Texas is known for its unique take on barbeque, and it has become one of the specialties of Texan cuisine. Longview is true to its heritage when it comes to rustic, hearty, fall-off-the-bone brisket, ribs, and sausage.
But it’s not always easy for the out-of-town visitor to find out where the best barbeque joints are. Luckily, we have asked the locals for their favorite smoke shacks and they have happily obliged. Make sure to drop in and mingle with them, and grab some truly authentic Texas barbeque fare. Here is our List of Best Local Favorite Barbeque Joints in Longview, TX.
Bodacious BBQ
- 1105 W Upshur Ave, Gladewater, TX 75647
- (903)845-2311
- https://bodaciousgladewater.com/menu
This barbeque joint consistently ranks amongst the best barbeque restaurants in Texas. Pit master Jordan Jackson opened the first Bodacious BBQ in Longview TX, and rode the success of his first joint by starting the recent Gladewater location, just a stone’s throw away from Antique Capital RV park.
The meat comes straight from the smoke pit at Bodacious, and Texan ex-pats have been known to pine for the ribs sandwich. Even the sides receive raving reviews, being touted as classic and traditional, and is well loved by locals.
Famous all across Texas, not just in Longview, Bodacious is the place to go for some wholesome Texas barbeque when you visit!
Carter’s Bar-B-Que
- 519 S Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75602
- (903)236-3271
Located in an old converted building that adds to the rustic nature of a nice barbeque meal, Carter’s vies with Bodacious for the top BBQ restaurant frequented by locals.
The usual crowd at Carter’s consists of long-time customers looking for no-frills, hearty portions, that you had better come hungry for. Local favorites include the tender brisket sandwich and meat plate, and make sure to ask for extra BBQ sauce because many have said it’s to die for.
And if you’re extra adventurous, give their smoked boudain sausage a try. Made of pork and rice and originally from Louisiana, it has become a specialty of Carter’s.
Texas Best Smokehouse Longview
- 3302 S Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75602
- (903)248-4300
- https://texasbestshop.com/
One of the best kept secrets in Longview is this down-to-earth establishment that serves some of the best BBQ in Texas. Texas Best Smokehouse is located within a gas station, and the buffet style restaurant is connected to a convenience store on the other side.
The best thing about Texas Best is the variety. They serve an endless supply of juicy, tender BBQ, a satisfying array of delicious sides, and every flavor of beef jerky under the sun. And don’t forget to pick up a jar of their Texas Best BBQ Secret Rub on your way out.
True to its humble pit stop roots, Texas Best Smokehouse also offers a staggering selection of canned and pickled gourmet jars and flavored jerky of all kinds (Kangaroo Jerky, anyone?). And the best thing is, if you find yourself missing their special Python Peppered Jerky or Hoot N’ Holler Spicy Pickles at home, you can hop on over to their website and order one delivered straight to your doorstep!
Boxcar Bar B Que
- 2902 Gilmer Rd Ste A, Longview, TX 75604
- (903)759-1911
Boxcar is a family owned and operated BBQ restaurant that is catered to the locals. All the prep is done in house, and their specialty is the slow-smoked meats that don’t overpower the senses.
Everything on the BBQ menu receives raving reviews, and loyal customers each have their favorites – fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoky sausages and links, a mean beef brisket, and of course, Boxcar’s famous BBQ sauce.
And if you have a hankering for something sweet, they offer a selection of homemade fried pies with delicious fruity fillings. The flavors depend on what they have on hand and change daily, so be sure to check back another time if you don’t see a favorite!
UNC’s BBQ
- 1511 E Marshall Ave, Longview, TX 75601
- (903) 236-3122
A common vein of all these local favorites is the BBQ sauce, which is all incredibly good. UNC’s BBQ is no exception, and loyal customers describe the sauce as the perfect combination of spicy, sweet and tangy.
One of the favorites on the menu is the beef brisket, which is super tender. But instead of the normal BBQ fare, try one of UNC’s interesting specialties, such as the aptly-named Junk Yard Dog, or the heart-attack-inducing Tour de UNC.
And definitely try the fried okra, which is a rare treat as a side for BBQ, but goes surprisingly well with the usual UNC fare. UNC also offers a wallet-friendly lunch special that changes Monday to Friday, which is worth checking out for a quick bite to eat between visiting attractions.
We hope you enjoyed the list and that you have some new ideas of where to satisfy that BBQ craving. All of these locale favorites are just down the road from our Park in Gladewater, so be sure and come see us if you’re in the area!
