News Summary
Texas barbecue is witnessing a significant surge in popularity, with Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin leading the charge. Both restaurants have seen an increase in customer turnout, with Burnt Bean Co. receiving notable national recognition. This trend reflects the evolving landscape of Texas barbecue and highlights its growing reputation in the culinary world. With high ambitions, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue aims for a Michelin Star, further elevating the Texas BBQ scene. The overall success of these establishments showcases the continuing evolution of barbecue in Texas.
Business is Booming in Seguin and Austin!
The barbecue scene in Texas is currently witnessing an unprecedented surge in popularity, with Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin leading the charge. Both restaurants have recently gained remarkable recognition, leading to increased customer traffic and sales.
Burnt Bean Co. Takes the Lead
Burnt Bean Co. has skyrocketed to the top of the Texas barbecue rankings, prompting long lines of eager patrons that stretch over three blocks. As this establishment gains acclaim, it is being compared to culinary legends within the realm of barbecue, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit destination for enthusiasts.
Growing Recognition in Austin
In Austin, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue is also experiencing an influx of customers. Typically, this time of year witnesses a drop in foot traffic, but this year has bucked that trend, indicating a growing interest in the Texas barbecue culture. The co-owner reports that while business usually slows between July 4 and Labor Day, this season has shown a surprisingly minor decline, further illustrating the robust demand for barbecue across the state.
Aiming for Even Greater Heights
The team at LeRoy and Lewis is not content to rest on their laurels. They are setting their sights on achieving the prestigious Michelin Star, aiming to maintain high standards in both quality and customer service. Their ambition exemplifies the determination to continually enhance their offerings, ensuring they remain competitive in the evolving barbecue landscape.
Texas Barbecue Reigns Supreme
The increasing popularity of barbecue in Texas is underscored by a recent survey from Southern Living, which featured 17 Texas establishments in its “Top 50 BBQ joints in the South.” Despite the impressive representation from Texas, it was noted that no San Antonio barbecue joints made the cut this year. This left some local favorites like 2M Smokehouse and Reese Bros feeling overlooked.
Top Competition Moves
The top honor from the Southern Living ranking went to City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, S.C., but Texas establishments made notable appearances in the top five, with commendations for various joints from cities like Austin, Lexington, and Taylor. While some speculated on geographic biases affecting rankings, it did not overshadow the substantial representation of Texas barbecue.
Steady Evolution and Adaptation
The landscape of Texas barbecue continues to evolve, with many eateries undergoing changes in ownership or concept, while others enhance their operations. Notably, LeRoy and Lewis improved their ranking from 26th in 2023 to 5th in 2025, a testament to their successful transition from a food truck to a permanent location.
Keeping Up with the Crowd
Other notable mentions on the Southern Living list include Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington. Snow’s has gained a reputation for drawing large crowds despite operating only on Saturdays, reflecting its high demand and caliber of barbecue excellence.
What This Means for Texas Barbecue
The achievements of Burnt Bean Co. and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue highlight the evolving nature of Texas barbecue and its esteemed position in the Southern culinary scene. As the interest in barbecue continues to rise, it invites the possibility of discovering more hidden gems throughout the state. For the moment, Texas barbecue stands as a formidable force within the culinary landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Texas Monthly: Southern Living Top BBQ Joints in Texas
- Wikipedia: Texas Barbecue
- Express-News: Texas Barbecue List Rankings
- Google Search: Texas Barbecue
- Chronicle: Houston Barbecue Trends
- Google Scholar: Texas Barbecue
- Oregon Live: Michelin Starred Texas Barbecue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Southern Living: Top BBQ Joints 2025
- Google News: Texas Barbecue News
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.
