Texas Cities Claim Top Two Spots on New ‘Best BBQ Cities in U.S.’ List
TEXAS — When it comes to barbecue, the Lone Star State continues to set the standard. A newly released Yelp list of the “Top 10 Cities for BBQ in the U.S.” has crowned Austin and San Antonio as the top two barbecue destinations in the country — cementing Texas’s reputation as the undisputed capital of smoked meats.
Austin Takes No. 1
According to Yelp’s rankings, Austin earned the top spot thanks to its combination of legendary brisket houses, creative seasoning techniques, and innovative pitmasters. Diners rave about the expertly smoked brisket, unique rubs, and flavor-packed ribs found across the city. Yelp highlighted Jim’s Smokehouse as one of the city’s highest-rated spots, praised for both quality and consistency.
San Antonio Lands at No. 2
Just behind Austin, San Antonio came in second, spotlighting the city’s diversity of barbecue options. From traditional Texas-style brisket to bold fusion menus, Yelp noted that food trucks like Curry Boys BBQ, Brisket Boys, and Cake-N-Que showcase the creative energy fueling San Antonio’s barbecue boom. This blend of classic and experimental styles pushed San Antonio into the top tier nationally.
Other Cities on the List
While Texas swept the top two spots, other barbecue destinations rounded out the top 10:
- 3. Kansas City, Kansas – Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
- 4. Memphis, Tennessee – Elwood’s Shack
- 5. Charleston, South Carolina – Lewis Barbecue
- 6. Greenville, South Carolina – Smoky Dreams BBQ
- 7. Honolulu, Hawaii – Ty’s BBQ and Grill
- 8. Tulsa, Oklahoma – Alpha Grill BBQ
- 9. Durham, North Carolina – Moe’s Original BBQ
- 10. Nashville, Tennessee – The Ridge Nashville
Together, these cities reflect the regional depth of barbecue culture across the U.S., but none matched the dominance of Texas.
Author’s POV
As someone who’s spent time chasing brisket trails across Texas, it’s no surprise to me that Austin and San Antonio topped the list. Austin has long been known as a mecca for barbecue purists, while San Antonio is proving that innovation and tradition can thrive together. From the smoky backyard vibe of Austin to the food truck creativity in San Antonio, the results only confirm what Texans already know: when it comes to barbecue, we’re on top.
What’s your go-to BBQ spot in Texas — a legendary brisket joint in Austin or a San Antonio food truck with bold flavors? Share your picks in the comments, and keep following CityScoopNow.com for more on Texas’s food scene.