Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the McAllen area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat , underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with : the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling鈥攖raditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in McAllen based on diners' reviews on as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of McAllen were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#21. Logan's Roadhouse
- Rating: 2.6/5 (66 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2224 South 10th St. McAllen, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
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#20. Taco Ole - Edinburg
- Rating: 2.6/5 (63 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2620 West Freddy Gonzalez Drive Edinburg, Texas
- Categories: Mexican, Barbecue, Buffets
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#19. Ramos BBQ & Catering
- Rating: 2.7/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 10801 North 10th St. McAllen, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#18. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (41 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 501 East Trenton Road Edinburg, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue
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#17. Taco Ole - Mission
- Rating: 3.0/5 (53 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2316 North Conway Ave. Mission, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Mexican, Buffets
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#16. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.0/5 (55 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3600 West Expressway 83 Mcallen, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
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#15. Khan's Grill
- Rating: 3.4/5 (39 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1346 West University Drive Edinburg, Texas
- Categories: Mongolian, Barbecue
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#14. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 3.6/5 (61 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7401 North 10th St. Mcallen, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
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#13. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 3.7/5 (86 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1224 East Jackson Ave. Mcallen, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
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#12. Lone Star Bar-B Q
- Rating: 3.8/5 (61 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3619 North 10th St. McAllen, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#11. Willie B's Barbeque
- Rating: 3.8/5 (48 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 114 East Loeb St. Edinburg, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#10. Ace's BBQ
- Rating: 3.8/5 (62 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2536 East Griffin Pkwy Mission, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Music Venues
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#9. The Original Willies BBQ
- Rating: 3.8/5 (47 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1028 Bowie Ave. Alamo, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#8. The Original Willies Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.9/5 (74 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 320 South Alamo Road Alamo, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#7. Khan's Grill
- Rating: 3.9/5 (76 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 529 East Nolana Ave. McAllen, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Mongolian
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#6. Smokin' Moon BBQ & Beer Garden
- Rating: 4.0/5 (154 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1617 West Polk Ave. Pharr, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Beer Gardens
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#5. Bar-B-Cutie
- Rating: 4.0/5 (58 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7517 North 10th St. McAllen, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#4. Uncle Roy'S BBQ
- Rating: 4.0/5 (22 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 602 East US Highway 83 Pharr, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#3. Las calles De mexico
- Rating: 4.1/5 (28 reviews)
- Address: 308 North Shary Road Mission, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Mexican
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#2. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.2/5 (117 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 209 West Nolana Pharr, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#1. The Drunken Chicken
- Rating: 4.5/5 (24 reviews)
- Address: 523 North Conway Mission, Texas
- Categories: Chicken Shop, Barbecue
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
