Jays BBQ Shack In Abilene Makes USA TODAY's Best Texas BBQ Shortlist

Well, this is freaking awesome! Jay’s BBQ Shack in Abilene, Texas, has been nominated in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Texas-Style BBQ. That puts our hometown barbecue joint in a national competition, and, honestly, nobody around here should be surprised.

I love Jay’s. It’s easily one of my favorite barbecue joints anywhere, and that’s saying something because Abilene and the Big Country have some seriously talented pitmasters.

But Jay’s has always been special. The brisket is tender, smoky, and loaded with flavor. The ribs kick ass, the house-made sausage is incredible, and don’t even get me started on those bacon burnt ends. This isn’t barbecue buried under sauce and gimmicks. It’s great meat cooked right.

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From The Texas Bucket List to USA TODAY

Jay’s getting national recognition didn’t happen overnight.

Back in 2023, I wrote about Jay’s being featured on The Texas Bucket List. The restaurant later earned a spot among Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints, which is a massive honor in a state where barbecue is practically a competitive sport.

I also had owner Jay Stearns in the Rock 108 studio in July 2023. I’m including that full interview below so you can hear more about the man, the family, and the work behind all that incredible food.

Get in Line Early Rain or Shine

If this article makes you hungry, here’s your warning: get there early.

Jay’s BBQ Shack is located at 602 South 11th Street in Abilene and serves from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, or until they sell out. That line gets packed, rain or shine, because people around here know the wait is worth it.

Congratulations to Jay, Diana, and the entire crew. Jay’s isn’t merely one of Abilene’s best; it has proven it belongs among the best in the whole damn state.

Now let’s help put them at the top. Vote for Jay’s BBQ Shack in the USA TODAY 10 Best competition, and be sure to ALWAYS "track the shack".