Where to Eat in Texas: Barbeque Restaurants 101

Every time we go to Texas, the first thing we ask each other is, “Where do you want to go for barbeque?” If there were one word to use to describe barbeque in Texas, it would be mouthwatering. We have tried many different Texas barbeque restaurants in our travels and here is a list of our favourites. All opinions are courtesy of our taste buds.

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Busbee’s Bar B Que, 339 Main St, Bandera, TX 78003

“I see smiles all around and that means the food is good,” was the response of our server as she came to check on us minutes after we dove into the food on our plates. Bandera is full of salt-of-the-earth people and the barbeque in town is just as good. Simple, tasty and flawlessly smoked, the ribs were tender and the sides were delicious. The pickles had the perfect crunch and the onions were mild and sweet.

Cele Store, 18726 Cameron Rd, Manor, TX 78653

Normally, this is a place you would drive right on by and not think twice about stopping. Don’t judge a book by its cover. The Cele Store has been used as a location in films such as Secondhand Lions and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The Cele Store offers a completely different barbeque experience. Barbeque is featured on Friday nights and you must call ahead to let them know you are coming. Call 512-251-3562 or 512-869-9340 for reservations. Check their website for live music nights and a great night out. There is no cover charge.

Cele Store serves the meat and you bring your sides. When you arrive, you will be welcomed by locals sitting at the bar saying, “Come on in. It’s nicer inside than out there.” You will find your name written on a piece of paper on the table reserved especially for you. The table setting comes complete with paper plates and plastic cutlery. The only seasoning they use on their meat is salt and pepper. Their claim to fame (besides the movies) is the essence of the meat comes from the pits they use to do the smoking.

City Market, 633 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648

An elderly man selling homemade roasted pecans on the street asked what brought us to Luling.

“The barbeque at City Market,” was our response.

“They don’t make barbeque like that anywhere else in Texas. Still using the original smoking pits.” He proceeded to tell us how there is always a line up at City Market for their barbeque.

And he was right. Do you want an authentic Texas barbeque experience? It doesn’t get more authentic than City Market. People line up to the back wall of the restaurant to get into the smokehouse where they cut the meat as you order it by the pound. If you are eating in, the meat is served on brown butcher paper with plastic cutlery. Bon Appetit.

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-b-Que, 604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643

“To me, barbeque at Cooper’s is how it’s done,” advised the lady working at Burnet’s tourist information (a small town in Texas), “Sitting at the tables family style, that’s how barbeque should be.”

We arrived at Cooper’s to the smell of smoked meat and huge pits outside the front doors where they take your order. Cooper’s is famous for “The Big Chop” but since it was our first visit, the brisket, sausage and pork ribs would be put to the test – the staples at any barbeque restaurant. You will need to get to Cooper’s early if you want a baked potato instead of potato salad. They were sold out when we arrived for dinner.

The County Line on the Lake, 5204 FM (Farm to Market Road) 2222, Austin, TX 78731

Recommendation: The Beef Rib plate. Fred Flintstone would marvel at this dish. The ribs are huge and meaty with sauce on the side. The sides at the County Line are my favourite of all the barbeque joints we have been to. The potato salad and coleslaw are perfectly creamy and seasoned. You can tell everything is hand-cut and doesn’t come from a bag. I am not a fan of beans but I love the ones at County Line. They are flavourful but not hot, firm and not mushy. I feel guilty when I can’t finish the bowl. Sending good food back aught to be a crime.

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When they ask you if you want to try the fresh-baked bread, say yes, even though there is an extra charge. A half-loaf is four, huge, hot slices fresh from the oven. Served with whipped honey butter, this could be a meal all on its own. The bread melts in your mouth. Shame on you if you pass this delight up. As our son said, “I may not have truly lived if I had not tried the bread.”

Note, you can buy day-old loaves in the lobby of the restaurant for USD 2. Make sure to take some home with you.

Rudy’s Country Store, 2400 North IH-35, Round Rock, TX

The first of many Texas barbeque restaurants we ate at was Rudy’s Country Store. Rudy’s has it right when it comes to how to serve up quick barbeque. You line up in an orderly fashion, grab your drink and sides, then step up to the counter to choose your meat by the pound. Make sure to try the fresh potatoes and extra moist brisket. So far, this is my favourite brisket in Texas. Sometimes brisket can get dry but Rudy’s is always moist and perfectly cooked. Brisket should melt in your mouth and Rudy’s extra moist does just that. The fresh potatoes taste like they came straight from the garden and they are swimming in butter. Do note, not every Rudy’s serves the extra moist option or the fresh potatoes.

We usually eat at Rudy’s in Round Rock as they have both my favourite choices. One location in San Antonio didn’t have fresh potatoes or the extra moist option and I was disappointed.

Salt Lick, 18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619

The original Salt Lick was opened in Driftwood in 1967. Family owned, the name comes from the deer that came to lick the salt and minerals exposed on the land at the ranch where the restaurant was founded.

What makes Salt Lick unique? Their barbeque sauce is like no other. It is not a tomato-based sauce; rather, it is a mustard-based sauce. Don’t like mustard? Don’t worry. Neither does our son but he says, “There is just something about the sauce.”

Salt Lick is my favourite place for pork ribs. The ribs are large, meaty, juicy and rich, perfectly smoked and tender. Not fall off the bone tender, as Texans would consider that overcooked, but tender enough to gently come off the bone with every bite. Take wet naps along when you go to Salt Lick – you’re going to need them.

Small-Town Travel Tip: The original Salt Lick in Driftwood takes cash only. Be prepared in this cashless society we live in today.

Treaty Oak Distillery, 16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

The restaurant at Treaty Oak Distillery was a surprise. Here, we experienced the best barbeque turkey in Texas. Often, barbeque turkey can be dry and bland but that was not the case here. We enjoyed the Judgement Plate that came with turkey, sausage, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and of course, pickles and bread. The plate is perfect for sharing and comes with a quarter-pound of each type of meat. There was so much meat on this plate, we had leftovers for the next day. A side of Brussel sprouts and cauliflower was necessary to balance out the feast.

Treaty Oak Distillery is family and pet-friendly, providing an excellent atmosphere and a great place to spend an afternoon. The grounds come complete with live music, outdoor games and a playground.

 Texas Barbeque Restaurants

This list of Texas barbeque restaurants is by no means exhaustive as the state is full of delectable places to get your meat sweat on. Do you have a lip-smacking Texas barbeque joint to add to the list? Comment below and we’ll be sure to check it out next time we visit the Lone Star state.

All pictures in this post are taken by Charlotte, yours truly, as always, unless otherwise stated.

 

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