Craving barbecue on vacation? Check out these Texas-style joints

For some Texans, two weeks without barbecue is a deal-breaker. One reason why Texans take summer vacations within the borders of the Lone Star State is to have access to the comfort foods of home – barbecue, Tex-Mex and even Whataburger.

But sometimes family or spousal requirements suggest venturing further afield. What to do?

Fortunately, within the last ten years, legitimate Texas-style barbecue joints have opened in every corner of the country and globe.

So, the next time you are facing two weeks away from your favorite smoked meats, here are a few recommended destinations for real-deal Texas barbecue beyond our borders.

Pro-tip: amid ongoing travel negotiations with your spouse and other family members, don’t reveal your barbecue agenda too soon. Use the list below as a starting point, nudge them in your preferred barbecue-centric direction and then, once the deal is sealed, you can add, “By the way, there’s a great barbecue joint there, too!”

The places on this list are chosen for two main reasons. I’ve personally visited all of these places and can confirm that the barbecue is great at all of them. Also, they are located within a reasonable distance from the city’s downtown or tourist area where you may be staying.

One final note: if you think barbecue in Texas has become expensive, be prepared for sticker shock at joints around the country. It’s expensive to ship in post oak wood, among other things. That said, it’s a worthy price to pay to satisfy that barbecue craving.

In New York City, Hill Country Barbecue Market (hillcountry.com) is your destination. Located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, this expansive restaurant was one of the first Texas-style barbecue joints outside the Lone Star State to adopt craft-style techniques. This joint has a Lockhart feel, reflecting the family roots of the owner.

On the other side of the country, in Los Angeles, Moo’s Craft Barbecue (mooscraftbbq.com) takes the crown for the best Texas-style ‘que in the city. Located north of downtown, lines form early, especially on weekends, but the wait is worth it. Digging into a tray of brisket here is indistinguishable from the best joints in Texas – a remarkable achievement for owners Andrew and Michelle Muñoz.

Heading north up the coast to Seattle, Jack’s BBQ (jacksbbq.com) is another early-adopter of craft-style ‘que, opening the original location in the South of Downtown neighborhood in 2014. Though several additional locations have opened over the years, the original spot keeps the feel of a classic Texas joint with corresponding classic barbecue.

Heading inland, Las Vegas is a favorite vacation destination and, fortunately, the home to great barbecue. Located in the Arts District between the Strip and Downtown, Soulbelly BBQ (soulbellybbq.com) combines all the classic smoked-meat options with a deep beer and cocktail list and a big outdoor patio that’s great in cooler months.

Heading to the Midwest, Chicago has legitimate barbecue to go with its well-known Italian beef sandwich tradition. Green Street Smoked Meats (greenstreetmeats.com) is located down a brick-lined alley in the West Loop neighborhood. The speakeasy-feel of this joint is well-served by an extensive beer and cocktails menu and a full selection of classic proteins like brisket, pork ribs, and turkey. Don’t miss side dishes like the watermelon salad and spicy pickles.

Finally, if you find yourself over the pond in London, be sure to stop at Texas Joe’s Slow Smoked Meats (texas-joes.com), a short walk from the popular Borough Market. Corpus Christi native Joe Walters makes some of the finest Texas-style ‘que outside of the U.S. After ordering, ask if Joe’s around – he’s always keen to talk to fellow Americans.