Texas Bar-BQ Joints Map Project

[FrugalDanny]

I've been creating a Google Map on my blog for above average Texas Bar-BQ joints.
These are the ones I have so far - some of them I added after reading this thread.
If you have any that need adding I'd like to know. If there are some that enough of you feel should be thrown in the trash, I want to hear that too!

Angelo's
2533 White Settlement Rd
Fort Worth

Artz Rib House
2330 S Lamar Blvd
Austin

Big Daddy's Roadhouse BBQ
1000 Highway 78
Lavon

Black's Barbecue
215 N Main St
Lockhart

Burns Bar-B-Que
8307 De Priest St
Houston

Back Country BBQ
6940 Greenville Ave
Dallas

City Market
633 E Davis St
Luling‎

Clark's Outpost Bar-B-Q
101 N Highway 377
Tioga

Coopers Bar B Que Restaurant
604 W Young St
Llano‎

Cousin's Pit Barbecue
6262 Mccart Ave
Fort Worth‎

Demeris Barbecue
2911 S Shepherd Dr # 26
Houston‎

Hard-Eight Barbeque
1091 Glen Rose Rd
Stephenville‎

Harold's Pit Bar BQ
1305 Walnut St
Abilene

Iron Works Barbecue
100 Red River St
Austin

Kruez Market
619 N Colorado St
Lockhart

Lambert's Downtown Barbeque
401 W 2nd St
Austin‎

Louie Mueller Barbecue
206 W. Second Street
Taylor

Mann's Smokehouse Bar-B-Q
8624 Research Blvd
Austin‎

Mike Anderson's BBQ
5410 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas

MO's B-B-Q
8321 FM 1960 Bypass Rd W
Humble‎

Peggy Sue BBQ
6600 Snider Plz
Dallas

Rudy's Country Store and Bar-BQ
24152 W Ih 10
San Antonio

Salt Lick BBQ
18001 FM 1826
Buda

Sammy's Bar B Que
2126 Leonard St
Dallas‎

Smitty's Market
208 S Commerce St
Lockhart‎

Snow's BBQ
Main Street
Lexington‎

Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse BBQ
2202 Inwood Rd
Dallas

Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ
525 S Beckham Ave
Tyler

State Line
1222 Sunland Park Dr
El Paso

Stubb's Bar-BQ Restaurant
801 Red River
Austin

Tom & Bingo's Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que
3006 34th St
Lubbock

[billbertg]

Out of the way for many of you but Rib Shack in Granbury (4021 Acton Hwy) has fall off the bone great ribs and mouth watering brisket. Try their homemade pickles, my wife thinks they are the bomb.

[SpurFan]

CorkScrew BBQ
24930 Budde Road - The Woodlands, TX 77380

[ptlycldy]

I see that East Texas is under-reported here. I'll offer up two that are worth mentioning.

The first is
Shep's Bar-B-Q
1013 E Palestine Ave
Palestine, TX 75801
[phone]

It's a traditional, hole in the wall, Texas style bar-b-que. Mainly brisket, but with sausage and ribs. Been here for years with brisk trade. Good. Dine in with lots of sides -- fried okra, slaw, potato salad, etc -- desert, iced tea, or take out.

A new place is the Purple Pig, which, though on State Hwy 155 is easy to miss. Driving south from Tyler on 155, through Nooday, if you get to the stoplight at Brookshires, you've gone about a half mile too far. It is on the east side of the road. Going north, after you pass Lake Palestine, after the first stoplight -- Brookshires is on the left -- the Pig will be about a half mile further on your right.

Purple Pig
19785 State Highway 155 S
Flint, TX 75762-4617
[phone]

NOTE: The postal address says Flint, TX but they are not in downtown Flint, but rather on Hwy 155.

As you might expect, the specialty is pork: pulled pork sandwiches made with slaw on top if you ask to make it purple, ribs, even decent catfish, as well as brisket, sausage and chicken. They even have entertainment on some nights -- never been there for it, but I understand it's good. I usually pass by there on Sunday evenings and get take out, and the place is full.

For those who go to the Canton, TX, first Monday trade days, the Purple Pig mans a place in one of the food courts.

-----
Purple Pig Cafe
19785 State Highway 155 S, Flint, TX 75762

[bhoward]

Just noticed that no one has listed Taylor Cafe in Taylor, TX. Excellent BBQ.
Taylor Cafe
101 N. Main St.
Taylor, Texas
[phone]

[Jaymes]

But just a warning about the Taylor Cafe...

If you hate eating your meals while inhaling clouds of cigarette smoke, don't go here. I had planned to have lunch at this place but the smoke was so unpleasant that I decided to just take my ribs and brisket to go.

By the time I got home to Austin, the meat was cold, but the paper it was wrapped in still reeked of cigarette smoke. Bleh.

If this were my only place to go to get good barbecue, I'd probably put up with that, regardless as to how disgusting it is.

But it isn't and so I don't.

And won't.

[confirmed realist]

M&M Bar-B-Q and Deli 1505 Hailey St in Sweetwater, TX is HANDS DOWN by FAR the best baebecue I have ever tasted.

[shanagain]

Very interesting considering it just opened a couple of weeks ago. You'd think there would be some kinks to work out.

What made it the best? I don't remember seeing a smoker outside - where did the 'Q come from?

[samblnc]

Cotten's BBQ
607 US-77
Robstown, TX 78380

[texasredtop]

Joe Cotten's burned down today.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/m...

[FrugalDanny]

I'm removing Salt Lick from the list

Goode on kirby still there - but have directly referenced and linked to the differing views here

[texasredtop]

What's wrong with Salt Lick? I haven't been there yet but was looking forward to eating there on our next trip to the Cabela's store.

[FrugalDanny]

let us know what you think

[texasredtop]

If it's coming off the list, I'm going to do some investigating. I'm not going to make a stop there if it's no longer worth it. Have you been lately? I won't be going to Austin until probably about February. It's still hunting season so that takes up all our time right now.

[FrugalDanny]

Been reading reviews with much disdain for salt lick - made me think it was living off its past glory - however reading your post made me dig into Full Custom Gospel's review - http://fcg-bbq.blogspot.com/2009/01/s... and it's kind of turning my mind around now

[woodburner]

Danny: Just read that review in the link... it doesn't really even make sense. The guy complains about the brisket bark on the first plate, then like sit on the second plate... he says the ribs don't have enough flavor or smoke...but seems to like them. It's an inconsistent review. Their sauce and meats are not up to hill country snuff, IMHO. The brick pit out front is for show, and the Oylers in the back are classics, but gas/wood combos....... hence lack of smoke.

[FrugalDanny]

I hear ya - my take away was to be selective - requesting crusty brisket ("We requested a sauce free second plate with crusty pieces of brisket. This is where the Salt Lick shines. The brisket had a crust like no other with deep flavor and abundant sugar cookies. The meat was smoky, tender and moist with great flavor even without the sauce.")...also snappy sausage sounded alright but refrain on the ribs...

[Jaymes]

Regarding the Salt Lick, if it were my list, I'd probably not leave it out entirely. It's really famous and many people are eager to try it when they visit Texas. Leaving it out would make them wonder why it's not even mentioned on what is supposed to be a comprehensive list. And unfortunately, rather than questioning whether or not the Salt Lick deserves to be included, they might well question whether or not you know what you're talking about, and even if the rest of your list is valid.

I'd say something like: "Texas institution, originally opened in 1969 by Thurman Roberts and his wife Hisako (whom he met while stationed as a soldier in Kauai) on his family's historic ranch land in Driftwood just south of Austin. The unique sauce has fruity Asian undertones, a result of Hisako's influence. The quality of the Salt Lick's barbecue has become the subject of considerable controversy among Texans since Thurman's death in 1981, with many feeling that Thurman's son, Scott, has sacrificed quality for commercial success. However, even though the current comon wisdom is that the barbecue itself is mediocre, the Salt Lick remains popular with tourists and some locals primarily due to its incomparable ambiance. And everyone agrees that the peach cobbler is terrific."

Just a suggestion.

But like I said, I wouldn't leave it out entirely.

[James Cristinian]

I had really fond memories of Salt Lick, and was hesitant to criticize. This 'splains it. I haven't been since the late 70's, their halcyon days, before it was discovered by throngs.

[Jaymes]

Yes. And, most important, before Thurman died and Scott decided that selling coozies and hats and T-shirts and catering weddings and bar mitzvahs and hauling in coachloads of tourists was more important than the quality of the 'cue.

[austincisco]

I think Jaymes has a pretty good perspective on SL. I live about five minutes from it, and have eaten there probably 20+ times. Is it up to the standards of say Smitty's or Mueller's? No ....but it's still above average overall and pretty consistent, and certainly much better than some of the others I've seen on the list. I think the Lick stays on the list.

[Jaymes]

Why is Thelma's in Houston not on the list? Everybody I've talked to says it's quite good. Much much better than Goode Co.

[chime]

Henk's BBQ 4315 Teckla Boulevard, Amarillo, TX‎ has real good BBQ and sauces. The prices are reasonable and the workers are friendly.

[texasredtop]

I've heard the food is inconsistent and Thelma regularly throws people out of the building for asking questions about her food, like "what do you recommend?" and similar things. There are tons of complaints on the different restaurant review sites about her.

[FrugalDanny]

the throwing out on a regular basis part intrigues me... (:-D

[Jaymes]

The 'barbecue nazi'?

[texasredtop]

LOL - like Jaymes says, the que nazi. Too funny. I would just leave if she got nasty with me. I don't give my money to establishments that verbally abuse me. But that's just me. Guys would likely go in just to mess with her.

[LDiablo]

Having eaten all five of the Texas Monthly joints and many honorable mentions (and more), there's a place in Waco with the ribs better than I've had anywhere. The place is over 90 years old and as an added treat, serves Dublin Dr Pepper out of the fountain. Tuesday's are all-you-can-eat ribs and it's the best deal in town.

Jasper's BBQ
105 Clifton St.
Waco

[Perilagu Khan]

J&M Bar B Q
3605 34th
Lubbock, Texas

Powell's Country Bar-B-Q
19th Street
Lubbock, Texas

Eddie's Pit BBQ
1324 E 50th,
Lubbock, Texas

Klemke's Bar B Q Joint
Slaton, Texas

[FrugalDanny]

The current list:

Abilene
Harold's Pit Bar BQ

Alvin
Joe's Barbeque

Austin
Artz Rib House
House Park Bar-B-Q
Iron Works Barbecue
Mann's Smokehouse
Sam's Bar-B-Cue

Beaumont
Fat Mac's Smokehouse‎

Dallas
Mike Andersons
Peggy Sue BBQ
Sammy's Bar B Que
Smokey Joe's Bar-B-Que
Sonny Bryan's
Sweet Georgia Brown's BBQ

Driftwood
The Salt Lick Barbecue Restaurant

El Paso
State Line

Euless
North Main Bar BQ

Fort Worth
Angelo's
Cousin's Pit Barbecue

Galveston
Queen's Barbecue

Giddings
City Meat Market

Gonzales
Gonzales Food Market

Henderson
Bob's Barbecue

Hondo
Billy Bob's Backyard Barbq

Houston
Burn's Bar-B-Que
Demeris Barbecue
Goode Company Barbeque
Harris County Smokehouse
Pierson BBQ

Humble
MO's B-B-Q

Huntsville
New Zion Missionary Baptist BBQ

Junction
Lum's

Kilgore
Country Tavern Barbecue

La Grange
Prause Meat Market

Lavon
Big Daddy's Roadhouse BBQ

League City
Red River Bar-B-Que

Lexington
Snow's BBQ

Lillian
Casstevens Cash and Carry Grocery

Llano
Coopers Bar B Que Restaurant

Lockhart
Black's Barbecue
Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q
Kruez Market
Smitty's Market

Lubbock
Tom and Bingo's Hickory Pit Bar-B-Que

Lulling
City Market

Midland
K D's Bar-B-Q II Go

Pearland
Central Texas Style Barbecue

Richmond
Galvan's Sausage House

San Angelo
R J Bar-B-Que

San Antonio
Rudy's Country Store
Willard's Jamaican Jerk

Spicewood
Opie's Barbecue

Stephenville
Hard-Eight Barbeque

Taylor
Louie Mueller Barbecue

Texas City
Grand Prize Barbeque

Tioga
Clark's Outpost Bar-B-Q

Tyler
Stanley's Famous Pit BBQ

Waelder
J Bar B Foods

Wharton
Hinze Bar-B-Q

[austincisco]

Danny - I'm late to the party, but think you've put together a great list. A few more for you to consider:

Austin
County Line (I didn't read back on any previous conversation about the CL that you may have had, but it's an institution and solid bbq. If you're leaving out chains or franchises, I understand ....if that's the case, Sonny Bryan's should go. And the State Line in El Paso is a CL franchise.)
Franklin BBQ

Belton
Schoepf's Old Time BBQ

Ellinger
Peter's BBQ

Elgin
Southside Market

Bastrop
Billy's Pit BBQ

Kyle
Milt's BBQ

Johnson City
Ronnie's BBQ

[EdLagniappe]

Since I think we all are aware of some stinkers in this entire list of BBQ places ... is there any way you can allow folks to vote on different place names & locations? That way folks could evaluate a place w/ 1 vote for ... vs places w/ 250 votes for 'em as being relatively different. Just a phone book listing of all the BBQ places in TX, by definition, has to have lots of crappy places mixed w/ the good places. A vote is the only way I can suggest to give the places on your map a comparative rating. Maybe someone else has a suggestion.

Ed

[FrugalDanny]

How about everybody state here the ones they like - will list their name with each place - something along the lines of "An EdLagniappe approved place" like AAA approved. I recall some people like your stinkers.. Different ribs for different folks ( :-D )
If there are any places that don't get votes, after a respectable amount of time, will eventually remove them

[sline]

City Meat Market in Giddings.

NW corner of Hwys 290 and 77.

[Jaymes]

I'll second this. It's really pretty terrific. Tootsie (the pitmaster at Snow's in Lexington) used to work here.

[sline]

Yay! Glad to hear since Giddings is my hometown.

Snow's is incredible.

[FrugalDanny]

Smokey Joes on Dallas & Texas BBQ Maps and pages.

Also City Meat Market on TX Map and page.

Thanks I'm really hungry now - lunchtime!

[FrugalDanny]

Thanks to everyone for your input - Looking for further input on the current state of the Texas Map and Page at Frugal Danny and Roxanne's Texas BBQ

[sline]

PLEASE add Smokey Joe's! I saw one post at the very beginning about it. It is a pork place. It is a tiny renovated old style filling station - takeout only. It's pretty much a smoke pit with a door. I love their ribs - tender and flavorful - you eat them and there is nothing left but a skinny little bone.

Go south on 35 from Dallas and look for it on the west side of the highway - it faces it. It's a tiny white bldg with red trim and smoke coming out of the top. Between Ledbetter and Camp Wisdom.

Smokey Joe's Bar-B-Que
6407 S R L Thornton Fwy

[EdLagniappe]

Well ... can't say I believe in some of the places folks have listed ... but to each his/her own.

I'd like to add my favorite BBQ inside San Antonio ... marvelous by itself, and if you get it w/ his jerked sauce, it gets downright perky. I like the sauce on the side so I can control the heat.

Willard's Jamaican Jerk BBQ 736-5375 & 639-5375
726 E Mistletoe
San Antonio, TX
M-Sa 11-19 / Su closed
...
And ... while we are at it ... suggest you also include in your website database all the Tx wineries that have tasting rooms. Most of them are glad to have folks picnic at the winery ... and what could be better than a daytrip to get BBQ & wine? And, with your comprehensive list of BBQ joints ... if you added the tasting rooms, a couple could go in almost any direction in TX & get both. What a day!

So, may I suggest:
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards & Winery 830-885-4076
1741 Herbelin Rd
New Braunfels, TX
Open W-Su 12-17 // Tours 14, 15 & 16
I recommend their: Dry Comal Creek Red w/ BBQ ... by itself it's moderately sweet, but with BBQ it's highly complex, flavors of plum, blackberry, cocoa ... stupendous w/ BBQ
Coincidentally, it's one of their cheapest wines.

Then there's
www.threedudeswinery.com
it's on my way to/from Lockhart from IH-35

I hope you expand your project ... they were meant to be together :-)

[FrugalDanny]

Thanks Ed. Thats a great idea. guess wine tastes are still pretty much free or cheap...Will also check and add Willards later..

[twinwillow]

After reading some favorable reports, I drove out to Big Daddy's Roadhouse BBQ in Lavon on Saturday. All I can say is, totally forgettable. Definitely not worth the drive from Dallas.

[tuckspop]

Have to put The Gonzales Food Market in Gonzales on the list. Great sausage.

[FrugalDanny]

Its on the list

[zorra]

Galvan's Sausage House in Richmond, on Highway 90A at Pitts Road. A little red mom-and-pop shack with consistently good brisket, sausage, and ribs. On my way to work I can often see the smoke billowing from behind the building. They sell their own boudin, too, but I haven't tried it yet.

-----
Galvan's Sausage House
1924 E Highway 90A, Richmond, TX 77406

[James Cristinian]

I love this place. It's about time to make the forty or so mile round trip, now that it's cooler. I get the brisket with the fat left on.

[FrugalDanny]

Will add. List and map are on my website but can't link here - website is on my profile from there go to bbq texas on link list thanks.

[FrugalDanny]

Galvan's is still open? Seeing a mention that it's closed

[James Cristinian]

Where did you see that? I just called them, and they are indeed still open.

[FrugalDanny]

Good I'll work up a pin and post for them - says they are permanently closed on Google - http://maps.google.com/maps?pz=1&...

[James Cristinian]

I read the Google link and one thing that comes to mind is that they had a fire a while back and were closed for a few months, and were uncertain of re-opening. This was maybe 18 months ago, if not more. That might explain it.

[FrugalDanny]

makes sense - I'll post it map it plus try to get google to change it to open

[zorra]

I think they may have been closed for a little while after Hurricane ike. The sign that used to be on the roof has been propped up against the front of the building since the hurricane. But no, they certainly are open.

[Texashog]

You might look at adding Bob's Barbeque in Henderson, TX to your list. Mainly take out but they have added a small dining area recently.

[FrugalDanny]

Thank you I'll check Bob's out

[paul balbin]

Excellent , The owners are very nice folks too

RJ Bar-B-Que
1405 North Bryant
San Angelo, Texas
325 659 4422

[FrugalDanny]

Added Hinze in Wharton J Bar B in Waelder Lum's in Junction, Prause Meat Market in La Grange, Snow's in Lexington, Gonzales Food Market in Gonzales, Billy Bob's in Hondo

looking to see what I missed ..????

Thank you

[teanutz]

Lulling City BBQ
4726 Richmond Avenue
Houston, Texas 77027
http://lulingcitymarket.com/home.html

[Steve Green]

"Lulling City BBQ...Houston"

Haven't been, but my understanding is that this place is NOT related to the famed City Market in Luling.

[Jaymes]

That's right. They're not. And I think ripping off the name and implying there is some connection is despicable. They'll never get a penny of my money, and I don't give a rip how good they may or may not be.

[scrumptiouschef]

Jaymes
Let's get a posse up and ride over to Houston and dry gulch these blackguards.

http://www.houstonpress.com/2005-05-2...

Robb Walsh breaks these no accounts down proper in the link.

Anybody been to R&G Bar-B-Que in McMahan.The original Luling family tree extends here.

[Jaymes]

Boy, I'd love to. I just hate the fact that they're still in business, still using somebody else's name, still selling somebody else's sauce.

But even worse than that, I think, are the customers that go there, find the 'cue only average, and then say (and believe) things like, "Well, I haven't been to Luling, but I've had barbecue from the one in Houston and I didn't think it was that good."

[LaCarmencita]

I totally second the City Market in Luling BUT you did not include the JbarB Sausage Co. Of course I understand because it is a tiny hole in the wall in Waelder, TX (you enter through a swinging saloon door at the back of a convenience store) but it is phenomenal. The moment that the waiter opens the smoker lid and the gray mesquite scented cloud rises to the ceiling your know that something precious is about to take place. I can not overstate the impact of their smoked sausage, the tenderness of their brisket. I speak as the daughter of a Waelder native, now resident of Paris, France. This is beautiful food. Please add it to your list. You will not be sorry for the incredible secret you have shared.

http://www.jbfoods.com/

[Jaymes]

I don't see Hinze BBQ on HWY 59 in Wharton. Really should be there. Excellent barbecue. A great find.

[carfreeinla]

State Line has no business being on this list- no matter how much you want to represent El Paso.

[FrugalDanny]

Why doesn't it belong

[kls82]

Central Texas BBQ in Pearland, just south of Houston on Broadway (FM 518). It has been there for over 26 years and is a local favorite. I'm not really sure if anyone outside of Pearland even knows it exists, but the bbq is the best I've ever had, besides my own of course.

[dvaughn971]

It looks like your list is growing. You may want to check out a few other resources as well. Texas Monthly magazine has a 2003 and 2008 issue of the Top 50 BBQ joints in Texas as well as the runeer up's here. http://www.texasmonthly.com/magazine/bbq
Also see John DeMers new book "Follow the Smoke" about Texas BBQ. There are also lots of blogs out there dedicated to Texas BBQ, so do some google searches.

One thing to make sure of is to add Lum's in Junction, Prause Meat Market in La Grange, Snow's in Lexington, Gonzales Food Market in Gonzales, Billy Bob's in Hondo, and take Sonny Bryan's off the list.

- BBQ Snob @ Full Custom Gospel BBQ

[chilecat]

Add KD's BBQ offI-20 Midland Tx. off I-20
Prices are good, service good, food great

[Sioux]

Ate at Coopers in Llano, thought I would give them one more chance. Beans were the best thing. Ribs were so so, chicken was good. The brisket was horrible, no meat, all fat. I will never waste my money or time again.

[luniz]

Ate there myself last weekend. Very good brisket and prime rib. Bark on the pork ribs was underwhelming. Pork chop was a bit dry but fairly good. Sausage was quite to my liking, loosely ground and flavorful. They use mesquite wood instead of post oak resulting in a much less smokey flavor. Many people actually prefer fatty pieces of brisket to the leaner stuff. As long as the connective tissue is not an issue I'm usually happy. If you don't like fatty brisket, you should ask for a leaner piece.

I'd say overall it's pretty solid, still far better than anything available in the DFW metro area, but not even close to touching Smitty's and probably not up to City Market or Kreuz standards either. At least they don't dump a bunch of crappy sauce all over everything like Salt Lick does...blech.

[DallasDude]

Is it just me that doesn't get the Sonny Bryans obsession? I have lived in Dallas all my life, and as a child it seemed decent enough. However recent visits have really put me off. I do not care for the way they slice each rib off the rack and grill it doused in sauce. Makes the rib dry. Everything else seems extremely medium. Is it the many locations that altered its quality? Also doesn't help that the hack Racheal Ray went there on a visit to Dallas to extol its virtues. -- If I am out of line, feel free to smack me!

[Texzilla]

I'm a Texan that grew up in Memphis and then returned, so my perspective is somewhat different because I have a strong prediliction for pork. Sadly, I've watched Texans dilute their culture with their affinity for chain barbecue; I witnessed an argument at work recently between some idiots on the virtues of Colter's vs Spring Creek, both of which are horrible.

Add Cassteven's Cash and Carry on 917 in Lillian. This is back to your roots barbecue in a gas station, convenience store, and laudromat. Always a TM top 50.

[JMark]

Fritzes in Boerne, Buck and Ozzies in Bulverde, a new Coopers in New Braunfels, Texas Pride in San Antonio.

Fritzes is new but the bbq is coming along nicely, Busk and Ozzies also has decent Chili.

Rudys at Leon Spings exit off I-10 west is the original and best.

[Salt_ofthe_Earth]

One of my favorites in Austin is House Park. This little place near downtown isn't much bigger than a minute. It's been open since the 40's and is only open for lunch. There are only 6 or 7 things on the menu, but it's great. The atmosphere is authentic BBQ shack. Their motto: Need no teef to eat my beef.

[tiomano]

My west Texas cousins from Odessa were raving about this bbq place in Brownwood so we went. God, it was awful. Everything was served off a steam table. I don't remember the name but it has been there since forever. I guess if that is how you like your bbq then have at it but I will not go back.

[shanagain]

I bet it was Underwoods - we made the mistake of stopping there once and my husband still teases me about it. It also killed his interest in road food stops for quite a while!

[Johnny Hughes]

Tom & Bingo's of Lubbock has been named to the top fifty by Texas Monthly twice. John Morthland said it was "the best bar-b-que west of I35." Back in 1997, Joe Nick Patoski, author of Willie Nelson: An Epic Life was doing the big story on bar-b-q for Texas Monthly. I took him to several big bar-b-que joints in Lubbock. Then he asked me where I ate bar-b-que. I took him to Tom & Bingo's where I have eaten for forty years. Twice, Texas Monthly has said this was the very best in West Texas.

Johnny Hughes www.JohnnyHughes.com West Texas stories

[joedontexan]

Blacks bbq in Lockhart must be taken off the iist it was terrible last time I was there. Put Chisholm Trail in its place also in Lockhart a better choice.

[FrugalDanny]

I have 4 places in Lockhart!

[joedontexan]

I have to add Lairds bbq in llano for sure great bbq chicken

[Steve Green]

joedontexan -- you can't be serious. Black's gets lots of great reviews, and it's some of the best 'Q I've ever had.. All places have a bad day now and then. BBQ is by definition inconsistent. As many have pointed out, it's an art, not a craft.

[Jaymes]

I totally agree with this. I've been going to Black's for decades. Like Steve says, on any given day, any given joint can be subpar, even the absolute best of them. Even Black's. After all, you're dealing with an inconsistant organic product, and the fickle variations of smoke, weather, wood and fire. But all in all, pound for pound, I've found their brisket to be most consistantly fabulous.

Not only would they never be off of my list - they're always in the top five.

Deservedly.

[tuckspop]

The owner of Chisholm Trail, Floyd, grew up learning how to bbq at Blacks. Lots of the locals eat at Chisholm Trail.. I like it too. The only thing is that they like to put mayo on your sliced beef sandwich, which I don't like

[Matt.]

I'd add North Main BBQ in Euless. AYCE, Fri->Sun only. It's been there as long as I remember.

http://www.northmainbbq.com
North Main BBQ
406 North Main
Euless, TX 76039

-----
North Main Bar BQ
406 N Main St, Euless, TX 76039

[FrugalDanny]

I didn't have much in lubbock sanantonio el paso and other parts west...felt i had to come up with something to represent...i'm not attached to what i have there and some other places and could easily replace with some suggested places from you and the board or maybe they just don't have the level in those places we are seeking?...thanks stephanie & matt...

i know there is more than one place that lacks consensus and it is a quandary wrapped up in a dilemma for me because as long as someone likes a place for any of a variety of reasons: it's good to them, tradition, sentimental nod, etc.. i feel like i should respect that..

I've been asked by the moderators not to respond so often like to thank each one of you each time you post. I have just now got the brainstorm instead to write a thanks to the suggesting poster under each place listed....

Know that I'm watching and updating and abiding and being thankful and will occasionally surface here...in the meantime you know where to find me.

[billbertg]

Are you kidding me, Hard Eight in Stephenville? Barely tolerable. Try Tumbleweed, voted best in Erath County over Hard Eight. I suggest you try'em before you pick'em.

[Transplanted Texan]

Fat Mac's on Old Calder Rd. in Beaumont is pretty darn good. Can't comment on the barbecue sauce because I've never tried it! You just don't need it, the meat is so flavorful and tender!

[Dallassooner]

I'm going here for lunch on Saturday. Wanted it last week and was too "cheap" to drive over to Euless; but I won't make that mistake again. Good food and very friendly people.

[stephanieh]

Danny, a correction for you... Salt Lick is in Driftwood, not Buda. I don't care for it, but it is famous.

You might also add Opie's
125 Spur 191
Spicewood TX (in the Austin area)
www.opiesbarbecue.com

Also, Rudy's is a pretty large chain, but you only have a San Antonio address. I know of several in the Austin area as well.

I don't know if you're going for comprehensive or selective, but if you're not just listing the "elite" (as in real pit bbq that sells out early in the day), I'd add the County Lines (two in Austin). I think it's better than Rudy's. www.countyline.com

[FrugalDanny]

It looks like Opie's may have closed...

[stephanieh]

I haven't been out there to check, but there's a new post on the Austin board with this website, and they look like they're still alive....
http://opiesbarbecue.lbu.com/aboutus....

[FrugalDanny]

sure enough thank you I'll put em back.

[Pirate Paul]

Such an ambitious project. It's going to get unwieldy unless you organize it better. Restaurants should be alphabetical, of course, but should also be grouped according to city, area or region.

Galveston: Leon's, Queens
Alvin: Joe's
Pearland: Central Texas
Texas City: Grand Prize
Dickinson: AJ's, Little's (another, Dickinson BBQ, puts peanut butter in their sauce)
League City: Red River
Clear Lake City: Tony's
El Lago / Seabrook: Bay Area MM & Smokehouse
Webster/Friendswood: Texas Roadhouse, Pappas
Houston: (Like Austin, where to begin?)
Huntsville: Here on Chowhound, much has been said about New Zion Mission Baptist BBQ in Huntsville. Our group is planning to rent a stretch van and go up there from Houston one of these week-ends, but I can't say more until then.

There's a few for starters, running from south to north.

[FrugalDanny]

i hear ya it is headed towards getting as big as texas...noted and a strategy will be forth coming...thank you paul in the meantime i will just keep on adding..

[FrugalDanny]

i've split them out by city...

[CocoaNut]

Oh gosh - not Tom and Bingo's. I was just there before Thanksgiving. The beef was tender, lean and moist enough, but no flavor at all. It was like eating roast beef from the oven. No smokiness and the BBQ sauce didn't help. Salt was the only improvement. I can't believe something that bland has such a following. Plus, the serving sizes are pretty skimpy.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/574602

[tx_radar]

Missing is Goode Co BBQ...a Houston staple. I take every out-of town guest to the original location by Rice University (see address below). They've been doing it right for over 20 years.

5109 Kirby Dr
Houston, Texas 77098

http://www.goodecompany.com/goodeRest...

[Jaymes]

If you decide to add Goode Co. just for tradition's sake, I'd suggest you make a note that reviews on this place are decidedly mixed. Some people apparently like it (it's still doing business, after all), but others, like me, feel pretty strongly that it's not 'Goode' at all. In fact, I and the other three native Texans I was with all thought it was pretty awful. In fact, nobody wanted to bother to even take the (considerable) leftovers home.

Of course, to each his own. But if I were going to add it to any sort of Texas BBQ list, I'd also add the caveat that although some people like it, others do not.

[tx_radar]

Jaymes, call it tradition or what, I've heard others mention the same thing to me. BBQ is such a personal thing, even in Texas we can't seem to agree?! It is a Houston institution and enough people must like it for them to still be in business today.

[Jaymes]

Yep. I tried to say that. It is still in business. Some people clearly like it. But I'm far from the only one that doesn't. That's why I said that reviews are "mixed." As you may have noticed, it came in DAL in the last Houston CH BBQ smackdown.

I'm just saying that feelings are so strong both ways, I'd point that out if I were going to add it to any sort of list.

[FrugalDanny]

jaymes and tx_radar - i'm going to add goode's goin to say there are mixed reviews on the texas bbq chowhound forum - Jaymes thinks goode's is not good and Tx_radar thinks goode's is good...is that good? (:-D)

[danhole]

Just have to add my two cents here - since you have Demeris on your list, which in my opinion is just average, not above average, then you may as well add Goode Co. But Goode Co. is one of those places that depends on name recognition and not true quality of food. To put a truly above average BBQ place on your map you have to add Pierson's & Co. BBQ, 5110 T C Jester, Houston, Tx, 77091.

Just to note that there is a Fearless Critic Guide for Houston that ranks Goode Co & Pappas BBQ as the bottom 2 in town. And Danny, it is not just this CH board that gives Goode mixed reviews, there are many more.

[FrugalDanny]

thanks Dan. i'll add pierson's in the next half hour. i haven't added pappas.
i'll take another look at demeris & goode and also await further input here.

[danhole]

Danny,

Don't add Pappas, please. It's another name recognition thing. I will say that at least the guide I mentioned gave Demeris a B- while Papas & Goode Co both got a C-.

Dani

[James Cristinian]

I think Pappas has some decent brisket as well as ham. The one thing I really like there are beef ribs, something not available at most places. Having said this, I would not put them on a map. I think Goode Co. is very overrated. I can't believe people stand in line for this place. They use mesquite, and to me it makes everything taste the same, I live five minutes from the place and won't go near it. I'll nominate a place, Galvan's Sausage House just outside of Richmond for superb fatty brisket and beef sausage. By the way, FrugalDanny, it's Dani, not Dan.

[Jaymes]

You say you "can't believe people stand in line for this place." I just moved here from Central Texas and I cannot believe it's even still open. I am seriously, genuinely puzzled. Even, as the Brits say, gob-smacked that a place that bad continues to do business in a state as famous for barbecue as Texas.

Is it because they've been there turning out bad 'cue for long enough that folks have just gotten used to it? Is it just easy? A habit that's tough to break? Like if yo' mama can't cook but you've been eating her food for so long that you start liking it?

I don't know... Geniunely puzzled.

[James Cristinian]

I think the majority of people have no clue as to what good, not goode, bbq is, much as they have no clue as to seafood, hamburgers, Mexican, you name it. Just look at a Houston Press best of: it's all the usual suspects, Goode Company, Papadeaux, Papasitos, Fuddruckers. Places like these are food for the masses, the same reason places like Chili's, Applebee's, Olive Garden not only exist, but thrive.

[Jaymes]

Well, I would have feared it's just me, except that I was with several native Texans, none of whom had ever been to Goode before. At our table were even an Aggie and a Tea-sipper. And believe me, the only thing they agreed upon all night long was that that was some of the worst barbecue, sausage, ribs, brisket, sauce, etc., they had ever tasted.

[danhole]

Jaymes, we here in Houston, all know you are really down on Goode Co, so give it up and get to Pierson's. Please, buddy, and I mean this in the nicest way!

Dani

[Jaymes]

Yep, going to try to go Saturday. And I'm going to do my best to shut up about Goode's. It's just taking longer than I ever would have believed to get over the shock.

[joedontexan]

jaymes I understand where your coming from because Central Texas is ground zero for the best barbecue on earth. The standards are high there and the rest of the state cant compete with the quality and number of great places there. we have a few here and there but the bar has always been raised high for Central Texas bbq.

[bhoward]

I would certainly add the Country Tavern in Kilgore for their pork ribs.

[FrugalDanny]

added thks

[julieallen]

D'Ventures
Rays Bar-B-Que
7474 S. Lancaster Rd
Dallas, TX 75241

Is absolutely the best BBQ in Texas. People from NY, Memphis, Chicago all give the same report "This is the best BBQ that I have tasted"

[FrugalDanny]

sorry can't track this one down...

also

was reading on the chicago chow thread that their fav q is at sweet georgia browns in dallas - is that worthy

[missmitzi]

Bubba's BBQ in Ennis, Texas is rarely talked about on here but is very good!

[FrugalDanny]

hesitant to add reading some real lousy reviews latest this week saying its gone down hill

[missmitzi]

That is too bad to hear. I haven't been there in quite awhile.

[txsamm08]

Bubbas is still the best BBQ in the Dallas area. I may work there and have been for 2 years and have loved it since i was a little girl but I still eat there almost every day. Nowhere else can I get my steak cooked right! The atmosphere is AMAZING and its such a great place for families and parties. Not many small town places are recognized in the top 50! I've met sooo many people that drive hours just to come eat and do it at least once a week. Every place gets a few bad reviews on occasion but I've only seen a couple for us! You really can't say it's bad over one crappy visit. The waitress may have had a bad day or something but I can promise you if you come in you will LOVE it. Especially on a week night when we aren't as packed and you get a little more personal with the workers.
Just thought I might add this because I'm tired of people basing our restaurant on 2 bad reviews. Just come see for yourself!

[austinfood]

Stubb's in Austin absolutely, positively must come off your list. The food there sucks. The Salt Lick isn't much better. In Austin, the best 'cue is at House Park Barbecue on 12th Street.

[Jaymes]

I agree with this. Stubb's is a fun music venue, so if you're making a map of great places to hang out and drink beer, Stubb's belongs.

But if your list is of great BBQ, as I understand it to be, Stubb's doesn't.

[FrugalDanny]

ok stubbs is going

going to add House Park Big Boys BBQ Smokey Joe's later unless I hear strong objections...

any other opinions on Salt....

[woodburner]

I also think Salt Lick is downright poor. I have been to about a dozen of the great places on your list... but remove Salt Lick. The meats were mediocre, and the sauce was horrible. The sausage was uninspired as well.

[Dallassooner]

I've only been to the Saltlick one time and I thought it was great. What do you not like about it? I have had Stubb's also and I thought it was a disappointment.

However the Saltlick was very good.

[twinwillow]

I concur on Salt Lick.

-----
Salt Lick Restaurant
18300 Fm 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619

[FrugalDanny]

thank you i'll start checking them out

[shanagain]

Big Boys BBQ
2117 Lamar St
Sweetwater, TX 79556
[phone]

One of the top 50 BBQ from TX Monthly a few yrs back, still a current honorable mention. Worth a stop for their homemade desserts, too.

[planojim]

when I'm on the south side of Dallas, I usually try try to stop in at Smokey Joes. I think it's one of the better BBQ places in Dallas. Take out only. Great sweet potato pie.

Smokey Joe's Bar-B-Que
6407 S R L Thornton Fwy

Dallas, TX 75232

[Cheflambo]

Frug ... Houston is badly underrepresented here. The local 'hounds had their own BBQ smackdown back in late June, so Im sure someone will jump in here promptly to diss your choices and offer their own.

[arashall]

I live near Humble, and have had to put up with Demaris' catering on several occasions, so I'll be the first to diss Mo's and Demaris. You can check the threads for good Houston BBQ.