Texas continues to burn a fiery trail in the barbecue world, with two spots snagging top spots in Yelp’s "Top 100 Barbecue Spots" across the United States for 2024. CorkScrew BBQ in Spring clinched the number two position, while Tyler's Barbeque out of Amarillo landed at number four, according to a recent survey disclosed by Yelp. Austin, known for its vibrant food scene, also had three restaurants make the list, with Miller’s Smokehouse, Brown's Bar-B-Que, and Micklethwait Craft Meats securing spots in the rankings.
Austin's contributions to the coveted list include Miller's Smokehouse in Belton, which stands at number 14, Brown's Bar-B-Que, settled on South Lamar Boulevard, earning the number 49 slot and Micklethwait Craft Meats at number 55, nestled on Rosewood Avenue. In the Texan barbecue saga, CorkScrew BBQ started as a catering business in 2010 and, like a fine brisket, has only gotten better with time. Tyler's Barbeque, run by a local with national experience in the food industry, adds another feather to the Lone Star State's smoky cap.
The dominance of Texas in the barbecue scene is hardly a surprise, with the state boasting an impressive twelve entries on Yelp's list. California followed behind with ten spots, and the Southern states collectively made a strong showing. Wright’s Barbecue of Arkansas took the crown as the best-reviewed restaurant nationwide.
In their roundup, Yelp focused on spots solely within their “barbecue” category, zeroing in on reviews highlighting the word "barbecue". The rankings took into account the establishment's Yelp ratings and the volume of reviews, according to Nexstar. Yelp limited the number of entries from each state to twelve, ensuring geographic diversity across the board. "I have not had anything from this place that wasn't top tier food," one local Yelper wrote about Wright’s Barbecue as per KXAN report, reflecting the general sentiment that carried the place to the top.
For those Texans, and tourists alike who crave the juiciness of Texas-smoked meats, there seems to be no shortage of acclaimed options. Yelp's rankings shine a spotlight on not just the tried-and-true establishments but also those lesser-known joints that are keeping the bar high and the barbecue tender. More information about the top spots, complete with a handy map, can be found on Yelp's official site, as reported by Austin American Statesman.
