News Summary
Austin, Texas has earned the title of the best barbecue city in the United States according to Yelp’s recent ranking. The city’s barbecue scene is celebrated for its high-quality restaurants like La Barbecue and Franklin Barbecue. San Antonio, located nearby, holds the second position, showcasing a diverse mix of traditional and innovative barbecue spots. With increasing interest in Texas BBQ and unique establishments gaining attention, the future of barbecue in Texas looks bright, solidifying its reputation as the barbecue capital of the nation.
Austin, Texas has been named the top barbecue city in the United States, according to a recent ranking by Yelp. The city’s renowned barbecue scene stands out due to its exceptional restaurant offerings and enthusiastic reviews, contributing to its number one status. This recognition comes at a time when interest in Texas barbecue is surging, with a remarkable 63% increase in searches for “Texas BBQ” on Yelp reported in the first quarter of 2025.
Austin’s barbecue scene is distinguished not only by high-quality eateries but also by its unique designation as home to the world’s only Michelin-starred American-style barbecue establishments. Notable restaurants such as La Barbecue, Leroy and Lewis, and InterStellar BBQ have cemented the city’s reputation as a culinary leader in smoked meats. Other prominent spots like Franklin Barbecue and Terry Black’s draw food lovers from across the nation, further solidifying Austin’s top tier status.
Following Austin, San Antonio has secured the second spot in Yelp’s barbecue rankings. Located just 80 miles south of Austin, San Antonio is celebrated for its eclectic mix of traditional barbecue and innovative fusion concepts. Popular establishments in this vibrant barbecue scene include Curry Boys BBQ, Smoke Shack, and Garcia Barbecue. The city is also known for its burgeoning food truck culture, with Nelson’s BBQ food truck being a highlighted gem, recognized among the Top 100 Places to Eat in Texas in 2022. However, it is currently closed for repairs due to a recent break-in.
The thriving barbecue culture across Texas extends beyond the major city rankings. For instance, The Original Roy Hutchins Barbecue in Trophy Club has gained increased attention after recent celebrity visits, including actress Emmy Rossum. Known for its smoked specialties such as brisket and St. Louis-style ribs, the establishment is also recognized for “Texas Twinkies,” a unique dish featuring bacon-wrapped jalapeños filled with brisket and cream cheese. Following its growing popularity, plans are underway for a new location in Arlington.
The Greater Dallas area is witnessing a surge in celebrity sightings in barbecue spots, including Food Network star Guy Fieri and WNBA player Paige Bueckers, adding to the allure of the Texas barbecue scene.
In a testament to the resilience and determination of barbecue enthusiasts, Dayne Weaver from Aledo, Texas, has made significant strides in the barbecue restaurant industry. After encountering personal challenges, Dayne opened Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, which is anticipated to rank in the top 10 of Texas Monthly Magazine’s 50 best barbecue joints. The restaurant has seen considerable success and has developed a strong customer base, indicative of its growing popularity in the community.
The rise of Texas barbecue, particularly in cities like Austin and San Antonio, showcases not only culinary excellence but also cultural significance, as food lovers continue to explore and support local barbecue gems. With increasing interest and a diverse array of offerings, the future of barbecue in Texas looks promising, affirming the state’s reputation as the barbecue capital of the United States.
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Additional Resources
- Chron: Emmy Rossum visits Dallas Barbecue
- Wikipedia: Texas Barbecue
- WFAA: Aledo Dayne’s Barbecue
- Google Search: Austin Texas Barbecue
- Patch: Texas-Style Barbecue Spot Closes
- Google Scholar: Barbecue Culture in Texas
- Texas Monthly: TMBBQClub May 2025 Pit Perks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue in Texas
- Chron: Texas Barbecue Restaurant Expansion
- Google News: Texas Barbecue Popularity
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
