News Summary
As National BBQ Day approaches, Austin and San Antonio are spotlighted as premier barbecue cities, with searches for Texas BBQ surging significantly. Austin leads the charge, renowned for its variety and quality, featuring famous spots like Terry Black’s and Franklin Barbecue. San Antonio follows closely with its mix of traditional and innovative barbecue establishments. This recognition highlights the state’s deep-rooted barbecue culture and the growing interest in high-quality BBQ experiences as summer nears.
Texas BBQ Shines This National BBQ Day
Austin, Texas – As National BBQ Day approaches on May 16, Austin and San Antonio have emerged as top cities for barbecue enthusiasts, according to a recent report by Yelp. The growing love for Texas BBQ is evident, with searches for “Texas BBQ” on the site surging by 63% from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025. With summer nearing, this recognition highlights Texas’s deep-rooted culinary tradition centered around barbecue culture.
Austin Takes the Lead
Yelp has designated Austin as the best barbecue city in the United States. Known for its rich variety and distinctive taste, the Austin barbecue scene includes renowned establishments such as Terry Black’s Barbecue and food trucks like Micklethwait Craft Meat. The city’s appreciation for barbecue is underscored by its straightforward seasoning techniques that emphasize the quality of the meat.
Popular items among diners in Austin include trays of tender brisket, flavorful ribs, and pulled pork sandwiches. The city is also home to Franklin Barbecue, which has been voted the best barbecue joint in Texas for three consecutive years by Southern Living. Other notable mentions include Interstellar BBQ and Salt Lick BBQ, both praised for their perfectly tender meats.
Adding to Austin’s accolades, La Barbecue received a Michelin star for its exceptional brisket last year. Additionally, the Michelin-starred Interstellar BBQ offers a unique BBQ buffet experience, showcasing a variety of top-quality meats.
San Antonio’s Growing BBQ Scene
Following closely, San Antonio ranks as the second-best city for barbecue. The city features a mix of traditional barbecue spots and modern fusion-inspired restaurants, attracting both locals and tourists. Notable food trucks like Brisket Boys and Cake-N-Que contribute to the vibrant culinary landscape, which includes top-rated establishments such as Curry Boys BBQ, Smoke Shack, and Garcia Barbecue.
The barbecue scene in San Antonio is marked by its distinctive offerings, combining classic BBQ with innovative twists. A standout, Nelson’s BBQ, was ranked No. 28 on Yelp’s 2022 Top 100 Places to Eat in Texas, renowned for its Texas-style brisket smoked over mesquite wood. Another popular spot, Reese Bros Barbecue, is celebrated for its modern fusion-inspired dishes.
Background on Texas BBQ Popularity
The recognition of Austin and San Antonio reflects the broader appreciation for Texas barbecue, which is characterized by its unique flavors and cooking techniques deeply embedded in the state’s culture. The traditional cooking methods, such as smoking meats over oak or mesquite wood, create flavors that draw significant attention from food lovers across the United States.
Additionally, Yelp’s report is an indication of the growing interest surrounding barbecue as a culinary art form, with patrons increasingly seeking out high-quality barbecue experiences. With summer just around the corner, these cities are poised to attract both locals and tourists eager to indulge in some of the best barbecue Texas has to offer.
The spotlight on BBQ this year serves as a reminder of the rich traditions and community bonds that surround Texas’s barbecue culture, ensuring that these culinary treasures will continue to entice food enthusiasts nationwide.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Leonard Botello Interview
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- KPEL 96.5: Best BBQ Buffets in Texas
- Google Search: Texas BBQ
- Austin American-Statesman: National BBQ Day
- Google Scholar: Texas BBQ
- KFMA: Texas Barbecue Culture
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Barbecue
- Community Impact: H-E-B’s Tru Texas BBQ
- Google News: Texas BBQ
