4 Michelin-Starred BBQ Restaurants That Won't Break The Bank - Tasting Table

"We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. For a long time, diners held the notion that dining at a restaurant listed in the Michelin guide was a luxury only a few could afford. But when you factor that the guide was created by the Michelin tire company to encourage people to take road trips, and therefore have to buy more tires, it makes sense that they would include some affordable options, divvying accolades among high-end restaurants and more casual, humble cuisines."

"The following four purveyors of fine wood-fire smoked meats deliver high-quality food worthy of inclusion in the prestigious guide. With thoughtfully sourced ingredients, creative preparations with international accents, and top-notch service, all captured the attention of the Michelin inspectors for the Texas Guide. Best of all, you can eat at any of these local gems for $20 to $50 per person, on average."

"Once upon a time, lauded Austin pitmaster Evan LeRoy and hospitality superstar Sawyer Lewis joined forces to open a food truck presenting a creative style of new-school barbecue. The idea was to bridge the gap between traditional 'cue and farm-to-table dining by focusing on local and seasonal ingredients and alternative cuts of meat not frequently seen on traditional barbecue menus, all delivered with the market-style service for which Texas BBQ joints are well known."

Affordable Michelin-starred dining exists within Texas barbecue, where four wood-fire barbecue purveyors earned recognition for high-quality meats, thoughtful sourcing, creative international-accented preparations, and excellent service. These establishments offer meals typically costing about $20 to $50 per person. LeRoy and Lewis began as a food truck founded by pitmaster Evan LeRoy and Sawyer Lewis, blending new-school barbecue with farm-to-table sensibilities, local and seasonal ingredients, and alternative cuts. The operation expanded into a full-service restaurant and earned a Michelin star in 2024. Diners often line up early to enjoy the restaurant's celebrated succulent meats.

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