When we think about Texas, a few key words and phrases come to mind: small-town charm, Southern hospitality, comfort food, excess, and barbecue. These 8 must visit restaurants in Texas embody those characteristics, therefore defining what our state is all about. If you want to learn more about Texas or have an out-of-state friend who doesn't quite understand how we do things here, just visit one of the best BBQ restaurants in Texas and you'll have it all figured out in no time.

1. The Salt Lick (Driftwood)

2. Franklin Barbecue (Austin)

The length of the line says it all - and it's usually this long, if not longer, at Franklin Barbecue. What can we say? We know good barbecue here in Texas, and we're willing to wait for it.

3. Black's Barbecue (Lockhart)

Lockhart might as well be the barbecue capital of Texas with its numerous delicious joints. Black's Barbecue has been owned by the same family since it first opened, and it's the oldest restaurant in Texas with that claim to fame. Between the moist brisket, tender sausage, and several other types of slow-smoked, melt-in-your-mouth meat, there are few restaurants that define Texas more than Black's.

4. Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)

5. Kreuz Market (Lockhart)

Also in Lockhart, Kreuz is one of the only restaurants to give Black's a run for its money. It's hard to decide which one is better - luckily, we don't have to because they're both here to stay. Barbecue from family businesses just tastes better for some reason.

6. Pickett House (Woodville)

Us Texans are very family-oriented, so Pickett House is right up our alley. You'll sit with other families at huge tables as you feast on endless portions of Southern comforts like mashed potatoes, chicken and dumplings, fried chicken, and more. It doesn't get much better than that.

7. Blue Bonnet Cafe (Marble Falls)

8. Gaido's (Galveston)

Just because Gaido's isn't exactly the definition of small-town charm doesn't make it any less Texan. Since 1911, this iconic seafood joint has served up the freshest catches to tourists and locals alike. It's a permanent fixture on the island, and it isn't going anywhere any time soon.

Have you been to any of the best BBQ restaurants in Texas? What other joints do you think define our state better than any words could? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For more local favorite restaurants in Texas, check out some of our favorite hidden gem restaurants in Texas.