Sausages and briskets are the highlight of the Burnet, Texas barbecue joint, run by butchers-turned-pitmasters Robert and Penny Payne, so much so it landed on Texas Monthly’s coveted best barbecue list for the first time ever in 2017. Outdoor seating is available.

Bypass the downtown Austin and the New Braunfels locations of Cooper’s and head straight for mini-chain’s first location. The Llano pits are where so many cuts of meat are smoked (don't miss out on the pork chops) and there’s plentiful seating. Even better: barbecue is available into the evening hours as well. Takeout and dine-in services are available.

The go-to Spicewood barbecue restaurant features plentiful smoked meats, from tender brisket, customers choose their barbecue cuts, including tender brisket, spicy-sweet baby back ribs, and full-on pork chops. The dessert menu is tight, too, from the fruit cobblers to the off-menu Coca-Cola cake. Takeout and indoor dine-in services are available.

Revered Austin barbecue restaurant Stiles Switch opened this Hill Country restaurant combining barbecue and Cajun fare. This means dishes such as gumbo full of smoked brisket and sausage alongside the expected meats lineup (brisket, sausage, turkey, pulled pork, etc.). Takeout (online and call-ahead), Door Dash delivery, and indoor/outdoor dine-in services are available.

Vibes and atmosphere are everything and that’s where the Driftwood barbecue restaurant shines. Order up barbecue, sides, and desserts, and take a seat inside or outside, while taking advantage of wine from Salt Lick Cellars. Then there’s the ever-popular and much-photographed barbecue pit. It’s open in the evening as well. Takeout, national shipping, and indoor/outdoor dine-in services are available.