Franklin Barbecue’s spice-rubbed brisket.
Wyatt McSpadden
Ten Speed Press/FortWorth
Every year, Southern Living releases its list of the best barbecue joints in every state.
Last year, Franklin Barbecue in Austin was named as Texas’ best. And this year, it remains the best, according to Southern Living.
It’s no debate Texas has some of the country’s most famous barbecue. Southern Living’s top-ranked spots in other states, like Arkansas, Oklahoma and South Carolina, were inspired by Texas barbecue or started by Texans.
Texas barbecue is primarily known for its dry-rub brisket and sausage, while other states like Tennessee or the Carolinas focus on pork.
Franklin Barbecue’s spice-rubbed brisket. Wyatt McSpadden Ten Speed Press/FortWorth Franklin Barbecue
For Texans, the true barbecue ranking is Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas list, which releases every four years.
Franklin Barbecue has been noted on that list since its opening in 2009, winning the No. 1 spot in 2013.
Aaron Franklin’s barbecue first got attention when his brisket at a 2004 backyard barbecue influenced a Big Bend Sentinel columnist to write about his barbecue that was so tender and juicy, it didn’t need any sauce.
Screenshot of The Big Bend Sentinel newspaper about Aaron Franklin’s first ever brisket that got attention. Column was written by Alex Manley for the May 14, 2004 edition. Screenshot of Big Bend Sentinel archives
“Ever since Franklin Barbecue opened, in 2009, Texas barbecue has undergone a radical transformation,” according to the Texas Monthly 2025 list. “First-rate brisket, once a rarity that required a lengthy search, has become commonplace.”
Southern Living named Franklin Barbecue the best because of their “Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze.”
The famous Franklin sauce is a concoction with espresso and Dr. Pepper. At the time of the 2004 article, Franklin was still testing the recipe with Coca-Cola.
A platter with brisket, pork spare ribs, jalapeño cheese sausage, and a brisket eloté cup are paired with sides of collard greens, spicy smoked Mac & Cheese, banana pudding, and sliced bread at Panther City BBQ in Fort Worth. Panther City BBQ landed a spot on the Michelin recommended list making it one of the three restaurants Fort Worth to make the prestigious catalog. Chris Torres ctorres@star-telegram.com The best brisket in Fort Worth
For Fort Worthians who don’t want to make the trip down to the state capital, there is also award-winning brisket in Fort Worth.
Goldee’s was named No. 1 in Texas Monthly’s 2021 list after being open for just a year. Its barbecue continues to receive recognition, specifically by the Texas Michelin Guide. In fact, former owner Jonny White is taking his highly recognized Texas barbecue recipes to New York.
Panther City BBQ in Near Southside is another spot recognized by Texas Monthly and the Michelin Guide.
And finally, Dayne’s Craft Barbecue (west of Fort Worth in Aledo) is also noted in the Top 50 BBQ list for their black bark brisket and brisket trimmings burger.
For some old-school barbecue, try Cousin’s BBQ, Sammies BBQ or Railhead Smokehouse.
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Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.