The i-35 section between Dallas and Austin serves some of the best barbecus in Texas. Family joints that have smoked meat for generations in legendary places presented in national food exhibitions, this motorway corridor is a treasure card for barbecue lovers. Pack your appetite and prepare for a delicious journey through central Texas.
1. Bar-B-Que of Tony Demaria-Waco
Since 1946, this barbecue at the old school has served beef in slices that brings people back and travelers for more. The restaurant occupies a special place in the history of Texas, having fueled the construction teams that built the I-35 at the time.
Entering Tony Demaria has the impression of going back in time, with classic sides that perfectly complement their famous slices beef. The walls tell stories of past decades, while the smoked aroma promises a meal that deserves to be recalled.
Their commitment to traditional barbecue methods manifests with each bite, making it an essential destination for all those looking for authentic flavors from Central Texas.
2. Vitek – Waco
Hosting the legendary original intestine, Vitek has created something really unique in the world of barbecue. This chief of fritt-pie-meet-barbecue combines crisp corn shavings with a tender chest, a sausage and a turkey in a way that the inhabitants do not swear.
Managed with family for generations, this establishment includes the art of combining comforting food with serious barbecue skills. The intestinal pak may seem unusual, but a bite explains why it has become a central institution in Texas.
Beyond their famous creation, Vitek serves an excellent traditional barbecue which stands very much to its own merits, making each visit a satisfactory experience.
3. Barbecue Helberg – Woodway (Waco region)
The recognition of the list of first 50 of Texas Monthly in 2025 confirms what the inhabitants already knew on the barbecue of Helberg. Their chest, coast and their homemade sausages represent the oozing of the barbecue crafts in the Central Texas.
Just a little jump from the i-35 via the highway 6, this place makes the perfect detour without adding a lot of time to your trip. The smoked perfection obtained here comes from years of dedication to traditional methods of smoking.
Each cut of meat receives special attention, chest fat perfectly rendered to the bone fall ribs that show why the Texas barbecue has acquired the whole world.
4. Miller’s Smokehouse – Belton
The beloved barbecue comrade in downtown Belton has won his place on the Texas Monthly’s list of the top 50s thanks to a coherent excellence. Miller’s Smokehouse combines a chest and exceptional ribs with desserts that offer the perfect end to any meal.
The central location of Texas of the restaurant makes it an ideal stop point for travelers looking for authentic regional flavors. Their commitment to quality extends beyond the main courses, with accompaniment dishes which complement rather than competing with the star attractions.
The sweet treats here are not only a reflection afterwards but carefully manufactured desserts which complement the culinary experience in a memorable way.
5. BBQ of Schoepf – Belton
Large fumages and a spacious dining room welcome hungry travelers at the Schoepf barbecue, ideally located right next to the I-35 on Central Avenue. The live backyard on site adds an entertainment value that distinguishes this place from typical road barbecue joints.
Evening travelers should check the concert calendar, because the capture of live music while enjoying an excellent barbecue creates a travel experience on the unexpected road. The combination of good food and a good atmosphere is longer.
Spacious accommodation means that large groups can dine comfortably, while entertainment options offer reasons to linger beyond the hunger of simple satisfaction.
6. Clem Mikeska bar -bq – Temple & Belton
This long family channel in Texas, belonging to a long time, has mastered the art of barbecue of the practical highway without sacrificing quality. Several locations along the corridor i-35 offer easy access to travelers looking for a reliable and delicious barbecue.
The chest, the ribs and the turkey receive equal attention here, while a wide selection of sides guarantees that everyone finds something to love. Easy access to OUT makes it perfect for road excursions on tight schedules.
The family property covering generations manifests itself in the coherent preparation and the friendly service which maintains the customers returning after a trip along this well -trained route.
7. SHEF OF THE PUSTKA FAMILY – Temple
Small family operations often produce the most memorable barbecue experiences, and the barbecue of the Pustka family perfectly illustrates this truth. Limited hours – Tuesday to Saturday to Saturday during the day – reflect their commitment to quality compared to quantity.
Discreet smokings like this offer intimate catering experiences that the largest establishments can simply not correspond. The personal key shows in all aspects, from the preparation of meat to customer service.
Intelligent travelers check operating hours before arrival, because the limited calendar guarantees new preparation, but requires a certain planning to coordinate with your trip to the South.
8. Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor (Round Rock Detour)
This Texas Temple barbecue stained with smoke improves its profession since 1949, creating an emblematic destination that belongs to the list of buckets of each barbecue lover. The short detour is on US-79 American travelers with a legendary chest and massive beef ribs.
Decades of smoke have literally stained the black walls, creating an atmosphere that talks about the serious barbecue affairs carried out here. The building itself tells the story of the history of the barbecue in the center of Texas.
The coasts of beef here are particularly remarkable, presenting the type of old -fashioned barbecue techniques that have made Texas famous worldwide for smoked meats.
9. Southside Market & Barbeque-Hutto (US-79 / SH-130 Spur)
Returning its roots to the Elgin original from 1882, this modern pre-publish Hutto brings the legendary tradition of sausage to a practical place near the I-35 / US-79 approach to Austin. The famous sausage that has built its reputation remains the star attraction.
The strategic positioning makes it an ideal barbecue stop before reaching Austin, allowing travelers to sample historical recipes without venturing away from the main highways. Modern facilities offer comfort while maintaining traditional flavors.
The sausage represents more than 140 years of refinement here, which makes it essential to any serious person to understand the heritage and the evolution of the barbecue of Texas.
10. The Salt Lick barbecue – Round Rock
This round location of the Hill Country legend next to Dell Diamond offers easy access to families and large groups looking for a complete service in a relaxed atmosphere. The sprawling patio welcomes crowds while retaining the feeling of welcoming salt.
The complete table service distinguishes this location from typical barbecue joints, which makes it perfect for groups that want to sit and enjoy their meal without the usual cafeteria control process.
The combination of the legendary Hill campaign barbecue with family equipment creates an ideal stop point for travelers with various needs and preferences.