Where in Texas can I get the best ribs, beef or pork, doesn't matter? Traveling the whole state on vacation, so location is not an issue either.

You can probably get a better response by going to the Texas message board at www.chowhound.com

Traveling the WHOLE STATE of Texas? Wow, that could take some time.

If you want the small, babyback pork ribs and not a chain restaurant, Sammies BBQ in Ft. Worth (Beach and Belknap) is my pick. They are meaty and served with a thin, brown, vinergary, not-tomato-ey, sauce and thick-cut "real" (meaning not frozen) fries and an oil-and-vinegar coleslaw . . . mmmmm, I'm getting hungry just writing about them.

Now . . . some people swear by Angelo's (also in Ft. Worth) . . . but those are those big, fatty beef ribs, they are served with that sweet, thick tomato-ey sauce, and they don't serve fries (I'm one of those who has to have fries and beer with my BBQ).

Please write back and let us know what you find and have a great time in Texas.

Sandy (in Denton)

If you get to Kilgore, in East Texas, and find good ribs, please report back.

I've never been there.

Thanks
BAKilgore

Kerr's in Lockhart I believe (outside San Antonio). The place is well worth the drive (well written about).

Harold's BBQ in Abilene, Texas. It is in a tiny building on a back street, but it is worth the hunt! The owner is a gospel singer, and he sometimes serenades the lunch crowd!

Two special places come to mind. There's a place painted red on the main street in Fredericksburg that is excellent. Same for a place out on Dripping Springs Road near Austin -- best and biggest beef ribs ever.

Pumpy,

When you said Kerr's in Lockhart, I think you meant Kreuz. Black's or Smitty's might be a couple of other places to try in Lockhart. Of course, I'm a vegetarian, so what do I know?

I've always been partial to Tony Roma's Baby Back Ribs.

They are in various points around the state but sadly no where near me! I do stock up on their BBQ sauce when I'm there!

I too want the highlights (and lowlights) of ribs around the state!

I enjoyed the ribs at County Line in Austin.

Don's right, it's Kruez in Lockhart. The place is very unique and well worth the visit. I live in KC, where we have the best BBQ in the US, and even I was / am impressed by Kruez.

Goode & Company in Houston.

Any such list has to include the original Salt Lick restaraunt on FM 1826, southwest of Austin. It's a bit of a drive, but lots of folks think the trip is well worth it for their BBQ Ribs. They have a special sauce above any I've tasted. They have opened another location up in Austin at Hwy 360, but I haven't tried it. The drive out in the booneys and the atmosphere of the restaraunt at the original place seem to add to the experience.

Also, Coopers BBQ in Llano.

No way you're traveling the whole state but here goes. Peggy's Piggy Palace or Hog Hell near San Antonio.

If you are in Ft. Worth, then the best place is The Railhead. It's just south of the corner of I-30 and Montgomery. It's where all the locals go.

lbaboyd, we just returned from a first time trip to Austin and tried the Saltlick because I happened to read your post. What a fun, relaxed, great food experience! Thank you for posting!

On my recent trip to TX, I ventured to Salt Lick to experience Texas BBQ. A true experience. 2 men directing traffic into the restaurant were 2 TX rangers each with a badge, a pistol and handcuffs on their belt. Took me by surprise. There was a line to be seated but it moved quite fast. Since the menu is limited, once you order, your meal is returned within a few moments. "I" personally wasn't thrilled with the pork ribs. Reminded me of smoked ham on a bone. Potato salad was like O’Brien potatoes with a vinegar/mustard dressing. Different but good. Loved sitting in the picnic grove listing to a live band while I ate my meal. p.s. NO pesky BUGS.

Looking for THE best pork ribs anywhere? Try the Country Tavern, just west of Kilgore on Texas Hwy 31. It'll be on your right. Stop anywhere in Kilgore, and they'll be happy to tell you just how to get there. I just finished up one of their famous pork ribs dinners a minute ago and it was just like all the others I've eaten there...the best. Country Tavern...'nuff said.