LaVaca BBQ - Port Lavaca (TX)

5 /5 K Murray: There is a definite provable reason this is in the Top 10 Best BBQ list in Texas Monthly!! I was a little bit skeptical, being familiar with several places in Austin, etc... but WOW!! I was so excited about the marbled beef brisket that I forgot to take a picture of the plate before it was all gone!! And the Smoked Cheesecake? INSANITY!! Oh, so good!

5 /5 Becky Werlla: Really great place to eat! Nice variety of bbqd meats (fantastic brisket), tender turkey, tasty chili, beans, creamy potato salad, plus not-too-spicy jalapeno corn. Meats sold by the pound or get a combo plate. They also have HUGE tamales ($8 each) that sell out quickly, although you may call ahead and order by the dozen ($80). Meal includes bread, cornbread and a small carton of Blue Bell ice cream. Great service, they checked on us a few times to see what else we needed. Single, clean, restroom located outside.

5 /5 Julie Clouse: Quaint little town with bbq that rivals the best located in an old gas station! Arrived at 11:00, little bit of a line (for good reason)! We ordered the three meat plate with ribs, marbled or lean brisket, central city sausage, jalapeño corn, and bbq beans as well as an extra 1/2 lb of brisket. The brisket cut like butter and melted a your mouth similarly! The sausage was excellent! The ribs were in third place- not because they weren’t good-just too much competition! The sides were plentiful and tasty. Owners prepared and served individually with care to ensure the best presentation and quality in EVERY order!

4 /5 James Blaschke: Decided to try the #8 spot on Texas Monthly BBQ list. We were second in line as there were only 4 people total waiting. The Mrs and I shared a 3 meat plate that included brisket, sausage, and pork belly. We also opted to try one of each of their tamales (verde and Texas monthly). The pork belly was down right perfection. So soft and bacony. The brisket, which we got fatty, was rendered very well and melted our mouth. The sausage was alright, just a little loose for my liking (I like firm). I am sermizing that since it had cheese, that added to the softness. Again, it was good. Of the two tamales, my favorite was the verse while the Mrs opted more for the Texas Monthly. Both were a production in themselves to get garnished. Very delicious. The staff were friendly and very helpful. You should go try ya some!

5 /5 Ronald Freitag: A Texas Monthly Top 50 Standout: Reviewing the #8 BBQ Joint We recently visited a true gem of the Texas barbecue scene, a small-town joint rightfully holding the number eight spot on Texas Monthlys prestigious Top 50 list. From the moment we walked in, the experience was exceptional. The venue itself is charming, offering both inside and outside dining options, but it was the staff that truly set the stage—friendly, attentive, and constantly ensuring we lacked nothing. This commitment to quality clearly extends from the service right into the pit. The Meats: Smoked to Perfection The Brisket immediately validated the restaurant’s high ranking. It was wonderfully moist and executed a beautiful balance between rich beef flavor and a robust, smoky profile. It was, simply put, a masterclass in low-and-slow cooking. The Big Red Ribs were a definite highlight, offering the perfect bite and pull that every rib enthusiast craves, yet still achieving that desirable "fall-off-the-bone" tenderness. What elevated them further was the Big Red glaze, adding a unique, sweet-and-spicy dimension over a classic, peppery bark. Rounding out the trio was the Jalapeño Cheese Sausage. This was a superb, double-grind, in-house creation, featuring a great texture and a pronounced peppery kick that perfectly complemented the melted cheese without overpowering the meat. Comforting and Creative Sides The sides were crafted with the same care as the main event. The Gumbo had a deep, savory brown gravy rich with brisket flavor and a prominent onion note, though it could have benefited from a bit more rice and okra for texture. The Creamed Corn was incredibly tasty, served thick and creamy with just the right level of hidden heat, making it wonderfully addictive. The Potato Casserole offered a delightful mix of creamy texture and savory flavor, topped with a nice, crunchy onion layer and enhanced by a perfect balance of cheese and sour cream. The Decadent Grand Finale The dessert menu showed an impressive culinary ambition. The Pork Belly Cheesecake was absolutely decadent. It was a rich, smooth cheesecake topped with a savory-sweet pork belly crumble and finished with a maple bourbon drizzle. It was a jaw-dropping, memorable way to conclude the meal. To top off the already stellar service, the complimentary Blue Bell Ice Cream was a wonderful, smile-inducing touch. Served with a cup of rainbow sprinkles to pour on top, it was the perfect casual and friendly end to a magnificent feast. Final Verdict This BBQ joint thoroughly deserves its Texas Monthly ranking as the #8 spot. The combination of high-quality, flavorful meats, thoughtfully executed sides, and exceptionally friendly, attentive service makes this a must-visit destination. The dedication to reputation and quality is evident in every bite, confirming this was a truly great experience.