Virgie's
Editor's note: Originally published May 2009, this guide was updated 2.22.11.

Some of these are little more than shacks, a couple are fancier affairs. All have something in common: honkin' big slabs o' meat. Here's are 29 barbecue places you should try:

1. Pierson & Company Bar-B-Q

2. Thelma's

3. Virgie's BBQ

4. Goode Company Barbecue (on Katy Freeway)

5. Baker's Ribs

6. Swinging Door

7. 529 BBQ

8. Thomas Bar-B-Q (North Loop)

9. AJ's BBQ & Grill

10. Barbecue Inn

Swinging Door
11. Gatlin's BBQ

12. Central Texas Style Barbecue

13. Guy's Meat Market

14. Bud's Barbecue

15. Otto's

16. Lyndon's Pit Bar-B-Q

17. Schulze's Bar-B-Que

18. Burn's Bar-B-Q

19. Larry's Bar-B-Q Smokehouse Co.

20. Gabby's (on No. Shepherd)

Pizzitola's
21. Pizzitola's Bar-B-Cue

22. Pappas Barbecue (on Pierce @ San Jacinto)

23. Bobbie Que's

24. Luling City Market

25. Nonmacher's Bar-B-Que

26. Pit Master Barbecue Cafe

27. Carriage House Cafe

28. Blake's BBQ

29. Beaver's Ice House