Texas Food & Dining · Updated February 2026
From the reigning Texas Monthly champion in Seguin to Michelin-starred smokehouses in Austin and Spring, these are the barbecue joints that define Texas right now.
Texas doesn’t just serve barbecue; it argues about it, drives hours for it, and stands in line before sunrise to eat it. With over 2,000 barbecue joints scattered across the state, separating the transcendent from the merely good requires serious homework. This article aims to streamline that process for you.
Drawing on the Texas Monthly Top 50 rankings, the Michelin Guide Texas selections, James Beard Award recognition, and aggregated public ratings, we assembled a list of the 25 barbecue restaurants that represent the absolute best of Texas in 2026.
What stands out about this moment in Texas barbecue is how dramatically the landscape has shifted. Small-town joints are outranking legends, and pitmasters are blending Central Texas traditions with influences from Southeast Asia, Mexico, and beyond. The Michelin Guide’s arrival in Texas has also put the state’s smoked meat on a global stage for the first time.
How We Ranked These Joints
Each restaurant on this list was evaluated using a composite approach. We factored in their placement on the 2025 Texas Monthly Top 50, Michelin Guide recognition, James Beard Award nominations, Google Reviews ratings, and our editorial assessment based on consistency, innovation, and dining experience.
This list is not a paid placement; no restaurant can buy its way onto this ranking. We update this article every six months to reflect closures, new openings, and changes in quality.
At a Glance: The Full Ranking
| # | Restaurant | City | Region | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burnt Bean Co. | Seguin | Central | TM #1, Bib Gourmand |
| 2 | LeRoy and Lewis | Austin | Central | TM #2, Michelin Star |
| 3 | Goldee’s Barbecue | Fort Worth | DFW | TM #3, Bib Gourmand |
#1
Burnt Bean Co.
Seguin, TX · About 40 miles east of San Antonio
Pitmasters: Ernest Servantes & Dave Kirkland Method: Post oak, offset smoker Price: $$ Open: Wed–Sun (check hours)
When Texas Monthly’s barbecue team visited 319 restaurants over 14 weeks to compile their 2025 list, Burnt Bean Co. emerged at the very top. Pitmasters Ernest Servantes and Dave Kirkland opened their joint right across from the courthouse in Seguin. Their brisket is exceptional, and everything is executed with competition-level precision. Don’t miss their legendary Sunday barbacoa taco.
Texas Monthly #1 (2025) Michelin Bib Gourmand
Pro Tip: Go on Sunday for the barbacoa tacos. Arrive by 10 a.m. for the best selection.
#2
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
Austin, TX · South Austin
Pitmaster: Evan LeRoy Method: Post oak, offset smoker Price: $$ Open: Mon–Sat, 11am until sold out
Initially a food truck, LeRoy and Lewis has grown into a beloved brick-and-mortar restaurant and secured a Michelin star. Their beef cheeks are considered among the best in the country, and their menu is refreshingly innovative.
Texas Monthly #2 (2025) Michelin Star
Pro Tip: Don’t miss Monday’s cheeseburger deal or the incredible beef cheeks.
The State of Texas BBQ in 2026
Four barbecue joints in Texas hold Michelin stars, making Texas the only place in the world where American-style barbecue has earned this distinction. An additional 17 restaurants hold Bib Gourmand or Recommended status, marking a golden age for Texas barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 BBQ joint in Texas right now?
The top rank goes to Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin, while Franklin Barbecue is a perennial favorite, often regarded as the best by Southern Living readers.
Which Texas BBQ joints have a Michelin star?
As of 2025, CorkScrew BBQ, InterStellar BBQ, La Barbecue, and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue are the only American-style barbecue restaurants to hold Michelin stars.
Is the wait at Franklin Barbecue really that long?
Yes, it’s not uncommon to wait one to three hours. Midweek visits typically result in shorter waits.
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