Best Barbecue in Texas: City-by-City Guide

Discussions of Texas often involve barbecue.

Or is that just me? When someone brings up the Lone Star State, my mind switches gears. I can feel the frenetic atmosphere of a rodeo, hear the twang of lovely Southern accents, and see the lassos swinging through the air.

I can smell the sizzle of the brisket on the pit. I can almost taste the burnt ends and cornbread.

But Texas isn’t just one of the stomping grounds of great barbecue. It’s one of the most innovative frontiers in fusion barbecue, home to side-of-the-road smokehouses and fine dining establishments alike. Here is where new flavors meld into classic new eats.

In honor of the Lone Star State and all it does in the art of slow-cooked, smoked meats, I’m counting down the very best barbecue in Texas. Use this city-by-city guide the next time you’re on the hunt for some unforgettable barbecue.

Best barbecue in Houston

Tejas Chocolate & BBQ

Who says barbecue and chocolate don’t pair well? Along with the standard fare of falls-apart-in-your-hands brisket and ribs, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ also serves other delicious eats like a carrot souffle.

Their sandwich menu is extensive and unique—even more basic items like the turkey melt are mouthwatering. To top it all off, guests can shop around for the perfect truffle and chocolate bar when the meat sweats start.

Burns Original BBQ

If you want a legacy-level bite of brisket, then head to Burns Original. This eatery has been graced by legends like Anthony Bourdain—who gave a hearty stamp of approval.

In fact, Burns has been around for long enough that they’re part of the local community. They currently offer a $50,000 scholarship program. Every bite helps!

Best barbecue in Dallas-Fort Worth

Goldee’s BBQ

This barbecue spot inspired me to write this article. The restaurant opened after five high school friends decided to flip their love of barbecue into a business venture.

Since then, one founding member has started to incorporate his Laos roots into his ingredients. The result is a long list of classic barbecue eats, plus fusions like Laos sausages.

Terry Black’s Barbecue

Terry Black’s Barbecue is a no-frills and no-funny-business barbecue spot. Thanks to its sterling reputation, this is an intergenerational favorite for locals that has since opened up new locations. It’s tried and true, from brisket to baked potato salad.

Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que

Similar to Terry Black’s Barbecue, Smokey John’s has been at it for decades. You know it’s good based on the interior—which hasn’t been updated because everyone forgets about the décor when they start eating.

Aside from its tasty smoked meats, Smokey John’s excels on the sides. Looking for staples like collard greens and candied yams? Here’s where to get them.

Best barbecue in San Antonio

Pinkerton’s Barbecue

This San Antonio staple offers everything you could want from a Texas barbecue joint. There’s brisket, ribs, and pulled pork—along with stranger additions like the Man Bear Pig Sandwich and tasty twists like rosemary mac and cheese.

But there’s more here than imaginative dishes and stellar smoked meats. Along with its menu, Pinkerton’s offers a pretty serious collection of bourbon and whiskey.

2M Smokehouse

At 2M Smokehouse, you get the best of Mexican-influenced barbecue. That means treats like pork links stuffed with Oaxaca cheese and serrano peppers and barbacoa-style tacos.

Just make sure you plan ahead if you want to eat here—lines are hours long throughout the week.

South BBQ

If you’re after great eats like barbecue tacos and perfectly cooked chicken legs, you can find that at South BBQ—in addition to classics like pulled pork shoulder and Angus brisket. I’d personally be shoveling the loaded tater tot casserole down my gullet.

Best barbecue in Austin

KG BBQ

We’ve counted off Laos-inspired sausages from Goldee’s, along with Latin-influenced hits like Oaxaca-cheese-stuffed pork links at 2M Smokehouse.

Here’s the final leg of fusion barbecue: KG BBQ from an Egyptian-American pitmaster. This pop-up offers barbecue twists that incorporate Middle Eastern staples like tahini and stuffed pitas. Everyone say, shukraan!

Distant Relatives

Billed as ‘modern African American’, this unique eatery focuses on delicious barbecue flavors that have flown below the radar. I’m talking about mustard seed butter, tamarin molasses BBQ sauce, and something called ‘smothering gravy’. Distant Relatives is the type of innovative barbecue that keeps Texas at the top of the rankings.

Seven-Star Hotels—Are They Real?

Luxury travel is endlessly fascinating—sort of like window shopping.

Every year, more lux and semi-lux experiences come into orbit for the average traveler. So far in 2024, I’ve noticed things like semi-affordable semi-private airlines take off, a proliferation of private castle rentals, and brand-new, high-end glamping brands hit the market.

That being said, the bar for extravagance is continually rising.

And one of the latest iterations of luxury travel is the emergence of the seven-star hotel.

Is it real or a thing of myth? And how exactly do seven-star hotels compare to their counterparts?

Let’s dive into the mythical world of seven-star hotels, starting off with what defines these larger-than-life stays.

What differentiates seven-star hotels from five-star hotels?

Here’s the hard truth—most travel and hospitality experts don’t believe that seven-star hotels exist. That’s based on the fact that typical star allocations in the hotel world follow strict criteria.

In other words, there’s no seven-star category because the Powers That Be haven’t yet laid out the official requirements of a seven-star stay.

Also, it bears mentioning that star ratings are reviewed by different agencies across the world. A five-star stay in one place might not look the same in another.

And the criteria for hotel ratings are quantitative instead of qualitative. It’s based on the number of features—not whether or not they offer a high-quality experience.

That means that you can find four-star hotels that are wildly luxurious and endlessly re-bookable. They outperform their five-star friends even though they have one less star… which might be due to the fact that they don’t have a pool, for example.

On top of that, true luxury knows no star system. To put it bluntly, some of the best and most exclusive hospitality experiences aren’t listed online. The finer things in life are on a need-to-know basis—and the right people usually know where to find them.

So, the question is—if five-star ratings can still be subjective, then do seven-star hotels actually exist?

Do they actually exist?

Star rating systems are feature-driven, which means that, technically speaking, seven-star hotels don’t exist.

Still, I do think that some hotels offer an experience that’s a step above a standard five-star stay—and it’s only a matter of time before the entities in charge of hotel star ratings catch on.

Examples of seven-star hotels and the seven-star experience

Let’s pretend seven-star hotels officially exist. What sorts of next-level amenities do they offer?

The term first emerged as a superlative to describe the Burj Al Arab—the UAE’s iconic luxury hotel that opened back in 1999. Thanks to its more insane features—like private submarine travel and copious amounts of gold décor—it looked like the hotel was ushered in a new, gilded era in hospitality.

But with no official seven-star hotel rating, the Burj Al Arab is officially still in five-star territory.

Around 25 years after its opening, the travel world is still contending with the concept of what defines a seven-star stay.

Generally speaking, these are the elements that differentiate a seven-star stay:

Larger rooms and greater variation in room type
Catered and highly personalized service
Privacy—from butlers to pools
Fantastic views of unspoiled areas
The highest-end products, brands, and materials on the market

And here are hotels around the world that use the term ‘seven-star’ to describe their services:

US Fly Rights: How to Get Compensated for Delayed & Canceled Flights

Americans have new rights when it comes to receiving compensation for delayed and disrupted flights.

The US Department of Transportation recently passed a new regulation that outlines how and when airlines must reimburse you for disrupted air travel.

It’s called Fly Rights: A Consumer Guide to Air Travel.

The guide includes all kinds of helpful information about how airlines work and what Americans should expect from a journey to the airport, domestic flights, and international flights.

(I didn’t realize that overbooking flights is actually perfectly legal… thank you, Fly Rights.)

But let’s cut straight to the good stuff: Money.

The goal of the Fly Rights regulation is to financially protect Americans from disrupted and delayed flights. Thanks to a new finalization related to reimbursement, the rules work in a flyer’s favor now. You should be automatically reimbursed.

Sounds too good to be true?

It’s not. Here’s how to get compensated for delayed and canceled flights according to the new Fly Rights regulation.

When are passengers owed compensation?

Airlines aren’t always responsible for delays and disruptions. Just because your flight is canceled or delayed, that doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for compensation.

The new Fly Rights compensation policies are applicable only when an airline is at fault.

You are not owed compensation for issues stemming from these problem:

Poor weather
Air traffic control under-staffing
Mechanical issues

But you are owed compensation when an airline contributes to delays, cancellations, and disruptions in these ways:

Canceled flights
Significantly delayed flights
Significantly delayed checked luggage return
Failure to provide paid add-ons, like extra legroom

How to get compensated for canceled flights

When your flight is canceled, airlines can offer you an alternative form of transportation or travel credits. You can accept these offers—and it’s recommended you do so if you’re traveling under time restraints.

But you will not receive financial compensation if you accept an alternative form of travel or travel credits.

If you do not accept these forms of compensation, then you are automatically going to be refunded for the total that you paid for your flight.

The refund will be applied to your original form of payment within seven business days for credit cards or 20 business days for other forms of payment.

How to get compensated for significantly delayed flights

According to the Fly Rights program, a significant delay covers changes to domestic and international flights.

Here’s what counts as a ‘significant’ delay:

Delays over three hours for domestic flights
Delays over six hours for international flights
Departures or arrivals from different airports
Increases in the number of connections
Downgrading passengers to a lower class
Adding connections that don’t have adequate accessibility for passengers with disabilities

If your flight is delayed according to one of these definitions, then you will be compensated in the same way as you would for a canceled flight.

That means that airlines will automatically reimburse you within seven business days for payments made by credit card and up to 20 days for other payment methods.

How to get compensated for significantly delayed checked luggage return

To receive compensation for a delayed checked luggage return, passengers must file a mishandled baggage report with their airline.

After that, you are eligible for a full refund for your checked bag fee if the luggage is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or up to 30 hours for international flights. Keep in mind that the international rules change according to how long the flight is – but 30 hours is the maximum time you would need to wait.

If you’re eligible for a refund, you’ll be automatically reimbursed according to your original payment method.

What about not receiving paid add-ons?

If an airline fails to provide you with a paid add-on like extra legroom, a specific seat selection, or Wi-Fi, then you will automatically be reimbursed for the full amount on your original payment method. I’m assuming that only happens if you’ve filed a complaint with the airline, similar to a missing luggage report.

Classic Route 66 Motels Round-Up: The Best Still in Business

Cruising Route 66 is basically an American rite of passage.

I’d also argue that staying at a few old-school motels along the way is also part of the magic. Hundreds of lodgings dot the highways and byways that head west from Chicago.

Seeing a motel’s neon sign read ‘Vacany’ at the end of a long day on Route 66 is a sign that it’s time to turn in. (And time for a warm meal.)

Some of these motels are still as iconic as they were back in the road trip’s heyday. Their neon is as bright as ever, their rooms tidy and their (often themed) restaurants open for business.

Let’s explore some of the most classic Route 66 motels, starting in Illinois and ending in Arizona.

Classic Route 66 Motels

Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center

Springfield, IL

Springfield is a great place to stop on your first night on Route 66. Not only is the larger city a great place to make any last-minute purchases, but it’s also chock-full of eateries and nightlife.

The Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center is also a solid introduction to the world of motels. It’s larger than the standard fare that you’ll find farther west—and even includes a themed Route 66 pool.

Munger Moss Motel

Lebanon, MO

From its signage to its satin pillowcases, the Munger Moss Motel is a seasoned lodging that’s served Route 66ers for decades. It’s even got a neon-lit gift shop for those who want to take home a few route-themed souvenirs.

What I really like about the Munger Moss Motel is its sense of pride. The motel has served passers-through for over thirty years—and staff love what they do. They’re on-site to interact with drivers, give them recommendations as they continue on their way, and offer some of that country hospitality that means so much to road-weary travelers.

Chelsea Motor Inn

Chelsea, OK

Even the upholstery is Route 66-themed! This fully classic Route 66 stay is a master class in fanfare. Once again, the décor here is a sign that staff take their jobs seriously.

They don’t just want to give travelers a place to rest at night. They want to give them the full Route 66 service, which means showering behind a Route 66 shower curtain, turning on Route 66 lamps, and falling asleep to the whir of passing cars outside.

Desert Hills Motel

Tulsa, OK

With its gargantuan neon lights, it’s hard to miss the Desert Hills Motel in Tulsa. Fit with a bright green cactus, this lodging physically stands out amongst other Tulsa motels.

You’ll notice that cactus motif throughout the grounds—including as tiled mosaics in the bathrooms. There are also plenty of retro callbacks throughout, including its mini-fridges.

Big Texan

Amarillo, TX

You’ll notice that this motel isn’t quite like the others—mostly thanks to its slightly elevated room décor, which features natural wood features and bright bedspreads. It’s a decidedly rustic and Texan feel.

The exterior has a wonderful paint job that looks like a Wild West town center, along with a large outdoor pool. Nearby, guests can also eat at the Big Texan Steakhouse—a classic Amarillo establishment.

Blue Swallow

Tucumcari, NM

With a full five-star rating based on over 2,000 reviews, the Blue Swallow in Tucumcari is by far the highest-rated Route 66 motel in the United States.

And it’s not hard to see why. From its retro neon signage to its color palette and range of vintage cars, it offers a glimpse into the past.

As with other Route 66 favorites, there’s plenty of fanfare available for Route 66ers. But there’s a modern design thread throughout, which beautifully modernizes the old Route 66 atmosphere while keeping all the more soulful elements of this American pastime.

Wigwam Motel

Holbrook, AZ

Vintage cars and towering teepees dot the grounds of the Wigwam Motel. From its bedding to its tipi-styled rooms, the Wigwam is a clear sign that Route 66 has entered Arizona.

If you’re into kitschy design and alternative lodgings, look no further. The Wigwam might be a little dated, but it’s a classic Route 66 choice for a reason.

Earl’s Rt 66 Motor Court

Winslow, AZ

This straightforward motel hits the two most important elements of a Route 66 hotel: it’s clean and it’s themed. (I also love the bedspreads.)

Guests get the neon signage they’ve come to expect along the route, along with a bevy of classy Route 66 callbacks. Someone in the reviews described it as ‘pure Americana’, and I agree!

The Best Under-Seat Carry-Ons

Looking for superlight carry-ons? They’re out there.

What about rolling backpacks? You can find those, too.

The same for rolling carry-ons, duffel bags, weekenders, and more.

There’s a luggage option for every type of traveler out there—and dozens of unique brands are taking a stab at crafting a great suitcase. (Mine’s from Muji, if you were curious.)

One of the reasons I’ve been covering carry-ons in such great detail is the ever-changing, ever-unpredictable nature of carry-on restrictions.

In other words: The more versatile the carry-on, the more likely you are to face fewer hiccups at the boarding gate.

In terms of truly portable and dynamic carry-ons, the under-seat option can’t be beaten.

Not only are these carry-ons designed for easy packing, but they’re also guaranteed to fit under the seat in front of you when that overhead cabin space mysteriously disappears.

Before I cover the best under-seat carry-ons, let me highlight the design of these small-but-mighty luggage options.

Features of under-seat carry-ons

You guessed it—these suitcases are built to fit perfectly under the seat in front of you.

Though you’ll need to say goodbye to foot space, you can guarantee a lightweight piece with a capacity of up to 35L.

The best under-seat carry-ons also include features like built-in pockets and compartments. They’re built from sturdy materials and designed for a bit of wear.

Most are also under two pounds to help you maximize packing space.

Best under-seat carry-ons

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Calpak has a cult-like following in the luggage world—and I’m starting to sip on that cool aid!

This tiny carry-on has multiple interior pockets for easier storing. I also love that it has a standard shape and design as a regular carry-on or checked piece of luggage.

If you need any more convincing, the Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On is a favorite amongst flight attendants. When they’re off-duty, they still might get a spot on a plane—but they’ll board last. The Calpak Hue Mini guarantees their carry-on fits even if the overhead space is taken.

Buy here

Rockland Melrose Upright Wheeled Underseater

Rockland is a budget brand that offers a multifunctional under-seat option.

The soft-shell bag includes handles that make it easy to carry by hand. It has two mesh side pockets for bottles and other items. The interior also includes a mesh divider and small pockets.

While it’s not the most high-quality option, especially in terms of its zippers, travelers are raving about this suitcase. Not only is ergonomic and easy to roll or carry, but it’s also more spacious than many anticipated.

Buy here

Samsonite Spinner Underseater

This soft-shell option has multi-directional spinners for those who like seamless lugging.

Its exterior pocket is also convenient for storing important items. Inside, you also have three separate compartments for laptops and tablets. There’s even an integrated port where you can easily set up a USB charger.

Overall, the Samsonite Spinner Underseat is a stellar option. However, it’s billed as ‘fits under most airline seats’, which isn’t a strong guarantee for those who overpack or for airlines with slashed seat sizes.

Buy here

Air Porter Carry-On Bag

This alternative option doesn’t have rolling capabilities—meaning you need to be comfortable lugging it by its handles or shoulder straps.

That being said, this item has a great interior pocket with a handful of helpful compartments. That includes a secondary compartment with a laptop sleeve and pockets designed for storing cords.

The Air Porter Carry-On also includes a suspension strap that makes it easy to connect to rolling suitcases. Additionally, it’s small enough that it shouldn’t take up the entire space underneath the seat in front of you.

Buy here

Kenneth Cole Reaction Underseater

This hardy under-seat carry-on is one of the most durable options on the market—which I think is worth considering given the amount of time it will spend on the floor. (Near your shoes.)

Its pockets and zippers are also designed for rough-and-tumble trips. Even its handle can be hidden in a pocket.

I also like that the Reaction Underseater has compression straps—something that is usually slashed from smaller suitcases.

There’s also tech storage and plenty of interior pockets for easy packing. Despite its slightly larger size, the Kenneth Cole Underseater apparently fits on most airlines—even smaller jets.

Buy here

Couples Only: Most Romantic Hotels in Florida

Florida is a hotspot thanks to its subtropical beaches, warm weather, and distinct cities.

It’s also a top choice for families. Whether taking the kids to Orlando for an amusement park adventure to escaping to a more private option like Black’s Island, Florida’s offerings are truly diverse.

But it’s not only geared toward families and large groups.

Florida is also a top choice for couples looking for an intimate getaway; it’s cheaper than Hawaii, sunnier than the Carolinas, and closer than the Caribbean.

In fact, Florida has just about everything that couples could look for in a romantic retreat—including dreamy, glamorous hotels.

Looking for a place to unwind in the Sunshine State? Here are the most romantic hotels in Florida.

Most romantic hotels in Florida

1 Hotel South Beach, Miami

If you’re looking to enjoy one of the US’s most unique cities, Miami, then romance won’t be hard to find.

I vote you book a stay at 1 Hotel South Beach, which is located directly on a 600-foot portion of Miami Beach. That makes for some pretty scenic views from both the hotel rooms and the massive outdoor pool.

(There’s also a second rooftop pool in case you want a better bird’s eye view of the city and shoreline.)

The hotel offers a pretty standard design with some eco-friendly features. The staff is highly rated, which should help you pursue any of your romantic dreams while staying at the hotel.

Plus, there’s a full-range spa for any couples treatments you’d like to sample.

Book here

The Goodtime Hotel, Miami

The Goodtime Hotel, a South Beach gem, is your second choice in romantic Miami stays.

The primary difference between these two Miami selections is the boutique vibe at the Goodtime Hotel. Its design is tropical and bright, which I think adds a dash of wonder and brilliance to any romantic retreat. (Seriously—it almost feels like a Wes Anderson vision.)

I love the oasis vibe at the Goodtime Hotel. There are even parties at the pool that showcase Miami’s amazing music and nightlife.

Some reviewers have noted that the rooms were a bit small for their liking, just in case you want a little room to romp around with your lover.

Book here

Hyatt Centric Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale

Hyatt Centric is one of the hotel chain’s coolest brands.

Centric hotels put a tasteful emphasis on the city where they’re located, usually incorporating artwork and design elements from local artists.

At Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, you’ll notice elements like the massive graffiti mural framing its outdoor pool. Another noteworthy element is that Las Olas is within walking distance of the city’s biggest attractions.

That makes it easy for couples who want to take it easy to also get out on the town. But let’s not forget its chicer offerings, like its rooftop pool and its in-house speakeasy, Room 901.

Book here

The Gasparilla Inn and Club, Boca Grande

Located at the ocean’s edge, the Gasparilla Inn and Club is like a country club dreamscape.

Its pool feels larger than life and its design is a perfect balance between colonial architecture and Caribbean interior. Its wallpapered rooms are both whimsical and austere.

I could go on and on attempting to describe the Gasparilla Inn and Club. But here’s the short of it: it delivers hospitality, photo-worthy backdrops like its pool and full golf course, and has been described as an ‘experience of a lifetime’ by one recent guest.

Need I say more? Find your lover and disappear at the Gasparilla before everyone finds out about this place.

Book here

The Breakers, Palm Beach

If you’ve traveled to Palm Beach, you’ve probably noticed this larger-than-life hotel.

Located on 140 acres of oceanfront property, it’s almost impossible to miss. The Breakers almost feels like Las Vegas’s Venetian in terms of scale and design—which I mean in the best way possible.

Guests are treated to a resort-style stay that includes on-site dining, two full golf courses, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, private beach access, multiple pools, an extensive winery, and more.

Just make sure to avoid peak season, as prices hike at The Breakers, and the grounds fill up to an unromantic level. (For my tastes, at least! Social butterfly couples might enjoy the buzz.)

Book here