22 road-trip-worthy barbecue joints around Texas

Texas' pitmasters turn out some of the best barbecue in the country. Smoky, finger-licking good briskets, ribs and sausages are irresistible staples at the state's most famous joints.



See these Texas BBQ restaurants outside Houston that are worth a road trip. less Texas' pitmasters turn out some of the best barbecue in the country. Smoky, finger-licking good briskets, ribs and sausages are irresistible staples at the state's most famous joints.



See these Texas BBQ ... more Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 35 Caption Close 22 road-trip-worthy barbecue joints around Texas 1 / 35 Back to Gallery

Taking a barbecue tour of the Lone Star State has become as much of a tradition for true Texans as a pilgrimage to the Alamo or a weekend of tubing on the Guadalupe River. Here are some meaty destinations worth a road trip.

From the obvious options like Franklin Barbecue or nearby Killen's to the off-the-beaten path gems like Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que in Brownsville (they don't even have a website), these barbecue joints are all worth a drive for anyone looking to sample the best smoked meats the state has to offer.

See the gallery above for a guide to the Texas BBQ trail.