Jay's BBQ Shack Named Best Texas-Style BBQ
Abilene restaurant earns top national ranking in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards for Texas-style barbecue.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Barbecue
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Jay's BBQ Shack was named the nation's Best Texas-Style BBQ Restaurant in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards. The restaurant is located at 602 S. 11th St. in Abilene, Texas.
Why it matters
The ranking places a local Abilene barbecue spot among the top Texas-style barbecue restaurants nationwide, as selected by readers. It gives diners in Abilene a nationally recognized benchmark for the regional style.
The award is based on reader voting in the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, a popularity-driven ranking rather than a judged competition. The source does not provide vote totals, the number of nominees, or the margin over runners-up.
The players
USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards
An annual reader-voted awards program run by USA TODAY that ranks restaurants and attractions across categories nationwide.
Jay's BBQ Shack
A Texas-style barbecue restaurant located at 602 S. 11th St. in Abilene, Texas.
The details
Jay's BBQ Shack offers Texas-style barbecue plates, tacos, and sandwiches, including pulled pork, brisket, and sausage links sold by the half pound. Its signature Meat Sweats sandwich is loaded with brisket, sausage, and pig candy, topped with slaw.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: USA TODAY 10BEST published the national ranking naming Jay's BBQ Shack.
Regional Recognition
Texas-style barbecue has long been a fixture of national food rankings, and the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards has repeatedly spotlighted the state's pitmasters. Jay's placement continues that pattern of reader-driven recognition for regional barbecue traditions.
Abilene diners can visit Jay's BBQ Shack at 602 S. 11th St. to order pulled pork, brisket, or sausage by the half pound. The Meat Sweats sandwich is available for those wanting the restaurant's signature combination.
The takeaway
Readers planning a barbecue stop in Abilene can use the national ranking as a starting point when choosing where to eat. Checking the restaurant's current hours before visiting is a practical step.
Further reading
Explore more Texas barbecue news in the Barbecue section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Abilene Reporter-News.
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