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.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveFOOD

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

Last updated by Simon Ward

The US's best barbecue restaurants, ranked