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I think we are due to have another Texas Monthly top 50 come out by the end of the month, fwiw.   

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    bborange

    Hit up a few spots recently. Always have a few people with me and take home leftovers. Mum Foods—brisket, pastrami, ribs, sausage, and turkey ( under the ribs)     Truth BBQ

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19 minutes ago, Bill Brasky said:

I think we are due to have another Texas Monthly top 50 come out by the end of the month, fwiw.   

They should publish a bottom 50 list. 

14 hours ago, Deej said:

They should publish a bottom 50 list. 

Just get a location list for Dickey’s

  • Popular Post

I was planning on going InterStellar this morning, wait in line for an hour and a half and then enjoy great barbecue.   As I was putting on my shoes to leave I received a text from my daughter (no pics) - her and her friends were headed there.  She asked if I wanted her to get me anything.

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Great barbecue with no waiting.  

#winning

Anyone want to guess hot takes for the list?

Here's mine, that isn't really that hot: I think there is going to be a tremendous amount of turnover vs the last list.

Also another not super hot take: Burnt Bean ends up as #1

Damn, came here to post the same thing about Burnt Bean

 

Top 10 will be something like (in no order):

 

Burnt bean

franklin

truth

la bbq

some place in west Texas or panhandle (Rejino or Evie mays or something)

Redbird or 1701

Goldees

smoke n ash

Snows

Lavaca bbq 

11 minutes ago, NoName said:

Anyone want to guess hot takes for the list?

Here's mine, that isn't really that hot: I think there is going to be a tremendous amount of turnover vs the last list.

Also another not super hot take: Burnt Bean ends up as #1

If Burnt Bean isn't #1 I'd be shocked.

 

I think some of those recently awarded Michelin star BBQ spots will show up just because of their notoriety now(although they had it prior)

 

 

Unrelated but does anyone have a good smoked meatloaf recipe? I want to give this a go this weekend.

Edited by BurntOrange&White

all around - bbq, sides, dessert, creativity .. burnt bean is 2nd to none 

just bbq, you probably have 12 spots that can consistently pump out perfect Q 

it'll all make for a good discussion !

On 5/5/2025 at 8:07 AM, GreenspointTexas said:

Damn, came here to post the same thing about Burnt Bean

 

Top 10 will be something like (in no order):

 

Burnt bean

franklin

truth

la bbq

some place in west Texas or panhandle (Rejino or Evie mays or something)

Redbird or 1701

Goldees

smoke n ash

Snows

Lavaca bbq 

Aw fuck. That was my actual hot take. Redbird in top 10! 

Be floored if L&L isn't in top 10.

If Burnt Bean isn't #1 I'd be shocked.
 
I think some of those recently awarded Michelin star BBQ spots will show up just because of their notoriety now(although they had it prior)
 
 
Unrelated but does anyone have a good smoked meatloaf recipe? I want to give this a go this weekend.

I did it once. I bought silicon molds from Amazon and froze the meat mixture in them for ~1 hour to get formed before smoking them. Worked great!

Used this as a guide:

Loose predictions for 2025 TM Top 50. 

Basic attrition will open up a few spots from 2021 as four places have permanently closed and several more will not make the list due to great new joints.  A few places from the 2021 Honorable Mention list will probably move up, but not many.  Several places from the 2023 Top 25 New list will make the 2025 Top 50.

Stone cold locks for new additions to the Top 50:

KG BBQ - Austin

Reese Bros - San Antonio

Sunbird Barbecue - Longview

Barbs B Q - Lockhart

Others I suspect will make the Top 50:

Mum Food Smokehouse & Delicatessen - Austin

Brisket & Rice - Houston

In addition, a new West Texas joint will get on the list to replace Convenience West from Marfa.  I haven't tried any of them, but Midland Meat Co.'s Half Acre, Hallelujah! BBQ - El Paso, and/or Brantley Creek Barbecue - Odessa are likely contenders.

Joints that could drop from the Top 50:

Hays Co. Bar-B-Que closed the San Marcos location in June of 2024 and opened the new Kyle location the beginning of last month.  Not sure if the TM crew was able to get in an sample the new place.

Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue - Pflugerville.  John Brotherton passed away in January of 2024 - he was a shinning star in Texas barbecue community.  Unfortunately, my recent trips to Brotherton's have been disappointing and I have heard similar stories from others.  If it stays on the list it will be a homage to JMFB.

The joints that will probably be in the Top 10:

Burnt Bean Co. - Sequin (#1)

InterStellar Barbecue - Austin (#2)

Goldee's BBQ - Fort Worth

LeRoy & Lewis - Austin

Truth - Houston

Barbs B Q - Lockhart

The joints that could drop from the Top 10:

Panther City BBQ - Fort Worth

Evie Mae's Pit Barbecue - Wolfforth 

Snow's BBQ - Lexington

Franklin Barbecue - Austin

 

I like what the list does for joints that I want to make it, and that recognition can make a difference.  Tyler's in Amarillo made Top 5 on  one list or another in the past year, and I saw multiple folks in the past few months who were either visiting with Tyler about it( he likes to talk with folks in line, especially right at opening.) or talking about it at the tables.  That part is good in the "smaller towns/" non-metro areas.  See also Rejinos in Olton and Evie Mae's in Wolfforth.

That being said, being on that list can make the lines stupid long in the cities.  It's just how it goes.  If Franklin drops off the list, it will do zero to impact his reputation or that of his product.  Y'all know it.  He knows it.  Everyone knows it, 'cept for the amateurs.  I walked into Terry Blacks in Dallas last week at 11:30 AM with buddies and there were 3 people ahead of us.  Everything about our meal was fantastic, but I very rarely hear them mentioned as "elite."  Had Corkscrew in Spring about 2 months ago and waited about 15minutes in line.  IDGAF if they ever make a list.  I know it's gonna be world class brisket and excellent whatever else I order.

7 minutes ago, Iceman said:

Everything about our meal was fantastic, but I very rarely hear them mentioned as "elite."

Really? I feel like I’ve been hearing that a lot lately. 

5 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

truth isn't better than franklin's

But is it better than Franklin?

12 hours ago, jimmyjazz said:

*Franklin

 

7 hours ago, royiv said:

But is it better than Franklin?

Happy New Year's.

15 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

Loose predictions for 2025 TM Top 50. 

Basic attrition will open up a few spots from 2021 as four places have permanently closed and several more will not make the list due to great new joints.  A few places from the 2021 Honorable Mention list will probably move up, but not many.  Several places from the 2023 Top 25 New list will make the 2025 Top 50.

Stone cold locks for new additions to the Top 50:

KG BBQ - Austin

Reese Bros - San Antonio

Sunbird Barbecue - Longview

Barbs B Q - Lockhart

Others I suspect will make the Top 50:

Mum Food Smokehouse & Delicatessen - Austin

Brisket & Rice - Houston

In addition, a new West Texas joint will get on the list to replace Convenience West from Marfa.  I haven't tried any of them, but Midland Meat Co.'s Half Acre, Hallelujah! BBQ - El Paso, and/or Brantley Creek Barbecue - Odessa are likely contenders.

Joints that could drop from the Top 50:

Hays Co. Bar-B-Que closed the San Marcos location in June of 2024 and opened the new Kyle location the beginning of last month.  Not sure if the TM crew was able to get in an sample the new place.

Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue - Pflugerville.  John Brotherton passed away in January of 2024 - he was a shinning star in Texas barbecue community.  Unfortunately, my recent trips to Brotherton's have been disappointing and I have heard similar stories from others.  If it stays on the list it will be a homage to JMFB.

The joints that will probably be in the Top 10:

Burnt Bean Co. - Sequin (#1)

InterStellar Barbecue - Austin (#2)

Goldee's BBQ - Fort Worth

LeRoy & Lewis - Austin

Truth - Houston

Barbs B Q - Lockhart

The joints that could drop from the Top 10:

Panther City BBQ - Fort Worth

Evie Mae's Pit Barbecue - Wolfforth 

Snow's BBQ - Lexington

Franklin Barbecue - Austin

 

I think if they bump Snows out of the top 10 it's going to be due to hours BUT don't think they do while Tootsie is still w us.

I will say I think they keep Barbs out of top 10 due to limited hours and call it out for that being the reason.

Guess and Valentina's closed also there's a few more spots. Did bretts backyard close fully or reopen somewhere after getting booted 👀

Another thing is I think they do a bigger honorable mention area online and have blurbs for them as part of their guide to eating BBQ in Dallas, Houston, Austin, etc.

Anyone remember how long you have to be open to be eligible? That may bump some newer spots like Redbird off?

 

there should be two lists ....

1. places that cook one batch and sell out, only open 1 to 2 days a week 

2. places that run normal hours, serve lunch and dinner 

those are two completely different categories of cooking and skill 

4 minutes ago, NoName said:

I think if they bump Snows out of the top 10 it's going to be due to hours BUT don't think they do while Tootsie is still w us.

I will say I think they keep Barbs out of top 10 due to limited hours and call it out for that being the reason.

Guess and Valentina's closed also there's a few more spots. Did bretts backyard close fully or reopen somewhere after getting booted 👀

Another thing is I think they do a bigger honorable mention area online and have blurbs for them as part of their guide to eating BBQ in Dallas, Houston, Austin, etc.

Anyone remember how long you have to be open to be eligible? That may bump some newer spots like Redbird off?

 

I'm not sure if Snow's or Franklin will be bumped from the Top 10 or not, there are just some incredible barbecue joints that hit on all levels.  

Not sure if days and hours will be a reason to keep Barbs B Q out of the top 10.  Snow's has been there for years with 1-day a week.  Cattleack is only open 1 weekend day per month, otherwise just W, TH, F.

Brett's Backyard Barbecue is permanently closed.  Back in November, Brett said they got screwed on the lease, tried to do something else, and decided to go back to a real job.  While Valentina's is closed, Miguel Vidal is working at OG Familia Tex Mex BBQ in Manchaca.  I haven't been there, but I wouldn't be surprised if it makes the list.

Sunbird was on the 2023 Top 25 New list, albeit at a different location.  There used to be a metric that a joint had to be open two years, but they don't follow that any longer.  There were a few on the 2021 list that had been open less than a year and I want to say there was one less than 6 months. 

2 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

I'm not sure if Snow's or Franklin will be bumped from the Top 10 or not, there are just some incredible barbecue joints that hit on all levels.  

Not sure if days and hours will be a reason to keep Barbs B Q out of the top 10.  Snow's has been there for years with 1-day a week.  Cattleack is only open 1 weekend day per month, otherwise just W, TH, F.

Brett's Backyard Barbecue is permanently closed.  Back in November, Brett said they got screwed on the lease, tried to do something else, and decided to go back to a real job.  While Valentina's is closed, Miguel Vidal is working at OG Familia Tex Mex BBQ in Manchaca.  I haven't been there, but I wouldn't be surprised if it makes the list.

Sunbird was on the 2023 Top 25 New list, albeit at a different location.  There used to be a metric that a joint had to be open two years, but they don't follow that any longer.  There were a few on the 2021 list that had been open less than a year and I want to say there was one less than 6 months. 

Didn't realize that about Cattleack.

Sunbird moved from trailer to B&M so doubt that's held against them. At least one other location on last list did same thing and was on the list.

I'm fascinated to see the new list in June.

2 hours ago, tx 3 putt said:

there should be two lists ....

1. places that cook one batch and sell out, only open 1 to 2 days a week 

2. places that run normal hours, serve lunch and dinner 

those are two completely different categories of cooking and skill 

Genuinely agree with this.

The Hancock Center Pok-e-Jo's closed, so take them out of the Top 50 running.

  • Popular Post
On 5/2/2025 at 10:49 PM, Texzilla58 said:

Just get a location list for Dickey’s

A friend of mine is in upper management at Dickey’s corporate. He had a party at his house a couple of years ago. He had Pecan Lodge cater it. 

1 hour ago, luke duke said:

A friend of mine is in upper management at Dickey’s corporate. He had a party at his house a couple of years ago. He had Pecan Lodge cater it. 

From what I’ve read about Pecan Lodge lately, Dickey’s might be on par these days.

8 hours ago, luke duke said:

A friend of mine is in upper management at Dickey’s corporate. He had a party at his house a couple of years ago. He had Pecan Lodge cater it. 

 

you're that friend ?

On 5/6/2025 at 5:49 PM, tx 3 putt said:

truth isn't better than franklin's

 

On 5/6/2025 at 7:01 PM, jimmyjazz said:

*Franklin

Aaron Franklin's barbecue restaurant, Franklin Barbecue...

Went to Hurtado OG in Arlington again today with my boss from San Diego.  Everything on point today; this location remains superior to the other stores Brandon has opened.  
 

today the star of the show were the bacon burnt ends and the ribs. The Texas Twinkies are top shelf.   Brisket was good, and the jap cheddar sausage was as well.  Birria taco was killer, one of the best I’ve had.  Green beans with chorizo was ok but he should commit to cooking the hell out of them southern style and use a different seasoning meat and more onion. The elotes are so rich; they were fine but I dont like heavy sides with bbq. 

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hell yeah, i really enjoyed my trip to hurtado 

food and vibe were freaking great. same for the service too 

20 hours ago, GreenspointTexas said:

McKenzies BBQ, Conroe

 

 

IMG_3362.jpeg

 

beans look 'meh' 

What's the line situation at Franklin these days? School gets out in a couple of weeks and my son says he wants to go over there one day and eat. I know we can pre-order, but it sounds like he wants the line experience. I figure we'll bring some lawn chairs and play cards while we wait.

22 minutes ago, HornOnTheBayou said:

What's the line situation at Franklin these days? School gets out in a couple of weeks and my son says he wants to go over there one day and eat. I know we can pre-order, but it sounds like he wants the line experience. I figure we'll bring some lawn chairs and play cards while we wait.

Quality is same as always top 10 in the state good. 

6 hours ago, BurntOrange&White said:

Quality is same as always top 10 in the state good. 

I've got a similar plan while my son is living in Austin this summer.  Thinking I'll take a couple of days off and we'll wait in line on a Thursday.  Are we talking 7 a.m. arrival to get somewhere in the part of the line that definitely will be fed?

Edited by dcbc

7 hours ago, HornOnTheBayou said:

What's the line situation at Franklin these days? School gets out in a couple of weeks and my son says he wants to go over there one day and eat. I know we can pre-order, but it sounds like he wants the line experience. I figure we'll bring some lawn chairs and play cards while we wait.

 

16 minutes ago, dcbc said:

I've got a similar plan while my son is living in Austin this summer.  Thinking I'll take a couple of days off and we'll wait in line on a Thursday.  Are we talking 7 a.m. arrival to get somewhere in the part of the line that definitely will be fed?

Please order ahead, skip the line and then go taste at at a second place

Can order up to 42 days ahead of time, 5lb min order. A cooled and vac sealed brisket is about that many lbs and you can take it back to wife or father or brothers to share w them.

Seriously it's the most pro move in BBQ. The number of places worth waiting more than about 30 min for is very very short for me*

https://preorder.franklinbbq.com/

 

 

 

 

 

*L&L, Burnt Bean, Goldees, Interstellar

I'm sad I'll never make it back to Snows, I'm never going that early. Back in the day when I was single would drive 4 hr there and 4 hr back, wait like 45 min max, they wouldn't be sold out of anything and I'd have leftovers.

 

The good old days.

  • Popular Post
11 minutes ago, NoName said:

 

Please order ahead, skip the line and then go taste at at a second place

Can order up to 42 days ahead of time, 5lb min order. A cooled and vac sealed brisket is about that many lbs and you can take it back to wife or father or brothers to share w them.

Seriously it's the most pro move in BBQ. The number of places worth waiting more than about 30 min for is very very short for me*

https://preorder.franklinbbq.com/

 

 

 

 

 

*L&L, Burnt Bean, Goldees, Interstellar

I'm sad I'll never make it back to Snows, I'm never going that early. Back in the day when I was single would drive 4 hr there and 4 hr back, wait like 45 min max, they wouldn't be sold out of anything and I'd have leftovers.

 

The good old days.

That's good advice and, if I'd eaten there before, I'd go that route every time.  But as much as I like BBQ, this is more about doing something with my college-aged kid while he's barely, sort of a kid.  Ordering ahead certainly is a pro-move, but it ain't a memory.  I gotta do it once.

That's good advice and, if I'd eaten there before, I'd go that route every time.  But as much as I like BBQ, this is more about doing something with my college-aged kid while he's barely, sort of a kid.  Ordering ahead certainly is a pro-move, but it ain't a memory.  I gotta do it once.

My suggestion is a Tuesday. Lowest traffic day.
29 minutes ago, dcbc said:

That's good advice and, if I'd eaten there before, I'd go that route every time.  But as much as I like BBQ, this is more about doing something with my college-aged kid while he's barely, sort of a kid.  Ordering ahead certainly is a pro-move, but it ain't a memory.  I gotta do it once.

Yeah, this is my thought too. It's not about the food (well, it partially is), it's about making summer memories. We'll sit in our chairs, drink Dr Pepper, and play some games. 

3 hours ago, Brisketexan said:


My suggestion is a Tuesday. Lowest traffic day.

He's working on Tuesdays, unfortunately.

On 5/9/2025 at 7:28 PM, HornOnTheBayou said:

Yeah, this is my thought too. It's not about the food (well, it partially is), it's about making summer memories. We'll sit in our chairs, drink Dr Pepper, and play some games. 

So is real sugar Dr Pepper as hard to find elsewhere as it is in DFW?  I’m talking about the cans.

On 5/8/2025 at 10:31 PM, Texzilla58 said:

Went to Hurtado OG in Arlington again today with my boss from San Diego.  Everything on point today; this location remains superior to the other stores Brandon has opened.  
 

today the star of the show were the bacon burnt ends and the ribs. The Texas Twinkies are top shelf.   Brisket was good, and the jap cheddar sausage was as well.  Birria taco was killer, one of the best I’ve had.  Green beans with chorizo was ok but he should commit to cooking the hell out of them southern style and use a different seasoning meat and more onion. The elotes are so rich; they were fine but I dont like heavy sides with bbq. 

IMG_1536.jpeg

IMG_1535.jpeg

IMG_1534.jpeg

Absolutely correct.  Have been to the 8th avenue location in FW a few times and decided the drive over to Arlington was a better choice for quality and consistency.  Heim has the same issue imho as the Magnolia location is superior to the others, although the westside location is often easier to get served, parking is seldom a problem, and the restaurant has more space.

28 minutes ago, pch said:

Absolutely correct.  Have been to the 8th avenue location in FW a few times and decided the drive over to Arlington was a better choice for quality and consistency.  Heim has the same issue imho as the Magnolia location is superior to the others, although the westside location is often easier to get served, parking is seldom a problem, and the restaurant has more space.

That 8th ave location is cursed.  It ran Derek Allen and his smokin hot wife out of the industry. 
 

I worry about any change or expansion of a successful bbq joint, as they are rarely operated by experienced restaurateurs.  Adding evening hours, days of operation  new locations, debt,  all can be deadly to these places.  Heim and his wife burned out and sold out, Valentina’s flamed out, Derek Allen quit, the list is endless.  

23 minutes ago, royiv said:

Never heard of them, but the google reviews are solid. Where did you come across it?

 

the comments are funny 

 

On 5/7/2025 at 7:59 AM, tx 3 putt said:

there should be two lists ....

1. places that cook one batch and sell out, only open 1 to 2 days a week 

2. places that run normal hours, serve lunch and dinner 

those are two completely different categories of cooking and skill 

Fucking a. 
Went to Two Bros last weekend as it’s nearby the hospital we were at. It’s always a solid option. Certainly not elite but it’s fine.

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