My Favorite Barbecue Restaurants in Texas!

[@knoxavebbq]

What's up, fam! Two places that I complete dropped the ball on and didn't talk about. Interstellar and Louie Mueller. Great places. One that's old school and seems like you went back in time, and the other is chef meets barbecue. It's awesome. Thanks so much for watching. Please make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE THIS CHANNEL! It really does make a huge difference in allow this channel to grow. Appreciate you y'all!

[@GaryORiveraSr]

I love how you give franklin the respect they deserve. I'm not sure why people like to knock franklin? (Haters?) But as you said there are a lot of great places doing great bbq. Well done with your video.

[@knoxavebbq]

@@GaryORiveraSr I’m a new in the scene. Gotta give respect to those who inspired me and those who gave me a chance.

[@johnjimenez925]

Been to 2M a few times already and it HAS NOT MISSED. I live almost 2 hours from SA and every time i go up to visit family they're one of the go to spots for me now!

[@knoxavebbq]

Couldn’t have said it better. Thanks for watching!

[@GSmoove87]

Dude!!! I’m SO glad 2M made this list. These dudes and dudettes are absolutely amazing people, pit masters, and bakers. I bought my first smoker while in San Antonio and they gave me all sorts of great advice to get started. They also hooked me up when I moved to West Point. This plays is something I miss the most about San Antonio.

[@knoxavebbq]

They’re under appreciated.

[@GSmoove87]

That’s for dang certain. I kinda enjoyed that I was eating at what I knew was a hidden gem.

[@SOLDOZER]

2M is legit. Does not seem to get love from Texas Monthly for some reason. I guess Daniel Vaughn has a personal issue with them.

[@mannvsfood]

Welcome to NY, the Hudson Valley area is beautiful. I live up near Buffalo and I went down years ago to play in the big paintball event they do. Had a great time.

[@jobimzapico44]

Email and Joe from 2M are good friends of mine so I really appreciate that sincere shout out to them. They definitely don’t get the respect they deserve

[@knoxavebbq]

Dude, they’re soooo under appreciated. I will always talk about them because they’re doing great stuff.

[@Cbizzle83651]

From Houston, currently residing in El Paso, Texas. Road trips are an upcoming necessity for sure. Pass through San Antonio all the time headed back to Houston. I think my next trip home will solely be based around some of the greatest bbq spots in Texas!!

[@knoxavebbq]

Do it! If you go to any of these places, tell them I sent you. Haha.

[@jonathankotecki2408]

Get to 2M early. Also check out Black Board in Sisterdale. Not too far off I10.

[@onocoffee]

This is a fantastic list of places to check out. And you're right, a BBQ Tour is folly. I tried that a few years ago by going to City Market, Chisholm Trail, Black's, Smitty's and Kreuz in one afternoon. At each place, I ordered the same thing: 1 slice brisket, 1 rib and 1 sausage. Had a bite (or two) of each and still had enough leftover for days, in addition to being stuffed!

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. Definitely. It’s a lot to take in. Thanks for watching!

[@kajakawa]

Interstellar BBQ is about four blocks from my house, and is well worth the trip to the NW tip of Austin.

[@johnnymann5679]

Great list man. I live about 12 minutes from 2M, their brisket slaps 💥 Esaul Ramos and Joe Melig are doing great BBQ over there! A lot of people sleep on them. Burnt bean is good too though. 🤙🏽

[@knoxavebbq]

I need to check out burnt bean.

[@delacruzjeffrey]

I was so hyped to get the Real Deal Holyfield from Valentina's after watching this. We got there when they opened and were served cold brisket. We finally said something because it was very mediocre and they gave us a fresh slice of brisket. What a difference! I wish it was served properly because you know that you only have one chance at a first impression.

[@knoxavebbq]

I’ll still happily go back. Haha.

[@leapheap6837]

You are the bbq expert. I trust your opinion entirely. I did go to LA BBQ food truck. I thought it was good. Thank you for the recommendations.

[@knoxavebbq]

Appreciate it. Still so many great places I haven’t been to.

[@morganhaysphoto]

Valentina's is legit! That breakfast taco is so good.

[@knoxavebbq]

The best breakfast tacos

[@draskuul]

Glad to hear a shoutout for 2M, they are in my area!

[@knoxavebbq]

Significantly underrated and under appreciated

[@Mattmo73]

Panther City in FW was great. From the proteins to the sides everything was top notch. One of my favorite bites in BBQ was at Goldees, the house made bread with a slice of Turkey on it aka a Goldee Foldee. So simple and so good.

[@knoxavebbq]

Haven’t been to panther city but heard great things.

[@masashiohira347]

This is a great list, especially once you added Interstellar. You're definitely right about the whole experience at Snow's making it special. My whole group thought the same thing. Micklewait was also a great under-the-radar spot, which I only heard about because a local (CA) chef I know recommended it.

[@knoxavebbq]

You hit the good spots.

[@SOLDOZER]

Micklethwait is not "under the radar". It was a Texas Monthly top 10 last time around.

[@masashiohira347]

By “under the radar,” I meant that it doesn’t have the media buzz like some of the others (Franklin, Snow’s, etc.). Definitely a great spot, for sure.

[@nathaneyears508]

Loved the video Joe. I’m from Australia and am planning a trip to Texas strictly to explore the barbecue scene but didn’t want to go to the “usual” well known spots. Awesome tips 🙌🏼

[@knoxavebbq]

Awesome! Whenever you go to those places tell them I sent you! 😁👍

[@AntsBBQCookout]

Great watch, man! Definitely going to save this one for when I finally do a road trip to central texas!

[@knoxavebbq]

thanks for watching!

[@aylitrwygtctw37]

I’ve been to most of then and when it comes to brisket Franklins is still my favorite. For sausage Terry Blacks, Pork Ribs L&L. Beef ribs all these spots are up there. Can’t wait to try Goldees!!

[@knoxavebbq]

All great places

[@davidweiss8710]

Interstellar BBQ in Cedar Park should be on everyone's list.

[@chrishabgood8900]

My wife and live 3 mins from there, we tried it twice and were not impressed l.

[@14hnguyen]

Panther City in Dallas is a must

[@ricardocruz9052]

Panther City is in Fort Worth.

[@mikebowerstv]

Great video! I agree about Snows! It’s not the absolute best (REALLY good though) but the people and environment is the best. It’s like a backyard cookout with friends and one of my favorites places in the World to be on a cool fall morning.

[@knoxavebbq]

Yea it’s great. Thanks for watching!

[@jesusislord88]

I've had a lot of different places that have had some amazing BBQ in Texas since I was born and raised in East Texas, even a top pick place of Texas Monthly in Tyler, TX. But, I have to say for me, 225° Urban Smoke in San Antonio, TX is my absolute favorite BBQ place I've been to. If you ever get a chance to try it out, I believe you won't be disappointed. Awesome suggestions and content as usual, keep up the great work. And, I appreciate all the things you teach about BBQ, looking to start doing BBQ myself again soon, I moved to Ghana, West-Africa almost 2 years ago now, so unfortunately there isn't anything like Texas BBQ around here, so I'll have to try and get good at it again as soon as I get a pit. Also, a place I think you might find amazing to visit, and not only did I love there small diner/restaurant, but they have some of the best sausage I've had anywhere. They make their own sausage in house because it's mainly a meat market. Check out Slovacek Foods in Snook, Tx if you have the chance as well. It's not too far from College Station. If you check these two places out, I hope you enjoy. 👍

[@knoxavebbq]

Thank you for your suggestions! And best of luck!

[@jesusislord88]

Thanks so much, and you're welcome. 🙂

[@TheGsquad697]

Hickory stick in Everman tx, close to ft worth. Some of the best barbecue I’ve had.

[@knoxavebbq]

i've heard great things! need to go. thanks for watching!

[@henryyang3753]

Slaw and grits at micklethwait Some of the best Love the work ur doing Joe :)

[@knoxavebbq]

You would be correct. Haha. Thanks. I appreciate it!

[@allenbateman3518]

Thanks for sharing Joe... planning a trip to Austin in the future to try some places.. you need to come on down to SC and try some of our style BBQ.. ill give you the tour!

[@knoxavebbq]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@CoolJay77]

Thank you for doing this, as we cannot go by Daniel Vaughn's opinion alone. I would love to hit some of those places. This will help in making my Texas bucket list. For instance the food at Rollin's Smoke look cooked to perfection. Aim'em and Claim'em Smokers had made a recent video there. Another one that seems to be Jonny White's favorite as he expressed during one of his podcast videos, is Smoke-A-Holics in Fort Worth.

[@knoxavebbq]

I’ve heard great things about those places.

[@trailerparkcryptoking5213]

I had the best brisket in my life at Louie Mueller’s in Tayler in Feb 2023. It was a 10/10 in every aspect. I have been eating brisket since childhood and my dad was an excellent brisket smoker as he was a welder and we custom built our own offsets. The best pork rib I have ever eaten, second place isn’t even close, was in Wharton, Tx about 45 miles SW of Houston at a place called Taste Woods BBQ. It has closed down as the pit master was a really old black man and probably got to where he couldn’t handle the heat....there will never be another pork rib that can touch his! Austin hill country is pretty, but the democrats have made it the California of Texas.

[@knoxavebbq]

Louie mueller is legendary

[@mannvsfood]

So far I've only been to one big named BBQer and it was Rodney Scotts down in Charleston. Food was great and the staff was awesome. When we went at the end of last year for vaca they had Brisket on the menu and it was prolly the best I've ever had personally but thats not saying much as I havent been to TX or any other BBQ destinations. Was looking in on the cooking area from outside and one of the cooks came over and shot the breeze with me and my wife for a lil bit, asked us where we were from, what we got, how we liked it and such. Was just a genuine interest in our experience. He said they had only been doing briskets for a couple of months at that point so I am looking forward to going again and seeing if its better than last time. I'm really hoping to come down to the class in Feb but not sure if it will work out with work schedule just yet.

[@knoxavebbq]

that's what it's all about. i need to make my way down to the carolinas

[@charlielawrence2411]

Bare bull bbq in Startzville, and Buzzie,s bbq in Kerville

[@dennisjones6943]

Brett’s BBQ Shop 2M BBQ Valentina’s Louie Mueller Teddy’s (Blake’s in Martin, TN) My personal Texas favorites

[@knoxavebbq]

That’s a great list. Thanks for watching!

[@danielbarrett3434]

Pecan Lodge hot mess, beef rib and collard greens. Also Hutchins bbq. Texas Twinkie. Brisket is a given for each place Almost forgot, barbecue on the brazos in cresson, Tx.

[@Keasbeysknight]

Lived in Houston for a handful of years but never really ventured to have some high end bbq. Now that Ive gotten into it myself, I wish I had, because salt lake city is not bringing it.

[@knoxavebbq]

Good bbq is worth paying for. Don’t be afraid to try something new. I’ve had plenty of mediocre place, but it just helps me determine what great bbq is.

[@jordesign]

Hmmmm. Maybe I can open a Texas BBQ spot in SLC... Been thinking of relocating to the mountains...

[@Keasbeysknight]

@@jordesign the problem with that is you could make the best Texas bbq and people in Utah might not like Texas bbq and now you're screwed. Can't make people appreciate things they just don't like.

[@jordesign]

@@Keasbeysknight How can anybody NOT like real TX BBQ? I think they would like it in SLC... I'll have awesome burgers too...

[@bud1971]

I started smoking beef cheeks after watching a yt vid on Leroy and Lewis. Good stuff. BTW, when I was about 10 years old and on the way to a deer hunt we stopped at City Market in Luling and when I think about the best brisket I've ever had, that's what comes to mind. Granted, it might be that I was only 10 and being from Houston in the early 80's, that was my first exposure to top-tier brisket. Also, the first time I had been served BBQ on butcher paper. I want go back and see if it holds up. I need to hit Truth considering it's only a few miles from where I work. I tried Burn's original last Thursday. I really like their sauce.

[@knoxavebbq]

some of my favorite memories as from when i was younger eating foods. idk if it's as good as i remember, but i dont care. hahaha. those memories are the best!

[@bud1971]

@@knoxavebbq Agreed, there was this Japanese restaurant near downtown when I was a kid called Tokyo Gardens. They had a koi fish pond and you sat on the floor. The chicken teriyaki was amazing and I vividly remember how it tasted. Have you been to City Market in Luling? Was it just a figment of my childhood? Also, Gatlin's gets a lot of press here, but I have never been there.

[@knoxavebbq]

@@bud1971 i have. it's not the best bbq that i've had, but it what it has it makes up for what other places don't. i feel the same about snow's and louie mueller's. i love those places, but they're very much bbq ppl bbq spots. it wouldn't be places i would take ppl who dont love bbq and the history of it.

[@bud1971]

@@knoxavebbq Interesting and thank you. The lady at Snow's is a character and a Texas treasure. She still works at a school and cooks bbq in a really popular place in her spare time. Amazing.

[@jesusislord88]

This is cool to me, I have to wonder if it was the guy I know from Livingston, TX. He left Luling BBQ and opened his own BBQ place in Livingston and it's amazing. Some of the best BBQ brisket tacos I've ever had, amazing sausage, and probably my favorite BBQ sauce ever. He's a Hispanic man that BBQ'ed for the owner for years before leaving to start his own place, and it's even named after Luling, called Luling Smokehouse BBQ and Taqueria. 👍

[@jjm6187]

This video is clutch btw. Hadn’t heard of a handful of these!

[@knoxavebbq]

Awesome. Glad to put a spotlight on some new spots. I know there are so many more out there. Thanks for watching!

[@treythorsen225]

Hutchins BBQ in Frisco Tx.

[@knoxavebbq]

I haven’t been, but you’re not the only person who has mentioned that spot. Thanks for watching!

[@treythorsen225]

@@knoxavebbq You should try it the next time you are near Dallas. Let me know and Ill meet you there

[@benwagoner9741]

Loved the video! What about doing this for the Chicagoland area?

[@knoxavebbq]

I haven’t eaten much bbq in chicago, but I will eventually.

[@benwagoner9741]

@@knoxavebbq if you ever want to try an LSG, you’re welcome to come and try mine! It’s an LSG 20x42. I can’t wait for your next video!

[@dykeeasterday2624]

1701 in Beaumont TX is great too!!!

[@felipemata2960]

Have you been to burnt bean in seguin?

[@knoxavebbq]

I have not. I was hoping to go during my last trip, but I couldn’t make it. Thanks for watching!

[@mikedoyle7020]

Wow, how did Dayne’s in Ft Worth not make the list?

[@knoxavebbq]

Cuz I went there for the first time last month

[@seamoarbutz5460]

Whenever you have pop ups, that’s my favorite BBQ. Never been to Texas

[@knoxavebbq]

Haha. Thanks.

[@jacksonmatthew1989]

Anyone been to Millers in Belton Tx? It’s damn good, well the meats are. I think the sides lack.

[@knoxavebbq]

Man, I haven’t. I need to go check out my buddies there. Thanks for watching!

[@jacksonmatthew1989]

It’s really good. The brisket and sausage is on point as well as the chicken quarters. Also it’s crazy but the bbq inside the Midland HEB turns out solid everything lol from the meat to the sides.

[@bobhinley5410]

Do you have a great recipe for coleslaw? And corn bread?

[@knoxavebbq]

Nothing written down, but I would like to work on some recipes for sides when I have some extra time. Haha

[@bobbicatton]

There's bound to be too many noteworthy places to mention in one video. This was a great list👍

[@knoxavebbq]

Definitely. Thanks for always watching!

[@Skieivan]

2m brisket very dry, Burnt Bean in Seguin is definitely top 3

[@knoxavebbq]

Ah man. That’s unfortunate. Burnt bean looks great. Can’t wait to check it out.

[@fallon7616]

The Pit Room in Houston 💕💕

[@laylandd9012]

You should try Billy's in Bastrop, TX. One of the best hidden secrets in the greater Austin area

[@SOLDOZER]

No such thing as "hidden secret" these days. Theres a reason Billys is not on the radar.

[@sultanbarbecue]

Highly recommend you visit Lubbock, TX; try EvieMae’sBBQ & Hill Barbecue if you haven’t!💯🔥

[@knoxavebbq]

Haven’t been! I’ve met the ppl at evie maes at festivals but not their restaurant. Great ppl

[@jjm6187]

Where are you cooking at these days?

[@pingpong4016]

Have you been to Dayne’s Craft BBQ in Fort Worth?

[@knoxavebbq]

Not yet! But I need to. Food looks amazing.

[@pingpong4016]

@@knoxavebbq you have to! Everything is so good. His hot Cheetos street corn is out of this world.

[@knoxavebbq]

@@pingpong4016 it's on my list for sure

[@meundju1]

Burnt Bean in Seguin has my vote

[@knoxavebbq]

Haven’t been, but it is most definitely on my list of must go to spots.

[@jody858]

I'd like to see a review of Cooper's BBQ in Llano. I've stopped by a few times passing thru, and they never disappointed me, but I'm interested what the crowd has to say.

[@SOLDOZER]

Coopers is garbage one step above Salt Lick.

[@VincentTactical]

Coopers is LEGIT!!!

[@knoxavebbq]

Honestly, I haven’t been to coopers or salt lick. Those two are on my list, but out of the way of where I usually am. Thanks for watching!

[@SOLDOZER]

@@VincentTactical Its not even smoked. Its grilled. Bricket is smoked, wrapped in foil and cooked into pot roast.

[@duanehenicke6602]

My sister has lived in Llano for 35 yrs. Never ate there, because she always said my bbq was better. Attended a funeral there last yr. The owner brought some brisket for the after meal. Was some damn good brisket. I think they use commercial smokers for the brisket. And the old style pits for most everything else.

[@ricksulzer7056]

What about Smokey Moe's? Oooo

[@knoxavebbq]

Never been, but I’ll look it up.

[@jonathankotecki2408]

@@knoxavebbq He's being sarcastic. It's garbage bbq.

[@lyleswavel320]

I'd trade out 2m for INTERSTELLAR bbq in Austin

[@knoxavebbq]

Thankfully we can have both

[@progdrummer78]

No love for Pinkerton's BBQ in San Antonio?

[@knoxavebbq]

I haven’t been.

[@barrerarobert86]

Panther City Barbeque

[@knoxavebbq]

It would probably be on the list. Sadly I haven’t been yet.

[@SOLDOZER]

The only reason to go to Franklin is for the Key Lime Pie.

[@knoxavebbq]

My order is usually a slice of fatty, small slaw, a beer, and their bourbon banana pie.

[@jonathankotecki2408]

2M is not under the radar anymore. Once they made Top 50 in the sate this year, it's tough getting in there. Line is huge.

[@knoxavebbq]

They deserve more credit. Haha.

[@pcashe8001]

Want to eat some great bbq come to Mesquite bbq located downtown Mesquite Texas family owned and operated for over 60 years. You won't be disappointed the desserts are great also

[@knoxavebbq]

Sounds great.

[@simoncabron4915]

Nothing else in the DFW area? Interesting.

[@knoxavebbq]

Man…. I know there a bunch a places in the area that have popped up. Sadly I only had enough time to go to goldee’s. I wanna go to daynes, brix and Panther city. But other than that, I wouldn’t be able to say from experience. Thanks for watching!

[@simoncabron4915]

@@knoxavebbq all those places are great!! But if you make it this way. Derek Allen’s is top not in my book. I’d be interested in your take on that place.

[@SOLDOZER]

He's just commenting on places he's been.

[@dansd2351]

@@knoxavebbq I work at a spot near DFW airport called Vaqueros that definitely has a unique spin on Texas BBQ and is getting very popular, would love to have you come by some time!! Also you can't visit without trying Cattleack's, absolutely incredible food

[@edgar3105]

Can u tell your BBQ friends to come to LA. There’s nothing over here 😭😭😭

[@knoxavebbq]

Check out Moo’s Craft. It’s close to dodgers stadium.

[@SOLDOZER]

Cause you politics are a dumpster fire and you not allow to open a proper BBQ joint there. LeAnn Mueller tried and gave up.

[@edgar3105]

@@SOLDOZER lol

[@JohnSmith-qy2wm]

👍

[@knoxavebbq]

👍

[@johnbrownlee987]

What do you know about BBQ? No we were talking about sushi. It’ll be different.

[@knoxavebbq]

Look me up, check my resume and realize who you’re talking to when you come into my space. So respectfully take your ignorance elsewhere. Or you can be smart, shut your mouth and maybe learn something from someone who actually knows what he’s talking about. Please and thank you.

[@johnbrownlee987]

@@knoxavebbq my ancestors invented barbecuing, you can’t teach me shit

[@kayflip2233]

He's well known and respected in the BBQ community, not some anonymous loser like you with no friends. Your friends don't check in on you anymore because you're always grumpy like this.