Unearth The Voyage
Texas barbecue is famous around the world, and brisket usually gets all the attention. But some of the best BBQ in the Lone Star State comes tucked between two slices of bread or a toasted bun. From Austin to Fort Worth, pitmasters across Texas have perfected the art of the barbecue sandwich, piling smoky meats high and adding creative toppings that make every bite unforgettable.
Franklin Barbecue — Austin, TX
People wait in line for hours to taste what many call the greatest barbecue sandwich in America. Franklin Barbecue has built a legendary reputation on its perfectly smoked brisket, and the sandwich version delivers all that fame in handheld form.
Thick slices of tender, juicy brisket rest on simple white bread, letting the meat be the true star. The smoke ring is visible on every slice, proof of the long hours spent in the smoker.
Aaron Franklin’s dedication to craft shows in every bite. The fat melts on your tongue while the bark adds a satisfying crunch. No fancy sauces or toppings distract from the pure, smoky perfection that made this place a Texas treasure.
La Barbecue — Austin, TX
When people describe La Barbecue’s brisket sandwich as “melt-in-your-mouth,” they’re not exaggerating one bit. This food trailer turned brick-and-mortar spot has perfected the balance between smoky flavor and buttery tenderness that defines great Texas barbecue.
Every sandwich showcases brisket that practically falls apart as you lift it to your mouth. The meat gets piled generously on a soft bun that soaks up all those delicious juices without falling apart.
What sets this sandwich apart is the attention to detail in every element. The meat-to-bread ratio feels just right, and the simple presentation lets you appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each slice of perfectly smoked beef.
Terry Black’s Barbecue — Austin & Dallas
A butter-toasted bun makes all the difference when you’re building the perfect barbecue sandwich. Terry Black’s understands this secret, creating a foundation that’s both sturdy and delicious enough to complement their incredible smoked brisket.
The family has been perfecting their craft since 1932, and that history shines through in every bite. Tender, smoky meat gets piled high, creating a tower of barbecue goodness that somehow holds together.
Multiple locations across Austin and Dallas mean more people can experience this legendary sandwich. The golden, buttery bread adds a richness that enhances rather than hides the meat’s natural flavors, proving that sometimes simple additions create the most memorable results.
Cattleack Barbeque — Farmers Branch
Why choose between brisket and pulled pork when you can have both? “The Toddfather” combines these two barbecue favorites into one massive sandwich that’s become the signature dish at this Dallas-area gem.
Layers of tender brisket meet perfectly seasoned pulled pork, creating a texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting. Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and coolness, while tangy BBQ sauce ties everything together.
This isn’t a sandwich for the faint of heart or small appetites. The generous portions reflect true Texas hospitality, where bigger really is better. Each component shines individually, but together they create something greater than the sum of their parts—a true pitmaster’s masterpiece.
The Salt Lick BBQ — Driftwood, TX
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, The Salt Lick has been serving authentic barbecue since 1967. Their brisket sandwich captures the essence of Hill Country smoking traditions with its focus on pure, smoky simplicity.
No need for fancy toppings or complicated sauces here. The meat speaks for itself, carrying flavors developed over hours in their famous open pits. Each bite delivers that unmistakable smokiness that defines Central Texas barbecue.
The rustic setting enhances the experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to when barbecue was simpler but no less delicious. This sandwich proves that sometimes the best approach is the most straightforward one, letting quality ingredients shine through.
Pecan Lodge — Dallas, TX
Imagine taking an entire barbecue platter and squishing it between two pieces of bread. That’s exactly what the “Pitmaster” sandwich accomplishes, stacking brisket, pulled pork, and sausage into one incredible handheld feast.
Pecan Lodge earned its reputation by never cutting corners, and this sandwich showcases that commitment. Each meat brings its own flavor and texture, from the tender brisket to the juicy sausage with its satisfying snap.
Located in Dallas’s Deep Ellum neighborhood, this spot draws crowds who know great barbecue when they taste it. The Pitmaster sandwich offers the best way to sample multiple meats without committing to a full platter, though you’ll still need a serious appetite to finish it.
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que — Various Locations
Before brisket sandwiches became trendy, Cooper’s was serving chopped-beef sandwiches that defined what Texas barbecue handhelds should be. Their traditional approach has influenced countless other joints across the state.
The chopped format creates a different eating experience than sliced brisket. Smaller pieces mean more bark mixed throughout, and the meat absorbs sauce more evenly. It’s messy in the best possible way, requiring plenty of napkins and zero regrets.
With locations throughout Texas, Cooper’s has spread this classic sandwich style far and wide. The pit-smoked flavor remains consistent across all their restaurants, maintaining the quality that made them famous decades ago and keeping hungry Texans coming back for more.
Southside Market & Barbeque — Elgin, TX
Operating since 1882, Southside Market holds the title of Texas’s oldest barbecue joint still running today. Their brisket sandwich carries over 140 years of smoking knowledge in every single bite, making it a true taste of Texas history.
What some describe as a revelation comes from their unwavering commitment to traditional methods. The meat gets smoked low and slow, developing flavors that modern shortcuts simply cannot replicate.
Elgin is known as the “Sausage Capital of Texas,” but don’t overlook their incredible brisket sandwich. The historic atmosphere adds to the experience, reminding you that great barbecue isn’t a trend—it’s a tradition passed down through generations of dedicated pitmasters who respect the craft.
Riscky’s Barbeque — Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth’s barbecue scene wouldn’t be complete without Riscky’s, a legendary venue that’s been serving chopped-beef and brisket sandwiches for generations. Their sandwiches have become staples, as essential to the city’s identity as stockyards and cowboys.
The chopped-beef version offers a different texture than whole slices, with more surface area to catch that flavorful bark. Meanwhile, their traditional brisket sandwich appeals to purists who want thick, juicy slices.
Riscky’s has weathered changing food trends by sticking to what works. Their consistency means you’ll get the same great sandwich whether you visited last week or twenty years ago. That reliability has built a loyal following that spans multiple generations of Texas families.
InterStellar BBQ — Austin, TX
Blending old-school smoking methods with modern creativity, InterStellar BBQ has earned recognition as one of Austin’s sandwich joints that truly rivals the traditional platter experience. Their approach respects tradition while pushing boundaries in exciting ways.
Perfectly smoked meat forms the foundation, but thoughtful toppings elevate each sandwich beyond the ordinary. The balance between classic and contemporary keeps things interesting without becoming gimmicky or overshadowing the star ingredient.
Pitmaster John Bates brings serious credentials to this operation, and it shows in the quality. Each sandwich demonstrates technical skill combined with creative vision, proving that innovation and tradition can coexist deliciously. The result is barbecue that honors Texas roots while exploring new possibilities.
Hutchins BBQ — McKinney, TX
McKinney might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about Texas barbecue, but Hutchins BBQ has put it firmly on the map. Their brisket sandwich stands out among the state’s best, earning praise from locals and barbecue tourists alike.
What makes their sandwich special is the consistent quality and generous portions. The brisket gets smoked until it reaches that perfect point where it’s tender but still holds together, with a smoke ring that proves patience and skill.
The family-run operation brings genuine Texas hospitality to every order. You’ll taste the difference that comes from people who truly care about their craft. Each sandwich represents their commitment to making McKinney a legitimate barbecue destination worth the drive.
Heim Barbecue — Fort Worth, TX
Featured on Food Network’s “Food Paradise,” the “BBQ Snob’s Sandwich” lives up to its bold name by combining brisket, sausage, and burnt ends into one outrageous creation. This isn’t for casual eaters—it’s for serious barbecue lovers who want it all.
Burnt ends add a caramelized, crispy element that contrasts beautifully with tender brisket. The sausage brings its own spices and snap, creating layers of flavor and texture that keep your taste buds engaged from first bite to last.
Heim Barbecue proves that Fort Worth can compete with any Texas city when it comes to smoked meats. The sandwich crowds the bun intentionally, because sometimes more really is more. Optional toppings like pickles, onions, or bacon burnt ends let you customize this already impressive masterpiece.
Goldee’s Barbecue — Fort Worth, TX
Ranked consistently high on Texas barbecue lists, Goldee’s has quickly become a Fort Worth institution despite being relatively new. Their chopped-beef sandwich format showcases why sometimes chopping is better than slicing for maximum flavor distribution.
The chopped approach means every bite contains a perfect mix of lean meat, fat, and that precious bark from the outside. It creates a more uniform texture that some people actually prefer over traditional sliced brisket sandwiches.
Goldee’s success comes from a team of pitmasters who learned from the best before striking out on their own. Their sandwich reflects that education, combining techniques from various Texas traditions into something familiar yet distinctly their own. The result has earned them a devoted following in record time.
Fat Boy’s BBQ — Texas
Described as legendary and expectation-redefining, Fat Boy’s BBQ serves a brisket sandwich that challenges everything you thought you knew about barbecue handhelds. Their approach proves that innovation doesn’t require abandoning tradition—it just needs creativity and confidence.
The sandwich arrives loaded with meat that’s been smoked to perfection, achieving that ideal balance between tender and structured. Each component works together, from the bread choice to the meat preparation, creating harmony on your plate.
What sets Fat Boy’s apart is their willingness to push boundaries while respecting barbecue fundamentals. They understand that great sandwiches start with great meat, but thoughtful execution elevates good into legendary. One bite explains why people use such strong words to describe this remarkable creation.
Hays County Barbeque Restaurant — San Marcos, TX
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and Hays County Barbeque’s giant brisket sandwich proves that saying true. Served between two thick slices of Texas toast, this sandwich doesn’t apologize for its size—it celebrates it.
Texas toast provides the perfect foundation for such generous portions of meat. The thick bread gets toasted until golden and sturdy enough to handle all that juicy brisket without disintegrating halfway through your meal.
Located in San Marcos, this restaurant has earned features in numerous barbecue round-ups by delivering consistent quality and impressive portions. The sandwich feels like a challenge and a treat rolled into one delicious package. Come hungry, leave satisfied, and understand why this place has built such a strong reputation across Central Texas.
Pinkerton’s Barbecue — Houston, TX
Houston’s barbecue scene has exploded in recent years, and Pinkerton’s stands at the forefront of that movement. Cited as one of the spots making the best sandwiches in Texas, they’ve brought serious competition to a city once overlooked in barbecue conversations.
Their brisket sandwich showcases meat smoked with careful attention to time and temperature. The result is beef that’s tender without being mushy, flavorful without needing heavy sauce, and memorable without relying on gimmicks.
What makes Pinkerton’s special is their commitment to doing things right rather than doing things fast. Each sandwich represents hours of work and generations of barbecue wisdom. Houston finally has a sandwich that can stand proudly alongside anything Austin, Dallas, or Fort Worth has to offer.
