Edinburg may be known for its citrus groves and university spirit, but let’s be real—this South Texas city has quietly become a barbecue powerhouse. The kind where brisket so tender it whispers secrets meets ribs with bark that crackles like applause. And this list looks beyond the obvious smokehouses. Because sometimes the most transcendent ‘cue is served at a roadside stand or a family-run joint that feels like home. Here’s where to find that perfect marriage of smoke, spice, and soul.
Bar-B-Cutie SmokeHouse
$ | (956) 600-8295 | WEBSITE
If you’re searching for barbecue in Edinburg, you might think it’s unnecessary to seek out a specific smokehouse when there are plenty of options around. Your fellow food enthusiasts might even say you’re “overthinking it” or “willing to travel for brisket but not willing to try that new place downtown.” This is the best brisket we’ve had in the Edinburg area, and that alone makes it worth a stop, no matter where you happen to be coming from.
The brisket is moist (but not overly fatty), the tea is wonderfully refreshing, and a side of those crispy onion rings brings the whole meal together perfectly.
Taco Ole – Edinburg
$ | (956) 383-5440 | WEBSITE
Mexican food enthusiasts everywhere will feel their mouths water after hearing the words “Taco Ole.” We mention those words because the Edinburg-based restaurant with a devoted following serves the beef fajitas, chalupas, and cheese enchiladas that define authentic Mexican cuisine. But it’s not just exceptional dishes that make this spot worth planning a trip for. It’s warm, freshly made flour tortillas praised as the best around. It’s a generous buffet recognized as the finest in Texas.
It’s friendly servers who greet every guest, which feels rare these days. This is one of the best Mexican restaurants you’ll find in the region, and you can enjoy it from a welcoming dining room right in the heart of Edinburg.
The Original Willie’s Bar-B-Q
$ | (956) 702-1370 | WEBSITE
Walking into The Original Willie’s Bar-B-Q feels a little like stepping into a Texas institution, complete with worn wooden tables, a no-frills setup, and “Great BBQ” signs decorating the walls. We’ve talked at length about the ribs at this Edinburg spot, but when we want something just a little bit bigger (and meatier), we go for the Dino ribs.
Basically massive beef ribs with meat that falls off the bone, they’re hearty enough to satisfy all the hunger you’ve worked up until late in the afternoon. It’s also one of the only spots in town where we’ve found police and border patrol officers lining up for lunch, which tells you everything you need to know about the quality. Roy has the place running like a well-oiled machine, with friendly service that clears plates promptly and keeps sweet tea flowing.
For around $25, you get a plate that could feed two, plus a slice of chocolate cake with ice cream that’s worth saving room for. Parking can be tight, but the value and flavor make it worth circling the block.
The Smoke Ring Tex-Mex BBQ
$ | (956) 638-7778 | WEBSITE
The Smoke Ring’s brisket burger special challenges any burger in the valley, but it’s the classic smoked brisket that we’d drive across town for. It features super soft, delicious brisket with just the right smoke level, served alongside those incredible homemade fries that are double-fried in peanut oil with their own seasoning blend. Plus, you get to enjoy it in a cozy, relaxing atmosphere with friendly, attentive staff.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
$ | (956) 781-8888 | WEBSITE
We can’t imagine a more satisfying way to dive into Texas barbecue than with the brisket sandwich—a tender, smoky pile of sliced beef piled high on a soft bun. It’s juicy and savory in all the right ways, with the perfectly cooked meat and sides that are undoubtedly made with more care than we usually find.
It’s located in Edinburg, offering a casual, welcoming atmosphere that will inevitably have families and barbecue lovers filling the tables every weekend (try the drive-thru if you’re in a hurry).
Ace’s BBQ Edinburg
$ | (956) 513-8516 | WEBSITE
Ace’s BBQ Edinburg is as straightforward as you want it to be. Brisket and sausage tacos share a playing field here, and somewhere in between you’ll find an excellent potato with brisket, made with all the extra trimmings from their flavorful meats. Don’t expect any wild cards here, just a well-executed version of a classic barbecue spot.
Willie B’s Barbeque
$ | (956) 318-1373 | WEBSITE
Whenever we find ourselves with a craving for real-deal barbecue, we’re heading to Willie B’s Barbeque in Edinburg. It’s down-to-earth BBQ that follows all the “rules” that the Texas joints seem to adhere to. Sure, you can enjoy their delicious brisket and turkey taco options—and call it a meal—but you should probably let the Brisket & Pulled Pork Burrito do its thing, uninterrupted.
Either way, it’ll be packed full of tender meat with your choice of sides—we’re on Team Mashed Potatoes, by the way.
492 BBQ
$ | (956) 270-4741 | WEBSITE
A great brisket sandwich sits near the top of our overall barbecue rankings, and one of our favorites is at 492 BBQ in Edinburg. The brisket comes out tender and juicy, resulting in a satisfying chew and a small pool of savory juices with each bite, and there are enough flavorful sauces and sides to complement the smoky meats tucked within. We like the Taco Trio—it’s made with a hearty mix of brisket, chicken, and fajitas, plus a very generous helping of charro beans and street corn.
Tortilleria El Grano DE Oro
$ | (956) 384-9007 | WEBSITE
You’ll find plenty of morning choices at Tortilleria El Grano DE Oro in Edinburg, whether you’re craving classic breakfast tacos or their signature barbacoa plates. We enjoy everything we’ve sampled here, but our usual favorite is one of the tamales. Grab the carnitas on a fresh tortilla with a side of chips and cheese for a delicious take on tradition, then pick up a dozen tortillas on your way out to share with family and earn everyone’s appreciation.
FIVE MILE WINGS, ALTON
$ | (956) 595-9525 | WEBSITE
FIVE MILE WINGS’ Nashville hot traditional wings are reminiscent of Wingstop’s signature style, but this Texas counterpart swaps out the standard heat for a smoky and spicy combination that adds a flavorful kick. We like the version with crispy skin and tender meat that brings the whole thing together. It all arrives with fresh fries that remind you why this place gets such consistent good reviews.
