Abilene sits right in the heart of West Texas mesquite country, and local pitmasters use that wood to smoke some of the best barbecue in the region. Whether you're craving slow-smoked brisket, handmade sausage, or a loaded plate with all the fixings, you won't have to drive far from Lexington Court Apartments to find it. 

What Defines Texas Style BBQ?  

Texans love their meat to be simple and flavorful. The star of the plate is the meat itself, not the heavy sauces or marinades that some other barbecue traditions are known for. Brisket is king, and it's typically rubbed with just salt, black pepper, and maybe some garlic, then smoked low and slow over hardwood like post oak or mesquite. The goal is to form a delicious, savory bark on the outside with tender, juicy meat throughout. Pork ribs, sausage links, and smoked turkey round out most menus, and the sides tend to stay classic with potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, and white bread or cornbread.  

Joe Allen's Pit Bar-B-Que  

Joe Allen's (301 S 11th St) has been a staple in Abilene since 1980, making it one of the longest-running BBQ spots in town. Beyond brisket and ribs, Joe Allen's serves up their world-famous steaks cooked over a mesquite fire and cut to your preferred thickness, along with catfish, burgers, and a solid vegetable bar. It's a full-service, sit-down restaurant with a loyal local following and enough variety to satisfy the whole table. About 5 minutes from Lexington Court Apartments.  

The Shed Market 

The Shed Market (7925 Buffalo Gap Rd) is a family operation with roots going back to 1989, when Byron Stephenson's grandparents opened a small BBQ joint in Wingate, TX. That original restaurant earned a spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list, and the Stephensons brought those same recipes to Abilene when they opened The Shed Market in 2018. The brisket is excellent, the jalapeño cream corn and cilantro slaw are popular sides, and the Bomber sandwich (chopped brisket, pulled pork, sausage, BBQ sauce, and spicy slaw) is worth the trip on its own. They're open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and close when they sell out, so plan accordingly. About 15 minutes from Lexington Court Apartments.  

Betty Rose's Little Brisket  

Betty Rose's Little Brisket has been serving Abilene since 1981 and now has two locations, one at 3934 Catclaw Dr and another at 2588 E Lake Rd. The restaurant has been named one of the top 50 barbecue spots in Texas, and everything is cooked over mesquite wood in their pits. Betty Rose's menu goes beyond the standard BBQ plate with options like brisket-infused burgers and nachos, all made from scratch. The south location also hosts live music on select nights, which gives the place a fun, relaxed energy that pairs well with a plate of smoked meat. About 10 minutes from Lexington Court Apartments.  

Jay's BBQ Shack  

Jay's BBQ Shack (602 S 11th St) started with a food trailer and built enough of a following to move into a permanent spot with outdoor seating. Owner and pitmaster Jay Stearns smokes with a mix of mesquite and oak, and the brisket earned a spot on Texas Monthly's 2025 Top 50 BBQ list. The menu also features creative options like brisket tacos, brisket elote, and their signature Meat Sweats sandwich, which is loaded with chopped brisket, sausage, bacon burnt ends, and slaw. Jay's is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until they sell out, and lines often start forming before the window opens. About 5 minutes from Lexington Court Apartments.  

Crooked Creek Meats Food Truck  

Crooked Creek Meats is a family-run operation that got its start in 2016 and has earned a devoted local following through their food truck and catering services. Jason and Brenda James personally prepare and smoke all their meats, and regulars rave about the brisket, mac and cheese, and the overall quality of the food. You'll often find them set up at local spots around town, including The Winery at Willow Creek, so it's worth following them on social media to keep up with their latest location and hours. About 5 to 15 minutes from Lexington Court Apartments, depending on their location.  

Your Home Base in Abilene  

If you're looking for Abilene apartments close to great food and everything else the city has to offer, check out Lexington Court Apartments. Choose from 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans with high ceilings, a full suite of appliances, walk-in closets, and covered parking included with your rent. The community is pet-friendly and sits right next to Grover Nelson Park, with access to scenic trails, lakes, and the Abilene Zoo. Schedule a tour today to see your next home.