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.
Business is Booming in Seguin and Austin!
It’s an exciting time for barbecue lovers in the Lone Star State! With remarkable recognition from recent rankings, two Texas barbecue joints are sizzling hot in their sales. In Seguin, the famed Burnt Bean Co. and Austin’s beloved LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue have experienced a surge in business that has everyone talking.
Burnt Bean Co. Takes the Lead
First up, we’ve got Burnt Bean Co., which has suddenly shot to the top of the ranks in Texas barbecue. Since the announcement of their number one spot, the restaurant has seen massive lines forming, stretching over three blocks long. That’s quite the sight for BBQ enthusiasts! Their reputation has skyrocketed to such an extent that their name is being thrown around in the same breath as culinary legends. It’s been likened to the Thomas Keller of American barbecue. Not too shabby, huh?
Growing Recognition in Austin
Next, we turn our attention to Austin’s LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue. Much like their Seguin counterpart, they’ve seen an uptick in customers flocking to their doors. People are lining up like never before, and it’s a sight to behold! The co-owner mentioned that business is usually quieter between July 4 and Labor Day, but this year things are different, as the drop in foot traffic was smaller than usual. Clearly, the Texas barbecue scene is hotter than ever!
Aiming for Even Greater Heights
The folks at LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue have their eyes set on another coveted accolade: a Michelin Star. They are determined to keep their standards high when it comes to quality and hospitality, staying true to what got them to where they are today. This kind of ambition is a vital ingredient in their sauce for success, and they hope to continue charming guests with every bite.
Texas Barbecue Reigns Supreme
This trend doesn’t go unnoticed on a broader scale. Recently, Southern Living published its “Top 50 BBQ joints in the South,” where Texas managed to snag an impressive 17 spots. It’s truly remarkable to see so many Texas joints making the cut! However, it was unfortunate for some, specifically in San Antonio, as none made it to the list this year. Restaurants like 2M Smokehouse and Reese Bros might feel a bit left out.
Top Competition Moves
Interestingly, the top spot on the Southern Living list went to City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, S.C. Texas made a mark in the top five with joints from Austin, Lexington, and Taylor being recognized. While Nathan Lewis humorously pointed out that Texas establishments might get a penalty of 15 points just because of geographic biases, it didn’t devalue the strong showing from their state.
Steady Evolution and Adaptation
The landscape of Texas barbecue is ever-evolving. Several eateries that were previously mentioned in the rankings have undergone closures or transformations while others have improved their offerings. LeRoy and Lewis improved their own standing from 26th place in 2023 to 5th in 2025, thanks in part to a successful move from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar establishment. Now, that’s some serious evolution!
Keeping Up with the Crowd
Among notable mentions, Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor and Snow’s BBQ in Lexington also made the rankings. Snow’s is known for drawing huge crowds, even though it’s only open on Saturdays! That’s how you know you’re dealing with some serious BBQ excellence.
What This Means for Texas Barbecue
Overall, the success of Burnt Bean Co. and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue showcases the ongoing evolution of Texas barbecue and its recognition throughout the Southern culinary landscape. As the BBQ scene continues to grow, who knows what other hidden gems are waiting to be discovered! For now, one thing is clear, Texas barbecue is a force to be reckoned with!
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 HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
