make them a consistent standout.
DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ Thrives in the Heart of Terlingua’s Chili Country
After decades in the oil industry, nomadic pitmaster Don Baucham stakes his claim in remote West Texas.
Pair Brisket With a Local West Texas Beer at Brick Vault Brewery & Barbecue
The peppery ribs and cream ales are both worth going out of your way for.
With Convenience West, Marfa Finally Has a Real BBQ Joint, and It’s a Work of Art
Former Maiya's chef Mark Scott and his partners have created something special with inventive sides and memorable smoked meat.
Bring on the 350 Briskets: Eddie Deen is Ready for His Seventh Inauguration BBQ
The Terrell pitmaster will serve smoked meats and sides to an estimated 10,000 people. Good thing he brought his 28-foot-long cutting board.
After 45 Years, Wiatrek’s Still Serves Up Worthwhile Barbecued Beef on Saturday Mornings
Enjoy the ribeye and take a moment to enjoy the small-town atmosphere in Poth.
BBQ News Roundup: Breakfast Brisket, Stolen Smokers, and Brisket Taco Smugglers
Plus, how to cook with liquid smoke and stories from Schmidt Family Barbecue.
At Butter’s BBQ in Mathis, Prize Brisket and Smoked Barbacoa Rely on Family Wisdom
Pitmaster Andrew Soto serves up tasty meats to a growing crowd of regulars, with help from his mom and brother—plus some key advice from dad.
The Best Texas BBQ Bites of 2018
There’s so much great barbecue to eat outside of our Top 50 list. Here are our best bites of the year, from pork belly burnt ends to sausage wraps.
From Triumph to Tragedy: Looking Back on the Elks Arch in Downtown Dallas
Built for the 1908 Elks National Convention, the structure played a role in the lynching of Allen Brooks, which the city will finally recognize with a memorial.
Fire & Smoke: La Barbecue Is Feminizing Barbecue One Brisket at a Time
How LeAnn Mueller and Ali Clem—the only wife-and-wife team in Texas—finally brought Austin's la Barbecue indoors, and why Los Angeles doesn't know what it's missing.
Smoky Brisket and Massive Beef Ribs Make for a Tasty Side Hustle at Reveille Barbecue Co.
Every weekend, pitmasters James McFarland and Michael Michna roll up their sleeves and start serving up barbecue in Magnolia.
BBQ News Roundup: Burnt-End Christmas Cookies, Meat Allergies, and Texas-Oregon Fusion
Plus, how an East Texas pitmaster beat Austin and Houston joints and took home a trophy.
Massive, Tender Beef Short Ribs are Worth the Splurge at Smokin’ Moon in Pharr
From juicy chicken to a hulking brisket sandwich, the joint offers some of the best barbecue in Hidalgo County.
Jay’s BBQ Shack Brings Food Truck Trailer Brisket to Abilene
The cramped quarters create a challenge, but pitmaster Jay Stearns manages to serve up tender, fatty bites anyway.
The Top 15 Tex-Mex BBQ Bites in Texas
Exciting things are happening as pitmasters join the two cuisines together in new and delicious ways.
Try the Tender Brisket at 1848 BBQ in Brownsville—and Save Room for Stunning Sides
The barbecue is perfectly executed, but make sure to try the airy corn pudding and rich potato salad as well.
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.
BBQ News Roundup: 12 Days of Smoked Meats, Sausage School, and the Superiority of American Beef
Plus, barbecue joints for sale and a cow who stands head and shoulders above the rest.
At The Shed Market in Abilene, Family Tradition Means Smoky Barbecue
Hollis and Betty Dean first made it onto the top 50 barbecue list 21 years ago. Now, their grandson serves up classic Dean family recipes—with impressive new twists.
Couple Leave Cotton Far Behind With Their Two Locations of Blackland Smokehouse
Cole Fullwood smokes the briskets in Roscoe, while wife Amanda smokes everything else at their newer joint, in Snyder.
Tasting a Crunchy, Bacon-Like Bite of Flat Top Brisket at Evie Mae’s Barbecue
Why, yes, you can put a whole brisket directly onto a hot griddle.
At Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ, the Arellanos Offer Smoked Meat From the Family Repair Shop
Isaac Arellano grew up at Hwy 84 Service, where he now serves up BBQ tacos and brisket.
At Embers Barbecue, Green Chile Steals the Show
Andrew and Jewel Hill strike out to bring juicy, thick-cut pork ribs and tender pork belly to Levelland.
Rejino Barbeque Is a Testament to Hard Work in Small-Town West Texas
Aaron and Christina Rejino put everything on the line for their Olton food truck, and their passion pays off in delicious food.
Fire & Smoke: Smoking Thanksgiving Turkeys, the Greenberg Family Way
Sam Greenberg's family has been smoking turkeys the old-fashioned way since 1939 in Tyler. He continues the tradition at Greenberg Smoked Turkeys.