The List
Texas Barbecue
Texas is the holy grail of smoked meats and the land of barbecue, with some American classics along the way. Charlie Carrington of Melbourne's Atlas Dining takes us on a meat and smoke-filled adventure down South.
Kreuz Market
The market itself is extremely old and historic and feels like you’re stepping into a Western movie. When you arrive for BBQ breakfast, you’re instantly hit with a waft of smoke. The brick pits are a work of art and it’s easy to visualise just how much meat has been cooked here overtime. Try the sausages, and the side dishes are also very good.
619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX
Franklin Barbecue
You can’t go to Austin, without visiting Franklin Barbecue for one of the most memorable meals of your life. The institution is maybe the busiest restaurant in the world. Arrive early in the morning to beat the queue, they open at 11am. The smoked turkey breast is a highlight, incredibly tender and moist.
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX
Salt Lick BBQ
Imagine a winery setting, playing host to a BBQ restaurant. The grounds are incredible, and the roads to get there equally so. The ploughman’s plate is a selection of pretty much everything ands it comes with potato sides and beans. The sausage here is a polish-style, with incredible smoked flavour, and the ribs are maybe, the single best you’ll eat in Texas.
18300 Farm to Market Rd
1826, Driftwood, TX
The Barbecue pit at Salt Lick BBQ, a meat tray from Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ.
Terry Blacks BBQ
Terry Blacks BBQ is in downtown Austin. It’s super casual - almost like a cafeteria. A seriously unassuming must try. Here you can get a tray, select your sides (always go classic) and then cut freshly to order on three chopping boards, you get to select the meat you’d like to try. Tip: go the brisket, it melts in your mouth and is so beautifully smoky.
1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
Valentinas Tex Mex BBQ
This cross between and taqueria and a smokehouse stands on the side of the road - you just pull up to the food truck and select if you want it Tex (in a roll) or Mex (in a tortilla). Either way, a nice piece of brisket comes topped with a fresh salsa and you honestly can’t go wrong.
11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX
A meat platter from Franklin BBQ (top), Fried chicken biscuits from Yardbird Dallas.
Other Texan classics...
In N Out Burger
If you want a break from BBQ, and experience great American fast food of the south, the standards that In-N-Out Burger set are incredible. The care and attention that goes into the food as well as the service is really is amazing for this burger chain.
7940 N US 75-Central
Expy 1000, Dallas, TX
Javiar’s Gourmet Mexicano
Javiar’s is fun-filled Dallas vibes – an excessive flow of margaritas, and super tasty and generous Mexican food that really knows how to hit the spot. The slow cooked black beans are to die for.
4912 Cole Ave, Dallas, TX
Yardbird, Dallas
Fried chicken and waffles for breakfast - only in America. Chicken is brined for 27 hours before being fried. Waffles come stuffed with cheese and are deliciously crisp. Add chilled watermelon and bourbon maple syrup to this and you have the most incredible meal that you may need to walk off for days afterwards.
2121 N Pearl St St 170, Dallas, TX
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