As part of America's famous barbecue belt, Texas prides itself on its meat-smoking skills. Most agree that Franklin Barbecue is the best barbecue joint around; here, people gladly wait hours to be served luscious beef brisket with pickles, onions, barbecue sauce, and white bread.

Anthony Bourdain described it as the finest he'd ever had – and nothing else on the menu (or in the state) quite compares.

Now discover America's greatest original recipe burgers and where to find them

Last updated by Simon Ward

The best barbecue restaurants in the US, ranked