Throughout the American South, from sea to shining sea, there is a heated competition for the best barbecue in the world. From Kansas City’s tangy mustard sauces to Memphis’ succulent tomato-based experiments, every region has their own take on barbecued meat. Few places, however, have tackled barbecue with the same enthusiasm as Texas. Their meat of choice: beef, sauced lightly (or not at all) to help bring out the natural flavor of the seasonings and the meat itself. Without a doubt, the barbecue in Texas is one-of-a-kind. Even better, creative cooks throughout the state have invested serious time into putting their own mark on Texas barbecue history. From the old-fashioned haunts to high-end eateries, here are the best BBQ joints in Texas.
1. Killen’s Barbecue
Based in Pearland, Killen’s Barbecue isn’t a “joint.” It’s an upscale BBQ eatery run by a man who is a proud chef. That means the entire meal — not just the BBQ — has been crafted to delight your taste buds. Also, the barbecue is pretty delicious, too. Try the bone-in pork belly, a combination of spare rib and bacon.