The CultureMap Tastemaker Awards return to celebrate Austin's top restaurant and bar talent for 2025. Their mission is to shine a spotlight on the people and places that make Austin a world-class culinary destination. As a Beef Loving Texan and pass holder, you will receive $15 off of tickets using special code: BEEF at checkout.

Join us May 8 at Fair Market for the signature tasting event and awards ceremony. We’ll celebrate all of the nominees and witness the unveiling of this year’s winners. You’ll enjoy an evening full of chef-prepared bites and specialty drinks.

Get to know the nominees in this special editorial series, and then join us May 8 as we toast the Tastemakers.

Click here to purchase discounted tickets.

Tucked away in the charming town of Sisterdale, deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Black Board Bar-B-Q is a mouthwatering haven for barbecue lovers and foodies seeking craft barbecue made with bold, chef-driven flavors in an environment that offers impeccable hospitality and a little slice of Texas tradition. Led by husband-and-wife team, Joe Rodriguez & Melissa Garza, Black Board is more than just a barbecue joint—it's a true labor of love that embodies their dedication to authenticity, quality, and craft, and it shows in every scratch-made morsel. Try the Goodstock brisket, coveted burnt ends, house-made sausage, quail lollipops, unique sides, and weekend specials. What's so special about our specials? That's where Joe's signature style truly shines, from bone-in pork chops topped with a sweet and tangy tomatillo chutney to savory brisket chili dogs, every special is a surprise that pushes the boundaries of barbecue. Each week, guests can expect something new, like a Frito pie with prime brisket chili, elevated comfort food like fried chicken and honey-butter biscuits, or a tasty dessert like olive oil cake with seasonal toppings. These rotating specials showcase Joe’s culinary innovation, ensuring there's always something extraordinary to savor at Black Board. Come hungry, leave happy, and let the smoky, savory magic of Black Board Bar-B-Q linger in your memories, until next time. Stop by Black Board Bar-B-Q on your next trip to the Boerne area—you’ll regret it if you don’t!

The Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew team is led by Taylor, Texas native and owner Shane Stiles, along with lead pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick brings over fifteen years of industry experience and an impressive resume to the establishment. If you like heat, try the Buford T’s Diablo, which features chopped Brisket, sausage, pickled jalapenos, and spicy chili arbol mayo (aka Diablo Sauce). Check out Beef Loving Texan @shelbysorrel Stiles Switch experience here.

The Switch is nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country between Austin and Dripping Springs. The Switch is proudly brought to you by the team behind Stiles Switch BBQ, and is worth a stop on your roadtrip. Check out our favorite bites from The Switch here.

Brisket and ribs are cooked in charcoal-fired rotisseries at this old-time joint. This location, situated in the heart of Austin, is Cooper's second Hill Country location. The original can be found in Llano. Check out Cooper's on Season 1 of Beef Loving Texans' original series BBQuest.

This Michelin-rated joint functions by the mission "New School BBQ, Old School Service." Featured on Season 1 of Beef Loving Texans' original series BBQuest, Leroy, and Lewis is known for their innovative menu items, including rotating specials like lengua tacos, barbacoa patty melts, smoke country fried steak, and Brisket chocolate chip cookies.

Egyptian Texas barbecue fusion, enough said. At KG BBQ, you will have a barbecue experience like no other. The bright and fresh flavors of the Middle East provide the right balance to our beloved Texas barbecue slow-smoked meats. Check out our experience eating at KG here.