QOTD: What's the best BBQ joint between Austin & Houston?

On Monday and Wednesday, I asked for the best BBQ joint between Dallas & Houston and between Austin & Dallas, respectively. Today, to complete the triangle, I want to know the best BBQ joint between Austin & Houston. However, there are 3 major ways to get from one city to the other: (1) via I-10 & TX 71, (2) via I-10 & US 183, & (3) via I-10 and I-35. So, for all of you who giving just one answer, feel free to give an answer for each route.

QOTD: What's the best BBQ joint between Austin & Dallas?

Monday, I asked you for your favorite BBQ joint b/w Dallas & Houston. Today, your pick for BBQ along the 196 miles of Interstate 35 b/w Austin & Dallas. Lots of joints b/w the 2 cities. Joints in Pflugerville, Georgetown, Round Rock, Salado, Belton, Temple, Waco, & more. Which place is your spot to stop?

QOTD: What's the best BBQ joint between Dallas & Houston?

It's one of the main thoroughfares in the state. Interstate 45 between Dallas & Houston. Distance: 239 miles. I've never made the drive, so I'm curious which BBQ joint along the way stands above the rest. So, simple question: What's the best BBQ joint on/near I-45 between Dallas & Houston?

Shooters BBQ (West, TX)

I've made many stops for baked goods in West, TX, but until last week I'd never ventured any farther than the Czech bakery right on the access road (I-35, Exit 353). This past Tuesday, I exited in West and wanted to see the town a bit. Well, lo and behold, just as soon as you head off the access road and into town, there's a BBQ joint on the left. I'd never heard of it, so I posted a picture of it on Twitter to see if anyone could identify it. No one did. Shooters BBQ in West, Texas. Anyone been?

Rider's Barbecue (Jarrell, TX)

Fresh off my 2 BBQ lunches yesterday in Round Rock (pics to come), I exited off I-35 North, after seeing a sign for Riders Barbecue. I'd seen the sign before but hadn't seen the joint from the road, as it's tucked away a bit. Who's eaten there? How was it?

The rest from Johnny's (Salado, TX)

The rest from Wednesday's stop at Johnny's Steaks & Bar-Be-Que (Salado, TX):

Wednesday's lunch at Johnny's Steaks & Bar-Be-Que (Salado, TX)

En route from Austin to Dallas for the Thanksgiving holiday, we stopped for lunch at Johnny's in Salado. On the table: brisket, pork ribs, turkey, chopped-beef sandwich, mashed potatoes, fried okra, green beans, fries, homemade bread, peach cobbler a la mode, & an oatmeal-raisin cookie. And iced tea, of course. I recommend doing as I did and getting outside slices of the moist brisket. Another rec: Make sandwiches with the sauce, homemade bread, & whatever protein is on the table. If you're not up for a plate, the chopped-beef sandwich & fresh-cut fries should fill you up. Particularly with the onions, it's got a little zing to it!

Dickey's opens in Kyle

Dickey's Barbecue Pit is now open for business in Kyle, TX. Find Dickey's at the Village at Kyle, right on I-35.

The rest from Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX)

The pit at Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX)

More from Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX)