Best BBQ In America! BBQ Capital of Texas
Texas BBQ Capital Lockhart Texas
Lockhart, Texas, is famous for its barbecue, and with good reason! This small town, officially dubbed the "Barbecue Capital of Texas" by the Texas Legislature in 1999, is a must-visit for anyone who loves smoked meats. The historic courthouse in downtown Lockhart is a sight to behold, with its beautiful architecture dating back to the late 1800s. But let's be honest, you're really here for the food.
Our first stop was Smitty's Market, one of the original barbecue joints in town, with roots going back to 1948. Walking in, the smell of smoked meats hits you immediately—it's intoxicating. At Smitty's, they serve their barbecue old-school style on butcher paper, and don't expect any plates or forks; it's just you, your hands, and some deliciously smoky meats.
Smittys Markey Lockhart Texas
We sampled the Texas Trinity here: brisket, sausage, and pork ribs. The brisket was the star of the show, with a perfect smoke ring and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The jalapeño sausage had just the right amount of kick, and the pork ribs were smoky, tender, and packed with meat. Pro tip: wear clothes you don't mind getting a little smoky; it's all part of the experience!
Next up was the original Black's BBQ, another legendary spot in Lockhart, with a history dating back to 1932. Black's is the longest continuously family-run barbecue joint in Texas, and you can feel the history as soon as you walk in. The walls are lined with old photos, and the smell of barbecue is thick in the air.
Blacks BBQ Lockhart
At Black's, we stuck with our usual trio of meats. The homemade sausage here was incredibly juicy, with large chunks of jalapeño adding a flavorful kick. The brisket, with its perfectly rendered fat and deep smoky flavor, was a standout. And the pork ribs? Huge, meaty, and cooked to perfection. Black's doesn't mess around with portion sizes or flavor—everything here is big and bold.
Both Smitty's and Black's have their own unique family drama that adds to the charm of these places. Smitty's is located in the original building that once housed Kreuz Market, and after a family feud, the daughter took over Smitty's while the son went on to open a new Kreuz Market down the road. Over at Black's, the story is similar, with a family split leading to the creation of Terry Black's BBQ in Austin.
Cruz Market Lockhart.
Check out all the places we ate at in our full video from the Texas BBQ Capital!
Best BBQ in the world!!!