Demonstrating Austin’s exceptional barbecue scene, two of the city’s joints have secured spots in Texas Monthly’s top 10. Texas Monthly released its “Top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas” 2025 list recently, and Austin is well represented. One place from Austin has claimed the No. 2 spot, solidifying its place at the top of the Lone Star State’s BBQ scene.
Highlights
- Two BBQ Joints from Austin have made it to the top 10 of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas 2025 list.
- One of the joints has been ranked in second place, putting Austin’s BBQ scene in the spotlight.
- The review noted how Texas’s barbecue scene is evolving and getting better, as new varieties are constantly being introduced.
Austin Fires Up the Flavor: Two Local BBQ Joints Make Texas Top 10
Tender brisket, juicy sausages, rich pork belly, and hearty sides – Austin offers some of the best, says Texas Monthly.
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue At No. 2
Founded as a food truck in 2017, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue has ascended to the forefront of Texas’s barbecue scene. The pit masters are Evan LeRoy and Cole Parkman, who use post oak and offset and direct-heat smokers to create the delicacies.
The review from Texas Monthly lauded its signature beef cheeks, thick smoked cheeseburger (the best seller), inventive sides and other menu items. The space comprises ample seating and an ordering area that serves drinks and small snacks.
InterStellar BBQ At No.6
“InterStellar BBQ’s unassuming location—it’s tucked away in a beige strip mall—does little justice to the smoky artistry inside”, Texas Monthly’s review of the place said. Using post oak and offset smoker methods, the pit master John Bates offers his delectable creations.
The peach tea-glazed pork belly burnt ends, Frito Pie sausage, and smoked ‘Tipsy Turkey’ basted with locally brewed Live Oak HefeWeizen were highlighted in the review. Sides smoked scalloped potatoes, cheese grits with chorizo and chiles, and the freshly tossed jalapeño slaw were the sides that were brought to the spotlight.
Texas Monthly Ranks the State’s BBQ Joints
Texas Monthly filtered out the top 50 places from a list of 319 BBQ joints across the state that its reviewers visited. The magazine releases the list once every 4 years or so. Taking the first place on the Texas Monthly’s best BBQ place list was Burnt Bean Co. from Seguin. Check out the full list and detailed reviews on the Texas Monthly’s page.
The review noted the evolution of the Texas BBQ scene. Alongside classic brisket and ribs, inventive dishes like brisket fried rice and smoked koobideh are gaining ground, with lamb and beef cheeks making a strong comeback. Reading the signs, it said that brisket might become an afterthought by the time the next lists roll out.
