Smitty's Market

A town of just 12,698, Lockhart, TX has a reputation that's much bigger than its size may convey. In a state where meat is king, Lockhart was proclaimed by the Texas legislature as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas" in 1999. (Another claim to fame: it was a shooting location for 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?') In just Lockhart alone, you'll find more legendary BBQ joints than in entire states. One of them is the historic Smitty’s Market, home to the best BBQ sausage I've ever had.

Smitty's was opened in 1978 by the same family that also owns Kreuz Market here in Lockhart. Both are incredible, but there's definitely a difference in BBQ between the two. Having visited the two establishments back-to-back on two separate occasions, I tend to prefer the sausage at Smitty's and brisket at Kreuz.

Inside, everything looks like it hasn't been touched since 1978. Hot open fires rage right on the concrete floor. I have no idea how building codes work in Lockhart but I'm assuming they're as lenient as a mall cop. Smitty's also hilariously does not offer forks, so you'll have to use your hands or a knife to scarf down hunks of meat. I find this amusing and arbitrary rules only add to the experience for me.

This place is a trip. It's a meat paradise, a real cup-runneth-over scenario. Big risk of meat sweats. Caligula vibes. Highly recommended.