Brisket is the king of Texas barbecue, and Lockhart is home to the best Texas (nay, the world) has to offer. Officially named
the Barbecue Capital of Texas by the Texas Legislature in 1999, a road trip to Lockhart is an irrefutable barbecue right of passage. While most of our establishments now offer eating utensils and sauce on the side, the traditions and recipes passed down from generations of pit masters remain the same.
The Original Black's Barbecue
Owned and operated by the same family since 1932, Black’s Barbecue is located on Main Street in downtown Lockhart. Third-generation pit master Kent Black has his own unique methodology when it comes to cooking/smoking his mouthwatering brisket. Black’s serves a large selection of sides to choose from, along with its homemade peach cobbler.
Terry Black's Barbecue
The Blacks are Texas barbeque royalty, and twin brothers Michael and Mark Black, along with their father, Terry, have brought generations worth of pitmaster knowledge from Lockhart, Texas, to Austin and Dallas with Terry Black. At Terry Black’s, they’re smoking brisket, beef ribs, sausage, and turkey in the old-fashioned Central Texas way over slow-burning post oak to impart a deeply smoky flavor that just can’t be faked.
Kreuz Market
Established in 1900 as a grocery store and meat market, Kreuz Market has evolved over the years into a local institution. Open cooking fires and chimneys make for a unique experience
as meat is cut at the counter by the pound. At Kreuz, the meat is served on butcher paper with bread or crackers. No forks, no sauce. That’s the original way.
Smitty's Market
As you enter Smitty’s Market from Commerce Street, you are met with smoke-lined walls that tell the history of the building. Once the original location of Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market opened in 1999 and continues the legacy of true Lockhart barbecue. Brisket, pork chops and sausage are among the daily fare. Don’t forget to make a trip to the ATM before going because credit cards are not accepted.
Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ
Lockhart Chisholm Trail BBQ, dubbed “where the locals go,” offers lip-smacking barbecue and a wide selection of sides to
choose from. With its reasonably priced barbecue family packs to ready-to-go salads and bakers (baked potatoes), there is something for everyone. If you need a quick barbecue fix, Chisholm Trail BBQ has a drive-through window for the ultimate convenience. Located on South Colorado Street (Hwy. 183).
Riley's Pit BBQ
Riley Salas started in the barbecue business as a teenager, selling firewood to barbecue joints in Central Texas along
with his dad. He learned the barbecue end of the business from two great men, A.W. Reid in Luling and Floyd Wilhelm in Lockhart, before striking out on his own.
Barbs B Q
Open only on Saturday and Sunday, this female owned restaurant is bringing all the smoke to the male-dominated barbecue industry. Their menu offers the typical barbecue offerings as well as unique sides and vegan barbecue options.
