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.
1688 Articles
BBQ Joint Reviews
June 9, 2023
This Pitmaster Wants to Make El Paso a Barbecue Destination
Joe Martinez has finally found a hobby that pays off with his truck, Smokin’ Joe’s Pit BBQ, which features chile relleno sausage and chili with beans.
BBQ
June 8, 2023
To Produce the Best Wagyu Possible, This Feedlot Is Downright Spa-Like
Protocol Farms near Bowie takes inspiration from Japanese methods of feeding Wagyu, which includes jazz playing through the speakers and cool pens.
BBQ
June 2, 2023
Meet the Man Responsible for Six Decades of Sausage at This Old-school Barbecue Joint
“Big Sam” Palomarez has been assembling links for Dozier’s BBQ, in Fulshear, since 1965 and has some fascinating stories from his tenure.
BBQ
May 25, 2023
This Smoke-Centric Steakhouse Serves a Fancy Beef Rib That Melds French Cooking With Texas Barbecue
Andiron in Houston isn't a typical steakhouse. With a wide-ranging menu and a healthy dose of smoke, it embraces a more modern approach.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 24, 2023
This Houston Joint Broke Our Brains by Loading Boudin Like a Barbecue Baked Potato
Houston joint Guillory’s Bar-B-Que is just daring enough to pile meat on top of meat, in addition to serving Beaumont-style beef links.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 19, 2023
After 40 Years, This Old-school Fort Worth Barbecue Joint Is Going New School
Cousins BBQ is embracing a new era, with updated sides, full barbecue trays, and an All You Can Meat (yes, that’s exactly what is sounds like) daily special.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 17, 2023
From Crawfish-Loaded Cornbread to Brisket-Stuffed Potatoes, This North Texas Joint Is a Paragon of Indulgence
At M’Jays House of Smoke, in Arlington, each menu item is bigger than the next. And if you run out of barbecue tolerance, this space also offers fried catfish and wings.
BBQ
May 12, 2023
How to Smoke Shrooms . . . for Barbecue
Using beautiful fungi from Smallhold's mushroom farm in Buda, I tried to mimic meat in the smoker and on the grill to mixed results.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 11, 2023
Beef Is the Star at This Fully Halal Barbecue Joint in North Texas
Yearby’s Barbecue & Waterice, in Pilot Point, is serving a limited menu until its brick-and-mortar opens, but brisket lovers are in luck.
BBQ Joint Reviews
May 4, 2023
The Original Bodacious Bar-B-Q Is a Gem Once Again
The Lindseys have nurtured a new pitmaster in the family to take over the original location of this chain in Longview after several closures.
BBQ
April 28, 2023
“Texas-Style” Pulled Pork Is Embarrassing
Fortunately, Texas pitmasters already know how to get more from a pork butt.
BBQ
April 27, 2023
Step Aside, Perry’s: This 30-Ounce Smoked Pork Chop Is Ready to Take the Crown
While the behemoth chop from the Houston-bred steakhouse is a national favorite, 1845 Taste Texas, near Dallas, has a similar cut that proves superior.
BBQ
April 26, 2023
These Smoked Coffee Beans Have Plenty of Flavor, Just Not the Barbecue Kind
I taste-tested smoked coffee recently produced by Austin-based Roasty Buds, but the flavor and aroma weren't quite what I expected.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 21, 2023
Lockhart Barbecue Royalty Sets Up His Own Legacy in San Marcos
Justin Pearson, whose grandfather once owned Chisholm Trail BBQ, serves similar yet improved sausages with no strings attached at San Marcos BBQ.
BBQ
April 19, 2023
Aaron Franklin Brings a Taste of New Orleans to Austin
An early look at Uptown Sports Club shows gumbo stocked with Franklin Barbecue sausage, a raw bar, and four different po’ boys.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 14, 2023
A Backsliding Joint Got New Owners and a Whole New Level of Barbecue
Joe Rodriguez and Melissa Garza have made Sisterdale's Black Board Bar-B-Q better than ever while still honoring what locals loved about it.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 12, 2023
Brisket & Rice Is Twice as Nice
This Houston-area barbecue joint helmed by three family members serves brisket fried rice and nui xào bò from a gas station.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 7, 2023
A Pitmaster Continues the Sausage-Making Legacy of This Small Town
Garrett Rabel serves a “perfect” sausage sandwich in New Berlin, where eating and serving links is a big part of the local culture.
Style & Design
April 5, 2023
Smokin’ Hot Shirts for Guys Who Wear a Size “Barbecue Large”
These Texas brands keep us looking comfortably stylish, whether we’re pitmasters or just guys reaching for another helping of ribs.
BBQ Joint Reviews
April 5, 2023
This Joint Proves Greater Houston Is Producing Some of the Best Barbecue Around
Montgomery’s Bar-A-BBQ incorporates fresh ingredients into old family recipes for items like cheesy potatoes and hot cornbread.
BBQ
March 30, 2023
Finally, Some Good Barbecue for Texas Rangers Fans
Hurtado Barbecue, an Arlington favorite, is now open at Globe Life Field, serving giant beef ribs and birria tacos just in time for opening day.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 29, 2023
This Pitmaster Hopes His Barbecue Joint Finds a Following So He Doesn’t Have to Go Back to a “Real Job”
The business has been a grind for Jordan Rosemeyer of Rosemeyer Bar-B-Q in Spring, but his small trailer still puts out great brisket, sausage, and ribs.
BBQ
March 24, 2023
Unlike Lay’s, This Snack Brand Actually Smokes Its Barbecue Chips
Dallas-based Low and Slow specializes in corn, potato, and tortilla chips that are smoked before they're bagged, providing an unmistakable flavor and aroma.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 23, 2023
Can This Barbecue Joint Survive in a Town of Less Than 700 Residents?
Hill City Chop House might need to depend on people coming from outside of Tolar to keep it afloat, but the smashburger and smoked dump cake are well worth a trip.
BBQ
March 10, 2023
Vegan Brisket and Pulled Pork Can Be (Somewhat) Redeemed by Putting Them in Sandwiches
To make these frozen grocery-store products more edible, I zhuzhed them up with sauce, slaw, and buttered buns, to mixed results.
BBQ Joint Reviews
March 9, 2023
This Small Central Texas Town Needs a Barbecue Joint That’ll Stick Around
While Burnet has had great smoked meat, none of the eateries stood the test of time. Here's hoping Warehouse BBQ and Meetery will be around a good long while.
BBQ
March 3, 2023
H-E-B’s True Texas BBQ Restaurant Is Slipping
What I once claimed was the best barbecue chain in Texas has recently yielded some disappointing results as locations expand.
BBQ
March 2, 2023
You’ll Find a Smoked BLT, Pastrami Burger, and Big Red Cheesecake at This Austin BBQ Joint’s New Location
JNL BBQ has leveled up with a new indoor location that features a stage for live music and more creative menu items.
BBQ
February 27, 2023
19 Terms You Need to Know to Talk Wagyu
Ranching has its own language, and specialty beef is no exception. Learn the difference between Kobe and Wagyu, and the grades, with this handy guide.
BBQ
February 24, 2023
One Texas Ranch Has Beef with How the USDA Grades Wagyu
It's nowhere near as stringent as the Japanese system, leading some companies to come up with their own grading. R-C Ranch wants to see that change.
Recipes
February 17, 2023
Butterflied Bimini Chicken Drumsticks
When wings get too expensive at the grocery store, use a cheaper cut of chicken to get an even more flavorful effect for your next party.
BBQ
February 15, 2023
The Texas Historical Commission Recognizes Barbecue Joints That Have Turned 50
Two legendary Houston restaurants are up for the Texas Treasures Business Award this year, and they credit perseverance with getting them this far.
BBQ
February 10, 2023
Thirty Years Ago, the First Wagyu Cows Came to the U.S. Now, the Industry Is Bigger Than Anyone Predicted.
Trade wars with Japan, $250 vials of semen, and livestock-filled airplanes all contributed to the still-growing industry of Wagyu beef today.
BBQ Joint Reviews
February 8, 2023
This North Texas Meat Haven Supplements Barbecue With Retail Beef
Along with stellar smoked chicken and sausage, Denison’s Heritage Butchery & Barbecue offers raw meat from within 250 miles of its Texoma region.
BBQ
February 1, 2023
How ‘Poker Face’ Re-created an East Texas BBQ Joint for TV
The third episode of the Peacock series starring Natasha Lyonne heavily features Texas barbecue, and gets a surprising amount of detail right.
BBQ Joint Reviews
January 31, 2023
This Barbecue Joint Loves Its Community—and the Small Town Loves It Right Back
Long lines, packed parking, and sold-out meat are regular features of Kat’s Barbecue in Santa Fe, thanks to lauding loyal customers.
BBQ
January 27, 2023
Is the Fourth Slice the Barometer for a Well-Cooked Brisket?
Two pitmaster friends seem to think so. What started as a theory between them has spread into wider barbecue-nerd circles.
Tacos
January 25, 2023
This Brisket Isn’t Barbecued But Is Still a Smoky, Fatty Wonder Served in a Taco
Houston’s El Topo has won awards for its brisket suadero taco, which features nixtamalized blue-corn tortillas and a house-special salsa.
BBQ Joint Reviews
January 19, 2023
A Decade of Experimentation Led This Beloved Ramen Restaurant Group to Open a Barbecue Joint
Ramen Tatsu-Ya’s latest addition offers house-made noodles to dip into chili-inspired broth, whose leftovers are meant to be eaten as Frito pie.
BBQ Joint Reviews
January 18, 2023
New York Deli Meets Central Texas Barbecue at This Pastrami-Forward Joint
Mum Foods’ Geoffrey Ellis grew up in Austin and spent time in Queens, and both places inform his menu, which features beef sausage and matzo ball soup.
Texas Icons
January 17, 2023
Brisket Wasn’t Always King in Texas
Not that long ago, it was regarded by many barbecue aficionados as inferior to shoulder clod. Then things started heating up.
BBQ Joint Reviews
January 12, 2023
Slinging Pizza at the State Fair of Texas Led This Pitmaster To Open His Latest Joint
After successfully serving smoked pork belly pizza at the State Fair, Stephan Nedwetzky planted Pit Commander Barbecue in North Texas.
BBQ
January 10, 2023
This Boutique Ranch Focuses on Grass-Fed Wagyu, Tasty in Burgers or as Steaks
Peeler Farms in Floresville hones its niche in the rapidly expanding Wagyu market—and doesn’t compromise service in the process.
BBQ Joint Reviews
January 5, 2023
This Old Barbecue Joint in Eagle Pass Is Teaching Itself New Tricks
The Wagon Wheel has been around since 1994, but it recently gave itself a makeover with a new location and a menu that prioritizes freshness.
BBQ
December 28, 2022
My Favorite Texas Barbecue Bites of 2022
From traditional smoked brisket to less-traditional Lebanese pork ribs, these twenty dishes blew barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn away.
BBQ
December 23, 2022
Texas-ing Their California: L.A. Gets an Influx of Stellar Barbecue
From the underground to the top of best-of lists, these Los Angeles–area joints have endured a barrage of red tape to serve excellent Texas-style ’cue.
Style & Design
December 16, 2022
19 Barbecue-Themed Ornaments for Trimming Your Christmas Tree
Show off your obsession for smoked meat and its accoutrements during the holiday season with cute, curated decor.
BBQ
December 15, 2022
After Tragedy, Two Sons Keep Their Father’s Barbecue Flame Burning
Though navigating overwhelming grief, the Ramirez family of California learned to smoke meat and continue to run Ray’s Texas BBQ.
BBQ
December 9, 2022
‘Soulful, But Not Soul Food:’ A New Houston Restaurant Pushes BBQ Boundaries
At Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers, executive chef Michelle Wallace gets creative with smoked jerk chicken and a Viet-Cajun fried catfish sandwich.
BBQ
December 8, 2022
Where Have All the Savory Spareribs Gone?
Some of the most popular new barbecue joints only offer sweet-glazed ribs, which has left us nostalgic for the good ol’ days of salt-and-pepper pork.