TEXAS — Yelp has released its list of the top 100 barbecue restaurants in the U.S., and 12 are in the Lone Star State.

What You Need To Know

  • Twelve of Yelp's top 100 barbecue joints in the U.S. are in Texas

  • Texas holds the No. 2 spot with CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, Texas, located north of Houston
  • The rankings are based on reviews for restaurants in the “Barbecue” category that include the word “barbecue.” For businesses with multiple locations, Yelp used the highest rated location

  • When looking at Texas-only joints, Tyler's Barbecue in Amarillo was No. 4 on the list, followed by Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton at No. 14 and Tender Smokehouse in Celina at No. 16

The rankings are based on reviews for restaurants in the “Barbecue” category that include the word “barbecue.” For businesses with multiple locations, Yelp used the highest rated location. 

While the top spot on the list belongs to Wright’s Barbecue in Johnson, Arkansas, Texas holds the No. 2 spot with CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, Texas, located north of Houston.

CorkScrew specializes in meat sourced from small family farms in Texas that raise their animals humanely.

Their most photographed dishes on Yelp are pulled pork, pork/beef ribs, brisket and turkey breast. Some favorite side dishes based on reviews are their twice-smoked baked beans and a potato salad that takes three days to prepare. 

Coming in at No. 4 is Tyler’s Barbecue in Amarillo. Tyler’s also boasts locally sourced meats, but goes out of state for Malabar peppers from Chicago, which owner Tyler Frazer says have a "bold pungent pepper flavor without being hot."

Some of their most popular items include the chopped brisket sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, meat plate (includes up to four meats, two sides and Texas toast) and their green chile mac and cheese. Reviewers also raved about the jalapeño cheddar sausage.

Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton stands at No. 14. Some of their most popular dishes include their pulled pork, broccoli salad, mac and cheese soup and lean brisket.

Rounding out the top 20 is Tender Smokehouse in Celina, located north of Dallas. Coveted dishes include their pulled pork, “El Jefe” sandwich, Frito pie and their beef and pork ribs.

Here’s the full list of Texas barbecue restaurants included on Yelp’s top 100 best barbecue joints in the U.S.:

2. CorkScrew BBQ in Spring

4. Tyler’s Barbecue in Amarillo

14. Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton

16. Tender Smokehouse in Celina

26. Hurtado Barbecue in Arlington

49. Brown’s Bar-B-Que in Austin

56. Micklethwait Craft Meats in Austin

66. Goldee’s BBQ in Fort Worth

71. Helberg Barbecue in Woodway

75. Desert Oak Barbecue in El Paso

84. Smoke’N Ash BBQ in Arlington

85. The Patriotic Pig in North Richland Hills