Underneath the best barbecue is a unique dream born of smoke, sweat, and determination. In Texas, we recognize it as good food, of course, but almost more than that, we appreciate the love that’s underneath: Long nights spent minding the smoker. Hot days toiling in food trucks, hauling equipment around in beat-up pick-ups. The honest-to-goodness hustle of Texas barbecue.
Though they can happen anywhere, barbecue dreams really take flight in Texas, where the scene is constantly being reshaped by newcomers bringing their own unique flavors and passions to the pit, combined with an insatiable fan base eager to find the next good thing (while also remaining loyal to the old timers). And with Texas being cattle country, it makes perfect sense that one of the dishes the state is famous for is a prized cut of beef: brisket.
The state’s constantly shifting and Top 10 or Top 50 lists are an homage to the hustle that’s required to crank out consistently delicious barbecue to the masses of enthusiasts, leading to daily sold out menus. If you’re someone who’s never sure exactly what to order, queue up for the new season of BBQuest — an original series by Beef Loving Texans — to find delicious, must-have menu items at barbecue joints across the state (and binge-watch the previous two seasons.)
What better way to support that shared dream than hitting the open road and rustling up some ’que along the way?
Here’s a primer to some foundational Texas barbecue spots, plus a few soon-to-be legendary pitmasters to add to your map—each sure to provide a sensational Texan meal.
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