No barbecue sizzles like Texas barbecue, and the team at Texas Monthly sampled 319 restaurants in the state to find its “50 Best BBQ Joints in Texas.” If you’re looking for the biggest flavors, look no further than the San Antonio area.
The top spot
Burnt Bean Co. earned the No. 1 spot, and for good reason. This Seguin barbecue restaurant is about 40 minutes from downtown San Antonio and makes all of its offerings in-house. It’s known to draw a crowd, and everyone has their own favorite item, whether it’s the brisket, jalapeno cheddar sausage, or hot Cheeto queso mac.
More in San Antonio
Beyond the top spot, the San Antonio area has more mouthwatering barbecue spots that Texas Monthly recognized.
2M Smokehouse — Head to this Michelin Guide-recognized spot for the smoked brisket + menu items that incorporate Mexican American flavors.
Reese Bros Barbecue — This restaurant has sausage, brisket, and pork spare ribs. If we have one recommendation, it’s to save room for dessert.
“Only Here A Little Longer” Preview Screening | 7-9:30 p.m. | Brick | Free | This film, written + directed by San Antonio-born Justin A. Rodriguez, follows a teenager during the days before getting drafted into the Vietnam War.
Revolver Comedy with Raul Sanchez | 7:30 p.m. | Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club | $13 | The comedian — and former “Funniest in Texas” winner — proves why he earned the award.
Thursday, May 29
Gallery Talk — Michael Tracy: The Elegy of Distance | 6-7 p.m. | McNay Art Museum | $10 | Museum educator Emma Ryan takes a deep dive into the work of Michael Tracy, discussing the artist’s themes + techniques.
Flavor 2025 | 6-10 p.m. | San Antonio Museum of Art | $75 | Indulge in food and drink samples from 30+ local restaurants in the museum’s courtyard while enjoying live entertainment.
Shakira Tribute Night | 9 p.m. | Brass Monkey | Free entry | Unleash your “She Wolf” on the dance floor at this night dedicated to the Colombian superstar.
Friday, May 30
2025 MACRI Symposium | Friday, May 30-Saturday, May 31 | Times vary | MalĂş & Carlos Alvarez Theater | $25+ | Texas Public Radio sponsors this virtual + in-person event featuring speakers discussing contemporary issues in Mexican American civil rights.
Rock and Roll Over: A Tribute to Kiss | 8:30 p.m. | Sam’s Burger Joint | $18+ | “Rock and Roll All Night” with this group that pays homage to the theatric band.
Early voting has begun for San Antonio’s runoff election and will last through Tuesday, June 3. You can find a map of early voting sites online, or you can vote on Election Day: Saturday, June 7. The race will determine the city’s mayor + city council seats in four districts.
Number
2.01 inches. That’s how much rain San Antonio received from the storm that took place primarily on Monday. While the rainfall made quite a splash, it brought 2025’s cumulative total to 8.12 inches, which is about 4 inches below average for this time of year. (San Antonio Express-News)
Closing
CosMc’s is getting ready to take off. The McDonald’s-founded drink chain announced plans to close all of its locations, including the two in San Antonio. While the exact closing dates have not been revealed, all locations are set to shutter by late June. (San Antonio Express-News)
Coming Soon
Dallas-based coffee shop La La Land Kind Cafe plans to open in San Antonio at the Shops of La Cantera this fall — but it’s not just about the drinks. The cafe will work with nonprofit La La Land Foundation to provide career opportunities for people transitioning out of foster care. (CultureMap San Antonio)
Concert
Ahoy, Home Free. The a capella band known for “Sea Shanty Medley” will be joined by shanty-loving band The Longest Johns for the “Into the Deep Tour,” coming to the Majestic Theatre on Friday, Sept. 19. General public ticket sales begin Friday, May 30 at 10 a.m.
Watch
Belton resident Erika Hilliard fulfilled a lifelong dream of appearing on “Wheel of Fortune” after auditioning in San Antonio. The mother and military spouse got to try her hand at the big wheel during the Tuesday, May 27 installment — season 42, episode 182. (KENS5)
San Antonian
Fifth grader Zayden Neyland from Japhet Elementary School has been selected as the Spurs Math Hoops representative to compete in the 2025 NBA Math Hoops Global Championship. The competition takes place in NYC from Tuesday, June 24 through Friday, June 27 and features critical thinking and NBA-themed activities.
Sports
Speaking of basketball, the Spurs have their eye on guard Dylan Harper during the NBA draft — but would this help Victor Wembanyama’s performance next season? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the San Antonio Spurs with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Pro Tip
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Fun Fact
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The Buy
This digital measuring spoon. Perfect for baking or any time you need a precise measurement, it features a battery-operated scale with multi-unit measuring.
If you’re upset CosMc’s is closing (or never had the chance to try it), don’t be too sad. Some of the cafe’s most popular items will be available at McDonald’s locations. There are dozens of those in the area, so you won’t have to go without your caffeine fix.
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