How Texas Pitmaster Adrian Davila Is Putting Small-Town Seguin On The Map

Welcome to the heart of Texas, where the smoky aroma of barbecued meat wafts through the air and the rich tapestry of Hispanic heritage intertwines seamlessly with the art of grilling. In the small town of Seguin, Texas, culinary gem Davila's BBQ has become more than just a dining establishment—it's a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and flavors that have defined Texan cuisine for generations. At the helm is Adrian Davila, a third-generation pitmaster whose expertise and passion for the craft are taking Seguin to new heights and putting the small town on the barbecue map.

Photo Credit: City of Seguin

In his recently released book Cowboy Barbecue, Adrian Davila invites patrons to embark on a food journey that transcends time, taste, and culture. This celebration of flavors goes far beyond the dishes served at Davila's BBQ to pay homage to the vibrant stories and traditions that have shaped the cultural landscape of Texas.

Photo Credit: Davila’s BBQ

The story of Davila’s BBQ

The Davila family story begins in Avila, Spain, meanders through present-day Peru, and eventually finds its way to the northern reaches of Mexico. Then, in the early 1950s in Luling, Texas, Adrian’s great-uncle Adolph had a gasoline and goods store with a barbecue restaurant inside. The establishment was called Magnolia Food Market, as it was located on Magnolia Street. It was there that Adrian’s grandfather Raul, brother to Adolph, served dishes like German-inspired potato salad and sausages.

Before getting involved in the business, Adrian’s grandfather and his brother were cooks and spent a lot of their free time cooking with their families. You could taste the skill and love in every dish, and it wasn’t long before Raul and his wife, Geronima, opened their own spot in Luling called Carnation Restaurant, serving barbecue and Mexican food. At the time, Seguin was the county seat and was therefore a more populous city than Luling, so Raul’s next move was to open a new barbecue spot in town. Davila’s proudly became the first non-African American-owned restaurant to serve customers of all races in Seguin.

The Davila family, like so many others in the region, embodies a narrative of adaptation, resourcefulness, and an unwavering love for the land that has profoundly influenced their traditions. Those traditions are still upheld today by Adrian, whose own story is deeply rooted in his Mexican-American ethnicity and the enduring work ethic of his grandfather and father. To Adrian, the art of barbecue isn’t just an acquired skill; it’s an art that has been handed down through the generations, one he practices daily with dedication at Davila’s.

A Texas hot spot

Texas, renowned for its barbecue culture, holds a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. The barbecue scene here is about more than just grilling meat. Texas BBQ is an experience—one that beckons people from all corners of the state and beyond to come and sample its flavors. In the past several years, Adrian Davila has contributed to this scene as he’s had the opportunity to travel, appear on television and in print media, and shine a spotlight on Seguin itself.

In the vast landscape of Texas barbecue, only the best joints are deemed "destination-worthy." Barbecue devotees plan pilgrimages to small towns, anticipating the flavors that have made these establishments legendary. The allure lies not only in the meticulously smoked and grilled meats, but also in the authenticity and history these places exude.

So why has Seguin, and Davila's BBQ in particular, been deemed a destination-worthy spot in the realm of Texas barbecue? The answer lies in the convergence of history, community, and, of course, exceptional barbecue. 

Seguin, past and present

Seguin has roots dating back to the early days of Texas and reflects the authentic Texan spirit. Its history is interwoven with tales of resilience, growth, and a community that takes pride in preserving its heritage.

Seguin was founded in 1838 by a group of Texas rangers. It was named after Colonel Juan Seguín, a Spanish-Tejano political and military figure who helped establish the independence of Texas. Although it’s one of the oldest cities in Texas, Seguin’s current population is just over 30,000 people, but its booming manufacturing industry and blossoming food scene are bringing more people back by the day.

Davila's BBQ, a cornerstone of Seguin's culinary landscape, mirrors the town's narrative. Established decades ago, this barbecue joint has not only stood the test of time, but has evolved and thrived, becoming an integral part of the community. The authenticity of the barbecue, combined with the warm embrace of Seguin's history, creates an experience that transcends the ordinary.

As the third-generation pitmaster of Davila's, Adrian is not just carrying on the family legacy; he's elevating it to new heights. His culinary prowess, deeply rooted in the fusion of Latin American and Texan flavors, brings a unique twist to traditional barbecue while honoring the time-tested classics, some of which date back more than 75 years to before Magnolia Food Market was open.

In the world of Texas barbecue, where every pitmaster and every joint tells a unique story, Seguin pitmaster Adrian Davila is carving out a space that is distinctly his own. As barbecue enthusiasts continue to seek out the authentic and the exceptional, Davila's BBQ stands as a beacon, drawing them to the small town of Seguin for an experience that goes beyond the plate. So the next time you find yourself craving barbecue and a real Texan experience, make your way to Seguin, where Adrian and the Davila's BBQ team await, ready to take you on a flavorful journey in the heart of Texas.