BBQ Trail

[Openfire]

I'm retiring in 10 months. My wife and I are purchasing an RV to travel on extended trips. Everyone has heard of the Bourbon trail but how about a BBQ trail. I would love to just take off and go from city to city and try different BBQ. Has anyone heard of an established route with stops or suggestions on must stop places? I live in Northern IL but I can start anywhere in the country.

[58limited]

This would be fun - so many places to try from the East Coast to the west.

I'm not sure if there is a set BBQ trail here in Texas since there is now so many good places all over. The I-35 corridor has a ton of places along the way or within 45 minutes of the route, especially in Central Texas.

Notable places I've been to, all convenient to I-35, are: Louie Mueller in Taylor; Miller's in Belton; Terry Blacks, Barb's, Kruetz - all in Lockhart; Interstellar, Franklin's, Leroy & Lewis, KG BBQ (you must try them!) - all in Austin (many more in Austin that I have not been to yet); Hays Co. in San Marcos (notable mention: San Marcos BBQ), Burnt Bean in Seguin - a bit south on I-10 corridor east of San Antonio but well worth the detour; Snow's in Lexington; Brett's Backyard BBQ in Rockdale (Sunday only). Old 300 BBQ in Blanco is good too. There are many, many more places all through that region and beyond.

The big cities all have great places: Dallas, Houston, etc.

If you are going through Louisiana there is a Boudin Trail worth checking out (plus too many excellent Cajun restaurants to list). Pit member PaulstheRibList has a BBQ place in Lake Charles.

[Panhead John]

I second what 58 says. You could spend a minimum of a week in Houston hitting the best spots, a week in Dallas and 2 weeks in the Austin/Hill Country area.

[Mosca]

Hays Co is closed, at least temporarily. I was going to check it out in October. I just looked it up now.

[Jfrosty27]

Just google by state or region. There are many out there.

[Openfire]

I understand that. There are plenty of BBQ restaurants around my home area but also bourbon distilleries. Still there is a Bourbon tail in Kentucky that is very popular. Maybe a book is in my future as I travel around to BBQ restaurants.

[realdocBBQ]

Oh man, what an awesome idea!

My backyard is the best in north central Oklahoma, so make sure to put us on your list! lol

[RonB]

VA has a bbq trail. I have been to several on the list and they were good at the least.

https://www.virginia.org/listing/virginia-bbq-trail/1730/

[HawkerXP]

You'll need to give was ample warning so as we can evacuate before you get here.

bbqLuv

[RonB]

Let us know if//when you come to VA. I'd love to have a mini meatup for a meal. I am much nicer than HawkerXP .

[tamidw]

bbqLuv we’re wanting to do the bourbon trail too. A bbq trail along the way would be awesome. 🤔

[LA Pork Butt]

58limited and Panhead John What was the name of the guy from California who did the two the two week tour of Texas BBQ? His post would have a Texas itinerary. Did he have an RV?

[58limited]

I believe that was the start of the Texas Meat Ups too.

[58limited]

Here is wcpreston 's post about the BBQ trip - reviews and pics/vids: https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fo...ews-and-videos

[Panhead John]

Wow! In David’s link above, here’s where it actually gains traction…brings back memories! The beginnings of the Texas MeatUps.

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/bbq-restaurant-roundup/texas/1023704-texas-bbq-road-trip-in-june-or-july?p=1024121#post1024121

[BKYDBBQ]

This blog might be some help he has written reviews of BBQ joints all over the place, especially the East Coast.

https://johntannersbbqblog.wordpress.com/

Here is one for South Carolina

https://destination-bbq.com/sc-bbq-map-locator/

[WI Bubba]

I hit several of the places on the NC BBQ trail awhile back, and made posts about them in the NC section Of BBQ joints. If you should happen to go to Red Bridges BBQ, do not miss out on the BBQ slaw. It has a flavor profile that is unlike anything you have ever eaten before.

Honestly, the best places I ate on that trip were not part of the "official" BBQ Trail. The one thing I will warn you about is absolutely DO NOT trust Google reviews of BBQ places. I made that mistake in Texas. It did not go well. Fricken Rudy's!