News Summary
Austin, Texas, has been recognized as the top barbecue city in the United States by Yelp’s 2025 rankings, largely due to its famous smoked brisket and unique flavors. The vibrancy of Austin’s barbecue scene is evident, with crowds flocking to iconic eats like Franklin Barbecue. San Antonio and Kansas City also feature prominently in the list, showcasing a diverse landscape of barbecue across the nation. The growing popularity of Texas barbecue, marked by a significant increase in online searches, highlights its rise in culinary prominence.
Austin, Texas, has been named the top barbecue city in the United States according to Yelp’s newly released 2025 rankings. The city is recognized for its expertly smoked brisket, unique rubs, and high-quality seasonings, which have earned it a lasting reputation among barbecue enthusiasts. The popularity of Austin’s barbecue scene is reflected in long lines at renowned establishments like Franklin Barbecue and La Barbecue, indicating strong demand from both locals and tourists.
San Antonio, Texas, ranked second in Yelp’s list, is well known for its vibrant food truck culture, boasting popular options such as Brisket Boys and Cake-N-Que. This indicates a shift in how barbecue is enjoyed in Texas, with a growing emphasis on accessibility and innovative offerings in a casual setting. Kansas City, Missouri, follows closely behind at third place, celebrating its own distinct barbecue style that highlights sweet and tangy sauces and hickory-smoked meats, further diversifying the landscape of American barbecue.
Yelp’s ranking methodology caps geographic diversity at two cities per state to ensure a broad representation, showcasing various styles from across the nation. Cities like Memphis, Knoxville, Honolulu, and Tulsa also made the list, with Tulsa noted for blending Oklahoma-style barbecue with Texas influences, providing a unique culinary experience that adds to the region’s charm.
The increase in interest around Texas barbecue is substantial. There has been a reported 63% rise in online searches for the term “Texas BBQ” from early 2024 to early 2025, underscoring the growing popularity and fascination with this style of barbecue both domestically and beyond. As barbecue culture becomes more prominent, the culinary scene in Texas continues to propel itself into the national spotlight.
Other cities on Yelp’s rankings include Memphis and Knoxville, both recognized for their rich barbecue traditions. Memphis is known for its pulled pork and distinctive dry rubs, while Knoxville has been gaining traction for its local barbecue offerings, showcasing the diversity of flavors spreading across different regions. Honolulu adds an interesting twist to the list, where local traditions meet barbecue styles, offering a flavorful experience unique to Hawaii. Meanwhile, Tulsa’s barbecue scene stands out for its combination of influences that reflect the culinary melting pot of the region.
Despite the strong presence of barbecue cities on the list, Nashville, famous for its hot chicken, was ranked last, at number 10. This indicates that while Nashville has established itself in the food scene, it is still in the process of developing a solid barbecue identity. The rankings suggest that while Nashville is a hub for many delicious dishes, it has yet to garner the same level of recognition in the barbecue category.
The top cities as per Yelp’s 2025 rankings for the best barbecue are as follows:
- Austin, Texas
- San Antonio, Texas
- Kansas City, Missouri
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Honolulu, Hawaii
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Other notable mention – Nashville, Tennessee
The rankings highlight the vibrant barbecue culture across various U.S. cities, showcasing both traditional and modern approaches to this beloved cuisine. With increasing interest, diverse culinary creativity, and strong local businesses, the future of barbecue in these cities looks promising, inviting enthusiasts from all walks of life to experience what each location has to offer.
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Texas Barbecue Yelp Ranking
- Wikipedia: Texas Barbecue
- CBS Austin: Austin Ranked Top BBQ City
- Google Search: Yelp Barbecue Rankings
- KVUE: Austin, Texas Number One BBQ City
- Google Scholar: Barbecue United States
- Austin Culture Map: Yelp Best Barbecue Cities 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: American Barbecue
- The Tennessean: Nashville BBQ Beaten
- Google News: Barbecue Cities Ranking
