Here is the Texas Monthly article we reference - www.texasmonthly.com/interactive/top-50-bbq-2021/ and here are the 14 spots we went to: Pecan Lodge Cattleack Goldees Panther City Pinkertons Truth 2M Smokehouse Snows Interstellar Franklin Guess Family BBQ Leroy and Lewis Salt Lick Distant Relatives
This video reminds me of the times that my dad and I spent together traveling to breweries. Still some of the best experiences of my life and a great bonding experience. Man I miss him, RIP Dad, hard to believe it’s already been 7 years since we lost you
For the Europeans watching, especially Brits that visit Texas the pink meat isn't because it's rare,, it the color the smoke give to the meat. Most the meat is smoked 6 to 16 hours and is well cooked yet tender.
@@ThroughMyLens I have seen more than a few folks horrified by the sight of an almost Coal Black Brisket prior to cutting. My Italian Brother in Law has hit some of the best spots in Texas and I have coached him to inquire to include a “Pit” Tour.
@@markconner5569 Haha yes, there is a Kansas City style BBQ restaurant here in Amsterdam, and when my girlfriend and I showed pics of the menu to the inlaws, her mom was horrified that it was so black. Her dad got it though.
very true, another thing to note is that some of the bright pink beef in these videos (like the beef rib at Cattleack) are because they are pastrami brined
I've lived in Texas for all of my 62+ years... You've just tried the tip of the iceberg. There's some roadside stuff in west Texas that will change your life.
High fat brisket is not only NOT unhealthy, it is very healthy. Read "Eat Fat, Get Thin" by Mark Hyman for more insight. My wife live in the Houston TX area and eat BBQ every week. We are very fit and have very little inflammation to deal with. Thanks for your excellent videos. Let me know when you go back to Fredericksburg and I'll join you in the museum. My wife doesn't dig museums either.
@@ThroughMyLens haha, I can't believe it myself. It was just luck that one day about 4 years ago, I took a photo of my bbq platter at a place called Brickvault Brewery & BBQ (Marathon, TX) and it blew up from there. Can't believe I get paid to travel and eat now.
I'm from Southern CA originally, but lived in Texas for about 18 months back in '02 to '03. It was before the new school of BBQ really kicked off, and even still - it was like a food I never knew existed and could not get enough of. California uses different wood to smoke meat with but uses similar smoking techniques. The holy trinity of wood there in CA is Avocado, Almond, and Plum.
Here in Texas you will find BBQ Cookoffs for major Rodeo events across Texas. You have to be really good to compete. Most entry fees are around $5,000. You will compete with the Best of the Best. It is Serious Competition! I can still smell the smoke !!!
What's kind of disappointing to me having grown up in Waco and regularly eating Hot Link sandwiches is how hard it is to find good hot links these days.
Notice that Franklin elevated bbq around the state. Goldees folks worked there, Lewis Bbq in Charleston SC is great-he worked for Franklin… Aaron upped the game so much that all modern bbq is influenced by him directly or indirectly. Great review Josh and any video with Pops I’m gonna watch. You’re lucky he’s your dad. My favorite channel. I’m a native Californian living in Austin and I appreciate this video .
This is wholesome. Enjoy the time with your dad. Lost mine 5 years ago. We would go try places to eat all the time. I'd love to just have one more meal with him.
This was the list I was waiting for! So thorough and detailed. I havent explored the state as well as you have but this list will be my road map on my next trip. Goldie’s for sure!
Good video. I had the opportunity to go to Snow’s, what a unique experience. We were 1st in the door at opening. I’ll never forget the brisket, the best I’ve ever had.
This was such a great video. Heading back to Texas for a couple months this summer and now you got us thinking about which barbecue places to go to. Love that you put Buccees in there at the end. Also, seeing Pops in Texas, with his hat, eating barbecue just confirms to me that he was meant to be a Texan haha.
Thank you so much for this video. My wife and I did a similar trip for our honeymoon. We hit bbq on a round trip from Ontario Canada. Wish we had more time im texas as we were blown away at how amazing bbq was there . We have a longer list of places to try when we are able to go again we shared alot of same thoughts as you did in regards to Franklins/Snows/Goldees
There are so many great BBQ places in Texas it is amazing and I think I need to try them all! Seriously though, Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, TX is absolutely fantastic, best brisket, sides and banana pudding I've ever had and they are unbelievably consistent. And unbelievably not on the top 50, which should give you an idea of the depth of BBQ talent in Texas. Thanks for the video, sounds like you had a great trip. 😁
Thank you for doing this. We are going to Texas next year for the eclipse and I was wondering where to go because I know there are so many. We live in Georgia and have a lot of BBQ here, but I know Texas is supposed to be on a complete other level.
Great analysis of all the BBQ joints you ate at. As a lifelong Texan I appreciate that. Because I was brought up on "Lockhart BBQ" in the 60s-80s (mostly Black's) when brisket cost $4 - $6 a pound and sausage was $0.50 per ring, I simply won't pay $35+ a pound these days...........I'd rather buy Rib Eye steaks for $6.99 a pound at Safeway/Randalls and cook them myself.
We loved in Lockhart 1976-1979, and I thought Lockhart would make your list. Black’s BBQ and Kreuz Market are both excellent. If you are ever in Texas again, please try them! (Lockhart is close to Austin.)
@@brepoppy135 The problem with all these "new non-Texans" trying Texas BBQ is their FIRST experience was very likely some place like Franklin which is FAR superior to any place in Lockhart and I KNOW Lockhart better than most people still alive. (Dad took me to Blacks first time in 1960 and ate brisket and sausage there for the next 40 years). And all the "new" BBQ places that have sprung up since 2012 or so COPY FRanklin and a lot are VERY good AND very expensive. All of the Lockhart places still cook the same choice or Angus brisket and it hasnt changed, so this is an issue with the people used to Frnaklin quality. The Lockhart places have also increased prices significantly so its not even a very good deal anymore. I rarely buy brisket anymore at all because its minimum $20 a pound and I can buy ribeye STEAKS all the time at Randalls for $7.00 a pound so WHY would I want to eat brisket? LOL
@@steveludwig4200 A lot of places not even copying the Franklin style were already starting to charge a lot even 10 years ago. Though from what I know Franklin's and a lot of other places use Creekstone Farms Choice brisket, so it's not like they are going above and beyond with a fancy cut. There are plenty of places that go above that by doing akaushi briskets. A choice brisket at HEB runs you at about $4.15/lb., and I can tell you from experience they aren't high quality lol. So while I do think some places definitely lean on the pricey side, I also understand that it's hard to run a good profit margin with the price of quality meat these days. Brisket used to be the extremely cheap cut that nobody wanted, now it's cheaper to go with a chuck roast. Which as a side note, I've smoked a chuck roast a couple of times as if it were a brisket and it turned out pretty nice. For me personally though, quality brisket that is smoked properly beats a high quality steak.
Gosh, What Great places. We don't get grits here in Australia. It send to be a staple over in the US. Incredible eateries. Thank you so much & kin n regard from Adelaide, South Australia.
As an avid 'Q fan, this was very enjoyable to watch and listen to. What a blessing to be able to share this experience with your dad. I agree, hard to pick a favorite. But definitely feel you don't have to wait for hours on line for great bbq.
Love you guys together - such a great father/son relationship (and one to aspire to as a father myself!). Nice run down of the places you visited on your Texas trip!
I like Franklin the best but I also really like the four corners of bbq in Lockhart TX between Austin & San Antonio. Black’s, Kreuz, Smitty’s & the market are all very good.
This post is making my hungry! LOL! I'll have to try some of these places out next time I'm in Texas. Thanks for doing a video like this because it really helps with planning a trip to Texas and going to check out some of the best food spots. Really want to try some of that brisket! Thanks for sharing your experiences Josh and Pops!
I enjoyed the video and while I haven't eaten at some, I have at others you mentioned Like Franklin's. But you guys should have gotten away from the Austin area and out into the small towns and experienced some awesome BBQ here in Texas. Next time get off of the beaten trail and blaze your own way, you'll find some BBQ that rivals Aaron Franklin's in small town Texas, I promise.
Really glad you guys got to try various places here in Texas. Sure hope my fellow Texans treated y'all great! BBQ seriously deserves its own food group on the food pyramid it's that good.
It was a blast and everyone we met was great in Texas! As long as we let them know we were just visiting from California and not planning to move haha 😂
OMD! I'm salivating all over again. What a fun video. Hubby's BBQing baby back ribs and fresh corn tonite. Won't be as good as your spots, but it will be good. Thanks for the update on the goodness.
Beautiful meat if I may say it seems very tender and yummy but I am impressed by the quantity served in the plates ! In my country it would be one piece only for a person 😅 ! Thank you for your interesting videos which make me dream of travels...Hello from Paris, France
Try Tejas Chocolate Factory and Smokehouse in Tomball, TX. Tejas is a big-time sleeper that can compete with Franklin's and Truth. 2M is an honorable mention, and I'll actually travel to San Antonio from Houston just to eat there. #1 Brisket is Goldees. #1 sausage is Tejas. #1 in Houston is Truth. Overall I'd go with 2M. I love their tex-mex twist. Thanks for your BBQ list, it was insightful and got me in the mood for some good BBQ this weekend. :)
There are SO MANY good BBQ joints in Texas! If you picked the Top 100 brisket places, the difference between the bottom of the list and the top of the list would be like a score of 90% compared to a 100%. A good pitmaster who can manage the fire, combined with a consistent prep and smoking process is the key to getting a good product every time you visit.
oh god can't watch this on an empty stomach... the wait is essential for a good bbq, the hungrier you are the better it taste. Oddly enough could be the reason the best "texas" bbq I ever had was not in Texas, but Big John's Texas BBQ in Page AZ. Might of been the long drive to get to the Antelope canyon tour, and didn't have time to eat before the tour, we were running empty for a good 6 hours, that place was superb...
I'm a lifelong Texan, and y'all introduced me to places I've never heard of. Thanks! I have eaten at Truth BBQ in Houston. NOTE: The original location is in Brenham TX.
I have been a lot of times in Texas, i wasn't much of a BBQ fan, but I liked the way they do it over there and I really like the way how tasty you are enjoying the meat and the meals. Love the TX series you made.👍🏼🤠
I'm going to have to try some of these places the next time I'm in Texas. Terry Blacks in Dallas has always been my go to. Outside of Texas, gotta go to Heritage in San Juan Capistrano, CA
That was cool to watch. Love your honorable mentions. 2M and Leroy's and Lewis (Which is in Cosmic Coffee yard another great place). I also like Stiles Switch which is one of those bbq places you can get a plate. I live out in Driftwood by Salt Lick but have a rule not to go to a restaurant I can make better brisket. Looking forward to seeing how Harper's BBQ in Costa Mesa is.
There are some Fantastic BBQ spots on your trip , but I just can’t put Salt Lick in that group. Having said that , it used to be possible to walk out the back of the Salt Lick and get a great view from above Barton Creek. Not sure if that is still possible?? I always felt it added greatly to the ambience which is the Salt Licks strong suit.
@@ThroughMyLens I'd also add Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin as another place to try! Really good BBQ, and the pitmaster Ernest Servantes was on the show BBQ Pitmasters multiple times. I even want to say he was on an episode where Aaron Franklin was guest judging, but I could be mistaken about that it's been almost 10 years since I watched the series.
If you ever get back for more TX bbq, be sure to hit Burnt Bean in Seguin. I confidently predict it will be Texas Monthly’s next #1. Really, it’s that great.
Cool review of Texas BBQ. I’m a native Texan and every city and town has good BBQ. The sides make a big difference in the quality of the food. Of course the meat is number one. You can find good BBQ across the state. If you want to keep it simple go to Coopers order your meat off the grill and you have access to a unlimited amount of pinto beans and onions, pickles and jalapeños. 👍👍
Great Video. My daughter lives in Schertz TX not far from Lockhart TX. So I have had a lot of BBQ in Texas. Next time you are going up Hwy 395 stop in Walker at Mountain View BBQ and try their brisket. It is better than any I have had in Texas. I may have just hit a good day but it was fantastic.
Really enjoy this and all your videos!! 1st x sharin... as an austinite, I mite recommend Pokejo's BBQ for their awesome sides-broccoli casserole, jalapeño corn casserole, ie and their peach jabanero sauce is to die for!! Delicious chicken too. Take care and God Bless❤❤😊
Dear sirs, thanks so much for the kind reply and hope you all are enjoying y'all's Journeys💜💕🙏😊 I really enjoy y'all's Channel and thanks so much because it gives folks with chronic mental illness, as myself, and unable to travel, an opportunity to see such beautiful creations of God's Beautiful Country and creations.💜💕🙏🙏✨️ I especially like the lightheartedness you have of the videos, like when your dad is putting his face in the pop ups, ie little wooden signs of the animals and stuff. Blessings to you and yours.💜💕🙏🙏👍✨️
Awesome video Josh and Pops!! Since I live here in Texas, it's never occured to me to do a "BBQ trip". Even though lots of review places talk about doing just that. For the moment, I'm a bit short on people to do that tour with...so maybe when I fix that I'll get one scheduled. Can you guys list all 14 places you went to? Just so I can maybe try to duplicate what you experienced when I get the chance to. Oh and my current #1 place is Hutchins BBQ in McKinney and Frisco, TX! Best overall BBQ around North Dallas area....I need to try a few places. Goldee's, Cattleack and Pecan Lodge. Signature dish for me? 2 meat (Brisket and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage) with Mac & Cheese and Fried Okra. Add in a Texas Twinkie if you can get em...cause they are wicked good! McKinney location has a drive thru for making an easy pickup on the way home. Eating in is always best if you can do it.
Thanks for the great comment and for your suggestion! I will have to try that spot next time! Here are the spots we went to: Pecan Lodge Cattleack Goldees Panther City Pinkertons Truth 2M Smokehouse Snows Interstellar Franklin Guess Family BBQ Leroy and Lewis Salt Lick Distant Relatives
My wife and I went to Texas for a short vacation a few months ago. We went to Pinkerton's and Goldee's. Goldee's is absolutely amazing food!!! Pinkerton's was good but, we both thought it was too salty. Goldee's #1 baby
I travel to Texas a lot and the BBQ is great almost everywhere. My general fav is the brisket almost everywhere but the ribs, turkey, and sausage is good almost everywhere I go as well! Just for interested BBQ fans, Snow's BBQ does offer its food for shipping if showing up in Lexington at 4:30 am on Saturday is not for you.
My partner and I travelled from Australia to Austin just to try the BBQ, we tried Terry Blacks and interstellar both were awesome. But the best ribs we had while in America was at firehole BBQ in west Yellowstone unbelievable
Thank you for your video. Mouth watering here bad. We are in Austin just after the first of the year. I wanted to go to Franklins and we at dinner at a place and started to talk to locals and they recommended that we go to Black's instead. They claimed that it was as good but without the long early wait. I had a dinosaur rib and brisket and will say it was very good. We will be back this winter in Texas and will try some on your list. When in Charleston SC don't miss Rodney Scotts BBQ.
I've had Franklin's 3 times and Black's once. Blacks is up there with Franklin's but I think Franklin's is definitely a notch above. However, when you factor in the super long wait I agree with what the locals told you. Though I still think Franklin's is something everyone should do at least once.
Truth's BBQ is one of our favs. We like their tatertot casserole, but next time we go, we'll have to try their Brussel sprout casserole. Also in Houston, we like Blood Brothers BBQ - they put an Asian twist to their menu. In College Station, Tx, we like 1775 BBQ.
Yeah I'd say Truth is my favorite for Houston. Everything on their menu is very good. I think there's a few places in Houston who's brisket is a bit better but Truth's is still very good and they offer such a variety of sides that are all amazing. My #1 for Houston.
Living here in Texas for over 40 years, I have been spoiled to have been able to eat some great BBQ. Next time you are down here, ask around for some of the little Mom & Pop BBQ shacks arounf some of the smaller towns. One of the best I have had was a little old shack outside of Huntsville, that had incredible BBQ, the Brisket was juicy, tender and had so much flavor. As for Sausage , forget the cheese in the Sausage and get Elgin Sausage, it is the best. I am not from Texas, but there is no way I can move because of the food, the best BBQ, it has great Cajun Food, and Tex-Mex, German food, why live anywhere else?
While visiting The Peach Haus in Fredericksburg (which I saw on your Texas Hill Country vid) I bought some Peaches & Whiskey BBQ sauce. UN. BE. LIEVABLE!!!
@@ThroughMyLens yes thanks to your video I discovered it. I love traveling and I love watching you and Pops for new tips and ideas. Keep doing what you do and I’ll keep watching. 😎
My Mothers Family is from Giddings so I will have to give this a try. I do notice that w some notable exceptions ( like all of Fort Worth) , good BBQ is exceedingly rare West of I-35?
I’m not a big meat eater but your review is making me hungry. The polenta and broccoli sides sounded amazing. I’m with pops, beet and kale sounds horrid but I would have tasted it cuz I like to be surprised. Deviled eggs sounds good. Best BBQ I’ve ever had was bbq oysters in south bend Washington on the way to Olympic national park. Def not traditional bbq of beef, pork, chicken. Cash only but insanely good. Middle of nowhere. Next level oysters were their specialty. If I ever get out to Texas again I’ll have to review this post.
Best brisket I’ve ever eaten was the brisket I made for a competition…and won, by the way. From what I was told, it was unanimous choice as the winner. I got to taste it after I unwound from cooking, slicing and preparing the entry and I would agree…it was amazing!
I wish you had time to go visit Corkscrew in Houston. Best brisket ever! Also you pronounce LeRoy and Lewis Le...Roy. They're definitely a new age BBQ spot. Great sides and Q.
Great BBQ video. BBQ is soooooo subjective especially in Texas. Having lived 3 miles from Salt Lick you would think that it is my number one spot, but actually the only thing I like there is the sausage and coleslaw. I tend to hit LA BBQ or Blacks BBQ when I visit the Austin area. The sad thing is all my time in Texas I have never had dessert at any of the BBQ joints. To full of brisket, no room
Several years ago my expectations for Franklin was off the charts and amazingly exceeded. Never forget the first visit. So much great BBQ in Texas it comes down to individual taste profile. For an example I wasn't impressed with Salt Lick. To me just ok.
Salt Lick is one of the grandfathered in BBQ establishments, it's just more about the atmosphere of the iconic pit. But the newer school BBQ joints have definitely overshadowed it in quality.
Here is the Texas Monthly article we reference - www.texasmonthly.com/interactive/top-50-bbq-2021/ and here are the 14 spots we went to:
Pecan Lodge
Cattleack
Goldees
Panther City
Pinkertons
Truth
2M Smokehouse
Snows
Interstellar
Franklin
Guess Family BBQ
Leroy and Lewis
Salt Lick
Distant Relatives
Great eps…more of this too pls
Question: is this fantastic review a start of a series? Next up, Kansas BBQ tour.
great list! 2 more to add for next time if you get a chance are Burnt Bean in Seguin and Dayne's craft bbq in Fort Worth
Great list!
Thank you for NOT putting Bill Miller's on you list. Blleeeccchhh.
My favorite thing about this (and other videos that you have done) is that a father and son have some outstanding experiences together!
Heck yes, we have a great time exploring all of these places for sure
This video reminds me of the times that my dad and I spent together traveling to breweries. Still some of the best experiences of my life and a great bonding experience. Man I miss him, RIP Dad, hard to believe it’s already been 7 years since we lost you
For the Europeans watching, especially Brits that visit Texas the pink meat isn't because it's rare,, it the color the smoke give to the meat. Most the meat is smoked 6 to 16 hours and is well cooked yet tender.
Thanks for the info I remember that for my trip to Texas from the uk in the next two years
Thanks for the comment and clarification! Great idea.
@@ThroughMyLens I have seen more than a few folks horrified by the sight of an almost Coal Black Brisket prior to cutting. My Italian Brother in Law has hit some of the best spots in Texas and I have coached him to inquire to include a “Pit” Tour.
@@markconner5569 Haha yes, there is a Kansas City style BBQ restaurant here in Amsterdam, and when my girlfriend and I showed pics of the menu to the inlaws, her mom was horrified that it was so black. Her dad got it though.
very true, another thing to note is that some of the bright pink beef in these videos (like the beef rib at Cattleack) are because they are pastrami brined
I've lived in Texas for all of my 62+ years... You've just tried the tip of the iceberg. There's some roadside stuff in west Texas that will change your life.
High fat brisket is not only NOT unhealthy, it is very healthy. Read "Eat Fat, Get Thin" by Mark Hyman for more insight. My wife live in the Houston TX area and eat BBQ every week. We are very fit and have very little inflammation to deal with. Thanks for your excellent videos. Let me know when you go back to Fredericksburg and I'll join you in the museum. My wife doesn't dig museums either.
I'm a bbq photographer in Texas and friends with all these folks you've visited. It's hard to rank because every single place is incredible!
A BBQ photographer???? I missed my calling, that sounds amazing!
@@ThroughMyLens haha, I can't believe it myself. It was just luck that one day about 4 years ago, I took a photo of my bbq platter at a place called Brickvault Brewery & BBQ (Marathon, TX) and it blew up from there. Can't believe I get paid to travel and eat now.
Sounds like a dream! Do you ever get free samples?@@benyantovisuals
I'm from Southern CA originally, but lived in Texas for about 18 months back in '02 to '03. It was before the new school of BBQ really kicked off, and even still - it was like a food I never knew existed and could not get enough of. California uses different wood to smoke meat with but uses similar smoking techniques. The holy trinity of wood there in CA is Avocado, Almond, and Plum.
Here in Texas you will find BBQ Cookoffs for major Rodeo events across Texas. You have to be really good to compete. Most entry fees are around $5,000. You will compete with the Best of the Best. It is Serious Competition! I can still smell the smoke !!!
For sausage , yall need to go to Lockhart ( Smittys and Kreutz) and or Elgin ( Southside market) next time
Hard to argue with this, my favorite house sausage is probably Kreuz.
What's kind of disappointing to me having grown up in Waco and regularly eating Hot Link sandwiches is how hard it is to find good hot links these days.
@DanMcClinton yes sir...I like Longhorn Brand Red hot links. You can usually find at HEB or United. They're out of Hereford,TX.
Notice that Franklin elevated bbq around the state. Goldees folks worked there, Lewis Bbq in Charleston SC is great-he worked for Franklin… Aaron upped the game so much that all modern bbq is influenced by him directly or indirectly. Great review Josh and any video with Pops I’m gonna watch. You’re lucky he’s your dad. My favorite channel. I’m a native Californian living in Austin and I appreciate this video .
Moved to Austin in 85'. Lewis just opened in Greenville, SC. Greenville reminds me of Austin in the 80's
Lewis is excellent in Charleston. He was Aaron’s pitmaster then moved over to LA Bbq. Franklin changed the game
I agree, I had heard of Franklin all the way in California over a decade ago. I was so glad I finally got to experience the epic BBQ there!
Good info. I didn’t know that about Franklin employees spreading the love.
@bradfulton616 Thanks for the encouraging words!
This is wholesome. Enjoy the time with your dad. Lost mine 5 years ago. We would go try places to eat all the time. I'd love to just have one more meal with him.
This was the list I was waiting for! So thorough and detailed. I havent explored the state as well as you have but this list will be my road map on my next trip. Goldie’s for sure!
So glad you liked it, we had a ton of fun making it haha
@@ThroughMyLens I appreciate all the “research” you both did😊
@@prowrestlingisart6742 Terry Blacks beef rib is the best!
Happy I discovered your videos, very cool.find your videos informative and peaceful to watch.
I really love and appreciate your video's, so wholesome, real and down to earth keep them coming ❤
Good thing about Texas, a lot of great places that don’t have those long waits.
Good video. I had the opportunity to go to Snow’s, what a unique experience. We were 1st in the door at opening. I’ll never forget the brisket, the best I’ve ever had.
This was such a great video. Heading back to Texas for a couple months this summer and now you got us thinking about which barbecue places to go to. Love that you put Buccees in there at the end. Also, seeing Pops in Texas, with his hat, eating barbecue just confirms to me that he was meant to be a Texan haha.
haha I think he was meant to be a Texan as well 😂
Thank you so much for this video. My wife and I did a similar trip for our honeymoon. We hit bbq on a round trip from Ontario Canada. Wish we had more time im texas as we were blown away at how amazing bbq was there . We have a longer list of places to try when we are able to go again
we shared alot of same thoughts as you did in regards to Franklins/Snows/Goldees
There are so many great BBQ places in Texas it is amazing and I think I need to try them all! Seriously though, Hutchins BBQ in McKinney, TX is absolutely fantastic, best brisket, sides and banana pudding I've ever had and they are unbelievably consistent. And unbelievably not on the top 50, which should give you an idea of the depth of BBQ talent in Texas. Thanks for the video, sounds like you had a great trip. 😁
Back when Hutchins was all you can eat... So amazing
wow!!! really enjoy your show!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Thank you for doing this. We are going to Texas next year for the eclipse and I was wondering where to go because I know there are so many. We live in Georgia and have a lot of BBQ here, but I know Texas is supposed to be on a complete other level.
Great analysis of all the BBQ joints you ate at. As a lifelong Texan I appreciate that. Because I was brought up on "Lockhart BBQ" in the 60s-80s (mostly Black's) when brisket cost $4 - $6 a pound and sausage was $0.50 per ring, I simply won't pay $35+ a pound these days...........I'd rather buy Rib Eye steaks for $6.99 a pound at Safeway/Randalls and cook them myself.
Fair enough! I bet that was some fantastic BBQ too!
@@ThroughMyLens At the time yes. Today the brisket is not even close but also costs much less. I still prefer STEAKS though,,LOL
We loved in Lockhart 1976-1979, and I thought Lockhart would make your list.
Black’s BBQ and Kreuz Market are both
excellent. If you are ever in Texas again, please try them!
(Lockhart is close to Austin.)
@@brepoppy135 The problem with all these "new non-Texans" trying Texas BBQ is their FIRST experience was very likely some place like Franklin which is FAR superior to any place in Lockhart and I KNOW Lockhart better than most people still alive. (Dad took me to Blacks first time in 1960 and ate brisket and sausage there for the next 40 years). And all the "new" BBQ places that have sprung up since 2012 or so COPY FRanklin and a lot are VERY good AND very expensive. All of the Lockhart places still cook the same choice or Angus brisket and it hasnt changed, so this is an issue with the people used to Frnaklin quality. The Lockhart places have also increased prices significantly so its not even a very good deal anymore. I rarely buy brisket anymore at all because its minimum $20 a pound and I can buy ribeye STEAKS all the time at Randalls for $7.00 a pound so WHY would I want to eat brisket? LOL
@@steveludwig4200 A lot of places not even copying the Franklin style were already starting to charge a lot even 10 years ago. Though from what I know Franklin's and a lot of other places use Creekstone Farms Choice brisket, so it's not like they are going above and beyond with a fancy cut. There are plenty of places that go above that by doing akaushi briskets. A choice brisket at HEB runs you at about $4.15/lb., and I can tell you from experience they aren't high quality lol. So while I do think some places definitely lean on the pricey side, I also understand that it's hard to run a good profit margin with the price of quality meat these days. Brisket used to be the extremely cheap cut that nobody wanted, now it's cheaper to go with a chuck roast. Which as a side note, I've smoked a chuck roast a couple of times as if it were a brisket and it turned out pretty nice. For me personally though, quality brisket that is smoked properly beats a high quality steak.
Coopers in Llano is top notch!
As a lifelong native Texan, it must be said that you and Pops did an incredible job with this. Thank you for all your great videos!
Wow, thank you! Appreciate the comment, we tried our best!
Nicely done great job talking about the sides and deserts
This is really great, I'm just planning my Texas BBQ trip and this helped a lot, thanks guys.
Gosh, What Great places.
We don't get grits here in Australia. It send to be a staple over in the US.
Incredible eateries. Thank you so much & kin n regard from Adelaide, South Australia.
As an avid 'Q fan, this was very enjoyable to watch and listen to. What a blessing to be able to share this experience with your dad. I agree, hard to pick a favorite. But definitely feel you don't have to wait for hours on line for great bbq.
Love you guys together - such a great father/son relationship (and one to aspire to as a father myself!). Nice run down of the places you visited on your Texas trip!
This was incredible! So much info about something I've always dreamed of doing
Wow, that sign says "only open Saturdays"... Amazing!
haha yep, once a week, that is why the weight is so long
@@ThroughMyLens Snows makes an accommodation for locals so that they can grab a Brisket w no line.
Great job as usual you guys! Keep the great content coming!
Thanks so much, really appreciate it!
Cracking video ! love this channel so much, im from Ireland 🇮🇪 and its a great help when i planned my trip to America last year.
I like Franklin the best but I also really like the four corners of bbq in Lockhart TX between Austin & San Antonio. Black’s, Kreuz, Smitty’s & the market are all very good.
Those are all fantastic choices as well!
Thank you Josh and Dad. You made me hungry now. 😭
Happy to help haha!
This post is making my hungry! LOL! I'll have to try some of these places out next time I'm in Texas. Thanks for doing a video like this because it really helps with planning a trip to Texas and going to check out some of the best food spots. Really want to try some of that brisket! Thanks for sharing your experiences Josh and Pops!
No problem! I hope you get to visit some of these spots!
I enjoyed the video and while I haven't eaten at some, I have at others you mentioned Like Franklin's. But you guys should have gotten away from the Austin area and out into the small towns and experienced some awesome BBQ here in Texas.
Next time get off of the beaten trail and blaze your own way, you'll find some BBQ that rivals Aaron Franklin's in small town Texas, I promise.
Good job, guys. I definitely need to make Goldee's the next time I'm in TX.
Really glad you guys got to try various places here in Texas. Sure hope my fellow Texans treated y'all great! BBQ seriously deserves its own food group on the food pyramid it's that good.
It was a blast and everyone we met was great in Texas! As long as we let them know we were just visiting from California and not planning to move haha 😂
OMD! I'm salivating all over again. What a fun video. Hubby's BBQing baby back ribs and fresh corn tonite. Won't be as good as your spots, but it will be good. Thanks for the update on the goodness.
Hope it was a great meal! Nothing like some good BBQ at home for sure
Beautiful meat if I may say it seems very tender and yummy but I am impressed by the quantity served in the plates ! In my country it would be one piece only for a person 😅 ! Thank you for your interesting videos which make me dream of travels...Hello from Paris, France
Thanks for making videos always love ‘em!
No problem, glad you enjoyed it!
Try Tejas Chocolate Factory and Smokehouse in Tomball, TX. Tejas is a big-time sleeper that can compete with Franklin's and Truth. 2M is an honorable mention, and I'll actually travel to San Antonio from Houston just to eat there. #1 Brisket is Goldees. #1 sausage is Tejas. #1 in Houston is Truth. Overall I'd go with 2M. I love their tex-mex twist. Thanks for your BBQ list, it was insightful and got me in the mood for some good BBQ this weekend. :)
@user-mu6dw6ov2x Could never argue with your recommendations!!
There are SO MANY good BBQ joints in Texas! If you picked the Top 100 brisket places, the difference between the bottom of the list and the top of the list would be like a score of 90% compared to a 100%. A good pitmaster who can manage the fire, combined with a consistent prep and smoking process is the key to getting a good product every time you visit.
Maybe the top 10, things can get questionable as you go down the list, the closer to the bottom you get to places that aren’t consistent.
oh god can't watch this on an empty stomach... the wait is essential for a good bbq, the hungrier you are the better it taste. Oddly enough could be the reason the best "texas" bbq I ever had was not in Texas, but Big John's Texas BBQ in Page AZ. Might of been the long drive to get to the Antelope canyon tour, and didn't have time to eat before the tour, we were running empty for a good 6 hours, that place was superb...
haha ya I know what you mean, the wait and empty stomach is one of the main factors for sure!
Wasn't that great to me
Thanks for sharing!
No problem!
Smitty's in Lockhart TX was my absolute favorite when I lived there!
We're going to try some of the ones you shared next time we visit Texas! 👍
I love the burnt bean bbq sides and breakfast 🤤
I'm a lifelong Texan, and y'all introduced me to places I've never heard of. Thanks! I have eaten at Truth BBQ in Houston. NOTE: The original location is in Brenham TX.
great texas videos. i very much enjoyed. your dad is awesome. pastrami rib sounds amazzzzzzing.
I have been a lot of times in Texas, i wasn't much of a BBQ fan, but I liked the way they do it over there and I really like the way how tasty you are enjoying the meat and the meals. Love the TX series you made.👍🏼🤠
Thanks so much! Still got the full Texas road trip video. Still working on it as it takes forever fro the big videos but it should be a fun one
very cool with you and you pa! great video and I cook brisket every month with 2 racks of ribs...Thanks for sharing...
I'm going to have to try some of these places the next time I'm in Texas. Terry Blacks in Dallas has always been my go to. Outside of Texas, gotta go to Heritage in San Juan Capistrano, CA
That was cool to watch. Love your honorable mentions. 2M and Leroy's and Lewis (Which is in Cosmic Coffee yard another great place). I also like Stiles Switch which is one of those bbq places you can get a plate. I live out in Driftwood by Salt Lick but have a rule not to go to a restaurant I can make better brisket. Looking forward to seeing how Harper's BBQ in Costa Mesa is.
Cosmic Coffee is so good! I will have to check out Stiles Switch next time!
There are some Fantastic BBQ spots on your trip , but I just can’t put Salt Lick in that group. Having said that , it used to be possible to walk out the back of the Salt Lick and get a great view from above Barton Creek. Not sure if that is still possible?? I always felt it added greatly to the ambience which is the Salt Licks strong suit.
@@ThroughMyLens I'd also add Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin as another place to try! Really good BBQ, and the pitmaster Ernest Servantes was on the show BBQ Pitmasters multiple times. I even want to say he was on an episode where Aaron Franklin was guest judging, but I could be mistaken about that it's been almost 10 years since I watched the series.
They all look mouth watering, thanks for sharing.
No problem, thanks for watching!
If you ever get back for more TX bbq, be sure to hit Burnt Bean in Seguin. I confidently predict it will be Texas Monthly’s next #1. Really, it’s that great.
Great video. Very informative and fun.
Cool review of Texas BBQ. I’m a native Texan and every city and town has good BBQ. The sides make a big difference in the quality of the food. Of course the meat is number one. You can find good BBQ across the state. If you want to keep it simple go to Coopers order your meat off the grill and you have access to a unlimited amount of pinto beans and onions, pickles and jalapeños. 👍👍
As someone here in central Texas, I enjoyed this video. Franklin's and Goldee's really are about as good as BBQ gets.
your dad reminds me of a fly fishing college teacher- that's the cool vibe I got...
The brisket tacos at Interstellar are indescribably delicious. Otherworldly yummy!
BBQ looks so delicious it made my mouth water, shame on you two ...lol love your channel always
haha sorry for the mouthwatering clips! 😂
NOW I want to go eat barbecue food! 😃 great video, and love that, “indescribably delicious” :)
Great Video. My daughter lives in Schertz TX not far from Lockhart TX. So I have had a lot of BBQ in Texas. Next time you are going up Hwy 395 stop in Walker at Mountain View BBQ and try their brisket. It is better than any I have had in Texas. I may have just hit a good day but it was fantastic.
Sounds like you guys didn't go to Valentinas which is really good. Great review video. 👍
our top 3 was goldies and panther city.and crackle and oink in sherman texas..great video
Loved watching Pops eating BBQ❤😂😂😂
haha he is a BBQ fiend
@Lcg503 hahaha! Happy to do that for you!
I have to have that pork belly peach! Yum 😋
I love the bbq episodes.
So glad you enjoyed it!
Really enjoy this and all your videos!! 1st x sharin... as an austinite, I mite recommend Pokejo's BBQ for their awesome sides-broccoli casserole, jalapeño corn casserole, ie and their peach jabanero sauce is to die for!! Delicious chicken too. Take care and God Bless❤❤😊
Sounds epic! I will have to check it out next time!
Dear sirs, thanks so much for the kind reply and hope you all are enjoying y'all's Journeys💜💕🙏😊 I really enjoy y'all's Channel and thanks so much because it gives folks with chronic mental illness, as myself, and unable to travel, an opportunity to see such beautiful creations of God's Beautiful Country and creations.💜💕🙏🙏✨️
I especially like the lightheartedness you have of the videos, like when your dad is putting his face in the pop ups, ie little wooden signs of the animals and stuff.
Blessings to you and yours.💜💕🙏🙏👍✨️
Awesome video Josh and Pops!! Since I live here in Texas, it's never occured to me to do a "BBQ trip". Even though lots of review places talk about doing just that. For the moment, I'm a bit short on people to do that tour with...so maybe when I fix that I'll get one scheduled.
Can you guys list all 14 places you went to? Just so I can maybe try to duplicate what you experienced when I get the chance to.
Oh and my current #1 place is Hutchins BBQ in McKinney and Frisco, TX! Best overall BBQ around North Dallas area....I need to try a few places. Goldee's, Cattleack and Pecan Lodge.
Signature dish for me? 2 meat (Brisket and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage) with Mac & Cheese and Fried Okra. Add in a Texas Twinkie if you can get em...cause they are wicked good!
McKinney location has a drive thru for making an easy pickup on the way home. Eating in is always best if you can do it.
Thanks for the great comment and for your suggestion! I will have to try that spot next time! Here are the spots we went to:
Pecan Lodge
Cattleack
Goldees
Panther City
Pinkertons
Truth
2M Smokehouse
Snows
Interstellar
Franklin
Guess Family BBQ
Leroy and Lewis
Salt Lick
Distant Relatives
If you're in the Houston area again jump over to Pearland just outside Houston and go to Killiuns BBQ. THERE'S A LINE THERE TO. AWESOME.
My wife and I went to Texas for a short vacation a few months ago. We went to Pinkerton's and Goldee's.
Goldee's is absolutely amazing food!!! Pinkerton's was good but, we both thought it was too salty.
Goldee's #1 baby
I travel to Texas a lot and the BBQ is great almost everywhere. My general fav is the brisket almost everywhere but the ribs, turkey, and sausage is good almost everywhere I go as well! Just for interested BBQ fans, Snow's BBQ does offer its food for shipping if showing up in Lexington at 4:30 am on Saturday is not for you.
I live in Houston and my 3 go to is Corkscrew, Blood Brothers BBQ, and Truth
My partner and I travelled from Australia to Austin just to try the BBQ, we tried Terry Blacks and interstellar both were awesome. But the best ribs we had while in America was at firehole BBQ in west Yellowstone unbelievable
Thank you for your video. Mouth watering here bad. We are in Austin just after the first of the year. I wanted to go to Franklins and we at dinner at a place and started to talk to locals and they recommended that we go to Black's instead. They claimed that it was as good but without the long early wait. I had a dinosaur rib and brisket and will say it was very good. We will be back this winter in Texas and will try some on your list. When in Charleston SC don't miss Rodney Scotts BBQ.
I've had Franklin's 3 times and Black's once. Blacks is up there with Franklin's but I think Franklin's is definitely a notch above. However, when you factor in the super long wait I agree with what the locals told you. Though I still think Franklin's is something everyone should do at least once.
My favourite UA-cam duo
Truth's BBQ is one of our favs. We like their tatertot casserole, but next time we go, we'll have to try their Brussel sprout casserole. Also in Houston, we like Blood Brothers BBQ - they put an Asian twist to their menu. In College Station, Tx, we like 1775 BBQ.
Yeah I'd say Truth is my favorite for Houston. Everything on their menu is very good. I think there's a few places in Houston who's brisket is a bit better but Truth's is still very good and they offer such a variety of sides that are all amazing. My #1 for Houston.
Living here in Texas for over 40 years, I have been spoiled to have been able to eat some great BBQ. Next time you are down here, ask around for some of the little Mom & Pop BBQ shacks arounf some of the smaller towns. One of the best I have had was a little old shack outside of Huntsville, that had incredible BBQ, the Brisket was juicy, tender and had so much flavor.
As for Sausage , forget the cheese in the Sausage and get Elgin Sausage, it is the best.
I am not from Texas, but there is no way I can move because of the food, the best BBQ, it has great Cajun Food, and Tex-Mex, German food, why live anywhere else?
Josh Sr, holding that big slab of rib in the click bait. I cannot resist.
I live in Austin and love this channel.
So much food!!!! 🤤🙌🏽
haha so much!
Yup, even the gas station BBQ is good in Texas. Did y'all goto Terry Blacks by chance?
Sides….. sides have to be included in BBQ reviews. They are ESSENTIAL and a trademark dessert should be a kicker.
While visiting The Peach Haus in Fredericksburg (which I saw on your Texas Hill Country vid) I bought some Peaches & Whiskey BBQ sauce. UN. BE. LIEVABLE!!!
That sauce is so good, I m glad you got to try it!
@@ThroughMyLens yes thanks to your video I discovered it. I love traveling and I love watching you and Pops for new tips and ideas. Keep doing what you do and I’ll keep watching. 😎
Awesome review! Where did Lockhart BBQ places rank?
Thanks guys, now I´m hungry...
Outlaws BBQ I Giddings, TX I highly recommend as well. Giddings is an hour South East of Austin
My Mothers Family is from Giddings so I will have to give this a try. I do notice that w some notable exceptions ( like all of Fort Worth) , good BBQ is exceedingly rare West of I-35?
I’m not a big meat eater but your review is making me hungry. The polenta and broccoli sides sounded amazing. I’m with pops, beet and kale sounds horrid but I would have tasted it cuz I like to be surprised. Deviled eggs sounds good. Best BBQ I’ve ever had was bbq oysters in south bend Washington on the way to Olympic national park. Def not traditional bbq of beef, pork, chicken. Cash only but insanely good. Middle of nowhere. Next level oysters were their specialty. If I ever get out to Texas again I’ll have to review this post.
Oh man, BBQ Oysters sound fantastic! Especially in Washington
@kellyjohnson3617 I read some where that kale should be cooked with coconut oil. Why? Because it slides off the plate into the trash easier!
I’m vegan but I can appreciate someone else enjoying the hell out of some bbq haha
haha fair enough, if you ever make it to Austin, see if the burnt ends from Leroy and Lewis are vegan, as they were so good
Brisket from Salt Lick BBQ in the Austin airport is amazing. Change My Mind.
Best brisket I’ve ever eaten was the brisket I made for a competition…and won, by the way. From what I was told, it was unanimous choice as the winner.
I got to taste it after I unwound from cooking, slicing and preparing the entry and I would agree…it was amazing!
I wish you had time to go visit Corkscrew in Houston. Best brisket ever!
Also you pronounce LeRoy and Lewis Le...Roy. They're definitely a new age BBQ spot. Great sides and Q.
Great BBQ video. BBQ is soooooo subjective especially in Texas. Having lived 3 miles from Salt Lick you would think that it is my number one spot, but actually the only thing I like there is the sausage and coleslaw. I tend to hit LA BBQ or Blacks BBQ when I visit the Austin area. The sad thing is all my time in Texas I have never had dessert at any of the BBQ joints. To full of brisket, no room
haha I know what you mean, it is hard to eat dessert with the BBQ being this good!
Several years ago my expectations for Franklin was off the charts and amazingly exceeded. Never forget the first visit. So much great BBQ in Texas it comes down to individual taste profile. For an example I wasn't impressed with Salt Lick. To me just ok.
Salt Lick is one of the grandfathered in BBQ establishments, it's just more about the atmosphere of the iconic pit. But the newer school BBQ joints have definitely overshadowed it in quality.
I’m jealous you got to do this. Texas is a good distance for me but maybe one day
We had a blast exploring the state, really a lot to do there
Dang, my mouth is dripping 😁
Now, I want to visit Texas.
Just to know if Texas's barbecue is good as southern Brazilians barbecue.
Btw, I love you guys.
Oh man, I would love to try some Brazilian BBQ, sound fantastic
@@ThroughMyLens you are welcome.
When you come back come try Lemere's Sweet Heat BBQ it's a food trailer in Comal County
Where are you located? I live at Canyon Lake
Try Pody's in Pecos, or Evie May's in Woffolk