We all know how controversial picking a "best of barbecue" list can be. Surf a few BBQ blogs in the Lone Star State and you'll be entertained for hours. Outside of religion and football, it's a close third for spirited and emotional discussion, to say the least. Folks in Texas take their BBQ very, very seriously.
That being said, the Texas BBQ Posse is publishing our "2010 Best in Texas BBQ" picks.
Disclaimer: We have not gone to every joint in Texas, that would take years. Thanks to our friend Daniel Vaughn and his Full Custom Gospel BBQ blog, we were able to narrow down the places we visited around the state over the past year. We are swimming in your wake Daniel and thank you so much for blazing the trail of Texas BBQ for us and thousands of others.
We have not gone to Houston, that will come in 2011, but we stand by our picks as representing some of the best BBQ you will ever eat, not just in Texas but in the entire country.
Here's the Texas BBQ Posse's list for "2010 Best in Texas BBQ":
Best Brisket: Franklin BBQ, Austin. "Neck and neck with Snow's on taste and tenderness but Franklin's crusty crust makes the difference."
Best Ribs - pork: Kreuz Market, Lockhart. "A little spice makes these stand out from the rest."
Best Ribs - beef: Louie Mueller Barbecue, Taylor. "No contest, it's like a pot roast on a stick."
Best Sausage: Longoria's BBQ, Everman. "Longoria's brisket sausage, very unusual and very tasty."
Best Pork - pulled or other: Snow's BBQ, Lexington. "The pork might be the best thing on their menu."
Best Turkey: Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, Tyler. "Listen to the recommendations of the locals."
Best Chicken: Off the Bone, Fort Worth. "It was just the right texture and smoky flavor, and not the least bit dry….which is ordinarily the characteristic I note with chicken."
Best service: Loco Coyote Cafe, Glen Rose. "Our waiter steered us toward some great ribs and made sure our beer bucket was always full.
Best BBQ Joint-DFW: Baby Back Shak, Dallas. "It's a totally cool joint with great service and prices, also the best ribs in DFW."
Best BBQ Joint-Texas: Snow's BBQ, Lexington. "Smelling the sweet burning oak while sitting outdoors under the old original tin metal shed brings the entire BBQ experience to life. You can watch a couple of true pit masters practice their craft every Saturday morning, that's as good as it gets on the Texas BBQ trail."
Now that we've let you know what the Posse thinks, let us know your favorites. You can comment on our blog or on the Posse facebook page. On behalf of the Texas BBQ Posse, thanks for your support over the past year and always remember, "Let the meat speak for itself!"
Photos by Tom Fox-Loco Coyote, Chris Wilkins-Snow's BBQ & Gary Barber-Louie Mueller BBQ, top to bottom