Texas, December 26, 2025
2025 marked a remarkable year for Texas barbecue, showcasing exceptional establishments that blend tradition with innovation. Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis earned accolades as the best barbecue joint, while Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. and Franklin Barbecue continued to impress patrons with unique dishes and flavors. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the craft have kept Texas barbecue on the culinary map, with cities like New Braunfels ranking as the most barbecue-obsessed in the state. This vibrant scene encourages community support and celebrates local flavors.
San Antonio, Texas – A Year of Top-Ranked Barbecue Joints in 2025
The culinary scene in Texas has never been more vibrant, particularly when it comes to barbecue. As we look back at 2025, we see a remarkable year for barbecue establishments across the state, with many earning top honors and showcasing the rich culinary heritage Texas is renowned for. This year highlights the resilience and innovation of local entrepreneurs who continue to elevate the barbecue tradition while embracing community involvement.
The diverse offerings from these top-rated barbecue joints illustrate how Texas entrepreneurs thrive in a competitive market. With comparatively limited regulation allowing for creativity and flexibility, many establishments have been able to push the boundaries of traditional barbecue while maintaining the classic flavors that locals cherish. This entrepreneurial spirit is key to understanding the state’s famed culinary reputation.
LeRoy and Lewis: Austin’s Top Barbecue Destination
In December 2025, Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis was named the best barbecue joint in Texas by Tasting Table. The restaurant’s innovative approach to traditional barbecue, including dishes like heat-smoked chicken and beef cheeks, set it apart, showcasing a blend of creativity and skill that continues to impress patrons and critics alike.
Burnt Bean Co.: Seguin’s Award-Winning Smokehouse
In May 2025, Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. topped Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list. This smokehouse garnered praise for its standout offerings, including short ribs, Korean beef back ribs, and unique desserts like bourbon peach cobbler tacos, highlighting how local flavors are being reimagined through cultural influences.
Franklin Barbecue: A Consistent Favorite
Throughout 2025, Franklin Barbecue in Austin maintained its reputation as a leading barbecue destination. In August, LoveFood.com ranked it as the No. 1 barbecue restaurant in the U.S., specifically noting its moist brisket and sliced sausages, reinforcing its position as a must-visit spot for barbecue enthusiasts.
Snow’s BBQ: Lexington’s Renowned Smokehouse
In September 2025, Snow’s BBQ in Lexington was ranked No. 2 in Southern Living’s list of the 50 best barbecue joints across the South. The establishment was celebrated for its firm, coarse-grained sausage, thick-sliced brisket, and tender pork shoulder steaks, exemplifying the robust flavors that define Texas barbecue.
Salt Lick BBQ: Hill Country’s Beloved Spot
In August 2025, Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood was named the best barbecue spot in Texas by Only In Your State. With nearly 60 years of serving satisfied customers, this cherished establishment remains a popular destination, showcasing classic barbecue offerings alongside picturesque Hill Country views.
New Braunfels: Texas’ Most Barbecue-Obsessed City
In June 2025, New Braunfels was recognized as the No. 1 most barbecue-obsessed city in Texas by Payless Power. This city boasts a high number of top-rated barbecue spots on Yelp, including Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and Granzin’s Bar-B-Q, reflecting a community dedicated to grilled perfection.
Iron & Oak Brisket Co.: National Recognition
In October 2025, Iron & Oak Brisket Co. in Woodfin, North Carolina, was named the best Texas-style barbecue in America by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards, surpassing Texas establishments. This accolade indicates the widespread appeal and influence of Texas barbecue, even beyond state lines.
John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill: Las Vegas’ Top Barbecue
In August 2025, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas was recognized as the No. 1 barbecue city in the U.S. by Betway Insider, based on the number of top-rated barbecue joints. The success of this establishment emphasizes that Texas-style barbecue has taken on a life of its own, attracting attention across the nation.
Conclusion
The year 2025 highlighted the dynamic and competitive nature of Texas barbecue, with establishments across the state earning national acclaim for their unique flavors and dedication to the craft. The passion for barbecue in Texas fuels innovation and economic vitality, encouraging residents and visitors alike to support local businesses and celebrate the rich culinary traditions that the state has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which barbecue joint was ranked No. 1 in Texas in 2025?
In December 2025, Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis was named the best barbecue joint in Texas by Tasting Table.
What other Texas barbecue establishments received top honors in 2025?
In May 2025, Seguin’s Burnt Bean Co. topped Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list. Throughout 2025, Austin’s Franklin Barbecue maintained its reputation as a leading barbecue destination. In September 2025, Snow’s BBQ in Lexington was ranked No. 2 in Southern Living’s list of the 50 best barbecue joints across the South. In August 2025, Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood was named the best barbecue spot in Texas by Only In Your State.
Which city in Texas is considered the most barbecue-obsessed?
In June 2025, New Braunfels was recognized as the No. 1 most barbecue-obsessed city in Texas by Payless Power.
Did any Texas barbecue joints receive national recognition in 2025?
Yes, in October 2025, Iron & Oak Brisket Co. in Woodfin, North Carolina, was named the best Texas-style barbecue in America by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Additionally, in August 2025, John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill in Las Vegas was recognized as the No. 1 barbecue city in the U.S. by Betway Insider, based on the number of top-rated barbecue joints.
Key Features of Texas’ Top-Ranked Barbecue Joints in 2025
| Establishment | Location | Recognition | Notable Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeRoy and Lewis | Austin | Named best barbecue joint in Texas by Tasting Table in December 2025 | Heat-smoked chicken, beef cheeks |
| Burnt Bean Co. | Seguin | Topped Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list in May 2025 | Short ribs, Korean beef back ribs, brisket, turkey, bourbon peach cobbler taco dessert |
| Franklin Barbecue | Austin | Ranked No. 1 barbecue restaurant in the U.S. by LoveFood.com in August 2025 | Moist brisket, sliced sausages |
| Snow’s BBQ | Lexington | Ranked No. 2 in Southern Living’s list of the 50 best barbecue joints across the South in September 2025 | Firm, coarse-grained sausage, thick-sliced brisket, hearty spareribs, tender pork shoulder steaks |
| Salt Lick BBQ | Driftwood | Named best barbecue spot in Texas by Only In Your State in August 2025 | Various barbecue offerings |
| Iron & Oak Brisket Co. | Woodfin, North Carolina | Named best Texas-style barbecue in America by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards in October 2025 | Brisket, ribs, sausage links |
| John Mull’s Meats & Road Kill Grill | Las Vegas | Recognized as the No. 1 barbecue city in the U.S. by Betway Insider in August 2025 | Various barbecue offerings |
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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.
