Lockhart is as delicious and unique as Texas itself. With its small-town charm and scrumptious barbecue, it’s no wonder about 250,000 people rush to this tiny town every year. This little place near Austin might just be the most unique town in the world. Believe us, you haven’t lived until you’ve tasted the BBQ in Lockhart, Texas.

Only a thirty minute drive south of Austin will lead you somewhere unforgettable.
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Lockhart, Texas is full of historic buildings and friendly faces.
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The Caldwell County Courthouse was built in 1894.
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You'll definitely want to stop for pictures here. This gorgeous courthouse has been a Texas landmark since 1978.
The most impressive part of this small town, however, is its world-famous barbecue.
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With four delicious barbecue restaurants in close range, Lockhart is proudly considered the "barbecue capital of Texas."
Kreuz Barbeque serves their barbecue the classic way.
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Don't ask for plates at Kreuz unless you want to pick a fight. This place is known for its sausage and pork. It's so good, you don't even need a side dish! To learn more, visit their website here.
Smitty's Market is a down-home treat.
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You'll make new friends as you bond over how amazing this barbecue is. Click here to learn more about Smitty's Market.
You have to make a stop at Chisholm Trail Barbecue, too.
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This restaurant has sat at 1323 S. Colorado since 1978 and people have flocked to it ever since. To learn more, visit their website here.
Black's Barbecue is arguably the most popular spot.
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Lines will stretch around the block just for a pound of melt-in-your-mouth brisket. To learn more, visit their website here.
Trust us, the wait is worth it.
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Lockhart only has a population of 12,698, but over 250,000 people come through every year just to taste this delicious smoked meat. It's definitely one of the best food towns in Texas.

What’s your favorite place to get BBQ in Lockhart, Texas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And if you know another amazing hidden gem restaurant in Texas, nominate it on our online form here.

If you’re hungry for more small-town adventuring, check out this haunted dance hall that’s full of unexpected and chilling stories.

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BBQ in Lockhart

Elisa Regulski | May 20, 2020

What are the best food towns in Texas?

While Lockhart is widely considered to be one of the best food towns in Texas, it isn’t the only place you can get incredible grub. Celina, Texas is home to some amazing comfort food. When you visit this small Texas town, you have to stop in at Lucy’s on the Square. This classic southern restaurant makes some of the most amazing chicken fried steak you’ve ever eaten. For fresh fried fish, head to Freeport, Texas. This quaint town is home to a plethora of magnificent seafood restaurants. If you’re looking for more dining inspiration, check out the 9 best small towns for food in Texas.

Who makes the best BBQ in Texas?

Everyone has their own idea about who makes the best BBQ in Texas, so it can be hard to pinpoint an overall winner. However, loads of people claim Franklin BBQ in Austin makes the best brisket in the land. These tender and smoky meats are so mouthwatering, people wait in line for it for as long as 5 hours. The Salt Lick, located in Driftwood, also makes fantastic BBQ. Go ahead and slather their incredible sauce all over your ribs and pulled pork. This stuff is so good, you could eat it with a spoon.

What are the best small town restaurants in Texas?

Us Texans know that some of the most amazing meals are tucked inside hole-in-the-wall eateries. Pody's BBQ, located in Pecos, is no exception. With their slow-smoked meats and fresh sides, this eatery is one of the best small town restaurants in Texas. For more delectable eats, visit Woerner's Warehouse Cafe in Fredericksburg. This charming cafe sits inside an old feed store, and the food is every bit as amazing as the atmosphere. These two places are just the beginning of Texas’s fantastic hidden gem restaurants. For more ideas, check out our list of the best small town restaurants in Texas.

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Lockhart, TX 78644, USA