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.
Daniel Vaughn is the author of The Prophets of Smoked Meat: A Journey Through Texas Barbecue, the coauthor of Whole Hog BBQ: The Gospel of Carolina Barbecue, and the barbecue editor at Texas Monthly. He has traveled the world sampling smoked meats at over 1,800 barbecue joints, most of which are in Texas.
Articles by Daniel Vaughn
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.
How to Order Gristles, Links, and a Bag of Breaks
Here’s a primer to the language of African American barbecue joints in Texas.
Willow’s Texas BBQ is the Hot Spot Right Now in Houston
The truck by Willow Villarreal and Jasmine Barela at Big Star Bar is worth the trip by itself.
The BBQ News Roundup: More Love for Tootsie and New Life for the Shed
Plus: San Antonio's highs and lows, Loro loses a chef but adds a burger to the menu, and Moonshine U is a real thing.
Hardeman’s BBQ Is a Dallas Institution for a Reason
Says longtime pitmaster George 'Slim' Miller: 'If that meat don’t feel you, and you don’t feel that meat, ain’t nobody gonna enjoy it.'
Houston’s Burns Original BBQ is a Family—and Neighborhood—Tradition
The descendants of the late Roy Burns do the institution proud with stuffed potatoes, rib sandwiches, and other favorites.
Old-School Houston Barbecue Thrives at Ray’s BBQ Shack
With its new, larger location, this Third Ward joint’s fried seafood is just as good as its smoked meats.
Seven BBQ Joints Worth a Visit Just for Their Desserts
Where the sweet treats—from mile-high pies and masterful banana pudding to cookie sandwiches—are so tempting you might just skip the meat.
The BBQ News Roundup: BBQ Roadtrips and a Mysterious Pit Thief in Houston
Plus: barbecue summer camp, protest through barbecue, possible barbecue cannibalism, and much, much more.
Barbecue Goals: Monthly Meal Brings FC Dallas Coaches, Players Together
Assistant coach Josema Bazan cooks up recipes from his native Argentina and other countries as part of this special team tradition.
Calorie Counts and Barbecue Don’t Go Together
Now that large chains are required to post nutritional info, it’s best to look away. But there are some good options (and we don’t mean the three-bean salad).
David Chang’s ‘Ugly Delicious’ Does Barbecue Wrong
The chef's Netflix series is so thoughtful and sophisticated when talking tacos or pizza. So what gives?
The New Pustka Family Barbeque in Hutto Does Everything Right
You’ll find excellent meats and inventive sides for a bargain price at talented pitmaster Dustin Pustka’s BBQ truck.
The BBQ News Roundup: South Carolina Pitmaster Brings Home a James Beard Award
Plus: Southside Market will expand in Hutto, corn is enjoying a side-dish renaissance, and much, much more.
The Burger at LeRoy and Lewis Is Hard to Top
The Austin barbecue truck smokes and sears its patties to just the right tenderness. But don't ask for one at lunch.
Owners of Terry Black’s Barbecue Speak on the Dallas Comedy House Controversy
The Austin-based barbecue joint says an eviction notice stemmed from unheeded safety issues. The club owner says she’s fixing them.
The BBQ News Roundup, From Texas and Beyond
Sid Miller gets an answer on the Barbecue Bill, Killen’s will start taking reservations, and Plano gets a new joint.
Brisket Pastrami at New York Sub
After buying his favorite sandwich shop, owner Andrew Kelley introduces house-made pastrami to the menu.
New York Burger Tries to Bring Texas BBQ to Spain (Got It?)
Inspired by several pilgrimages to the Lone Star State, the owners of Madrid's New York Burger invited me to try their "brisquet."
The BBQ News Roundup, From Texas and Beyond
What food writers are saying about Aaron Franklin, pastrami, Davila's, and more.
Wingman Brothers Smoke House in Marble Falls
Pitmaster Cody Wingman jump-starts his new career with this appealing joint in the former Peete Mesquite home.
Momma Jean’s BBQ in Lampasas
Owner and pitmaster Johnny Walker’s no-frills menu includes tender, smoky ribs and a sauce with ”some stuff going on.”
Much-Anticipated Loro Is Open: This Bite Sums It Up
The bavette exemplifies Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole's ambitious collaboration.