Texas Monthly has recognized an Abilene barbecue joint in each of its last two list cycles. The Shed Market took an honorable mention in 2021, and Jay's BBQ Shack made the actual Top 50 in 2025.
Both of them close at 2 p.m. but are probably sold out even earlier!
That's the thing visitors forget about barbecue here in Abilene: the quality is real, and the window is narrow. The three best joints in the area are open just a few hours a day; two of them are closed Sunday through Tuesday, and all three have "or until sold out" next to their operating hours, and it is not decorative.
So this isn't a ranked list. This is telling when these places are actually open, how likely they are to run out, and what time you need to leave the house to ensure you’re having brisket for lunch.
The short version
Tuesday through Saturday are barbecue days in Abilene.
On Sunday and Monday, the top spots are closed, but you can still find barbecue at the places in the extended-hours section.
Tuesday belongs to The Shed.
It's the only one of the top three open that day.
11 a.m. isn't the time to arrive at Jay’s
By then, the line is often well established, and if you show up after 11 wanting one of the specials, you’re probably out of luck!
Only one of them is technically still serving at 3 p.m.
It just so happens to be the one outside of Abilene, and that’s if they didn’t sell out at lunch!
The Ones That Sell Out
These are widely regarded as Abilene's best barbecue spots, and your arrival time decides whether you get brisket or have settle for something else.
Jay's BBQ Shack
602 S. 11th Street
Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or until sold out
Abilene’s Texas Monthly Top 50 Barbecue Joint!
Jay starts cooking at 3:30 a.m., the line forms well before the order window opens, and it often wraps around the outdoor seating area and all the way to the street!
The practical consequence of the 2025 Top 50 nod is a shorter sell-out window, but it’s well worth the wait and effort of getting there early!
When to arrive: 10:45 or earlier on a Saturday. Closer to opening is fine midweek. The normal barbecue menu lasts a little later, but their specials are often gone within an hour of opening. On a Saturday, get there early or have a backup plan!
What goes first: Brisket, Specials, Ribs
The Shed Market
7925 Buffalo Gap Road
Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. or until sold out
Byron and Stacie Stephenson have been running it since 2018, and in 2021 Texas Monthly gave them an honorable mention on the Top 50.
When to arrive: before 12:30 any day you're serious about it. Saturday, earlier.
What goes first: Sides, Specials, Ribs
Crane's Craft BBQ at the Wagon Wheel
1023 S. Access Road, Tye
Wednesday–Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or until sold out
Just a few minutes west on I-20, in a 1958 dance hall. The later close makes this the most forgiving option in the Big Country. A 4 p.m. posted close means there's usually still good options at 1:30, which isn't true for Jay’s or the Shed. They have live music on Saturdays, noon to 2 p.m.
When to arrive: anytime before 2 on a weekday. Before noon Saturday if you want a seat for the music.
The Joints with Extended Hours
These don't sell out the same way and they’re open later, so they're the answer when the pits are closed or cleaned out.
Joe Allen's Pit BBQ
301 S 11th St, Abilene, TX 79602
Monday - Saturday 11-9
One of the oldest barbecue joints still open in Taylor County! Joe Allen’s has been pleasing Abilene barbecue lovers since 1980! They have a dining room in front, a bar in back, and full-service hours, so you can get your fix of barbecue, steaks, and more at any meal!
Betty Rose's Little Brisket
Betty Rose's Little Brisket has been serving Abilene since 1981. They offer mesquite-smoked barbecue classics like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and other Southern staples!
Two locations on both sides of town. The one on Catclaw has a bar that often hosts live music and special events!
3934 Catclaw Dr, Abilene, TX 79606
Wednesday - Satruday 11-10
Sunday - Tuesday 11-9
2588 E. Lake Rd. Abilene, TX 79601
Monday - Saturday 11-9
Sunday 11-6
Sharon's BBQ
849 E Hwy 80 Abilene, TX 79601
An Abilene staple since 2005, Sharon’s has a cafeteria-style line for your sides, all the favorite smoked meats, and fresh baked bread and cornbread
Monday - Saturday 11-7
Sunday 11-3
A Great Saturday Morning Downtown
9:00 — Abilene Farmers Market downtown, North 1st and Mesquite. Open early, done by noon. 10:45 — line up at Jay's, seven minutes from the market. If Jay's has sold out, The Shed and Crane’s usually sell out later!
Before you drive out
Sometimes barbecue joints close for weather, holidays, or because the brisket just didn't cooperate that day. These restaurants tend to post closures on Facebook or Instagram before anywhere else, so that's the most reliable check before you get your hopes up for brisket just to be disappointed later!
Hours change. Check before you go.
