For true aficionados, authentic Texas BBQ is not just a meal, it is also an art form
Texas BBQ sits at a culinary crossroads where the people, culture, and flavors of Texas meet and mingle. It’s a place where the lore is as thick as the smoke. Family legacies forged in fire. Texas BBQ brings food, family, and fun together, delighting Texans and tourists alike.
Cities throughout Texas each put their spin on barbecue, and food lovers and road trippers often travel across the state to visit their favorite BBQ joints. If you want to know what all the fuss is about, you could just visit Lockhart, widely hailed as “The Capital of Texas BBQ.”
But why stop there? If you’re looking for a unique gastronomic adventure that is only found in the great state of Texas, hop on the Texas BBQ Trail and experience the mouth-watering flavors of Texas barbecue for yourself.
Capital Eats
Begin your journey in Austin, the state capital. Global Air Charters provides service to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (KAUS). It is minutes from some of the most popular BBQ restaurants and most talented pitmasters in Texas.
Austin is famous for its vibrant music scene and delicious food, so be sure to soak up some of the local culture while you’re there. You may want to visit Franklin BBQ, the city’s most well-known BBQ joint. Just keep in mind that they only open at 11 am. They usually close by 2 pm, and have long lines almost every day.
If you want to skip the crowds, head to Interstellar BBQ in the north end of Austin. Interstellar is Austin’s best-kept BBQ secret. It’s located outside the touristy areas, so the lines are short, and the BBQ selections are uniformly excellent.
Hit the Trail
Your next stop on the Texas BBQ trail is the small town of Lexington, about an hour east of Austin. You can find several great BBQ spots here, but if you want to eat where the locals eat, head to Snow’s BBQ. Snow’s is family-owned and has gained a cult following for its delicious brisket and pork ribs. It’s tucked away on the outskirts of town and is only open on Saturdays, but the locals know it’s worth the trip.
Next, make your way to Lockhart, which many people consider to be the capital (and possibly even the birthplace) of Texas BBQ. Downton Lockhart is filled with historic buildings, beautiful parks, and some of the best BBQ restaurants you will ever find. There are family-owned BBQ joints in Lockhart that date back more than a hundred years. The rich aromas of seasoned smoke permeate the air as you pull up to spots like Kreuz Market or Black’s BBQ.
Kreuz Market began as a neighborhood grocery store with a barbecue pit that helped draw in hungry shoppers. Black’s BBQ was founded in 1932 as a small family operation and is still family-owned to this day.
Best BBQ in Texas
These are just a few of our favorite stops along the world-famous Texas BBQ Trail. From Austin to San Antonio, and in every town and city in between, you’ll find some of the best barbecue you’ve tasted and experience the warm, welcoming culture of the great state of Texas.
May is a perfect time of year to beat the summer heat and avoid the summer crowds as you explore all that Texas offers. Contact your GAC broker today to plan your flight into Austin. Get ready to enjoy the savory, spicy, smoky goodness of authentic Texas BBQ on the Texas BBQ Trail.