Texas Michelin Guide restaurants

Texas Monthly and Michelin Guide Map a Culinary Pilgrimage Across the Lone Star State

Monday 16th Jun 2025 |

Texas Monthly and Michelin Guide Provide A Culinary Pilgrimage Across the Lone Star State

The holy grail of American barbecue just got its latest update. Texas Monthly has officially released its much-anticipated Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas – 2025. The list perfectly complements the Michelin Guide to Texas, which launched at the end of 2024, in positioning Texas as an ultimate destination for discerning foodies.

The Top 50 BBQ list spotlights the very best of Texan pitmaster craft and proves the definitive voice on all things smoked and sauced in the Lone Star State. 

Interstellar BBQ and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, both in Austin doubled their accreditation in that they were in the top 10 on the top 50 list and have also been awarded a Michelin Star.

For culinary travellers with a passion for fire, smoke, and deep regional flavour, this annual list has become a cult favourite. Not just a ranking, it’s a road map – and in 2025, it’s full of fresh surprises, including new rising stars and some bold shakeups among the heavyweights.

  • Brisket 2.0 – A new wave of pitmasters is refining classic brisket with innovations like mesquite ageing and Wagyu experimentation.
  • Regional Pride – East Texas-style chopped beef, South Texas barbacoa, and Hill Country’s sausage traditions are all finding new champions.
  • Women in Smoke – This year’s list celebrates a record number of female pitmasters redefining the craft.
  • Beyond the Pit – Tex-Mex influences, handmade tortillas, and elevated sides are pushing BBQ beyond the meat tray.

For gastronomes planning a trip to Texas, the Texas Monthly Top 50 doubles as a dream itinerary. From Austin to Lockhart to lesser-known gems like Llano or Seguin, each stop offers an immersion in American regional cuisine, community tradition, and the art of smoke. 

Beyond BBQ, Texas’s vibrant culinary scene blends diverse influences and quality ingredients,  attributes recognised by the Michelin Guide, which spotlights culinary gems across Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

For more information on Texas’s culinary scene go to: www.traveltexas.com/things-to-do/food-drink/