Best BBQ in Texas? It Depends Who You Ask

Want the best BBQ in Texas? If you ask anyone living in Texas what their favorite BBQ place is you will probably get many answers. But if you ask barbecue freaks and aficionados you will find that there is a short list to the best places in the state. Without a doubt the barbeque capital of Texas is Lockhart. I know of five joints in that town and two of them boast some of the best smoked meat in the state.

I’m talking about Smitty’s and Kruetz’s, which run by people in the same family. My personal favorite is Smitty’s, but I haven’t been to Kruetz Market… I have a hard time stopping at Kreutz’s when I know Smitty’s is just down the road a few blocks.

Recently I actually drove past Lockhart and didn’t stop for BBQ. I managed not to stop because my destination was the town of Luling. Luling is home to the City Market BBQ. I have to say the City Market stands up to some of the best barbecue I’ve had. I think I like their sausage better than Smitty’s. But I did like the pork ribs at Smitty’s just a little better. It was a toss up on the brisket. And City Market has an interesting mustard base BBQ sauce.

City Market BBQ, Luling, Texas

Sausages, City Market BBQ, Luling, Texas

When I comes to barbeque I cut my teeth in Chicago, so I am a pork and sausage fan. We all know that Texas BBQ is judged on its brisket. I do like brisket, but I love pork ribs. There is really nothing better.

Another great central Texas bbq joint is Louie Mueller Barbecue up in Taylor, Texas. This is another great place in an old store front in a small town that is slowly getting developed. Besides the food I love the interior of this place. The walls are painted green and have this amazing patina from the years of smoke. Ribs rule at Louie Mueller’s.

Here is a short video I found on Youtube taken at Smitty’s. If you are in Central Texas you must go to Smitty’s, I really think it is my favorite.

Here’s a link to Smitty’s website.