We Texans know the most amazing restaurants can be found in our smallest towns, and that especially rings true with barbecue. These 11 eateries might be nothing more than blips on the map, but they dish out some of the biggest flavors imaginable. Keep reading to see the juiciest, most tender meat in the Lone Star State. Who’s ready for some small town BBQ in Texas?
- Miller’s Smokehouse (Belton)
Google/David W.
Google/Miller’s Smokeouse Evolving from a taxidermy shop to renowned barbecue restaurant in less than five years, Miller’s has remained a humble family business despite the seemingly overnight fame. The menu is simple: brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, turkey, and chicken are all sold by the pound. Several signature sandwiches feature these fall-off-the-bone tender meats in addition to perfectly-paired toppings like corn chips, slaw, pickles, and onions. Address: 300 East Central Avenue, Belton, TX 76513. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Truth BBQ (Brenham)
Google/The Legend
Google/Ormand Deen Truth BBQ has a second location in Houston, but its roots stem from the tiny town of Brenham. It offers brisket, turkey, pork ribs (plus beef on Sundays), pulled pork, and sausage; all slow-smoked to juicy, flavorful perfection. Don’t pass up the mouthwatering sides like corn pudding and tater tot casserole, or a thick slice of cake to round out the meal. Address: 2990 US-290, Brenham, TX 77833. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Payne’s Bar-B-Q Shak (Burnet)
Google/Bernie Davies
Google/Biling Hsu Editor’s note: Unfortunately, this restaurant has closed.This unassuming little trailer is one of the Hill Country’s most hidden gems. Friendly staff, minimal lines, and the moistest brisket on planet earth - what more could you ask for? Address: 616 Buchanan Drive, Burnet, TX 78611. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
- 4-T’s Bar-B-Q & Catering (Forney)
Facebook/4-T’s Bar-B-Q & Catering
TripAdvisor/4-T’s Bar-B-Q & Catering Many people don’t even know where the city of Forney is, let alone that it’s home to amazing barbecue. This husband & wife endeavor has been serving hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, turkey, mild + jalapeno sausage, and hot links since 2003. Get yours on a sandwich or loaded baked potato to really spice things up - oh, and don’t forget an order of pork belly burnt ends and slice of homemade pecan pie. Address: 205 West Broad Street, Forney, TX 75126. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Baker Boys BBQ (Gonzales)
Google/Scott Sandlin
Google/Jonathan Naizer Owner Wayne Baker grew up in Luling, where weekends were spent chowing down on BBQ at City Market. Decades later, he and his father decided to try their hand at the craft and open up a restaurant. A charcoal smoker churns out generous portions of brisket, turkey breast, and several other offerings. Don’t skip out on the sauce - it actually compliments the meat here. Address: 1404 Sarah DeWitt Drive, Gonzales, TX 78629. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
- Blue Moon BBQ (Hearne)
Google/Daniel Ragsdale
Google/Johnathan Kulow A post oak fire roars to life at 4 a.m. here in the tiny town of Hearne, smoking choice cuts of meat for seven hours before customers start pouring in. Whether chopped beef, pork loin, or sausage is your jam, rest-assured it’s on the menu. In the mood for something different? Try the nachos or a thick slice of cowboy cornbread - yum! Address: 18746 East OSR, Hearne, TX 77859. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Heavy’s Barbecue (Hondo)
TripAdvisor/Napunani
TripAdvisor/Ronnie M. Aptly named, Heavy’s serves up incredibly generous portions of beef, sausage, turkey, chicken, and pork ribs. The pit is just outside, surrounded by picnic tables where families gather and watch their meal being cooked. Family Packs are also available if you have lots of mouths to feed! Address: 1301 19th Street, Hondo, TX 78861. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Cue (Jefferson)
Google/Zomato.com
Google/Eric Matlock Hiding way up in the East Texas Piney Woods, this charming downtown dig serves up barbecue second-to-none. Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and everything else is equally mouthwatering. Oh, and that delicious mess in the top left corner? “Swamp Fries:” smothered in cheese, onions, jalapenos, and either pulled pork or brisket. Definitely a must-try. Address: 201 N Polk Street, Jefferson, TX 75657. To learn more, visit their website here.
- Smolik’s Smokehouse (Mathis)
Google/Daniel Rodriguez
Google/Belinda Rodriguez The Smolik family has been smoking barbecue for nearly a century, and their expertise is evident after just one bite. Czech sausage, brisket, pork & beef ribs, chicken, burgers, and steak are slow-smoked and seasoned to perfection. There’s also a meat market and full bakery! Address: 10541 North TX-359, Mathis, TX 78368. To learn more, visit their website here.
- The Smoking Oak (Mercedes)
Google/Corey Taylor
Google/Tracy Smith This hidden gem is notoriously hard to find, but worth the search a million times over. Everything is cooked perfectly, BBQ sauce is just the right balance of sweet and spicy, and desserts serve as a perfect final act. Address: 2626, 546 Hidalgo Street, Mercedes, TX 78570. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
- Harris Bar-B-Que (Waxahachie)
Google/Dave Peterson
Google/Dave Peterson You’ll never have a bad meal at this little red barn. While everything is of the highest quality, the brisket has been named Waxahachie’s best time and time again. Plus, owner Mr. Harris is always an absolute pleasure to meet. Address: 220 US-77, Waxahachie, TX 75165. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
How many of these restaurants have you been to? What’s your favorite place to get small town BBQ in Texas? Let us know in the comments below! For more amazing small-town eateries, check out our previous article: 10 Mom & Pop Restaurants In Texas That Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For.
Google/David W.
Google/Miller’s Smokeouse
Evolving from a taxidermy shop to renowned barbecue restaurant in less than five years, Miller’s has remained a humble family business despite the seemingly overnight fame. The menu is simple: brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork, turkey, and chicken are all sold by the pound. Several signature sandwiches feature these fall-off-the-bone tender meats in addition to perfectly-paired toppings like corn chips, slaw, pickles, and onions. Address: 300 East Central Avenue, Belton, TX 76513. To learn more, visit their website here.
Google/The Legend
Google/Ormand Deen
Truth BBQ has a second location in Houston, but its roots stem from the tiny town of Brenham. It offers brisket, turkey, pork ribs (plus beef on Sundays), pulled pork, and sausage; all slow-smoked to juicy, flavorful perfection. Don’t pass up the mouthwatering sides like corn pudding and tater tot casserole, or a thick slice of cake to round out the meal. Address: 2990 US-290, Brenham, TX 77833. To learn more, visit their website here.
Google/Bernie Davies
Google/Biling Hsu
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, this restaurant has closed.This unassuming little trailer is one of the Hill Country’s most hidden gems. Friendly staff, minimal lines, and the moistest brisket on planet earth - what more could you ask for? Address: 616 Buchanan Drive, Burnet, TX 78611. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Facebook/4-T’s Bar-B-Q & Catering
TripAdvisor/4-T’s Bar-B-Q & Catering
Many people don’t even know where the city of Forney is, let alone that it’s home to amazing barbecue. This husband & wife endeavor has been serving hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, turkey, mild + jalapeno sausage, and hot links since 2003. Get yours on a sandwich or loaded baked potato to really spice things up - oh, and don’t forget an order of pork belly burnt ends and slice of homemade pecan pie. Address: 205 West Broad Street, Forney, TX 75126. To learn more, visit their website here.
Google/Scott Sandlin
Google/Jonathan Naizer
Owner Wayne Baker grew up in Luling, where weekends were spent chowing down on BBQ at City Market. Decades later, he and his father decided to try their hand at the craft and open up a restaurant. A charcoal smoker churns out generous portions of brisket, turkey breast, and several other offerings. Don’t skip out on the sauce - it actually compliments the meat here. Address: 1404 Sarah DeWitt Drive, Gonzales, TX 78629. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Google/Daniel Ragsdale
Google/Johnathan Kulow
A post oak fire roars to life at 4 a.m. here in the tiny town of Hearne, smoking choice cuts of meat for seven hours before customers start pouring in. Whether chopped beef, pork loin, or sausage is your jam, rest-assured it’s on the menu. In the mood for something different? Try the nachos or a thick slice of cowboy cornbread - yum! Address: 18746 East OSR, Hearne, TX 77859. To learn more, visit their website here.
TripAdvisor/Napunani
TripAdvisor/Ronnie M.
Aptly named, Heavy’s serves up incredibly generous portions of beef, sausage, turkey, chicken, and pork ribs. The pit is just outside, surrounded by picnic tables where families gather and watch their meal being cooked. Family Packs are also available if you have lots of mouths to feed! Address: 1301 19th Street, Hondo, TX 78861. To learn more, visit their website here.
Google/Zomato.com
Google/Eric Matlock
Hiding way up in the East Texas Piney Woods, this charming downtown dig serves up barbecue second-to-none. Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, and everything else is equally mouthwatering. Oh, and that delicious mess in the top left corner? “Swamp Fries:” smothered in cheese, onions, jalapenos, and either pulled pork or brisket. Definitely a must-try. Address: 201 N Polk Street, Jefferson, TX 75657. To learn more, visit their website here.
Google/Daniel Rodriguez
Google/Belinda Rodriguez
The Smolik family has been smoking barbecue for nearly a century, and their expertise is evident after just one bite. Czech sausage, brisket, pork & beef ribs, chicken, burgers, and steak are slow-smoked and seasoned to perfection. There’s also a meat market and full bakery! Address: 10541 North TX-359, Mathis, TX 78368. To learn more, visit their website here.
Google/Corey Taylor
Google/Tracy Smith
This hidden gem is notoriously hard to find, but worth the search a million times over. Everything is cooked perfectly, BBQ sauce is just the right balance of sweet and spicy, and desserts serve as a perfect final act. Address: 2626, 546 Hidalgo Street, Mercedes, TX 78570. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
Google/Dave Peterson
You’ll never have a bad meal at this little red barn. While everything is of the highest quality, the brisket has been named Waxahachie’s best time and time again. Plus, owner Mr. Harris is always an absolute pleasure to meet. Address: 220 US-77, Waxahachie, TX 75165. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 300 E Central Ave, Belton, TX 76513, USAAddress: 2990 US-290, Brenham, TX 77833, USAAddress: 616 Buchanan Dr, Burnet, TX 78611, USAAddress: 205 W Broad St, Forney, TX 75126, USAAddress: 1404 Sarah DeWitt Dr, Gonzales, TX 78629, USAAddress: 18746 E Osr, Hearne, TX 77859, USAAddress: 1301 19th St, Hondo, TX 78861, USAAddress: 201 N Polk St, Jefferson, TX 75657, USAAddress: 10541 TX-359, Mathis, TX 78368, USAAddress: 546 Hidalgo St, Mercedes, TX 78570, USAAddress: 220 US-77, Waxahachie, TX 75165, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
small town BBQ in Texas June 17, 2020 Elisa Regulski Where can I find the best BBQ in Texas? Barbecue, like many things, is highly subjective. Some people willingly wait hours in line for tender brisket from Franklin Barbecue. Others prefer the humble atmosphere from small town restaurants in Texas. No matter where you decide to get BBQ in the Lone Star State, though, you’re almost certain to be impressed. If there’s one thing Texans do well, it’s smoking meat. What are the best places to get comfort food in Texas? If you’re craving a heaping plate of country cookin’, visit Lillie Mae’s Comfort Food in Manor, Texas. From the boiled shrimp to the fried chicken, everything is finger-licking good. Bring your appetite and gather up the family. These meals are giant, and they’re best enjoyed with people you love. For more delicious eats, visit Bird Bird Biscuit in Austin. This bright and cheery eatery specializes in fried chicken biscuits, and they’re to-die-for. What are the best small town restaurants in Texas? Mary’s Cafe, located in Strawn, is one of the best small town restaurants in Texas. There’s not much in this tiny town, but people flock here for Mary’s chicken fried steak. Served with a heaping portion of creamy pepper gravy, this dish is an absolute winner. For more small town eats, visit OST Restaurant in Bandera. This diner has delighted visitors for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Their delicious pies and friendly service keep people coming back again and again.
The OIYS Visitor Center
small town BBQ in Texas
June 17, 2020
Elisa Regulski
Where can I find the best BBQ in Texas? Barbecue, like many things, is highly subjective. Some people willingly wait hours in line for tender brisket from Franklin Barbecue. Others prefer the humble atmosphere from small town restaurants in Texas. No matter where you decide to get BBQ in the Lone Star State, though, you’re almost certain to be impressed. If there’s one thing Texans do well, it’s smoking meat. What are the best places to get comfort food in Texas? If you’re craving a heaping plate of country cookin’, visit Lillie Mae’s Comfort Food in Manor, Texas. From the boiled shrimp to the fried chicken, everything is finger-licking good. Bring your appetite and gather up the family. These meals are giant, and they’re best enjoyed with people you love. For more delicious eats, visit Bird Bird Biscuit in Austin. This bright and cheery eatery specializes in fried chicken biscuits, and they’re to-die-for. What are the best small town restaurants in Texas? Mary’s Cafe, located in Strawn, is one of the best small town restaurants in Texas. There’s not much in this tiny town, but people flock here for Mary’s chicken fried steak. Served with a heaping portion of creamy pepper gravy, this dish is an absolute winner. For more small town eats, visit OST Restaurant in Bandera. This diner has delighted visitors for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Their delicious pies and friendly service keep people coming back again and again.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Barbecue, like many things, is highly subjective. Some people willingly wait hours in line for tender brisket from Franklin Barbecue. Others prefer the humble atmosphere from small town restaurants in Texas. No matter where you decide to get BBQ in the Lone Star State, though, you’re almost certain to be impressed. If there’s one thing Texans do well, it’s smoking meat.
What are the best places to get comfort food in Texas?
If you’re craving a heaping plate of country cookin’, visit Lillie Mae’s Comfort Food in Manor, Texas. From the boiled shrimp to the fried chicken, everything is finger-licking good. Bring your appetite and gather up the family. These meals are giant, and they’re best enjoyed with people you love. For more delicious eats, visit Bird Bird Biscuit in Austin. This bright and cheery eatery specializes in fried chicken biscuits, and they’re to-die-for.
What are the best small town restaurants in Texas?
Mary’s Cafe, located in Strawn, is one of the best small town restaurants in Texas. There’s not much in this tiny town, but people flock here for Mary’s chicken fried steak. Served with a heaping portion of creamy pepper gravy, this dish is an absolute winner. For more small town eats, visit OST Restaurant in Bandera. This diner has delighted visitors for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Their delicious pies and friendly service keep people coming back again and again.
