News Summary
Texas barbecue is witnessing a significant surge in popularity, with Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin leading the charge. Both restaurants have seen an increase in customer turnout, with Burnt Bean Co. receiving notable national recognition. This trend reflects the evolving landscape of Texas barbecue and highlights its growing reputation in the culinary world. With high ambitions, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue aims for a Michelin Star, further elevating the Texas BBQ scene. The overall success of these establishments showcases the continuing evolution of barbecue in Texas.
Texas is witnessing a remarkable surge in business for its renowned barbecue establishments Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, following their strong rankings on the recent Southern Living list of the top 50 BBQ joints in the South. This success comes just under four months after Texas Monthly published its highly anticipated top 50 barbecue joints list, where both establishments garnered extensive attention and acclaim.
Burnt Bean Co. has surged to the top of the Texas BBQ scene, now holding the number one position. The popularity of the restaurant has resulted in incredibly long lines, with customers frequently waiting for their turn often stretching three blocks. This high demand speaks volumes about the restaurant’s appeal, which has become a household name in barbecue akin to other renowned culinary establishments in America.
In addition to Burnt Bean Co.’s dominance, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue has also benefited from increased foot traffic and customer interest following its mention in the Southern Living rankings. The restaurant has recorded some of the longest lines in its history, indicating a strong enthusiasm from both locals and visitors. This aligns with the usual seasonal trend where businesses experience slower periods between July 4 and Labor Day; however, this year, the decline was notably less pronounced than in previous years.
Both Burnt Bean Co. and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue maintain a rigorous focus on the quality of their food and customer service. The ongoing commitment to high standards in hospitality and culinary offerings is central to their growing reputations. LeRoy and Lewis aims to secure another Michelin Star in the upcoming guide, showcasing its ambition to uphold superior dining experiences. Achieving such recognition not only highlights the restaurant’s dedication but also its position within the competitive landscape of Texas barbecue.
Southern Living’s recent rankings revealed that Texas barbecue joints accounted for 17 spots in the prestigious top 50. However, it’s noteworthy that no establishments from San Antonio, such as 2M Smokehouse and Reese Bros, were included in this year’s list. The top overall position went to City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, S.C., with several Texas joints appearing in the top five, including ones from Austin and Lexington.
Reflecting on the rankings, Nathan Lewis of LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue humorously noted a perceived bias in the evaluation process, suggesting that Texas establishments might have faced an unofficial deduction in points due to the creator’s preferences. This lighthearted observation underscores the competitive nature of barbecue acclaim. The last Southern Living barbecue rankings were published in 2023, and since then, the culinary landscape has changed significantly, with some previously recognized locations closing while others have evolved or expanded their offerings.
Within Texas, notable barbecue hotspots include Lockhart, Arlington, and Dallas, solidifying the state’s reputation for exceptional barbecue culture. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue made strides in the recent rankings, moving from 26th place in 2023 to 5th place in 2025, following its relocation from a food truck to a dedicated building. This transition has allowed the restaurant to cater to an even larger audience and emphasize quality service.
Other recognized establishments like Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington also made it onto the Southern Living list, with the latter drawing crowds despite only operating on Saturdays. The success of Burnt Bean Co. and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue illustrates not just their individual achievements but also the ongoing evolution and recognition of Texas barbecue within the broader Southern culinary landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Texas Monthly: Southern Living Top BBQ Joints in Texas
- Wikipedia: Texas Barbecue
- Express-News: Texas Barbecue List Rankings
- Google Search: Texas Barbecue
- Chronicle: Houston Barbecue Trends
- Google Scholar: Texas Barbecue
- Oregon Live: Michelin Starred Texas Barbecue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Southern Living: Top BBQ Joints 2025
- Google News: Texas Barbecue News
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
