Texas Barbecue Trail

Your first stop is Austin, the capital of Texas. Fly into Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and pick up a rental car. Austin has a lot to offer in live music and entertainment; make sure you take in a show at one of the many live music venues, and don't forget to two-step at one of the honky tonk bars. Meat lovers will want to make a point to visit Iron Works, which ranks among the best barbecue in Austin. Sink your teeth into a sampler platter to try all of the delicious meat, and grab barbecue sauce or spice rub to take home. If you have a taste for brisket, stop at Franklin Barbecue – Bon Appetit Magazine has called their barbecue the best in the USA, and you can tell by the ever present line of customers waiting daily until they're sold out.

Next on the agenda is Taylor, a railroad town established in the late 1800s. An influx of German, Czech and Austrian immigrants then brought their culinary sausage-making expertise here. A tasty first stop is Louie Mueller Barbecue, which has been dishing out thick slabs of tender salt-and-pepper crusted brisket since 1949. Complement your meal with Texas-style pinto beans and the peach cobbler.

The Sausage Capital of Texas is located in Elgin, which offers the feeling of classic, small-town Texas life. Located on Highway 290, Southside Market is famous for serving their Original Hot Sausage for more than 125 years. At lunch, it’s common among locals to order meat by the pound and devour it directly off the butcher paper. Another tasty choice for sausage is Meyer’s Elgin Smokehouse, a famous eatery that has been in the Meyer family for four generations.

Drive through the Texas Hill Country to Driftwood, home to the family-owned favorite The Salt Lick. This landmark joint is known for world-class barbecue cooked on an open flame and Texas Hill Country hospitality. This delicious spot also has its own winery and if you have time, you can round out this culinary stop by taking a side trip along the Driftwood Wine Trail.

Farther northeast is the small town of Lockhart, Texas, where you’ll find two iconic barbecue spots. Family-run Black’s Barbecue uses certified Angus beef for their brisket. Kruez Market (pronounced “Krites”) smokes meats in its centuries-old brick pits and serves as both a grocery store and meat market. Take a break in between these two meals by walking around Lockhart State Park and going fishing in its creek.

Back in the car, and you’re off to Luling, Texas. This small town is known for its barbecue as well as the four-day watermelon festival “Watermelon Thump.” In the heart of town, you will find the town’s barbecue shrine: Luling City Market, dedicated to the “Texas Trinity” of sausage, brisket and ribs served on butcher paper. Finish up by picking up a light watermelon snack and enjoying it on the banks of the river at Zedler Mill.

The final stop on this culinary trail is the seventh largest city in the USA, San Antonio. In addition to killer barbecue, you’ll find historic missions, the famed River Walk, Pearl Brewery, El Mercado and much more. Savor classic Texas pit-style barbeque in a family-friendly atmosphere at Two Bros. BBQ Market. Nearby, Smoke BBQ + Skybar's succulent sauces and hearty side dishes are just as delicious as their amazing meats. After you’ve had your full share of barbecue, end the day by visiting the historic Alamo to learn about the settlement of Texas and the American Southwest.