Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints of 2022: A Comprehensive Guide for BBQ Lovers
Introduction
Howdy, readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints of 2022. If you’re a true barbecue aficionado, this list is your roadmap to the most smokin’ and savory experiences the Lone Star State has to offer. So grab your forks, pull up a chair, and let’s embark on this mouthwatering culinary adventure.
Central Texas BBQ: The Holy Trinity
Austin’s Smokehouse Supremacy
Austin, the barbecue capital of Texas, dominates the Top 50 list with an impressive array of smoky havens. From the legendary Franklin Barbecue, where lines stretch for hours for their impeccable brisket, to the newer but equally acclaimed Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, offering a fusion of classic Texas barbecue with flavors from south of the border, Austin is a barbecue paradise.
Lockhart’s Legacy
Venture east to Lockhart, the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," and discover a trio of legendary smokehouses: Kreuz Market, Black’s Barbecue, and Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q. These time-honored establishments have been serving up unforgettable brisket, sausage, and ribs for generations, earning them a hallowed place in the barbecue pantheon.
Eastern Texas BBQ: From Piney Woods to Gulf Coast
East Texas Smokin’
Delving into East Texas’ piney woods, barbecue takes on a unique character. Cattle are grazed on lush pastures, imbuing the meat with a distinct flavor. Joint, like Cattleack BBQ in Dallas, showcase this East Texas style, pairing their succulent barbecue with the region’s signature "east Texas toast."
Gulf Coast Grilling
Along the Gulf Coast, barbecue gets a coastal twist. Seafood and traditional barbecue meats share the spotlight, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors. The Original Ronnie’s Ribs in Nacogdoches and The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood are prime examples of this Gulf Coast fusion, offering both lip-smacking brisket and delectable seafood platters.
West Texas BBQ: Mesquite Magic
Hill Country Heaven
West Texas, with its rolling hills and vast ranches, is barbecue territory like no other. Mesquite wood, with its characteristic smoky flavor, plays a central role in West Texas barbecue. Salt Lick Cellars in Driftwood, the highest-ranked West Texas joint on the Top 50 list, is renowned for its succulent mesquite-smoked meats.
Border BBQ
Along the Texas-Mexico border, barbecue takes on a south-of-the-border flair. Smoked meats are often paired with traditional Mexican flavors, creating a unique and flavorful fusion. La Cosecha BBQ in El Paso is a shining example of this border-style barbecue, blending smoked brisket and tacos to perfection.
The Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints of 2022
| Rank | Restaurant | City | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Franklin Barbecue | Austin | Central Texas |
| 2 | Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ | Austin | Central Texas |
| 3 | Terry Black’s Barbecue | Austin | Central Texas |
| 4 | The Salt Lick BBQ | Driftwood | Central Texas |
| 5 | Kreuz Market | Lockhart | Central Texas |
| … | … | … | … |
| 48 | Cattleack BBQ | Dallas | East Texas |
| 49 | The Original Ronnie’s Ribs | Nacogdoches | Gulf Coast |
| 50 | La Cosecha BBQ | El Paso | Border |
Conclusion
Readers, our journey through Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints of 2022 has come to an end. From the legendary smokehouses of Austin to the mesquite-kissed havens of West Texas, the Lone Star State is a barbecue paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned barbecue aficionado or a newcomer to the smoky world of grilling, this list is your guide to the most unforgettable barbecue experiences Texas has to offer. So fire up your grills, gather your friends and family, and get ready to dig into the divine flavors that make Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints of 2022 so irresistible.
For more barbecue adventures, check out our other articles on the ultimate barbecue road trips and the best barbecue spots in big cities like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas. Happy grilling, readers!
FAQ about Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ (2022)
1. What is the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list?
- A yearly ranking of the best barbecue joints in Texas, as determined by a team of barbecue experts.
2. How are the barbecue joints selected?
- The experts visit countless barbecue joints throughout the state, anonymously sampling their food and evaluating their overall experience.
3. What criteria are used to rank the barbecue joints?
- The experts consider factors such as the quality of the meat, the smokiness and flavor of the barbecue, the sides and sauces, and the overall dining experience.
4. Who are the experts that select the barbecue joints?
- The experts are a mix of barbecue enthusiasts, food writers, and barbecue professionals.
5. How often is the list updated?
- The list is updated annually.
6. How long has the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list been published?
- Since 1999.
7. What is the number one ranked barbecue joint for 2022?
- Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas.
8. Are there any new barbecue joints on the list for 2022?
- Yes, there are 10 new barbecue joints on the list for 2022, including Truth Barbecue in Houston and Goldee’s Barbecue in Fort Worth.
9. Can I find the list online?
- Yes, the list can be found on the Texas Monthly website.
10. How can I get a copy of the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ issue?
- The issue can be purchased at most newsstands or subscribed to through the Texas Monthly website.
