In early 2021, I caught a local San Antonio news segment featuring a new BBQ spot in Seguin called Burnt Bean Co. The host lifted a piece of brisket, performed the pull-apart test, and took a bite. I remember the look in his eyes, it was different, like his tastebuds had been blessed with the most amazing bite of BBQ ever. That moment sealed it for me. I had to try this place for myself.
First Impressions at Burnt Bean Co.
When I drove out to Seguin, I had a plan: order brisket, sausage, and a side. But pitmaster and co-owner Ernest Servantes greeted me personally and suggested the Berkshire pork instead. “Trust me,” he said. I did, and it turned out to be the best decision of the day.
The restaurant itself, located at 108 S Austin Street, Seguin, TX, is the real deal. Wood-paneled walls, communal tables, and the aroma of post oak smoke set the stage. Be prepared for a line as people travel far for this BBQ, and the food is worth the wait.
Meet the Pitmasters
Burnt Bean Co. is the vision of Ernest Servantes and Dave Kirkland, two decorated pitmasters with deep competition BBQ roots. Their pedigree shows in every detail, from the precise bark on the brisket to the creative flair in the sides. They’ve combined Central Texas tradition with chef-driven creativity, and the results are unforgettable.
The Food That Stole the Show
Berkshire Pork
That Berkshire pork Ernest recommended? It was hands-down the juiciest, most flavorful pork I’ve ever tasted in a BBQ joint. Perfect balance of smoke, fat, and tenderness… it melted in my mouth yet kept enough structure to remind me this was premium meat.
House-Made Sausage
The sausage snapped with every bite. Balanced seasoning, smoky depth, and a casing that popped just right. Paired with their house pickles and mustard, it was a perfect bite.
Scratch-Made Sides
Burnt Bean Co. doesn’t treat sides like afterthoughts. They’re crafted with as much care as the meats:
- Brisket Beans: Rich, smoky, and packed with depth.
- Mac & Cheese: Comfort food perfection.
- Elote-Style Creamed Corn: Tex-Mex influence with zesty character.
- Potato Salad: Mustard-based with just the right tang.
My Moment of Vindication
After tasting the food, I told my friends and family that Burnt Bean Co. was destined to make the Texas Monthly Top 50 list in 2021. Many doubted me, but I stood by my gut. Months later, I got a call: “Have you seen the list?” Sure enough, Burnt Bean Co. was there.
That was a moment of pure vindication. Years of obsessing over BBQ, reading, traveling, tasting, and recreating it, had trained me for this. I was right, and Burnt Bean Co. earned its place among the best.
Recognition & Awards
Since then, Burnt Bean Co. hasn’t just made waves, it’s dominated:
- Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints (#4 in 2021 & #1 in 2025).
- Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, recognizing both quality and value.
- National features in Esquire and other major publications.
The lines out the door confirm this is a destination BBQ joint.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. Burnt Bean Co. is more than hype; it’s proof that passion, skill, and respect for BBQ tradition create something unforgettable. From Berkshire pork to brisket, sausage, and sides, every plate tells a story.
Pro Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early: They sell out fast.
- Expect a line: The wait is part of the experience.
- Be flexible: If Ernest recommends something, say yes.
- Bring friends: More mouths mean more dishes to sample.
If you love Texas BBQ, make Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin a priority stop.
