Expert picks best BBQ in the US – and it's not in Texas

There are a lot of places to get good barbecue in the U.S., and every region seems to have their own style, but one place whose version seems to be beloved nationwide is the Lone Star State’s distinct flavor.

As a result, one food expert who makes his home in Texas decided to determine which American restaurant outside of Texas is the best to get “Texas BBQ.”

Daniel Vaughn, who writes for Texas Monthly, spent a year on the project, dining at 149 different establishments in 37 states. So which places left Vaughn the most “high on the hog”?

Vaughn’s top joint for Texas BBQ was Palmira Barbecue in South Carolina, which he described as “a unique blend of South Carolina, Texas and Puerto Rican flavors.”

He went on to list Prime Barbecue in North Carolina in second place and Georgia’s Owens & Hull in third.

Two California restaurants – Moo’s Craft Barbecue and Heritage Barbecue – rounded out Vaughn’s top five.

He listed 53 positions overall. To see the full list and find out which ones might be nearest for you to try out, click here .