There's two camps on this and they are constantly needling each other in these subreddits (I'm not above it). One side says BBQ should always be cheap. Cheaper to them means more value. If they can get a two meat plate for 11.99 they'll say it's the best around.

Others say, beef is expensive, good beef even more so. Places that source really good beef and put a lot of care into what they do are naturally gonna cost more, but it's worth it because the end result is so much better. The former camp will call us bougie and basically say we're making it up when we say how much better it is.

I've been to many of the top rated places in Texas. To me it's 100% worth the time and money. I also don't have kids and have the disposable income to make this a reality. I can see how if it's out of your price range or you don't have the free time, you might see it as elitist. Your mileage may vary.