Your Smoky, Meaty, Mouthwatering BBQ Travel Guide Across the Lone Star State
Ready to Hit the Road (and the Smokehouses)?
If you’re a meat lover, foodie, or adventure-seeker, there is nothing quite like a Texas BBQ road trip. From the brisket temples of Central Texas to the saucy traditions of East Texas, this guide helps you plan the ultimate BBQ crawl across the Lone Star State.
ExploringBBQ.com has you covered with BBQ Joint listings, maps, and resources so you can find exactly where to stop, what to expect, and how to plan your route. And when you finish your meal, don’t forget to drop a comment on the BBQ Joint’s page to help fellow travelers know what to order, when to arrive, and what you thought.
Planning Your BBQ Road Trip
Texas is big, so planning is key. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Lines & Timing: Top joints sell out early. Plan to arrive before opening.
- Open Days: Some joints are closed early in the week. Always check hours.
- Travel Time: Space out stops so you have time to digest and enjoy.
- Sharing Plates: Order small portions so you can try more than one place in a day.
- Resources: Use ExploringBBQ.com’s directory to see details, reviews, and insider tips for each stop. While you’re there, add your own feedback so others can plan smarter.
Classic Texas BBQ Routes
1. Central Texas Crawl: The BBQ Capital
Route: Austin → Lockhart → Luling → Taylor
- Austin: LeRoy and Lewis, Intersteller BBQ, Franklin Barbecue, Mum Foods
- Lockhart: Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market, Black’s BBQ, Barbs B Q
- Luling: City Market, Luling Bar-B-Q
- Taylor: Louie Mueller Barbecue
Why Go? This is Texas BBQ royalty. Central Texas is the land of pepper-crusted brisket, smoky sausage, and legendary pits.
👉 Been to any of these? Share your thoughts and experiences on their ExploringBBQ.com joint pages so future travelers know where to head first.
2. East Texas Smoke & Sauce Tour
Route: Dallas → Tyler → Jefferson
- Dallas: The Slow Bone, Pecan Lodge
- Tyler: Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q, Texas Best Smokehouse
- Jefferson: Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Q
- Ft. Worth: Goldee’s BBQ, Panther City BBQ, Brown’s Backyard BBQ
Why Go? East Texas is known for saucier meats, chopped beef sandwiches, and hearty sides with soul-food roots.
💬 Tried the sauce at one of these joints? Jump into the comments on the joint’s page and let others know how it compares.
3. Hill Country Heatwave
Route: San Antonio → Fredericksburg → Llano
- San Antonio: 2M Smokehouse, Reese Bros Barbecue, Curry Boys BBQ
- Fredericksburg: Backwoods BBQ, David’s Old Fashioned Pit BBQ
- Llano: Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Why Go? Scenic drives, small-town pits, and a mix of German, Mexican, and Texan influences.
👉 Share your BBQ road trip stories directly on the joint pages. Was it the scenery, the sausage, or the pitmaster’s hospitality that made it memorable?
4. Houston & The Gulf Coast BBQ Run
Route: Houston → Pearland → Galveston
- Houston: Truth BBQ, The Pit Room, Pinkerton’s Barbecue
- Pearland: Killen’s Barbecue
- Galveston: Queen’s Bar-B-Que
Why Go? Houston blends Texas tradition with international flavors, while the Gulf Coast adds seafood and coastal vibes.
💬 Tried something unique in Houston or Galveston? Share it on the BBQ Joint page so others can add it to their order list.
What to Pack: BBQ Road Trip Essentials
- Insulated Cooler for leftovers and to-go meat
- Ice packs or dry ice for long days
- Wet wipes and paper towels (it’s going to get messy)
- Reusable utensils and cutting board for parking lot meals
- Antacids for the long haul
- Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
- Portable chairs if you’re waiting in line
- Playlist and BBQ Journal to document the journey
Where to Stay
Plan your stays near BBQ hubs to avoid long backtracking. ExploringBBQ.com recommends:
- Lockhart hotels and inns for Central Texas crawls
- East Texas cabins and B&Bs for a relaxed vibe
- San Antonio & Hill Country stays for BBQ and wine country
- Houston hotels for a city-and-coast combo
Apps & Resources for BBQ Travelers
- ExploringBBQ.com Directory: Find joints, reviews, and maps
- Texas Monthly BBQ Finder: Quick access to Top 50 joints
- Google Maps with starred favorites
- Roadtrippers app for scenic stops along the way
Final Thoughts: Chase the Smoke, Embrace the Journey
A Texas BBQ road trip is not just about eating. It is about the people you meet in line, the small towns you drive through, and the pitmasters who welcome you into their smokehouses.
Use ExploringBBQ.com to plan your stops, pack smart, and give yourself time to enjoy the journey. And when you finish your plate, leave a review on that BBQ Joint’s page. Your tips on what to order, when to go, and what stood out could be the deciding factor for the next hungry traveler.
So gas up, grab your cooler, and follow the smoke.
This is the Lone Star State.
This is BBQ country.
