In a male-dominated world of Texas barbecue, pitmaster Ali Clem is blazing a trail as one of the few women behind the smoker—and helping La Barbecue earn a well-deserved Michelin star in the process. The “La” in its name is a tribute to LeAnn Mueller, Chem’s late wife and a member of the famed Mueller BBQ family.
La Barbecue has earned its reputation thanks to high-quality meats and bold flavors, especially its smoky and juicy pork ribs and turkey. La Barbecue’s sides don’t miss either; the shells and cheese are some of the best mac in town. They come in small, pint or quart-sized servings, but we’d recommend the quart if you’re planning to go back for seconds.
While the line can move slowly, there’s more seating here than in other BBQ joints. Be warned: there’s little to no shade outside, so waiting in the Texas heat can be brutal. For faster service, preorder your meats online and use the left entrance to skip the line. You won’t be able to dine in, but you’ll spend less time sweating and more time eating.
The vibe: Laid-back restaurant with ample indoor seating, outdoor communal tables and neon signs.
The food: Standout smoked meats like pork ribs and turkey, plus can’t-miss shells and cheese.
The drink: Full bar service available.
Time Out tip: Parking is hard to find, but there’s free parking in the neighborhood and a paid parking lot across the street.