The magazine publishes a new roundup of the Lone Star State’s top barbecue spots every four years. This year’s was decided by 26 anonymous taste testers working alongside BBQ Editor Daniel Vaughn, who ultimately decided the final rankings.
Burt Bean, co-founded by Ernest Servantes and Dave Kirkland in 2020, earned raves for its brisket, its brisket huevos rancheros and weekend rib specials such as Korean beef-back ribs, among other menu selections.
Texas Monthly isn’t alone in slathering praise on Servantes and Kirkland. The chefs have racked up numerous accolades for their mastery of smoked meats, including multiple James Beard Award nominations, a Bib Gourmand designation from the Michelin Guide and a spot on Esquire’s Best New-Wave Texas-Style Barbecue Joints in America.
Two other notable San Antonio barbecue spots — 2M Smokehouse and Reese Bros BBQ — also made the mag’s latest list. Vaughn deemed 2M Smokehouse pitmaster Esaul Ramos’ brisket as some of the most “delectable” in the state, while Reese Bros earned praise for its costra tacos, pina colada cobbler and other innovative takes on Texas ‘que.
Burnt Bean Co. only serves breakfast on Sundays, and the restaurant reserves some specials for weekends only, which means lines form quickly, as Vaughn also notes in his review. Now that the eatery’s topped the Texas Monthly list, there’s probably even more urgency to arrive early.
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This article appears in May 14-27, 2025.