Bill Miller Bar-B-Q ranked the worst barbecue chain in the US

Food website Daily Meal released its list of “13 Popular BBQ Chain Restaurants, Ranked Worst To Best” on Sunday, May 10, and, unfortunately for San Antonio, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q was the first chain mentioned on the list, making it the worst barbecue chain. The report writes that the “once-venerable chain now feels like it’s gone downhill,” citing customer reviews claiming they’re not getting their money’s worth.

“Sadly, the issues with a meal at Bill Miller Bar-B-Q seem to be multifold,” Daily Meal writes. “Customer reviews have repeatedly called out poor customer service, disappointingly long waits for food, incorrect orders, and cold meals. The star of the show, the barbecue, is nothing to write home about. With all that in mind, though, Bill Miller definitely still has its fair share of defenders, and there are a lot of people who still have loyalty to the brand. However, it feels a stretch to say that it’s going to be the best meal you’ll ever have, or even a great one. The bottom line is that you can likely do a lot better than this place.”

Bill Miller Bar-B-Q first opened in San Antonio in 1953 and remains headquartered in the Alamo City more than 70 years later, operating 76 restaurants across Texas.

In terms of food quality, Bill Miller does not stand up to the numerous barbecue joints that cover South-Central Texas, but we dispute the claim that diners are “not getting their money’s worth.” As shown in MySA’s barbecue chain ranking last year, a three-meat plate at Bill Miller goes for $23.71. In contrast, a three-meat plate at True Texas BBQ can cost more than $30 depending on the meat. So, yes, Bill Miller isn’t winning any Michelin stars, but it is the best option for affordable barbecue.

MySA reached out to Bill Miller Bar-B-Q for comment on Daily Meal’s ranking, but did not hear back prior to publication.

As for the rest of Daily Meal’s list, Dallas-born Dickey’s Barbecue Pit was ranked No. 10, Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q was ranked No. 3 and Terry Black’s BBQ was ranked No. 1, making it the No. 1 barbecue chain in the U.S.