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Franklin Barbecue\u2019s spice-rubbed brisket. <\/p>\n
Wyatt McSpadden<\/p>\n
Ten Speed Press\/FortWorth<\/p>\n
Every year, Southern Living releases its list of the best barbecue joints in every state<\/a>.<\/p>\n Last year, Franklin Barbecue<\/a> in Austin was named as Texas\u2019 best. And this year, it remains the best, according to Southern Living.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no debate Texas has some of the country\u2019s most famous barbecue. Southern Living\u2019s top-ranked spots in other states, like Arkansas, Oklahoma and South Carolina, were inspired by Texas barbecue or started by Texans.<\/p>\n Texas barbecue is primarily known for its dry-rub brisket and sausage, while other states like Tennessee or the Carolinas focus on pork.<\/p>\n For Texans, the true barbecue ranking is Texas Monthly\u2019s Top 50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas list<\/a>, which releases every four years.<\/p>\n Franklin Barbecue<\/a> has been noted on that list since its opening in 2009, winning the No. 1 spot in 2013.<\/p>\n Aaron Franklin\u2019s barbecue first got attention when his brisket at a 2004 backyard barbecue<\/a> influenced a Big Bend Sentinel columnist to write about his barbecue that was so tender and juicy, it didn\u2019t need any sauce.<\/p>\n \u201cEver since Franklin Barbecue opened, in 2009, Texas barbecue has undergone a radical transformation,\u201d according to the Texas Monthly 2025 list. \u201cFirst-rate brisket, once a rarity that required a lengthy search, has become commonplace.\u201d<\/p>\n Southern Living named Franklin Barbecue the best because of their \u201cFlawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For Fort Worthians who don\u2019t want to make the trip down to the state capital, there is also award-winning brisket in Fort Worth.<\/p>\n Goldee\u2019s<\/a> was named No. 1 in Texas Monthly\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Panther City BBQ<\/a> in Near Southside is another spot recognized by Texas Monthly and the Michelin Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n And finally, Dayne\u2019s Craft Barbecue<\/a> (west of Fort Worth in Aledo) is also noted in the Top 50 BBQ list for their black bark brisket and brisket trimmings burger.<\/p>\n For some old-school barbecue<\/a>, try Cousin\u2019s BBQ, Sammies BBQ or Railhead Smokehouse.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd25 In case you missed it… <\/p>\n Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram<\/p>\n![\"Franklin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774307951_706_IMG_FoodNews_Franklin2.j_4_1_MADJHB5C_L385509287.JPG\" "\\"IMG_FoodNews_Franklin2.j_4_1_MADJHB5C_L385509287.JPG\\"")
Franklin Barbecue\u2019s spice-rubbed brisket. Wyatt McSpadden Ten Speed Press\/FortWorth Franklin Barbecue<\/p>\n Screenshot of The Big Bend Sentinel newspaper about Aaron Franklin\u2019s first ever brisket that got attention. Column was written by Alex Manley for the May 14, 2004 edition. Screenshot of Big Bend Sentinel archives <\/p>\n
A platter with brisket, pork spare ribs, jalape\u00f1o cheese sausage, and a brisket elot\u00e9 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<\/p>\n
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