Best BBQ Beef In Lockhart, Texas: Kreuz Market

Lockhart, Texas, located in Caldwell County, is a vibrant small town exuding a rich cultural heritage and a deep sense of community. Renowned as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," Lockhart tantalizes taste buds with its mouthwatering smoked meats served in legendary barbecue joints. Beyond its culinary fame, Lockhart boasts historic architecture, including the Caldwell County Courthouse, and a thriving downtown adorned with unique shops and boutiques. The town hosts annual events like the Chisholm Trail Roundup Rodeo and the Lockhart Film Festival, celebrating its Texan roots and creative spirit. With its welcoming atmosphere and authentic Texan charm, Lockhart beckons visitors to experience its genuine hospitality and savor the essence of small-town Texas life.

Simply put, this is where people come for amazing BBQ. And when it comes to an incredible sliced BBQ beef brisket, there is no better place in Texas than Kreuz Market in the town of Lockhart.

In case you don't know the history of this spot, Jesse Swearingen opened the first meat market in Lockhart, Texas in 1875 — selling barbecued pork and beef. In 1900, Charles Kreuz Sr. purchased the store from Swearingen and renamed it Kreuz Market. In 1911, Charles Kreuz sold the market to his sons Theodore, Will and Alvin. Will sold his shares to brother-in-law, Hugo Prove, husband of Amelia Kreuz. In 1925, the original metal building at 208 S. Commerce Street in downtown Lockhart was torn down and replaced with a brick building. In 1948, the Kreuz family sold the market to long time employee and butcher, Edgar Schmidt. In 1984, Edgar Schmidt retired and sold the market to sons Rick and Don Schmidt. In 1990, Edgar Schmidt passes away in Lockhart, Texas. Edgar leaves the original Kreuz building to his daughter Nina Sells, and his sons Rick and Don continue to own the business. In 1997, Don Schmidt retired leaving his brother Rick as the sole owner. Kreuz Market resided at 208 S. Commerce Street in downtown Lockhart for 99 years. In 1999, owner Rick Schmidt moved Kreuz into the new location on 619 N. Colorado Street. Pit Master Roy Perez transports the original hot coals from the old pits to the new ones. Rick’s sister, Nina Sells, continued ownership of the original building and reopened as Smitty's Market. n 2011, Rick Schmidt retired and sold the restaurant to his son Keith. Rick could often be found at Kreuz Market where Keith set him up with his own table. In 2012, Keith Schmidt partnered with family members to open Schmidt Family Barbecue and Lockhart Smokehouse restaurants around Texas. In 2019, 4th generation owner Rick Schmidt, passed away at age 73. Rick was the elder statesman of Lockhart barbecue and one of the city’s most respected businessmen.

I'll tell you how I found out about this spot - I was headed down to Franklin's one day when a friend of mine who is a former chef suggested I go down to Lockhart instead. That's where Kreuz Market has been cooking up excellent barbecue for over a century.

The market has moved from its original location and is in a huge new building with an unbelievable number of smoking pits. I started with the smoked prime rib, which was perfectly cooked to a succulent finish. It was just enough smoke in it about it being overwhelming, and the meat was a beautiful, medium rare. I also bought a couple pounds of the beef brisket, again smoked well with a lovely bark and smoke ring. The texture was moist and juicy and not at all crumbly. Finally, I got a half a dozen of the jalapeño cheddar sausages. These were very meaty and had a nice pepper kick.

On my second visit, I ordered brisket, shoulder, pork chop, and sausage. The brisket was excellent, and one of the better ones I've had in central Texas. It had a wonderful flavor and was pretty tender. The shoulder was tasty, but didn't really distinguish itself from shoulders at other places in Lockhart. The sausage was not great and one of the weaker meats here. The pork chop, on the other hand, was insanely delicious. Smokey flavor, super tender and a fantastic juicy pork flavor. It would be an absolute shame for anyone to eat in Lockhart and not try Kreuz pork chops.

During my third visit here, we were introducing my two NYC friends to the best bbq ever, and this was our first meal off of our flight. They were starving and they thought they had the best BBQ, but long behold did they expect the BBQ in Lockhart to be so delicious. We started off with one hot sausage and one regular sausage link. A pound of brisket and sides of Mac and cheese. They were so impressed with the brisket. Neither did they think the way to eat meat was to pair with some white bread to soak up all that juice.

And now - about their beef brisket. Kreuz Market's BBQ beef brisket is a testament to the artistry and tradition of Texas barbecue. Each succulent slice embodies hours of meticulous smoking over post oak wood, resulting in a tender, flavor-infused masterpiece. From the moment you sink your fork into the perfectly marbled meat, you're met with a symphony of smoky aromas and savory goodness that speaks to the heart of authentic barbecue craftsmanship. The brisket at Kreuz Market boasts a tantalizing balance of melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and robust, savory flavor. Whether you prefer the lean, juicy slices or the indulgent, marbled portions, every bite is a journey into barbecue heaven. Paired with a side of tangy pickles and onions, and perhaps a dollop of their signature barbecue sauce for an extra kick, Kreuz Market's BBQ beef brisket is a culinary experience that embodies the rich heritage and unmatched quality of Texas barbecue.

A few recommendations:

1. Opting for the $60 box, which includes 25 sausages, turned out to be an incredible value. Cooking them at home has become my favorite way to enjoy them.For those looking to buy in smaller quantities, the restaurant side offers links at $2.99 each, which is a steal for the quality you get.

2. You receive crackers and or bread. The bread is Texas made Buttercrust. The sides are ordered in the air conditioned section behind the glass area. The back area is where you get the meats only.

3. When you enter, there is an air conditioned seating area to the right, a seating area to the left, and meat counter and smokers straight ahead.

4. If you're on the road and driving by this spot, you can't miss it. It's a BIG BBQ spot with lots of parking outside as well. You can always eat in the back of your truck if u have a pet with you. They have lots of condiments and drink choices.

5. The second room where you actually order your BBQ is intense but in the best way possible! The room is completely filled with BBQ pit smoke and it's the kind where I just have so much respect for those guys because you know they probably go home 95% of the time smelling like BBQ smoke! That's some dedication right there.

If you're in TX or near Austin, do yourself a favor and check out Kreuz Market when you do BBQ, it's only about 30 minutes from South Austin and it's simply outstanding.

619 N Colorado St, Lockhart, TX 78644

(512) 398-2361

www.kreuzmarket.com/