Pitmaster
Esaul Ramos
“The Smoke”
For Pitmaster Esaul Ramos, barbecue has always been about more than smoke and fire. It is a way of honoring where he comes from.
Rooted in South Texas and shaped by his Mexican American heritage, Esaul’s cooking brings together the traditions of Texas barbecue with the flavors he grew up around. After honing his craft at La Barbecue in Austin, he returned home to San Antonio and co-founded 2M Smokehouse in 2016.
What began as a neighborhood barbecue joint quickly became a destination, known for deeply smoked meats, inventive house-made sausages, and a style of barbecue that feels unmistakably South Texas.
Along the way, Esaul’s work has earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation, the MICHELIN Guide, Texas Monthly, and national food media. But the heart of what he does has stayed the same: cook with intention, respect the craft, and make food that brings people together.
In 2026, Esaul and his wife, Chef Grecia Ramos, brought that shared philosophy to a national audience on Food Network’s Pitmasters, giving viewers a look at the partnership, creativity, and hospitality behind Casa Ramos.
Career Highlights
2016
Co-founded 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, Texas.
2020
Named a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas.
2022
Named a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas.
2024
2M Smokehouse recognized as a MICHELIN Recommended Restaurant in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas.
2025
2M Smokehouse included in the MICHELIN Guide and recognized among Texas Monthly's Top 50 Barbecue Joints.
2026
Food Network's Pitmasters champion alongside Chef Grecia Ramos.