Hot Texas BBQ

Lockhart (Kreuz)

Click on map to view information about
cities and attractions on your tour.

Take a leisurely drive south from Elgin to Bastrop and spend some time exploring the historic downtown, lovely parks and Lost Pines before venturing to the official Barbecue Capital of Texas in Lockhart. Officially recognized by the Texas Legislature, this little town is home to three of the state’s top 10 barbecue restaurants.

Let’s look at these barbecue legends in alphabetical order and let you decide which you like best. Black’s Barbecue, the oldest barbecue restaurant in Texas, has been continuously owned and operated by the same family since 1932. Black’s brisket, pork ribs and loin, chicken, ham and sausage are rubbed with seasonings, then cooked on double-walled brick pits. You can eat “1932 style” on butcher paper or take advantage of a cafeteria-style serving line that offers salads and side dishes such as beans and potato salad.

Chisolm Trail Lockhart Bar-B-Q & Hot Sausage is the youngest kid on the block, having opened in 1978 with funds owner Floyd Wilhelm raised by selling his fishing boat. Wilhelm serves up sausage, brisket, ribs, turkey, chicken and fajitas, as well as a nice variety of salads and side dishes. Despite stiff competition, Chisolm Trail has become a favorite of locals and has made many “best of Texas” lists.

The grandaddy of Lockhart barbecue is Kreuz Market (pronounced krites). It has been in business since 1900 and may very well be the most famous barbecue spot in Texas. Beef brisket, ribs, pork chops, prime rib and beef clods (a meatier cut of shoulder beef) are slow smoked in post oak-fired ovens and served up on butcher paper. This is barbecue for purists; no side dishes here. You can enjoy a slice of cheddar cheese, chunk of onion, fresh tomatoes, avocado and your favorite beverage, but that’s it. And don't ask for barbecue sauce. They don’t have it because they believe that good barbecue doesn’t need sauce.

On the theory that you can’t have too much of a good thing, here’s one more Lockhart eatery to sample. Smitty’s Market is the real deal. You place your order in the pit room next to the old brick smokers. They cut the meat, weigh it and plop it onto butcher paper with a knife and some white bread. Don’t ask for a fork in here. This meat is so tender, you don’t need one.