These eight Great Barbecue Spots Will Satisfy The Texas-Sized Appetite You’ll Work UP During Your Next Tournament in The Lone Star State
Everything is bigger in Texas, including your appetite.Fortunately, the Lone Star State has plenty of five-star options when you’re in search of your next mouthwatering meal, and no one does slow-cooked meat quite like Texas. Whether you’re a fan of pulled pork, beef brisket or tender ribs, visitors’ mouths will be watering when you visit any of these fantastic eateries during your next tournament. With a bevy of unique smoking techniques, savory rubs and sauces, these barbecue joints are must-stops on your tour of Texas. Here are eight great options to consider when you’re in town next.
Barbecue in College Station
From humble roots operating out of a gas station in 1981 sprang a fledgling franchise around the Bryan-College Station area, where this local Aggieland favorite has been honored as the “Best of the Brazos” award for barbecue restaurants. Chip and Jo’s fine food has drawn in former president George Bush and his wife Barbara for a meal, while the franchise has also catered events for some of the biggest names in country music.
Heim Barbecue in Fort Worth
After starting with a single smoker and slowly transitioning into owning a sole food truck, Heim has grown through the years and opened its doors in Fort Worth in 2016. Heim opened a second location in Fort Worth in 2019 when the demand for fan favorites like jalapeno cheddar sausage, beef brisket, burnt bacon ends, baked potato salad and green chile mandated another store.
Hurtado Barbecue in Arlington
After opening in the spring of 2019, Hurtado Barbecue quickly made a splash in the Arlington scene with electric BBQ eats like barbacoa sausage and smoked elotes will expand your purview, where an infusion of Mexican-inspired flavors mixed with Texas-style barbecue creates the perfect blend of savory smoke and spice.
Bar-B-Q in Midland KD’S
The best brisket in Midland can be found at KD’s Bar-B-Q, where melt-in-your-mouth options abound. Dine in at a classic sports bar and patio where you’ll find plenty of smoky goodness like sausages, ribs, pork, ham and turkey, as well as a complimentary bean bar where you can try any of KD’s four barbecue sauces.
Lockhart Smokehouse in Arlington
In between the Texas Rangers’ Globe Life Field and the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium sits Texas Live!, a hub for sports, entertainment and some of the finest barbecue around the state. Lockhart Smokehouse delights fans on game day with Texas staples like brisket, ribs and other smoked meats over Texas post oak, as well as daily specials like prime rib, beef ribs and burnt ends.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q in College Station
Rudy’s is a top-option for favorite BBQ eats in Aggieland, thanks in part to its no-frills attitude. With a relaxed, casual indoor picnic table setup, Rudy’s serves its food cafeteria-style, with all the usual fixings you’d expect to find plus delicious options like jalapeno sausage. If you can’t wait until lunch, consider stopping in to try out the breakfast tacos as well, available in 14 different options.
Salt Lick in Round Rock
Located adjacent to Dell Diamond—the home of the Houston Astros AA A affiliate Round Rock Express—the Salt Lick BBQ is a mainstay in town, no matter if there’s a game going on or not. Margaritas, music and meat are on the menu every weekend on the Salt Lick’s stone outdoor patio, while freshly made pecan pie and blackberry or peach cobbler are available for those who’ve saved room for dessert.
The Shed Market in Abilene
An entire pit devoted purely for smoking ribs, a meat market that stays open in case the barbecue sells out earlier and a menu full of favorites to satiate your barbecue desire set The Shed Market apart in Abilene. Speciality meats and custom burger patties built to your every whim ensure that your next meal here will be everything you want and more.
