Deborah & Mary Jones are the ONLY female pitmasters in all of Kansas City! The sisters run Jones BBQ using an artisanal approach to their cooking. | Refinery29

In 1980, Houston hosted the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, a smoky showdown held alongside the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Pitmasters from across the country fired up briskets, ribs, and sausage, hoping to impress a star-studded panel of judges that included Oilers coach Bum Phillips and Astros ace Nolan Ryan. The event mixed cowboy tradition with Texas flair—trailers, beer tents, and bands playing under the neon glow. It became the ultimate celebration of barbecue culture, cementin

Texas Monthly BEST BBQ LIST 📝 Congratulations to the winners and honorable mentions in 2025! 🥳 🎉 🏆 Check out the LINK to Texas Monthly BBQ list below 👇 A huge shoutout to all the dedicated Texas BBQ teams, whether recognized or not. Running a Texas BBQ joint demands immense perseverance, and this year’s list showcases that passion. Daniel V and the Texas Monthly team have truly excelled in capturing the spirit of TEXAS BBQ. BBQ lovers everywhere celebrate the remarkable chefs, pitmasters, a