Louie Mueller Barbecue

Founded in 1949, this Texas gem has been family-run for three generations. It's a winner of the James Beard Foundation American Classics award, though I'm not sure that the clientele here cares about that or knows what that is. As of 2021, it holds a spot on Texas Monthly's 50 Best BBQ Joints list, which I think is more-relevant acclaim around these parts. Get a mention on this list and it's a guaranteed line out the door the next morning—if you don't believe me, ask the staff at Interstellar BBQ in NW Austin.

But you don't need any of these credentials to realize Louie Mueller Barbecue is a Texas classic. Just walk in. You'll see it immediately in the weathered walls, warped floors, and hazy smoke swirling under the fluorescent lights. Of course the Mayor of Flavortown and man of the people Guy Fieri has been here, but so have generations of Taylor residents who keep coming back for the impeccably balanced and picture-perfect brisket.

Every place has its story but rarely can they tell it with a single slice of beef. Louie Mueller Barbecue can. And it doesn't need fancy awards and plaques on its walls because at the end of the day, the name is the monument.