09-05-2025
Texas pitmasters serve up Michelin-starred barbecue
(NewsNation) — May marks National Barbecue Month, and American barbecue is getting global recognition like never before.
For the first time, four Texas barbecue joints in Houston and Austin — La Barbecue, InterStellar BBQ, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, and Corkscrew BBQ — have been awarded Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide made its debut in Texas in 2024, and these four spots made the cut, according to Business Insider.
NewsNation's Xavier Walton visited CorkScrew BBQ, la Barbecue and Leroy and Lewis Barbecue to uncover what makes these Texas pitmasters truly exceptional.
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In Texas, barbecue is more than just food — it's a lifestyle. While Michelin stars are often associated with fine dining, these barbecue joints have proven there's more than meets the eye.
At CorkScrew BBQ, customers visit in droves.
'We're on a half-acre. So basically, the line outlines the entire half acre that we're on,' said Will Buckman, owner of CorkScrew BBQ in Houston.
Texas is home to three more Michelin-starred barbecue destinations, from that half-acre near Houston to Austin, arguably the mecca of meat.
'Not ever in a million years would I have ever thought that I would have a Michelin star,' said Alison Clem, owner of la Barbecue.
Clem takes a unique approach. 'We cook a hot and fast brisket. I have a giant passion for creating with different cuts of meat,' she said.
Even actor Seth Rogen has come by to sample the offerings at la Barbecue.
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At LeRoy and Lewis, they do things low and slow.
'We were a food truck for seven years,' said Sawyer Lewis, co-owner of Leroy and Lewis Barbecue. 'We believe that barbecue is a method and not a menu.'
One of their standout items? Beef cheeks. 'They are very unique to us. They're like little mini briskets,' Lewis said.
Lewis said the Michelin honor still feels surreal.
'This is truly the culinary entrepreneurial dream,' she said.
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