A Lone Star state of mind, one brisket at a time.
A Lone Star state of mind, one brisket at a time.
Austin, TX 78702Fort Worth, TX 76164
Trip overview
Embark on a five-day pilgrimage through the heart of Texas, chasing the smoke from legendary barbecue pits to historic honky-tonks. This journey savors the beef-centric traditions of Central Texas, explores the Mexican-influenced barbacoa of San Antonio, and culminates in the cowboy culture of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Austin
Franklin Barbecue
Begin your pilgrimage at the temple of modern Texas barbecue. Arrive early and embrace the line, a communal experience in itself, before savoring what many consider the best brisket on the planet.
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Texas State Capitol
Walk off the brisket with a visit to the magnificent Texas State Capitol. Taller than the U.S. Capitol, its stunning rotunda and historic halls offer a deep dive into the state's larger-than-life story.
1100 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
The Broken Spoke
Don your boots for a night at one of Texas's most authentic dancehalls, serving up live country music and two-stepping since 1964. This is a true taste of old Austin.
3201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Hotel San José
Rest up at this chic, minimalist boutique hotel in the heart of the vibrant South Congress district. Its lush courtyard lounge is the perfect spot for a quiet nightcap.
1316 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Day 2 — Lockhart
Kreuz Market
Drive to the official 'Barbecue Capital of Texas' and visit Kreuz Market, a no-frills, no-forks institution since 1900. Order your smoked meats by the pound on butcher paper and savor the pure, unadulterated flavor.
619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644
San Antonio River Walk
Stroll along the world-famous River Walk, a network of stone pathways lining the San Antonio River. This urban sanctuary is an oasis of vibrant restaurants, shops, and lush landscapes one story below the bustling city streets.
849 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78205
The Alamo
Pay homage to Texas history at the iconic Alamo. Explore the historic mission and fortress compound where the legendary 1836 battle for Texan independence took place.
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Hotel Emma
Check into a stunning hotel housed in a former 19th-century brewhouse in the Pearl District. Hotel Emma masterfully blends industrial history with modern luxury.
136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Day 3 — San Antonio
2M Smokehouse
Experience the unique fusion of classic Texas BBQ and Mexican-inspired flavors. Try the brisket alongside specialty sausages like Oaxaca cheese & serrano, and don't skip the pickled nopales (cactus).
2731 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222
Historic Market Square
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and colors of the largest Mexican market in the United States. Explore three blocks of shops and stalls offering everything from handmade leather goods to festive folk art.
514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, TX 78207
Gruene Hall
Take a short drive to the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas, located in the charming Gruene Historic District. Catch a show where legends like George Strait and Willie Nelson have played, and soak in the authentic, time-worn atmosphere.
1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Day 4 — Llano
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Make a detour into the Texas Hill Country to the original Cooper's. Experience their 'cowboy-style' service where you choose your meat directly from the pit before heading inside to douse it in their famous BBQ sauce.
604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Step back into the Old West at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Witness the world's only twice-daily cattle drive, wander down brick-lined streets, and explore shops filled with Western wear.
131 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection
Stay at a rustic-luxe hotel that embodies the spirit of the Stockyards. The decor is inspired by the legendary cowboys who drove cattle to market, offering a perfect blend of history and modern comfort.
200 Mule Alley Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Day 5 — Fort Worth
Goldee's Barbecue
Visit the unassuming spot that Texas Monthly crowned the #1 BBQ joint in the state. Goldee's serves classic Central Texas-style meats with exceptional sides, representing the pinnacle of the new generation of pitmasters.
4645 Dick Price Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76140
Kimbell Art Museum
Experience world-class art in an architectural masterpiece designed by Louis I. Kahn. The Kimbell's intimate galleries and remarkable collection provide a serene and inspiring contrast to the trip's smoky flavors.
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Billy Bob's Texas
End your trip at the 'World's Largest Honky Tonk.' With a massive dance floor, live bull riding, and concerts from country music's biggest stars, Billy Bob's is an unforgettable, quintessentially Texan finale.
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Texas BBQ Trail road trip covers about 509 mi and roughly 10h 36m of driving, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 17 stops from Austin, TX 78702 to Fort Worth, TX 76164. Highlights include San Antonio River Walk, Gruene Hall, and Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.
It begins in Austin, TX 78702 and ends in Fort Worth, TX 76164, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $2,308, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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