Texas barbecue and tacos are two beloved culinary traditions that come together perfectly in brisket tacos. This Tex-Mex fusion dish combines tender, smoky brisket with the handheld convenience of a taco, creating a mouthwatering meal that satisfies barbecue and taco lovers alike.
The Lone Star State offers numerous exceptional spots to enjoy this flavorful combination, from food trucks to upscale restaurants. Across Texas, skilled pitmasters and creative chefs elevate the humble taco with high-quality brisket, fresh toppings, and homemade tortillas. These top destinations showcase the diverse regional influences and innovative techniques that make Texas brisket tacos truly special.
1) Franklin Barbecue, Austin
Franklin Barbecue has earned legendary status in Austin’s barbecue scene. Opened in 2009 by Pitmaster Aaron Franklin, this establishment quickly rose to prominence for its expertly smoked brisket.
The brisket at Franklin Barbecue features a distinctive Texas-style bark, offering a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Texas Monthly has rated it as the best BBQ joint in the state.
Franklin Barbecue consistently appears on national “best barbecue” lists, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for brisket enthusiasts. The restaurant’s popularity often results in long lines, but many patrons find the wait worthwhile.
While not primarily known for tacos, Franklin Barbecue’s brisket can be enjoyed in various forms, including as a potential taco filling for those seeking a twist on traditional barbecue fare.
Address: 900 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702
Website: franklinbbq.com
2) Terry Black’s Barbecue, Dallas
Terry Black’s Barbecue brings Central Texas barbecue traditions to Dallas. This family-run establishment has deep roots in the Texas barbecue scene, dating back to 1932.
The brisket at Terry Black’s is a standout, smoked low and slow over post oak wood. The result is tender, juicy meat with a perfect bark and smoke ring.
For brisket tacos, guests can order sliced brisket and build their own. The restaurant provides fresh tortillas and a selection of toppings to complement the smoky meat.
The spacious 11,000-square-foot location in Deep Ellum features two large outdoor patios, perfect for enjoying barbecue in true Texas style.
While known for traditional barbecue plates, Terry Black’s brisket makes an excellent foundation for creative taco variations.
Terry Black’s Barbecue
Address: 3025 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (469) 399-0081
Website: terryblacksbbq.com/dallas
3) La Barbecue, Austin
La Barbecue stands out as a premier destination for brisket tacos in Austin. This acclaimed barbecue joint has earned a reputation for its expertly smoked meats and innovative culinary creations.
The brisket tacos at La Barbecue feature tender, perfectly smoked beef brisket nestled in warm tortillas. The meat is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, a testament to the skill of the pitmasters.
Guests can expect a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Austin’s food scene. The friendly service adds to the welcoming experience, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
La Barbecue’s commitment to quality shines through in every bite. Their custom-built pit in the backyard is where the magic happens, producing consistently excellent barbecue that keeps customers coming back.
La Barbecue
Address: 2401 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 605-9696
Website: labarbecue.com
4) Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, Austin
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ blends two beloved Texas culinary traditions: barbecue and Tex-Mex. This popular Austin eatery serves up some of the best brisket tacos in the state.
The brisket at Valentina’s is slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. When wrapped in their scratch-made flour tortillas, it creates a mouthwatering taco experience.
Patrons can choose between traditional BBQ sandwiches or opt for the Tex-Mex twist with tacos. The verde sauce pairs exceptionally well with the brisket tacos, adding a zesty kick.
Valentina’s also offers other BBQ meats and sides, allowing diners to customize their meal. The fusion of flavors and techniques sets this establishment apart in Austin’s competitive food scene.
Breakfast tacos are available from 8 am to 11 am daily, providing an early morning option for taco enthusiasts.
Contact: Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, 11500 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX. Website: www.valentinastexmexbbq.com
5) Pecan Lodge, Dallas
Pecan Lodge stands as a beacon of Texas barbecue excellence in Dallas. Their brisket tacos have earned a dedicated following among locals and visitors alike.
The brisket at Pecan Lodge is slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat that shines in taco form. Each taco features generous portions of juicy brisket nestled in a soft tortilla.
Pecan Lodge’s commitment to quality extends beyond just the meat. They pair their brisket with fresh, house-made toppings that complement the smoky flavors.
While brisket tacos are a highlight, Pecan Lodge offers a full menu of Texas barbecue staples. Diners can enjoy beef ribs, pulled pork, and homemade sausages alongside their signature brisket.
The restaurant’s popularity often leads to lines, but many patrons agree the wait is worthwhile for the exceptional barbecue experience.
Pecan Lodge: 2702 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226 | Phone: (214) 748-8900 | Website: www.pecanlodge.com
6) Killen’s Barbecue, Pearland
Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland stands out as a top destination for brisket tacos in Texas. Chef Ronnie Killen’s expertise in smoking meats shines through in every bite.
The restaurant’s brisket is renowned for its tenderness and rich flavor. When wrapped in a taco, it creates a mouthwatering combination that keeps customers coming back.
Killen’s offers a unique twist on traditional barbecue by incorporating their smoked meats into Tex-Mex favorites. Their brisket tacos showcase the versatility of their signature protein.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends beyond the meat. Fresh ingredients and house-made tortillas complement the smoky brisket perfectly.
Killen’s Barbecue has gained national recognition, attracting both locals and tourists seeking authentic Texas barbecue experiences. The brisket tacos have become a must-try item for many visitors.
Address: 3613 Broadway Street, Pearland, TX 77581
Phone: (281) 485-2272
Website: www.killensbbq.com
7) Truth BBQ, Brenham
Truth BBQ in Brenham has earned a reputation for serving some of the best brisket in Texas. While not primarily known for tacos, their brisket is so exceptional it deserves a mention on this list.
The restaurant’s sliced brisket is widely praised for its flavor and tenderness. Many customers claim it’s the best they’ve ever tasted. This high-quality brisket can easily be transformed into delicious tacos.
Truth BBQ’s menu features chopped brisket, which is perfect for taco fillings. The restaurant’s commitment to quality extends to all their barbecue offerings, including jalapeño cheddar sausage and brisket boudin.
The restaurant operates Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Be prepared for potential lines, as Truth BBQ’s popularity often leads to wait times.
Truth BBQ is located at 2990 US-290, Brenham, Texas 77833. For more information, visit their website or call ahead to check availability.
8) Micklethwait Craft Meats, Austin
Micklethwait Craft Meats stands out as a top destination for brisket tacos in Austin. This Central Texas barbecue trailer, established in 2012, has gained a reputation for its high-quality smoked meats and scratch-made sides.
The pitmaster, Tom Micklethwait, takes pride in crafting everything from scratch, including sausages, sauces, and pickles. This attention to detail extends to their brisket tacos, which showcase the perfectly smoked meat.
Located in the heart of East Austin, Micklethwait Craft Meats offers a range of barbecue favorites. Their menu includes brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, sausage, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and barbacoa.
Visitors can enjoy their meals in the covered outdoor seating area. The trailer’s atmosphere provides a genuine Austin barbecue experience, complete with friendly service and good times.
Micklethwait Craft Meats: 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702. Website: craftmeatsaustin.com
9) Cattleack Barbecue, Dallas
Cattleack Barbecue stands out as a top destination for brisket tacos in Dallas. This acclaimed spot has earned recognition from D Magazine, Texas Monthly, and The Dallas Observer for its exceptional barbecue.
The restaurant’s brisket is known for its tender texture and rich flavor, making it an ideal filling for tacos. Cattleack’s limited operating hours add to its allure, creating a sense of exclusivity for diners.
Visitors can enjoy the brisket tacos in a casual, no-frills setting that focuses on the quality of the meat. The restaurant’s dedication to traditional smoking techniques contributes to the superior taste of their brisket.
Cattleack Barbecue operates on a unique schedule, opening only on Thursdays and Fridays from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, plus the first Saturday of each month. Advance planning is recommended due to its popularity.
Cattleack Barbecue: 13628 Gamma Rd, Dallas, TX 75244 | Phone: (972) 805-0999 | Website: cattleackbbq.com
10) Panther City BBQ, Fort Worth
Panther City BBQ has earned its place among Fort Worth’s top barbecue destinations. This establishment began as a food truck before settling into a permanent location with indoor and outdoor seating.
The restaurant specializes in central Texas-style barbecue, slow-cooking meats on offset pits. Their menu features classic Texan barbecue staples alongside innovative Tex-Mex fusion dishes.
Panther City BBQ’s brisket tacos are a standout item, combining tender, smoky brisket with fresh tortillas. The brisket birria tacos offer a flavorful twist on the traditional taco, incorporating rich, savory broth.
Other popular menu items include brisket-topped elote and pork belly poppers. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity has helped establish Fort Worth as an exciting new hub for barbecue enthusiasts.
Panther City BBQ: 201 E Hattie St, Fort Worth, TX 76104. Website: panthercitybbq.com
History of Brisket Tacos in Texas
Brisket tacos represent a unique fusion of Texas barbecue traditions and Mexican culinary influences. This blend of flavors and cultures has become an iconic part of Texan cuisine, loved by locals and visitors alike.
Origins and Evolution
The origins of brisket tacos can be traced back to the early 1900s when Tex-Mex cuisine began to emerge. As Mexican immigrants settled in Texas, they brought their taco-making skills and adapted them to local ingredients and tastes.
The integration of brisket into tacos was a natural progression. Texas’s long-standing barbecue tradition met the versatile Mexican staple, creating a delicious hybrid.
In the mid-20th century, street vendors and small family-owned restaurants started experimenting with brisket as a taco filling. This innovation quickly gained popularity, spreading across the state.
Cultural Significance
Brisket tacos have become more than just a meal; they’re a symbol of Texas’s cultural diversity. They represent the harmonious blending of two distinct culinary traditions.
These tacos are now a staple at both Mexican restaurants and barbecue joints throughout Texas. They’re enjoyed at various times of day, with breakfast brisket tacos holding a special place in local food culture.
Food critics and publications have recognized brisket tacos as a must-try dish when visiting Texas. Restaurants like Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ in Austin have gained national attention for their unique take on this Texan favorite.
The popularity of brisket tacos has also influenced broader culinary trends, inspiring chefs to create new fusion dishes that celebrate Texas’s diverse food heritage.
Key Ingredients in Authentic Brisket Tacos
Authentic brisket tacos rely on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods to achieve their signature flavor and texture. The combination of tender, smoky meat with fresh toppings creates a memorable taco experience.
Varieties of Brisket
Brisket is the star of these tacos, typically slow-smoked for hours until tender. Many establishments use USDA Prime or Choice grade beef for optimal marbling and flavor. Some prefer the fatty point end, while others opt for the leaner flat cut.
Smoking methods vary, with oak and mesquite being popular wood choices in Texas. The brisket is often rubbed with a blend of salt, black pepper, and sometimes paprika or garlic powder before smoking.
Cooking times range from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the size and method. The result is a deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meat that forms the foundation of the taco.
Traditional Toppings and Sides
Brisket tacos are typically served on soft corn tortillas, though flour tortillas are also used. Common toppings include:
- Diced onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sliced jalapeños
- Pico de gallo
- Avocado or guacamole
Sauces may include a smoky barbecue sauce, salsa roja, or a tangy crema. Some places offer pickled red onions or pickled jalapeños for added zing.
Traditional sides include:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Charro beans
- Elote (Mexican street corn)
These sides complement the rich flavors of the brisket and add variety to the meal. The combination of smoky meat, fresh toppings, and flavorful sides creates a well-rounded and satisfying taco experience.