A new barbecue ranking released this week by Yelp has placed more California restaurants in its top 100 than Texas, a result that has drawn attention from pitmasters and diners alike. The list, published ahead of Memorial Day weekend, is based on reviews and ratings from Yelp Elite users. Fourteen California barbecue spots made the cut, compared to twelve from Texas, according to Yelp’s data.
Barbecue remains a point of regional pride, with Texas long seen as a national leader. That reputation is built on traditions found in places like Central Texas, where brisket, sausage, and ribs anchor menus. California’s showing on the list surprised some, given its shorter history with barbecue and its tendency toward fusion and newer styles.
The methodology behind the list relies on user-submitted reviews, rather than a panel of food critics or industry professionals. This approach tends to favor restaurants that actively encourage customer feedback online. Several Texas barbecue operators noted that not all of their regulars post online, while newer California venues often engage customers for digital reviews.
In New York, local barbecue restaurants have appeared on similar lists in the past, though none placed in the top ranks this season. Some owners in Brooklyn and Harlem said they look to these lists for broader trends, but rely on steady weekend business and neighborhood word-of-mouth.
With summer approaching, local barbecue operators are preparing for increased foot traffic, regardless of their presence on national lists. Several plan to introduce seasonal specials as festival crowds and park-goers return to outdoor dining.