Snow's popularized the idea of "destination barbecue," and it's still as good as ever. Octogenarian pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz will be tending the pits and taking pictures with adoring fans. Remember, it's only open Saturdays. Get there early as the barbecue runs out fast. It's some of the best barbecue breakfast you will ever eat.
Vitals: 516 Main, in Lexington, 979-773-4640; snowsbbq.com.
Vitals: 12656 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216 – (210) 496-0222 – twobrosbbqmarket.com
Justin and Diane Fourton opened Pecan Lodge in 2010, giving barbecue fanatics a legitimate reason to make the drive to Dallas for top-notch Central Texas-style barbecue. Take a few friends - or an army - and order "The Trough," a solid 5 pound sampler platter of smoked meat goodness.
Vitals: 2702 Main, in Dallas, 214-748-8900; pecanlodge.com.
Considered the "cathedral of Texas barbecue," the decades-long tradition here is embodied in the giant brick pits that produce the smoky, peppery, "dinosaur-style" beef ribs for which pitmaster Wayne Mueller is known. The all-beef sausage is ground from pure beef and mixed with tallow and spices and stuffed into links daily.
Vitals: 206 W. 2nd, in Taylor, 512-352-6206; louiemuellerbarbecue.com.
Aaron Franklin has become the king of Texas barbecue in recent years, with TV appearances, a cookbook and lines that seem to get longer everyday (unless you’re Barack Obama, in which case you simply cut said line). Like the best barbecue joints, it’s open until sold out and closed when Aaron goes on vacation.
Vitals: 900 E. 11th, in Austin, (512) 653-1187; franklinbarbecue.com.
