you can be the bbq capital of Texas (Lockhart) and other places win awards . blacks , kruez , Smitty's ,and Chisolm trl (when I was in my 20's ) in a town of 6k, now doubled in population ,but still mostly small town. of the 4 Smitty is #1.
city market in Luling has been an award winner , still one of the best . Southside market is damn good (not a fan of their sausage) their in Elgin and Bastrop... hays county is a new favorite along with San Marcos bbq (with its roots coming from Chisolm trail. old 300 in blanco is well worth the stop , they have the Fred Flintstones type beef ribs (just going to need 1) amazing.
starting to get hungry myself ...