SAN ANTONIO – Craving some delicious barbecue? Look no further than this guide to the top cities in Texas for finger-lickin’ good smoked meats.
According to a recent study by LawnStarter, Kansas City takes the crown as the “BBQ Capital of the World,” but there are plenty of other contenders in Texas serving up pit-smoked perfection.
Texas barbecue takes three of the top spots, with Houston at number three, Austin at number seven and San Antonio ranked number 8.
Researchers at LawnStarter considered five key factors to create their rankings:
- Access: How many barbecue vendors and smokehouses are there?
- Consumer Satisfaction: Are customers raving about the local barbecue scene?
- Competition Awards: Do local pitmasters bring home the trophies at barbecue competitions?
- Elite BBQ Memberships: Are there a high number of memberships to exclusive barbecue societies?
- Hosting: Does the city host major barbecue festivals or events?
By crunching the numbers, LawnStarter declared Kansas City the “BBQ Capital of the World,” with its rich barbecue history, the abundance of award-winning pitmasters, and its smokin’ hot competition scene.
LawnStarter asked the experts, What makes a true barbecue city for aficionados?
Tyler White, a graduate from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Culinary Institute Program Manager, said,
Authenticity and history are key components in identifying a true barbecue city. Aficionados should look for cities and regions that have a history of great pitmasters and family-owned businesses. The best barbeque cities have plenty of independently owned barbeque restaurants.
