Over the years, long-time general interest magazine Texas Monthly has only occasionally published its "Best BBQ Joints" list, having compiled just its fifth update in June 2013. According to the periodical, the last few years have seen some delicious innovations in barbecue recipes and techniques. In fact, they found that the best barbecue restaurants are no longer exclusively tucked away in tiny rural towns, but are finding wider audiences in cities.
This shift in Texas barbecue came to light when the magazine’s editors discovered Franklin Barbecue in the capital city of Austin. Founded less than five years ago, this newcomer beat out venerable, small-town favorites like Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor. Despite its status as the "new kid on the block," Franklin routinely has two-hour waits and has attracted the attention of gourmands from all over the world. Critics ascribe this success to exceptionally high quality, hormone-free beef and the masterful smoking technique used in the pits.
Whatever the secret behind Franklin Barbecue and the others on Texas Monthly's "Best BBQ Joints" list, it’s clear that Texas will remain at the forefront of barbecue for years to come.