AUSTIN, Texas -- Austin-based Franklin Barbecue is no longer the reigning champ of all things meat, smoke and fire in Texas. So says Texas Monthly, who has regularly taken on the challenging task of picking out the most decadent barbecue in the Lone Star State, and releasing its favorites in the much-anticipated list of "The 50 Best BBQ Joints" in Texas.
Snow’s BBQ, of Lexington, has reclaimed the Best Barbecue Joint in Texas title, according to the magazine. It's a distinction the restaurant first earned from Texas Monthly in 2008.
Photo: Snow's/Facebook
Snow's is only open on Saturdays, from 8 a.m. until all the meat is sold out. But fueled by "Good BBQ, good service, and friendly people," owner Kerry Bexley says on his website that they've kept Lexington's tradition of "Saturday BBQ" alive since 2003.
And yes, you can order some of their smoked goodness online and have it shipped.
If you’re not familiar with Snow's BBQ, then you've probably missed out on meeting Tootsie Tomanetz, the 81-year-old woman who works at the local high school during the week, and cooks the world-class barbecue the restaurant is known for.
Tootsie (Photo: YETI/YouTube)
YETI recently did a video profile on her (Watch it below).
Despite its No. 2 ranking, Aaron Franklin's East Austin hotspot Franklin Barbecue is no slouch in the realm of memorable smoked meats. He is, of course, the most famous barbecue cook in the country, and his restaurant was Texas Monthly's hands-down pick for best barbecue in the state four years ago.
As the magazine editors point out, "On a lean cut of Franklin brisket, a line of soft, yielding fat gilds the edge, carrying with it the vanilla-tinged flavor of oak smoke and a black-pepper bite. The beef is tender enough to cut with a spoon but holds together until the first luscious mouthful."
East Austin's popular Micklethwait Craft Meats also made the top 10, with the magazine citing its "spectacular, fat-slicked beef rib that will feed four."
In their June issue, and online at TexasMonthly.com, the "The 50 Best BBQ Joints" list, which is released every four years, is the work of the magazine's editors and writers under the direction of the only full-time barbecue editor in the magazine industry: Daniel Vaughn.
The Top 10 are:
- Snow’s BBQ, Lexington
- Franklin Barbecue, Austin
- Cattleack Barbeque, Dallas
- Bodacious Bar-B-Q, Longview
- Louie Mueller Barbecue, Taylor
- Tejas Chocolate Craftory, Tomball
- CorkScrew BBQ, Spring
- Micklethwait Craft Meats, Austin
- Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque, Wolfforth
- Truth Barbeque, Brenham
In Austin, Freedman's, La Barbecue, Stiles Switch, Terry Black's Barbecue, and Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ made the Top 50 list.
In San Antonio, 2M Smokehouse and The Granary ’Cue and Brew made the Top 50.
In San Marcos, Hays Co. Bar-B-Que took top honors.
To view the full Top 50 list visit the magazine's website.
And for all those who have suspected that barbeuce may in fact be a religion, there's apparently proof -- just remember to check the "Good Book":
Ezekiel 24:10: "So heap on the wood and kindle the fire. Cook the meat well, mixing in the spices; and let the bones be charred."
Weigh In Below: What's your favorite barbecue joint in Texas?