News Summary
Texas Monthly has announced its much-anticipated list of the ’50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas’ for 2025, with Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin taking the top spot. The list highlights exceptional BBQ establishments statewide, showcasing Texas’s rich culinary culture. The Texas Monthly BBQ team visited 319 joints to carefully evaluate and compile the rankings. Alongside the Top Ten, the list includes a ‘Best of the Rest’ featuring seven additional Austin-area restaurants, reflecting the vibrant BBQ scene in Texas and engaging passionate fans in hearty discussions.
Austin, Texas –
This week, Texas Monthly unveiled its highly anticipated list of the “50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas” for 2025. Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin topped the ranking, securing the coveted first-place position. This robust list highlights the cream of the crop in Texas barbecue, showcasing the state’s rich culinary culture and passionate food community.
The Texas Monthly barbecue team undertook an extensive journey, traveling thousands of miles across the state to evaluate BBQ establishments. Last year, they visited 319 joints, with the final rankings confirmed by barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn after revisiting the top selections. The list includes not only a “Top Ten” but also a “Best of the Rest,” featuring detailed write-ups and pro tips for each restaurant included.
Key Highlights from the Top 10
Central Texas barbecue spots maintained their dominance in the rankings, with two Austin restaurants making it to the Top 10. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue was ranked No. 2, and InterStellar BBQ followed closely at No. 6. LeRoy and Lewis is noted for its smoked cheeseburger available on Mondays for $10, while InterStellar BBQ is praised for its pimento cheese side, which is described as a must-try with green onions and sriracha.
Overall, the Top 10 BBQ Joints in Texas for 2025 are as follows:
- Burnt Bean Co. — Seguin
- LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue — Austin
- Goldee’s Barbecue — Fort Worth
- Redbird BBQ — Port Neches
- GW’s BBQ — San Juan
- InterStellar BBQ — Austin
- Dayne’s Craft Barbecue — Aledo
- La Vaca BBQ — Port Lavaca
- Truth Barbeque — Houston
- Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque — Wolfforth
Inclusion of Additional Austin-area Restaurants
In addition to its Top 10 selections, the list recognized several other Austin-area establishments. Seven restaurants from the region were featured, including Briscuits, Franklin Barbecue, KG BBQ, La Barbecue, Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen, and Stiles Switch BBQ. Notable entries from Lockhart and Taylor included Barbs B Q and Louie Mueller Barbecue, reflecting the breadth of quality barbecue across Texas.
The Evaluation Process
The meticulous process required by the Texas Monthly BBQ team is substantial—unannounced visits to each restaurant and the outlay of nearly $26,000 for their food costs. During this latest evaluation cycle, Vaughn mentioned that the task of creating the list was particularly challenging due to the high number of excellent contenders, ultimately narrowing it down from 120 solid candidates.
Continued Engagement Among BBQ Fans
The release of the “50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas” ignites passionate conversations among barbecue enthusiasts, generating debates regarding rankings and selections. The list also included 50 honorable mentions, with several Houston-area joints featured, reaffirming the vast, competitive barbecue landscape present in Texas. Overall, Central Texas remains a cornerstone for barbecue excellence, evidenced by its significant representation in the rankings.
This cyclical publication by Texas Monthly holds substantial weight in the barbecue community, guiding aficionados and casual diners alike to the best smoked meats the state has to offer. The latest findings encourage both veterans of the culinary scene and newcomers to explore the rich traditions and talent embedded within the state’s vibrant barbecue culture.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Barbecue in Texas
- Spectrum News
- Google Search: Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ 2025
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Texas barbecue history
- KXAN News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas barbecue
- Houston Chronicle
- Google News: Texas Monthly BBQ List 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis 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 SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
