The history of Texas barbecue goes back more than a century, but lately most of the joints you hear about are newcomers to the scene.
There has never been more exciting new barbecue (BBQ) in Texas, and much of that excitement has to do with new BBQ spots popping up all over the state. Still, it’s important to pay tribute to the historic joints where Texas BBQ’s story truly begins. If Texas BBQ is conquering the world, it’s only because these new folks have stood on the shoulders of BBQ giants. Join us as we take a historical tour of Texas BBQ, visiting some of the oldest joints in the state, where the pits still burn as brightly as ever.
Southside Market
Southside Market claims to be the oldest joint in the state, which puts it in the running for oldest BBQ joint in the world. The quaint town of Elgin (about 25 miles east of Austin) is known as the “Sausage Capital of Texas.” Bryan Brycewell, owner of Southside Market, says their “hot guts” sausage recipe hasn’t changed in 135 years. “Hot Guts” sausage is a quintessentially Texas-style sausage made from coarsely ground beef, heavenly seasoned with black pepper, and smoked until the pork casing breaks with a satisfying snap when you bite into it.
Smitty’s Market
This classic joint was established in 1999, but it’s in the same Lockhart building Kreuz Market inhabited for most of the 20th century. Smitty’s was founded by the daughter of the man who bought Kreuz Market in 1948 and offers all the delicious BBQ standards (brisket, beef clod, sausage, ribs, pork chops) served up in twisted pink butcher paper, just as they always have. Smitty’s has the ambiance of a spot that’s been around forever as well — when you walk into the joint the first sight is a log smoking in an exposed pit right behind the meat cutting counter.
Truth BBQ
With locations in Brenham and Houston, Truth BBQ is known for keeping Texas barbecue true to its origins while adding a touch of modern excellence. Pitmaster Leonard Botello IV has earned national acclaim for his expertly smoked brisket, tender ribs, and decadent homemade cakes. Each bite reflects a dedication to preserving the time-honored traditions of Central Texas barbecue, from the slow smoking process to the perfectly seasoned cuts of meat. Despite being a newer name on the scene, Truth BBQ has quickly earned its place in Texas barbecue history, blending reverence for tradition with a passion for perfection.
Louie Mueller Barbecue
The influence of Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor can be felt all across Texas. Known as the “Cathedral of BBQ” for its lofty, smoke-stained ceilings, this joint has been serving up small-town Central Texas BBQ since 1949. They’re most famous for their smoked beef rib and house-made sausage, but you can’t go wrong with any of the meats here. In many ways, this is the joint that launched a thousand smokers. Come eat here and you’ll see how Texas barbecue gained the reputation it has today.
Black’s Barbecue
Just around the corner from Kreuz, and steps from the historic Lockhart square, Black’s Barbecue is famous for being the oldest joint in Texas run by the same family. Four generations of Blacks have manned the pits since 1932. Like many of these great old joints, there’s a lot of photos and memorabilia to take in as you wait in line for lunch. You can’t go wrong with anything at Black’s, whether you prefer brisket, pork ribs, or their own take on Texas sausage, but if you want a one-of-a-kind indulgence, don’t miss their gargantuan smoked beef ribs.
While you are in Lockhart, also worth checking out are Terry Black’s BBQ, a spot run by a member of the Black family, as well as Barbs B Q, Lockhart’s newest BBQ locale.
Kreuz Market
After the Sausage Capital of Texas, move on to Lockhart, which was declared the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” in 2003. Barbecue is often a family affair, and four of the joints here most rooted in history hail from only two families. The story of these family’s “beefs” are for another day, but the beef they serve is as legendary as it is historic. The history of barbecue in Lockhart goes back to 1900. Besides its selection of beef clod, brisket, sausage, and ribs, Kreuz is famous for being the oldest joint in Lockhart.
