Ahead of National Barbecue Day, Yelp released its list of the Top 10 Cities for BBQ in the U.S., and 2 Texas cities top the list. While that’s no surprise, the two they chose might leave you puzzled. 

You could make the argument that barbecue is the food we Texans take the most pride in. Sure, you could make a good case for Tex-Mex, steaks, and burgers. But for my money, barbecue reigns supreme in the Lone Star State. 

The great thing about living here is that you don’t have to travel far to find great barbecue. You can score some good brisket, ribs, turkey, or whatever you’re craving in every big city, small town, or backyard across Texas. 

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READ NEXT: Outsiders Are Confused by This Texas Cuisine

But, of course, there are certain regions that stand out. Take the Austin area, for instance. Franklin Barbecue in Austin and Kreuz Market in Lockhart are consistently ranked among the best barbecue joints in the nation. So, it’s no wonder Austin was ranked the Number 1 barbecue city in America.

The second-best city for barbecue is the one I found to be surprising. I figured it would be Houston, as I constantly hear about some great barbecue places in the Bayou City. But no, it’s San Antonio. I’m sure there’s plenty of great barbecue there, but I’ve always equated San Antonio with great Mexican food.

That said, the key takeaway for this old boy is that I need to be on the hunt for some barbecue the next time I’m in that neck of the woods.

How Many of These Essential Texas Foods Have You Had?

Traces of Texas got a interesting debate going on. Can you be a True Texan if you haven't had these fifty foods. Here are how many you have needed to have to be a True Texan
  • 1-13 Born and Raised in California
  • 14-26 From Oklahoma
  • 27-39 True Texan
  • Anything over 40 Texas Flag Waving Texan
Check out the full fifty below and let me know which ones you have never had.

Gallery Credit: Stryker

COMPLETE LIST: The Delicious Texas BBQ Joints at Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival '25

Over the past decade, we've had the opportunity to bring so many great bands to Tyler: Whiskey Myers, Randy Rogers Band, Turnpike Troubadours, Josh Abbott Band, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Koe Wetzel, Robert Earl Keen, and more.

And who can forget all of the great BBQ? Check out who we've got coming in 2025.

8 Meats That Are Illegal to BBQ in Texas

Listen, not that we think you’d ever actually want to throw any of these on the grill—but if you did, know you'd be breaking the law and could face some serious fines or even jail time.

Gallery Credit: Jordan Verge