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.
1664 Articles
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.
Tacos
December 2, 2022
‘Taco Chronicles’ Highlights Texas’s Barbecue Tacos in Its Latest Season
The Netflix series honors the fusion food by featuring two joints in Dallas and San Antonio. We add two more that could’ve made the cut.
BBQ Joint Reviews
December 1, 2022
This Egyptian-Texan Joint Adds Spice to the Typical Barbecue Tray
Austin’s KG BBQ serves za’atar-dusted pork ribs, brisket shawarma, and pistachio rice pudding in a wholly unique dining experience.
BBQ
November 23, 2022
10 Texas Rubs, Sauces, and Seasonings to Amp Up Your Barbecue
From a chimichurri to a halal rub, these smoked meat add-ons will seriously liven up everything from steak to sausage to eggs.
BBQ Joint Reviews
November 17, 2022
Hospitality Is What Customers Return for at This North Texas Barbecue Joint
Of course, Sullivan Old Town BBQ’s twist on a Cuban sandwich, rich pecan pie, and flavorful brisket also encourage multiple visits.
BBQ Joint Reviews
November 11, 2022
An Army Vet Works Through His Trauma by Cooking Barbecue
After a battlefield attack left him mentally scarred, Steven Rossler found strength in telling his story and working the Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue pit with his family.
BBQ
November 10, 2022
Fire Destroyed This Welder’s Home, but That Didn’t Stop His Passion for Barbecue Pits
In the face of adversity, Michael Johnson Jr. continued to build Cen-Tex Smokers, a company that now has a year-long waiting list for its pits.
BBQ
November 2, 2022
Is the Foil-Boat Method the Best Way to Cook Brisket?
Butcher paper–wrapped briskets came into fashion about a decade ago, but more pitmasters and home cooks are opting for the full metal brisket jacket.
BBQ
October 27, 2022
How Barbecue Has Changed in the Last Decade
The Southern Foodways Symposium, held last weekend in Mississippi, made barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn reflect on the industry and his career.
BBQ
October 21, 2022
Monterrey, Mexico, Has Some of the Best Barbecue in North America
Our barbecue editor was impressed not only with the quality of the city’s Texas-style ’cue but with the overall love and respect for the cuisine.
BBQ Joint Reviews
October 20, 2022
Barbecue Gets Gussied Up at This Upscale Dallas Restaurant
While Douglas definitely isn’t a “joint,” it still has all the hallmarks of Texas ’cue, including brisket, ribs, mac and cheese, and banana pudding.
BBQ
October 14, 2022
The Persistent Nationwide Turkey Shortage Is Changing Texas Barbecue Menus
Thanks to a bad outbreak of avian flu this year, turkey suppliers are raising prices and delivering fewer birds to restaurants before the holidays.
BBQ Joint Reviews
October 11, 2022
BBQ at the Granary Aims to Keep the Spirit of John Mueller Alive
The Jarrell joint was helmed by the late pitmaster and is now led by his friend, who still serves some of the same menu items, like cheesy squash.
Being Texan
October 8, 2022
This 1981 Photo Essay Captured Why Being an Aggie Is Not at All Funny
Will Van Overbeek's images, with words by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Texas A&M alum and proud Aggie Al Reinert, were "good bull."
BBQ Joint Reviews
October 7, 2022
This North Texas Barbecue Joint Was So Popular It Had to Shut Down
But B4 Barbeque & Boba in Mabank is back open now, with more space and more employees, staying true to its mission to put “a twist” on its ’cue.
BBQ
October 3, 2022
Wagyu Skeptics May Finally Be Convinced by This Ranch’s Beef
At some restaurants, paying more for a Wagyu steak may lead to disappointment. Not so with the products from A Bar N Ranch in North Texas.
BBQ
September 30, 2022
Lockhart Has a New Barbecue Family Feud
As a new location of Terry Black’s Barbecue opened its doors in Lockhart this month, a battle raged on—in the form of quippy signs—with Black’s Barbecue.
BBQ
September 26, 2022
Is Elgin’s Southside Market the Oldest Barbecue Joint in Texas? The Saga Continues.
Six years ago, we set out to answer that question and got inconclusive results. And while we’ve found new info, the mystery endures.
BBQ Joint Reviews
September 22, 2022
This North Texas Barbecue Joint Is a Family Affair Helmed by a Food-Obsessed Couple
The ribs and sausage are great, but it was the mint chocolate chip cake at Beault's Backyard BBQ that made our barbecue editor giggle in delight.
BBQ Joint Reviews
September 14, 2022
One Pitmaster Contemplates Continuing to Chase His Barbecue Dreams in a Tough Industry
For now, Derek Degenhardt of Decatur’s North Texas Smoke is pursuing his passion by serving brisket, sausage, and a great loaded baked potato salad.
Style & Design
September 12, 2022
A Skate Park, Health Center, and Library Will Open Under One Innovative Roof in Houston
With a goal of fostering intergenerational connection, the Alief Neighborhood Center is a new model for what a community center can be.
Business
September 8, 2022
Wagyu Is King at Morris Stock Farm in the Texas Panhandle
Texas Monthly’s barbecue editor goes all in on Wagyu beef—and the Texans who produce it.
BBQ Joint Reviews
September 6, 2022
This North Texas Barbecue Joint Honors an Iconoclast Newspaper Publisher
When Jordy Jordan opened the second location of Big D BBQ in the old Midlothian Mirror office, he wanted to pay homage to its controversial leader Penn Jones Jr.
BBQ Joint Reviews
September 1, 2022
A Pitmaster Finds Redemption in His North Texas Barbecue Joint
Paul Cruz was battling some personal demons before finding faith and founding Cruz BBQ Company in Maypearl.
BBQ Joint Reviews
August 30, 2022
Sample More Than Two Dozen Sausage Varieties at This Meat Market
From sweet chipotle to dirty rice, the options at this family-run Bellville sausage emporium run the gamut from tame to adventurous.