WACO, Texas (KWTX) - Ten years after first naming Red Wagon BBQ's brisket the best in Waco, Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn returned to the local joint for an unannounced visit-and walked away just as impressed.

In a recent review, Vaughn praised the pit's Certified Angus Beef brisket as "well-seasoned, with a good dose of oak smoke" and noted it "remained juicy after slicing, even without the tallow pour-over so popular at Texas barbecue joints these days." Red Wagon BBQ(Courtesy Photo: Red Wagon BBQ)Vaughn placed it in the running alongside Terry Black's Barbecue as one of Waco's premier options for top-quality sliced brisket, while also highlighting the smoked turkey, local cheese grits, and a brisket-trim cheeseburger he called a "show stopper."Red Wagon BBQ(Courtesy Photo: Red Wagon BBQ)For pitmaster Michael Cunningham, who bought the business from founder Joe Slack four years ago and transitioned it into a permanent brick-and-mortar on Gholson Road in 2024, the surprise critique was a major milestone.

Red Wagon BBQ(Courtesy Photo: Red Wagon BBQ)"It was a real honor to have Daniel Vaughn at our restaurant. Daniel is the foremost opinion on Texas barbecue in the world," Cunningham said.