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
Try Crispy, Wood-Fired Chicken at Pollos La Pullita
José Vega brings his adobo seasoning recipe—and his rotisserie design—from his hometown in Mexico to three locations around the DFW area.
Take a First Look at Aaron Franklin’s Steak Cookbook
In April, the pitmaster and Jordan Mackay will follow up their barbecue best-seller with recipes and tips for grilling their favorite cuts.
Mad Jack’s: A Taste of Lockhart in New Mexico
Tired of used cars and small-town bureaucracy, James Jackson closed his food truck in the barbecue capital of Texas and went out of state.
BBQ News Roundup: Barbecue Bans, the Legacy of Black Pitmasters, and DIY Sausage-on-a-Stick
Plus: The similarities between barbecue and golf, and Texas ag commissioner candidates guessing brisket weights.
Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue Brings Tasty Classics and Inventive Dishes to Pflugerville
The joint has been so successful that they're bringing the three-meat plate to another outpost in Round Rock in October.
At Lady & the Pit, Look Beyond the Barbecue for a Mouthwatering Meal
Find excellent chicken-fried steak, buttery cornbread, and a unique pineapple cream pie in Fort Worth.
Try Kimchi-Topped Brisket on Korean BBQ Saturdays at LeRoy & Lewis
Once you try topping your BBQ with kimchi, it’s hard to go back to just dill pickle chips and onions.
See If You Can Finish the Huge, Brisket-Stuffed Baked Potato at Franks Holy Smoke BBQ
Abraham Franks finds his true calling as a pitmaster in Ovilla after a stressful career in Vegas.
Fire & Smoke: Johnny Walker Shares Lessons From Momma Jean
Podcast: At Momma Jean’s BBQ in Lampasas, owner and pitmaster Johnny Walker carries on his family’s barbecue legacy.
BBQ News Roundup: Vegan Brisket, Fake Beef, and Tex-Mex BBQ
Plus: Tootsie enters the BBQ Hall of Fame and ribs make it onto TV.
Reid Guess of Guess Family Barbecue Wants to Make Waco a Barbecue Destination
With a new restaurant and an invite to the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, the pitmaster is creating new dishes while staying true to wood-fired cooking.
At Valentina’s Tex-Mex BBQ, the La Reina Sandwich Offers a Tempting Alternative
Valentina's is known for serving barbecue in tortillas. But for its newest addition, pitmaster Miguel Vidal looked to the Spanish bocadillo.
Loro Experiments With a New Vein of Texas Barbecue, Offering Unusual Takes on Smoked Meats
It’s not the meal you’d find at Franklin Barbecue. That’s not a bad thing.
BBQ News Roundup: Texas-Style Barbecue Rules Another List, Grilling Isn’t Easy, and Corky’s Comes to Katy
Plus: LeRoy and Lewis brings Korean barbecue to Austin's downtown farmer's market starting this weekend.
Off the Bone BBQ Still Serves Some of the Most Tender Ribs Around
Stop in at the Forest Hill barbecue joint for smoky ribs and brisket-stuffed baked potatoes.
Is Lockhart Brisket Actually Overrated?
'Austin American-Statesman' food critic Matthew Odam defends his recent article questioning the quality of the smoked brisket in Lockhart.
‘Barbecue Nation’ Showcases American Lore at the Atlanta History Center
The exhibition, featuring memorabilia from barbecue joints across the country, offers an educational experience as well as a nostalgic one.
Popularity of Texas BBQ Fuels Demand for Thousand-Gallon Smokers
Meet the passionate welders who are building these big beauties for pitmasters in the state and around the world.
BBQ News Roundup: Goodbye to Freedmen’s, Hello Again to Smokey John’s, and Introducing the Watermelon Ham
Plus: Eating brisket at Franklin is ranked as one of the ten best food experiences in the world. But we knew that already.
Sid Miller Is Still Obsessed With Barbecue Scales
Despite Attorney General Ken Paxton’s advice, the agriculture commissioner won’t let go of barbecue scale enforcement.
In D.C., Head to Federalist Pig for Crispy Chicken Wings and Smoky Brisket Burnt Ends
There are slim pickings for quality barbecue in the capital, but pitmaster Rob Sonderman doesn't disappoint.
Find Surprising Versions of Classic Dishes at Helberg Barbecue
At a food truck in Waco, married pitmasters offer unusual takes on Texas barbecue, like a pesto-stuffed smoked turkey breast.
At Majordomo, David Chang’s Smoked Beef Short Rib Delights
The dish isn't Texan, or Californian, or Korean, but it tastes familiar to all barbecue fans.
Here Are the Best Barbecue Books Yet This Year
Get ready for ribeye steak, smoked lamb meatloaf, and kangaroo loin.
For Tender Brisket in East Texas, Head to Slaughter’s BBQ Oasis
Every Saturday morning, two friends from the barbecue competition circuit turn the parking lot of the Sulphur Springs Fix & Feed into a popular spot for ribs and sausage.
BBQ News Roundup: A Job Posting for Chief Grilling Officer, Brisket Pizza, and the Effects of a Barbecue Only Diet
Every other week, Daniel Vaughn compiles the latest in barbecue news and unearths a few surprises. Here’s the roundup for July 26-August 2.
Kreuz Market, the Last Sauce-Less Texas Barbecue Joint, Now Offers Sauce
To offer forks and sauce, Kreuz Market had to break with a century-old policy.
No, Franklin Barbecue Isn’t Closing—In Fact, It’s Adding a Taco Truck
Rumors claimed that the renowned barbecue joint was shutting down, but Franklin Barbecue isn’t going anywhere.
ZZQ Brings Flawless Texas Barbecue to Virginia
A home-smoked rib brought Chris Fultz and Alex Graf together in 2011. Now the couple cooks up tender brisket and peppery pork spare ribs in Richmond.
Rediscovering an Overlooked Barbecue Pioneer
In the second episode of our Fire & Smoke podcast, we explore the lasting impact of Etta Randall, a black pitmaster who served four generations of Panhandle residents.
BBQ News Roundup: Whole Hog Barbecue, Rib-Eating Contests, and Grilling in a Graveyard
Every other week, Daniel Vaughn compiles the latest in barbecue news and unearths a few surprises. Here’s the roundup for July 12–July 19.
Texas-Style Brisket and Otherworldly Pulled Pork in … Huntington Park, California
Ray Ramirez fell in love with Texas BBQ and started an underground L.A. barbecue joint before they were cool.
Mad Jack’s Mountaintop Barbecue Offers Texas-Style Brisket in New Mexico
James Jackson, a Lockhart native, cooks up tender brisket and juicy Kreuz links—plus some New Mexico touches.
El Paso’s Desert Oak Barbecue Has Come a Long Way
Three large red letters caught my eye at a busy intersection in El Paso, and I knew I’d found the new home for Desert Oak Barbecue. “BBQ” is the only thing written above the door, but it stands out amid the strip center clutter. It’s a big step up from…
BBQ News Roundup: Pop-up Barbecue, Cajun Country’s Influence, and Twitter-Worthy Ribs
Every other week, Daniel Vaughn compiles the latest in barbecue news and unearths a few surprises. Here’s the roundup for June 22–July 5.
At San Antonio’s South BBQ, the Meat and Sides Get Equal Billing
The talented Andrew Samia finally gets a pit of his own at this new joint on Mission Road.
Brenham Has Another Winner with LJ’s BBQ
One of the best 'new' places in the state serves excellent smoked meat and a mean mac and cheese.
Pappas Delta Blues Smokehouse Offers Consistently Great Brisket
Pappas is embracing craft barbecue with dishes like deep-fried brisket crab cakes.
Harlem Road Texas BBQ is Worth the Journey
Armenian native Ara Malekian has created something special in Richmond. Don’t miss the beef ribs—or the coffee.
Daniel Vaughn’s ‘Smokelandia’ Premieres Tonight on the Cooking Channel
Tune in for the pilot episode of our BBQ editor’s look at barbecue in Texas and beyond.
BBQ News Roundup: Saving Sam’s, Catching a Prime Suspect, and the Opening of the Switch
Plus: High school pitmasters start early, female Texas pitmasters get their due, and all pitmasters have more to do than ever before.
Where to Find the Heart of Texas Barbecue
Wyatt McSpadden’s latest collection of photographs is a call to action to explore and discover the joints you find on the backroads and in small towns.
Come to Feges BBQ for the Sides, Stay for the Meat
It might be in a food court, but this Houston joint is the real deal. Don't miss veggie dishes like Moroccan spiced carrots and corn salad.
How African American Visitors Found Texas BBQ During the Jim Crow Era
The “Green Books” guides helped black tourists avoid humiliation—and worse.
Buck’s Barbeque Co. Serves Up “Goofy-Cue” Alongside Tasty Classics
Flooding from Hurricane Harvey didn't shut down Jim Buchanan's barbecue for long.
Mourning Anthony Bourdain, Who Taught Us to Find Common Ground in Food
Bourdain looked for the good in people—and he recognized how food can help us understand what we all share.
How Franklin Barbecue Came Back After the Fire
After a tragedy in the pit room in 2017, it didn't take long for Franklin Barbecue to rebound—or for the lines to start forming again.