River drive days along the Leon can make Belton feel like a pause between bigger places. The town has enough options to keep things interesting, but the best move is still to pick one stop and lean in. Come hungry and keep your order focused.

Miller's Smokehouse is a steady call for brisket when you want a clean slice and a clear line. Schoepf's Bbq can cover ribs and a simple plate that fits a group. Clem Mikeska's Bar-B-Q Belton brings that classic barbecue restaurant rhythm when you want something familiar.

Build a BBQ plate lunch around brisket, then add smoked sausage for contrast. Post oak and oak heavy smoke tend to fit this part of Central Texas. Eat earlier if you can, since the best trays move fast when the weekend crowd shows up.