Few American cities take barbecue as personally as Austin. This is a town where smoked meat is not just a meal; it is a cultural identity, a weekend ritual, and a fiercely debated topic. From the early morning lines that wrap around unassuming buildings to the scent of post oak drifting through neighborhoods, the capital of Texas lives and breathes the pit.
The modern Austin barbecue scene is a beautiful collision of old-world Czech and German meat market traditions with new-age culinary innovation. You will find legendary pitmasters who have spent decades perfecting a single brisket recipe alongside young chefs experimenting with global flavors and unconventional cuts. This dynamic tension between tradition and evolution makes Austin arguably the most exciting barbecue city on the planet.
Because the standard is so high, a "bad" barbecue joint in Austin would be considered a top-tier destination almost anywhere else. The local obsession with quality means that sourcing, wood selection, and patience are non-negotiable. Whether it is a perfectly rendered fatty brisket, a snappy jalapeño sausage, or a massive beef rib that falls off the bone, the pursuit of perfection is relentless.
However, navigating the scene requires strategy. The most famous spots often sell out by early afternoon, and waiting in line is part of the pilgrimage. Others operate out of food trucks, breweries, or hidden corners of town, rewarding those who do their homework with unforgettable meals and shorter waits.
To help you navigate the smoke, we have curated a definitive guide to the essential smokehouses and pit stops in the city. We have focused on the quality of the meat, the consistency of the smoke, and the overall experience that makes each location unique. Get your napkins ready, leave your vegetarian card at home, and prepare to taste the best the Lone Star State has to offer.
Before you head out to stand in line, there are a few unwritten rules to know. Below, you will find the absolute best places to eat barbecue in Austin right now.
Terry Black's Barbecue
| Address | 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (512) 394-5899 |
You order cafeteria style. Despite the huge operation this is, they are efficient so you aren't standing in line for very long even when the line looks long. Staff are very friendly and helpful, especially to the wide eyed tourists. My brisket was moist and flavourful. It did not disappoint. Green beans were not overcooked and the Mac n cheese was nicely done without being overcooked either. I went around 5pm on a Tuesday and was able to order my food almost right away. I stood in line for 5 mins if that. The huge indoor seating area was full but the outdoor covered patio was pretty empty. When I left an hour later that was also starting to get full. So I would recommend trying to beat the dinner rush, even on a weekday. Parking is very limited. I took an uber but heard families complaining about trying to find parking in the lot.
I had heard so much about this place and it didn't disappoint!The food is worth the wait. The line was out the door and into the parking lot. The place was packed but they do an amazing job of getting you through the line! They are organised, nice but expect you to be ready and have qr codes about the process. Super efficient! We were there for an hour 45 and the line was always there. Got the brisket, chopped beef, the beef rib, the pork ribs, the original sausage and mac and cheese. The brisket was so tender and juicy. The bark on the brisket and the beef ribs was outstanding. The chopped beef was delicious. It was sweeter than I'm used to being from NC, but it was great. It had a faint sweet mustard taste and was probably my wife's favorite. The sausage and the pork ribs were tender, juicy and full of flavor. They also had 3 types of sauce, original, sweet and spicy. All 3 were great and different flavors the complimented the meats, not that any of them needed it but it did change the flavor profile in a good way. The mac and cheese was good. It was more runny than the baked stuff I'm used to but the cheese "sauce" was great. They did run out of some drinks, ice and a few sides while we were there. The drink line never went away while we were their either so I guess I understand that but drinking hot tea was a little rough. Also I was not prepared for the price of the beef rib. I got 1 and it cost $66.59. It ended up being a 1.654 pounds ($40.48 per pound )which really threw me off because I asked for the smallest 1. Everything else was reasonably priced so if I went back again I would skip the beef rib just because of the price. It was really good but not $66 good. I would definitely come back again and I see why it's so highly recommended and so packed all the time.
PERFECTO !!!
Absolutely outstanding barbecue!
Everything we tried was delicious. The quality of the meat, the flavor, and the overall experience were exactly what you would hope for when visiting one of Austin’s most famous BBQ spots.
My favorite was the pork ribs. The meat was tender, juicy, and the seasoning had penetrated deeply, making every bite incredibly flavorful. The brisket was also cooked to perfection—smoky, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Despite the long line, the wait moved surprisingly quickly and was very well organized. The staff kept things running efficiently, so it never felt frustrating.
Another pleasant surprise was the value. Considering the quality of the food and the generous portions, the prices were very reasonable.
If you’re visiting Austin and want to experience authentic Texas barbecue at its best, Terry Black’s Barbecue is a must-visit. Every item we tried was excellent, and I would gladly come back again. Highly recommended!
One of Austin’s must see restaurants. Famous for a good reason. Very popular spot with locals and tourists alike so don’t expect to find the place empty. This restaurant oozes charm and authenticity. Food is served cafeteria style and charged by the pound. The line is usually long but moves fairly quickly due to some the the nicest, hardest working and most efficient employees you’ll find anywhere Seating opens quickly as most people honor the rule not to hold seats until you have your food. Definitely a must see. I will vouch that the turkey and brisket are enjoyable, having also sampled the pork ribs (interestingly no pulled pork here for the fans of such). The green beans and potato salad were good. If you like banana pudding it’s well done and the peach cobbler was good but is 80% crust so keep that in mind. Newbies can find the layout a little confusing the first time and the additional necessaries can be scattered and with this many people a little hard to find. The soda machine was out of Coke and ice—when the employee was asked when it would be replenished he simply replied “It wont” The biggest negative is the parking-or lack thereof. Think Black Friday at the mall (remember those?). Spots are limited and people are aggressive. Not much the restaurant can control but it can spoil the experience. The biggest turn off may be the price. While you won’t go hungry for sure but 2 small sides, dessert, cornbread, a beverage I couldn’t get (and left with empty) and three smaller samples of meat for ONE person approached $80 with tip!!!! Plan to drop a boatload of money for center is style bbq if you bring a family. Just be aware in advance and you may not care but clearly this was not a turnoff for the people lined up waiting. The employees are great. The food is good but not the best I’ve had in the area—take a drive on out to salt lick bbq if you want the best around. The experience is pretty enjoyable and definitely worth the effort. Cost, parking and taste will keep to one visit was enough but your mileage may vary.
I must reiterate the staff here was amazing. The food was pretty good. The ambience nice. But it’s the cost that ruins the recipe. You can find more ambience, endless parking, better taste, more options and equal food for 1/3 the price at SLBBQ
An outstanding experience from start to finish. The food was absolutely incredible—perfectly smoked, incredibly juicy, and packed with flavor. You can truly taste the quality in every bite. The side dishes were just as delicious and complemented the barbecue perfectly, and the portions were very generous.
The service was exceptional. Every staff member was friendly, welcoming, and attentive, making us feel valued throughout our visit. The restaurant was clean, well-organized, and had a warm, authentic Texas barbecue atmosphere that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Even though the restaurant was busy, the ordering process was efficient, and the wait was absolutely worth it. It’s easy to see why this place has such a great reputation.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best barbecue restaurants I’ve ever visited. If you’re looking for authentic Texas barbecue, amazing food, outstanding service, and a great atmosphere, Terry Black’s Barbecue is a must-visit. I will definitely be coming back!
Franklin Barbecue
| Address | 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 653-1187 |
Long queue but worth the wait.
Service and atmosphere:
Very good customer services. The team member kept people waiting in the queue well informed about the food and time to order.
The restaurant is small but you get the table as people leave in timely manner. There is also patio and tables outside.
Food:
Good effort. The BBQ meats were moist and well seasoned. My favourite were the pork ribs. I also enjoyed pinto beans which were on spicy and savoury side.
Pricing:
$$$ - pretty pricy per pound of meats served.
Brother and I came to Austin to eat and Franklin was our first stop. Didn’t have time to wait so we pre ordered the minimum five pounds of meat. Ended up finding some people to share with and none of the food was wasted. Can’t imagine brisket getting any better than this. Moist, tender, melt in your mouth perfection. Ribs may have been the best I’ve had as well. Pulled pork was nothing special until we put their vinegar bbq sauce on it and it was delicious. Sausage was good, but not great. Turkey was tender and very flavorful. Key lime tart was decent. The only side we tried was the potato salad which was refreshing as it had a nice mustard flavor. If you like bbq this is a must try. I can only assume that the people who talk bad about this place either don’t know bbq or just like to be mean.
Franklin Barbecue feels like a place where the anticipation is part of the experience. The line outside can be long, but once you get inside and smell the smoke from the pits, it makes sense why people wait. The atmosphere is casual, loud, and full of barbecue fans comparing trays before they sit down.
I ordered the brisket, ribs, sausage, and potato salad. The brisket was the clear highlight, with a smoky bark and tender slices that barely needed sauce. The ribs had a rich flavor and a little chew, while the sausage added a peppery snap. The potato salad was simple and creamy, which worked well against the heavier meat.
This is the kind of barbecue meal that feels memorable because it is straightforward and done really well. Nothing feels overly fancy, but every bite tastes like it took time.
Absolutely best BBQ I have ever had. I preordered ahead since I knew the lines would be crazy but yes absolutely I think that was the best decision I have ever made. If you don’t like waiting in line like me and want to try everything on the menu go ahead and preorder the family style bbq. You get half a pound of everything. Absolutely worth it.
OMG why did we went so long to go here. Oh yeah , the long lines on the weekends. Went on Wednesday, got in line at 10am, the line moved quickly when they opened at 11am. Took about 20 minutes to the counter.
Excellent friendly and attentive service from start to finish. Hands down best brisket!!! So tender and flavourful!!! Same for the turkey and ribs too!! No knife needed, it’s all so tender! The sausage had a nice snap! The awesomeness of the meat doesn’t need any sauce, it’s so delicious without it although the sauce is good. Next visit, we’ll skip the side dishes and desserts. Tried the potato salad and coleslaw and didn’t care for either. They have a nice merchandise space while in line inside. We picked a couple of bbq sauce bottles for $4.00 each and a hat for $27.
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
| Address | 217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 474-4227 |
If you’re looking for the classic Texas BBQ experience, Cooper’s delivers. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d hope for—rustic, no-frills, communal tables, and a steady line of people there for one thing: meat.
I ordered the brisket, beef rib, mac and cheese, and BBQ sauce. The standout was the beef rib. It was massive, smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. The brisket was juicy with a great bark and plenty of richness from the fat cap, although a few slices were slightly saltier than I would have preferred.
The mac and cheese was creamy and comforting, but fairly standard compared to the quality of the meat. The BBQ sauce was thin, tangy, and vinegar-forward—good for cutting through the richness, though I found the meat didn’t really need much help.
One thing first-time visitors should know is that ordering by weight can get expensive quickly. It’s easy to end up with more meat than you intended, so keep an eye on what’s being sliced. The free pickles, beans, bread, and onions are a nice touch and help round out the meal.
The atmosphere is lively and authentically Texan, and the staff were helpful despite the cafeteria-style setup. While it may not be the absolute best BBQ in Texas, it’s a very solid representation of the style and well worth a visit if you’re in Austin.
Old school classic BBQ in a saloon like atmosphere that feels very Texas--in the best way.
Food: 4.5 Service: 4.5 Atmosphere: 4.5
Cost to worth it rating: 2.5 (can get more expensive than you expect but good stuff--2 people getting 6 pork ribs, 1/2 brisket, few sides, ice tea was $100)
Opentableable: no reservations
Return worthiness: yes
Highlights:
- Solid BBQ and fun atmosphere
- Brisket: super tender and juicy with a big fat layer to insulate the flavor. My fave type of bbq of any style (to the chagrin of my pulled pork Carolina hub). 4.5 stars
- Pork ribs: longer than I thought and not as tender but great flavor. 4 stars
- Sauce: thin and a bit tangy and some spice. 3.5 stars
- Mac and cheese: the creamy velveeta-like version. If you get the Jalapeño bacon version prep for the hidden spice and big slices of bacon. 3.25 stars
- Corn on the cob: black peppery which I like but maybe not for everyone. Could've been a bit fresher. 3 stars
- Loaves of bread to make it a sandwich
- Butcher paper as your plate to eat on the shared picnic table benches
- Bar in the middle
- Pies: sadly didn't have room for any but cool they had trays of different types
Midlights:
- For a newbie hard to know how much to order of each bbq item, but staff was helpful
Lowlights:
- Wish could've tried more meats
Outstanding - this place always delivers friendly staff, great bbq, so many choices. Friendly and fun atmosphere
We tried every meat on the menu, you cannot go wrong with any of the choices. The brisket tender and moist, the jalapeño sausage was juicy and not too hot. Beef rib and sirloin outstanding. And the turkey smoked to perfection and mouthwatering juicy and full of flavour. Lots of side choices too - particularly enjoyed the cream corn. Guaranteed your eyes are bigger than yours stomach. Highly recommend
No frills, straightforward delicious BBQ. Choose your meat and quantity, any sides, pay, then load up pickles / onions / beans / sauces at a self-serve station on the wall. Great little outdoor patio area and awesome bar setup. Would love to go back. Only thing I’d love to see change is the amount of single-use containers with the sides and the styrofoam cups. Overall terrific dining experience.
My coworker and I stopped in here for dinner on our first night in Austin. This came as a recommendation from a few locals and they were right on the money. When you walk in the restaurant, you pass a fully-stocked bar and an order line where you can see all the food!
As for the food, this place has unbelievable brisket, 🍖 🐷 🥓 pork, ribs, 🍗 chicken, 🌭 sausage, and more. The smell is amazing. They also have amazing Mac and cheese, corn read, corn, beans, and desserts. They also have a whole wall of free beans, sauces, and cutlery.
This location also has ♿ handicap accessible 🅿️ parking, 🚻 restrooms, and tons of bar and bench seating.
Stiles Switch BBQ
| Address | 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 380-9199 |
As far as upper level BBQ goes, the meats here are mid. However, the sides are fantastic! If you compare Stiles Switch to general BBQ then the meat cuts are wonderful and the sides are absolutely phenomenal.
The classic red meats here are lower tier 2, upper tier 3. The brisket I had was half dry, half fatty with no consistency. The ribs were good enough but I couldn't tell you anything in depth about their flavors. The turkey was best because it was juicy and very well marinade. The sides, especially the corn casserole, were great and I'd eat them any time. Weirdly, the house mustard was by far the best thing and is nearly drinkable.
The pork ribs were really good along with the moist brisket. The guys at the counter serving were very helpful and even gave some of my guess who were from out of town samples. I enjoyed the coleslaw and the tater tot casserole. It is a little pricey but worth it.
The food is amazing! I had the Smokehouse Club sandwich and Garlic Parmesan Cheese smokey wings with Ranch and celery sticks. Perfect for a group of any size.
Really excellent everything. All the food was fantastic, but the star of the show for me were the serrano glazed burnt ends. Just melt in your mouth delicious! Service was friendly and fast. The wait while we were here was never more than 5-10 minutes for food. Really excellent.
I went there after being recommended by a local, and it was more delicious than I expected. The restaurant was big, and I liked beef much better than pork. It was always hard to eat because the meat was dry and dry when I ate elsewhere, but the moistness and tenderness were excellent. The sauce is delicious and the price is not cheap, but I'm satisfied.
Black's Barbecue Austin
| Address | 3110 Guadalupe St #150, Austin, TX 78705 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 524-0801 |
We were excited to try this place since we've heard many good things. The Pork Ribs and Fatty Brisket were excellent! The Chopped Beef was good but not great. I like their BBQ sauce. For the sides, we got Coleslaw, Green Beans, and Mac & Cheese. The sides tasted really good. Staff is very friendly and easy to talk to.
It can get a little pricey here. There's limited parking considering all of the indoor and outdoor seating available. We came on a Thursday night, so it was not super busy and we were able to find an indoor seat easily.
Finally tried Blacks BBQ and here is the honest take. The sides were low key the stars of the plate. The mac and cheese was creamy, warm, and actually seasoned, and the green beans had real flavor instead of tasting like they came straight from a can. After that, the sliced turkey surprised me in a good way. It was juicy, tender, and probably the most balanced meat I tried.
The brisket was just okay. It was not bad, but it also was not the life changing Texas barbecue moment people hype up. It felt a little average, maybe because I stopped by on a Monday evening and not during peak hours. Still decent, just nothing I would go out of my way for.
The sausage was easily my least favorite. It looked shriveled, tasted dry, and did not have the snap or juiciness you expect from good barbecue sausage, so that was a miss for me.
Parking was manageable since I found a spot across the street, but I can see it becoming a headache when the place is busy. The staff was friendly and gave helpful recommendations, which I appreciated as a first timer. Seating inside is limited, but there is a patio for extra space. Overall vibe was calm and not crowded on a Monday night. I would come back for the sides and turkey, but probably skip the sausage and hope the brisket hits better on a weekend visit.
Ribs are slightly better than brisket. The sides are pretty good, especially the mexican street corn 😋 The store iis clean and nice vibe. They also have some outdoor seatings which also have nice decor.
Blacks is the best BBQ place by far. We have tried places all over Texas, many cities and towns. BBQ sauce is slightly sweet, but not too tomatoey. We eat everything on their menu! Brisket- with fat & fatless; sausage is jalapeño or regular, ribs, Dino ribs and chicken.Their seasoning is spot on. Oh, their side garlic & butter green beans are really good, but none of the sides are bad, again we eat all of them!
My friend from San Francisco and I came here tonight to enjoy a last barbecue meal together before we left Texas, because he’s never had Black’s before, and I wanted him to experience it. Hands down amazing barbecue. Food was all fresh and flavorful, and the service was amazing. We are definitely not leaving Black’s Barbecue as disappointed customers.
la Barbecue
| Address | 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 605-9696 |
La Barbecue is my go-to spot for BBQ in Austin. Their brisket is my favorite, melting in my mouth. They even give you a sample when you order! Their turkey is another must-try, smoked and juicy to perfection. As for sides, their mac n cheese with the shells is a classic. I recommend arriving early to avoid the line, but it’s always worth the wait.
Will definitely come back. We arrived at 10:15 am on a Friday and were the first people in line. We tried the brisket, beef rib, turkey, jalapeno and chorizo sausages, the chili dog, the Mac and cheese, and the potato salad.
We didnt really care for the potato salad, multiple members of our party said the Mac and cheese was the best thing we ate, and everyone had different opinions about the cuts of meat. It was good! Lived up to the reputation but was not so good we'll definitely choose it over other Austin BBQ
We visited La Barbecue on a Sunday with an 11:30 a.m. OpenTable reservation, and it was the best decision we made. We walked right past the long line, ordered immediately at the register, and had our food delivered to our table in about five minutes. By the time we finished eating and left—roughly 15 minutes later—the line had only crept around the front corner of the building. One reason the line moves so slowly is that only one order is processed at the counter at a time.
As for the food, the beans were excellent and probably my favorite part of the meal. The brisket was very moist but didn’t have the smoky flavor or peppery bark I usually look for in Texas barbecue. The sausage also surprised me—it leaned more toward a chorizo-style flavor than a traditional Texas smoked sausage.
Parking was easy to find on the street, and if you’re planning to visit on a busy day, I highly recommend making an OpenTable reservation. It turned what could have been a long wait into a quick and easy lunch.
La Barbecue did not disappoint. We went all in and ordered the brisket with mashed potatoes, salad, chipotle coleslaw, and mac & cheese—and honestly, everything hit the spot. The brisket was super tender and flavorful, and the sides weren’t just as an afterthought—they were just as good (that mac & cheese especially!).
Portions are generous, so come hungry or be ready for leftovers. We sat out on the patio and had perfect weather, which made the whole experience even better. The vibe is pretty laid-back—not fancy, but it fits the whole BBQ scene.
Definitely a solid spot if you’re craving classic Texas barbecue done right.
Superb moist brisket, pork ribs and turkey. All flavorful, cooked to perfect tenderness. Staff was warm, and welcoming. Come early rhe sausage goes fast! You wont be disappointed at all.
Micklethwait Barbecue
| Address | 4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX 78721 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 953-3549 |
This is our default for BBQ in Austin! The environment is relaxing and while it’s busy at times, it’s never wait an hour or two in the beating sun to order.
We have visited several times and tried a variety of meat and sides. It’s all been great! Our favorites include the brisket, beef rib, sausage and turkey. This past visit I personally got the brisket sandwich and the bun was just perfect. The sides are amazing as well-I’m not even a mac and cheese lover but it’s so good here! The citrus beets are another one you can’t skip-so light and refreshing.
We love eating outdoors here, my only recommendation would be some fly fans to make sure they stay off food. Definitely worth a visit!
Can report this place was a very good place. 8.7/10. The lemon poppy slaw was so stinking good, and so were the pork spare ribs. Dry rub on the ribs, nice smokey flavor, perfect without sauce. I've determined I'm not a big brisket fan though. It's fine, but I don't like the fat, even if it is very melty. The herby potato salad was also really good, and the pickles, too. Just all really, really good. Friendly people, too!
Reddit told me to come here - glad we listened. We got two plates so we can try a variety of meats and sides. We had the brisket, turkey, spare ribs and the Czech sausage. For sides we had Mac and cheese, braised cabbage, beets, and potato salad. Great meat. Standout meat was the spare rib. The turkey was a little too salty for our liking. The braised cabbage was also a standout side. Would come back if visiting Austin. Nice that they also have indoor and outdoor seating. We didn't have a wait.
We came to Micklethwait from multiple friends' recommendations during our week-long trip San Antonio to Austin. It was fantastic!
For 2 people, we ordered the brisket, pork ribs, cheesy hot link, with mac n cheese and green beans sides. I normally don't prefer dry rub ribs, but they were amazing, so flavorful. The green beans were also perfect and a great tangy compliment to the meats. We were really impressed by the cheesy hot link - it was staff-recommended since they're known for their sausages.
We came in around noon on a Friday, and we waited a bit to order but not long - and the food is prepared immediately. Staff were so friendly, helpful and welcoming - we would definitely return for the service (and the food).
The indoor and outdoor seating areas are both really nice - great space for groups. Parking was also not hard to find on their street.
The flavors of Micklethwait were really unforgettable, and we hope to return soon!
Absolutely delicious. One of my favorite meals of all time. With no exaggeration, the best brisket and ribs ever. Also the sides and cookie were flavorful too. And the lemonade, sauces (BBQ and hot) were all homemade too. Phenomenal.
Iron Works Barbecue
| Address | 100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (512) 478-4855 |
Iron Works is a great, low key restaurant in the downtown area. The staff are so friendly and went out of their way to help and make the place feel welcoming.
The BBQ was a bit dry. The ribs had great taste but was very dry on the edges. The brisket and sausage was also dry but dipped in the BBQ sauce well.
No AC in the building but they utilized fans well to keep the air moving. Sitting outside was relaxing.
Enjoyed it! Was fun to look at the celebrities that have visited and the historical pieces.
Good barbecue joint. This was between my hotel and my conference and I stopped in here for an early dinner. I got a pulled pork plate with coleslaw and green beans (and a couple of slices of white bread) and a sweet tea. The outdoor seating is very nice - overlooking the newly finished pathway along Waller creek. I would not characterize the portions as generous. They’re ok and probably appropriate for most. I enjoyed it and can recommend.
I just landed in Austin and boy was I hongry. On the way to downtown the taxi passed this spot and so once I got checked in to the hotel, I started walking. The convention center is now just a big hole in the ground and it’s kind of a shame that you can’t see more of the construction, but onwards towards barbecue. This place did not disappoint. It was precisely what I wanted. You order at the counter, go to a second counter where they assemble your order, then take your treasure to a table. There were big fans running to keep the air moving inside. Remember we are talking August in Austin. They had fountain Dr Pepper, cuz Texas. The brisket was so tender, juicy and flavorful. The potato salad was perfection. And the green beans were excellent. Throw in a slice of white bread, some pickle slices and onion slices and you have a complete culinary experience of the first order. The only reason I took off one star for service was because I was serving myself and I was a little sloppy.
Iron Works BBQ got it done—plain and simple. Coming from a New Yorker with only a day in Austin, I wasn’t about to stand on line for hours at the big-name spots. Walked into Iron Works, no nonsense, and walked out full and happy.
Yeah, I was bummed the beef ribs were sold out (heard they’re the move), but the brisket, fries, and all the trimmings came through strong. Smoky, flavorful, exactly what you want.
Crack open a Shiner Bock, grab a seat, and enjoy. No frills, just solid Texas BBQ on Dirty 6th. 👍
Came to IWB during SXSW during lunch time and the place was not busy at all. 🤨 Their service was super quick and it was reasonably priced. Read many good recommendations about Brisket, but it was not as juicy as what I was expecting. It was tender but drier and leaner. Knowing BBQ places in Dallas/Fort Worth region, it was a little disappointed. It was my first Brisket in Austin, let’s see how others are….
Good BBQ Company
| Address | 1819 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (512) 814-6098 |
My buddies and I came down to Texas to check out the BBQ as we've heard a lot of hype around it and this was the first place we came to. Good was absolutely amazing and the staff was stellar. Food is top notch and highly recommend it! They even were testing out a new Banana Pudding recipe and that was the cherry on top! Amazing experience
We ordered the Bless This Mess plus one lb of the ribs and it fed 6 of us perfectly. Everything was so flavorful. The ribs were falling off the bone. I didn’t think to take pictures of it all. The staff was very friendly and ensured everything was to our liking.
Stop by and taste for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Stopped by about 11 in the morning, no line, no wait! The place had plenty of seating and a AstroTurf play area for children. Seating is outside but there are tables with cover so you are in the shade. Because it was not busy yet, got to visit with the staff and learned a lot about the place. It is veteran owned and I am a big supporter of that, just an additional bonus! The food was excellent, I had the brisket, ribs and sausage and all was cooked perfectly and was more than enough. The meat was tender and tasted great with just the right amount of seasoning and smoke! I was given two different sauces and they were both excellent and had great flavor! All the sides I had were tasty and well prepared. you cannot go wrong with The Good BBQ Company, it now tops my list as the best. I love BBQ and my new order of favorites and the beast are; The Good BBQ Company, Franklins BBQ, Evie Maes BBQ and Smokin' Dicks BBQ! This is definitely a MUST VISIT if you are a BBQ connoisseur!!!
JC and I stopped off for Ribs. Wow! Amazing!! Fall off the bone, flavor was delicious, cooked right to perfection - had to be made with love, cause I'm fallen. Side of some really good coleslaw too! Thank you! Try the newest item on menu-banana pudding for dessert - yum!
I came here two times in one week the food was so good! The RIBSSSSSS my god the ribs big wow! Tender, perfectly cooked, flavorful!!! I think it’s reasonable prices and incredible service! I will be going back again and again!!!! I legit waited two hours for these ribs to be ready lol
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
| Address | 11570 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78759 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 418-9898 |
🍖 Some BBQ places are famous. This one actually lives up to the hype. 🤠🔥
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q is a fantastic spot for authentic Texas BBQ in Austin. The brisket was outstanding — tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor.
The service was friendly, parking is plentiful, and the whole place has that relaxed Texas atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.
If you’re looking for great BBQ in Austin, this place is absolutely worth a visit. 🇺🇸🍖🔥
What a time! This was an amazing experience in Austin! We were greeted immediately and treated almost like VIPs all while the place was super busy. They allowed us to taste every meat isn’t on a bone and it was good. The moist brisket, turkey, sausage and ribs! Yessss! U wanted to try the chicken but I knew I couldn’t eat a half chicken at lunch. The desserts looked great also but no room. I am not a big sauce fan but this bbq sauce didn’t disappoint - just enough sweet and enough spice. They also sale everything by weight so if you want to try more think 1/4 of each items. For sides we had beans and the others had potatoes. They are sitting in a lot of butter so beware 🙂 all in all a great experience and not crazy experience. Do recommend!
On a vacation here in Texas, I have tried multiple BBQ at different cities so far, to be fair it’s not near the top level of my list, the meat was on the slightly dry side, seasoning should’ve been better. However, the service is really good, price is inexpensive.
You can never go wrong at Rudy’s. Very good bbq chain in Tx, quality is very good across all shops, great sides and reasonably priced.
If you’re a BBQ lover, Rudy’s is an absolute must! The brisket was tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoked — truly one of the best I’ve had. They offer a diverse range of meats including turkey, sausage, and more, all of which were juicy and delicious. The variety of hot sides like different types of beans, creamed corn, and more make it easy to build the perfect meal.
What really sets Rudy’s apart is the amazing staff. They’re incredibly friendly and helpful, especially if it’s your first time. Don’t know what to order? No problem — they offer free samples to help you decide, and the sample portions are generous! The staff will walk you through the menu and help you pick the best options for your taste.
And don’t skip dessert — it was fantastic and the perfect sweet ending to a great meal.
Highly recommended for anyone craving great BBQ, warm service, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere!
Interstellar BBQ
| Address | 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N Ste 105, Austin, TX 78750 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 382-6248 |
I'd give InterStellar BBQ 4 out of 5 stars. Overall, the food was really good. The pork belly had an awesome sweet flavor, and the brisket was moist and tender. The beef short rib with the chimichurri sauce was hands down the best thing we ordered. The scalloped potatoes were really good too, and the homemade tortillas were phenomenal. I honestly wasn't expecting the tortillas to stand out as much as they did. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because, with all the hype and being a back-to-back Michelin Star restaurant, I expected to be a little more blown away. Don't get me wrong it's definitely worth trying. I just don't know that it completely lived up to all the hype.
Peach tea pork belly is a must, we didn’t know. We ordered it, somehow they missed to put it on the serving tray. We told one of the staffs, she went back and checked receipt- couldn’t find it in the receipt. The Pitmaster John Bates brought the pork belly to our table by himself- I don’t know how he knew, the gesture of him bringing it to the table made my day!! I’m glad we had a taste of it- it was the best. This is something I think is rare to find in any other restaurants or bbq places- every one of the staffs were super nice and attentive. After you sit down the pit master came in to check how everything is tasting. I think that shows how he truly believes people should feel valued in the dining room. There’s nothing left to say about the food- I’m sure the word got out already. We ordered bbq duck leg, pulled lamb shoulder, lamb sausage, Polish, brisket, pork ribs, mac and cheese, pork hash. Everything was so flavoured and perfectly prepared- phenomenal.
Exceptional BBQ. Best we've ever had, with only the brisket ever-so-slightly bested out by Franklin. Everything is unique, perfectly cooked and season, and expertly crafted. Highly recommend everything, especially the BBQ duck and pulled lamb shoulder. Service was friendly and attentive. Got there at 10:15am on a Thursday and we were third in line. Highly recommend coming ~10:15-10:20am to limit your wait when they open. The line will move relatively slowly as they are not rushing people and can handle big orders at times. A must try whether to experience exceptional BBQ, add a rare Michelin star BBQ place to your places visited, and generally to expand your horizons as to what's possible for BBQ.
Rainy day so the line wasn’t too long. We got there at 10:30 and just made it under the roof. Can see where we were in the photo. After the door opened, we waited about 30 mins to order - only one meat cutter setup, so each person’s order takes 3-5 mins. Pretty inefficient - they don’t really respect your time.
We tried the brisket, the special pork collar, tea glazed pork belly, beef short rib and both the kielbasa and Polish sausage. For sides we tried the scalloped potatoes and jalapeño slaw.
The beef rib was the best by far, and the one dish I would go back for. Nicely smoked and nice bark, and the chimichurri complemented it well. Maybe a touch salty. Everything else was quit disappointing, especially the brisket which was very dry. We both commented we’ve had better at Rudy’s and other random places. Honestly a 2/5 brisket.
The pork collar didn’t taste anything like described (no pepper, lemon or oregano flavors) and was also a bit dry. The sauce it came with was interesting and the only thing that made it passable. The pork belly - I get why people like it. But it was way too sweet for us. Pork belly candy.
Both sausages were decent, but sausage is sausage, and not what you really come for. The sides were both decent. Better than Rudy’s ‘grocery store’ sides for sure, but nothing too special. The best part of the meal, outside of the short rib, was the pickles and pickled onions. Very nice, and just like I remember my grandfather used to make. Oh, their bbq sauces are decent - both pretty tart, but I like that and I generally use them sparingly anyway. If it’s good brisket, you don’t even need the sauce. Unfortunately, our brisket it needed it bad.
So, not sure if it was an off day, or some bad pieces, but we didn’t really enjoy this meal, and regretted buying extra for leftovers - which was truly disappointing given the reputation.
After trying some of the best BBQ spots in Texas, InterStellar BBQ is at the top of my list so far. The brisket was outstanding, the peach tea glazed pork belly lived up to the hype, and even the sides were next level. Definitely worth the wait. If you're anywhere near Austin, this place is a must-visit. 🤠🔥🥩
True Texas BBQ
| Address | 1000 E 41st St, Austin, TX 78751 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (737) 443-8100 |
I absolutely love the design and atmosphere. I had no idea this place has been open for over a year. Chris helped me with my order and he was awesome. The food portions were good and the food was fresh and tasted good.
I want to love HEB true bbq, I really do. HEB do so many things well. Flaming Bird; fantastic. But the bbq is pok-e-jo quality, at best. Recently I tried the $4.99 pulled pork sandwich. It was solid. But I made the mistake of adding a +$1.50 “side” of beans. Tiniest side of beans you ever did see. Served in condiment cup; you know, like for ketchup. Perhaps $0.23 worth of beans. And so the HeB True bbq saga continues; one step forward, two steps back.
Saw ads for HEB True Texas BBQ on social media and decided to give it a shot.
The online ordering process was pretty smooth, but I would probably recommend just going in and ordering there instead. There wasn’t a huge line (no line when I got there) like at some other BBQ places, and that way you can at least get the food hot and fresh.
Maybe because I ordered online for pickup, the presentation wasn’t the best. The portion was okay for the price, and the food was flavorful, but it did feel a bit overly greasy.
Since it’s inside HEB, it still has somewhat of a “grocery store deli section” feel. I’m not sure if that’s intentional, but if not, I think they could find a way to make the experience feel a little more premium.
Overall, it wasn’t bad, and I’d be open to going back and giving it another try when I’m in the area next time.
Update: I wrote a glowing review a few weeks ago after a great experience at True Texas BBQ inside Hancock H-E-B. So I’m updating on the same review. Unfortunately, this second visit was very disappointing.
I was excited to finally try the mac and cheese that was sold out last time, but it was inedible. The pasta was so overcooked it was falling apart, and the sauce tasted like uncooked flour. It didn’t taste like cheese at all.
The BBQ meat was also a letdown. What was supposed to be fatty, tender brisket was just pure fat with barely any meat. And to top it off, the dining area had a noticeable fly problem, which made the whole experience even worse.
The only positive moment came when I told the attendant that I couldn’t eat the mac n cheese. He was kind and offered to replace it with something else. I asked for the cornbread, and I’m glad I did, it was warm and served with a side of butter. That small act of good service made a difference in an otherwise bad visit.
I really hope this was just an off day, but the quality has clearly dropped since my first visit the once delicious coleslaw was just ok this time. I won’t be returning anytime soon.
I stopped by H-E-B just to grab a few things, but I was starving! and the True Texas BBQ caught my eye. Honestly, it was the healthiest fast option around, so I gave it a shot. The best part? It’s self-service. You just order, pay, find a seat, and they call your name when it’s ready. The food was surprisingly good for being inside a grocery store. The meat was delicious, and the coleslaw was fresh and flavorful. I wasn’t a fan of the dessert, it tasted like old bread with marmalade on top. They were out of mac and cheese, which was a bummer. I really hope they consider adding cheese grits to the menu. With the ingredients they already have, they could easily make the best, super cheesy grits in the city!
Today, I walked in with a big appetite and was greeted by Jay, who provided the most welcoming hospitality. I was a bit indecisive about what to order, but Jay patiently helped me put together the perfect combination. It was so good that I was ready for a nap afterward. Thank you Jay! for your patience, professionalism, and outstanding customer service. You made my visit a great experience.
Two Goose
| Address | 706 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Phone | (512) 631-4665 |
Shoutout to Nicky at Two Goose for the outstanding customer service, and to the entire team for creating such a great experience. I had an issue with my Uber delivery, and Nicky went above and beyond to help me get everything sorted out.
The Big Honkin' Burrito was amazing and incredibly filling. They definitely don't skimp on the meat, and the brisket was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Paired with their house-made salsa, every bite was an explosion of flavor.
The latte was so good I practically chugged it! It wasn't overly sweet, and you could still taste the coffee, which I really appreciated.
I love that everything is made from scratch, and the staff is genuinely friendly and welcoming. I'll definitely be back!
We got the Big Honkin Burrito, the Brisket Philly, and the Pepper Jelly Pork Ribs. Every bit of it was packed with flavor, and the meats were ridiculously tender. The standouts for me were definitely the Philly and the pork ribs.
I’ve also got to give a shoutout to the BBQ sauce and pickles, they were spot on. The staff was super friendly and helpful, which was the perfect cherry on top of an already great meal.
Highly recommend Two Goose. It'll be a must stop for us anytime we're in Austin.
This is tough position to be in. Been following two goose since they opened and couldn’t wait to come back to Austin to try them out.
As soon as we landed I dropped my family off at another local bbq spot to get in line and ran to grab a snack while we waited. Two goose was a must try on our two day trip so boom no questions two goose for pre bbq snacks.
I call while driving and place a phone order and I’m told 10-15 mins. Cool I’m 7 mins away. I arrive, pay, and go stand by the truck/trailer. The owner comes and chats and gives me a sample of brisket while I wait. Cool the hit fresh brisket was solid. I told him it was damn good crust.
At this point 30 mins goes by and they ask me if I’m waiting for something. I tell them yes my food. Mind you I was originally told 10-15 mins.
Then they say they gave the food to the wrong person and say it’s the girls first day. Probably should offer some training if it’s her first day.
Anyway, they remake the food and it’s up in like 5 mins. Not sure how it took 30 to give it to the wrong person and 5 to fix it.
Anyway at this point is almost 10:50 and the place my family is waiting for me opens at 11. So now the “snacks” are pointless.
I ended up reheating them to at least same them and well the eggs and burrito really don’t reheat well.
Sadly while the brisket fresh was good. My overall experience really wasn’t. Based off the food I’m paid for and what I tasted on that it was 2.5 star.
Honestly idk if I even got the right food and it sucks today was a bad service day for them.
While I’m sure when things are good they are great but today was not it. Because I live in Atlanta this impression will stick till I’m back in Austin maybe a yr from now.
I was very patient and respectful. I didn’t keep asking about food, I didn’t get rude or mad. I waited as patiently as possible will being admit I needed to go and this was supposed to be a pre meal snack.
I wanted this to be a 5 star visit so bad!!!
Update-
Aaron (owner) reached out on ig and stated his disappointment with my review and felt they made extreme accommodations to satisfy me. Which was simply remaking the order they gave to someone else during normal business hours. Then refunded me after my review of an honest experience was shared.
Update 2.
Even after stating I would give them another try I guess that wasn’t good enough so the owner blocked me on social media. As someone not from the industry he’s going to have a hard time if that’s his approach.
Love this place. Been a few times otw to work. The food is exceptional quality. The bbq sandwiches are cohesive planned out flavors and are more then just meat on a bun. Breakfast is alot of food for the price. Friendly staff.
I come here almost every other weekend. Very good food and prices. Staff are very friendly and helpful. I recommend the Big Honkin Burrito, the slight sweetness of the brisket is really nice. Probably the best breakfast burrito I’ve had here in Austin
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
| Address | 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (737) 465-1218 |
This place is ridiculous. The original location of Stubb’s BBQ. The food was amazing. I’m not going to say it’s the best bbq I’ve ever had but I spent twice as much at another well known place about a mile from here and had to throw away most of it.
It’s generous portions of delicious meat and sides and I had to take most of it home with me.
The service is great and they have live music as well! I don’t even know what else to say. Eat here. You won’t regret it.
I came in by myself for lunch a few days ago & got the all you can eat option since it was my first time having bbq in Austin Texas. Let me start off by saying .. wow - the portions are huge! My favorite was the beef brisket! The creamed spinach & Mac & cheese was also yummy. The homemade bread with some butter was mouth watering. They let me bring all my leftovers home (which was A LOT after my refill on protein). The service was great as well! They were on top of everything the entire time & made me feel really welcomed. I really enjoyed everything here 🙂
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q is an amazing place in downtown Austin. First of all the place is very big. They have indoor and outdoor sitting areas. The place is very well designed and decorated. I was there lunch time so there wasn’t any live music or concert, but they told me this place is very famous for their entertainment.
I was there for quick lunch and I didn’t have enough time for trying different foods in there. I had chicken wings and it was absolutely delicious. My order was ready very quickly. The chicken was very tender and cooked perfectly. I wish I had more time to try something else too.
The atmosphere was very rustic which I loved that. The place was very clean also. The service was very efficient. My waitress Ivette was very friendly and helpful. She made me feel really welcomed. The prices were very reasonable too.
The place wasn’t busy when I was there. I guess it was a little early for people. I highly recommend this place for everyone.
Went twice. First was dinner, that was fine. Not heavily seasoned, but got woody taste. Enjoyed, but did not love. Tried three meats and two sides and two meats and two sides. Fine. Decent portions. Again- just not great.
Second time was Gospel Brunch. BAD!! One of the worst meals in Austin. Cheap meat that was all fat on the brisket. We were brought trays- first had eggs with tortillas, bacon and potatoes. Second had bbq of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs. Bland and fatty. We actually told and showed waiter that it was inedible fat. Tge buffet is fruit, biscuits and watery gravy and banana pudding. Not worth $45 per person. Never cleaned or refilled table with fruit etc. Was sitting next to it and it was gross. We paid $5 extra to see band from our table, then a party with huge men were seated next to us directly blocking any view. No matter. The music was inconsistent with brunch and enjoyment. Not the voices or playing, but the song choices and 15 minutes of blathering. Completely kills any mood.
Will not return as it is not worth it.
I picked 4 stars based off the 3 areas it covers. Service was polite, attentive and quick. Atmosphere was rustic and just perfect for a BBQ themed place. Definitely want to see how this place is at night with love music. Food was the only area it fell short. The BBQ wasn't horrible but I felt it was a bit dry. I'm used to my brisket and ribs falling apart but they weren't. The brisket was drier then it should be like it was cut to early before resting. The sides were really good which is hard to find at BBQ places but the most important part (the BBQ) just fell short. Stubbs BBQ sauce is always a hit but with better BBQ they should be a top contender.
True Texas BBQ
| Address | 2400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (737) 610-5960 |
Pretty solid BBQ spot.
The ribs were tender and flavorful, and both the chicken tenders and fries were solid.
Cornbread with butter was pretty good as well.
Banana pudding was a let down, but maybe I got a bad batch or something, idk.
The dining area is spacious with plenty of seating, and ordering at the kiosk makes ordering easy.
I got takeout and the wait wasn't long at all.
Great place for a quick and easy meal.
Definitely recommend it!
Located next to an HEB which we went to while we waited for our food. We got ribs which were dry on the inside and tough on the outside, seasoning could have been better also so ribs I'd probably pass on. Brisket was good, pretty typical. Vibe felt like if a fast food chain had turned into a barbecue place, cool lighting and had some random stuff on TV. Recommend going.
The brisket plate that I I had with fried okra tasted awesome, & don't forget the banana pudding on the side. The atmosphere is awesome and the employees that was here were very polite & helpful. I will be coming back again.
H-E-B BBQ had some of the best customer service I’ve experienced. The employees were friendly, welcoming, and made sure I had everything I needed. The service was quick, but I never felt rushed while ordering. The staff answered my questions and helped me choose what to get. The BBQ came out fresh, hot, and full of flavor. Everything tasted great and was prepared just right. The great food combined with the excellent customer service made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be coming back to H-E-B BBQ again.
Ashleigh was so helpful at the counter and accommodating, it was my first time having Texas BBQ EVER, and she just had the best recommendations.
Essential Tips for Your Austin Barbecue Tour
Planning a successful barbecue crawl in Austin requires more than just an appetite. The culture here is unique, and the demand is high. To ensure you get to taste the best cuts without disappointment, you need to strategize like a local.
Go Early or Prepare to Miss Out
Unlike restaurants that serve dinner late, true Texas barbecue joints operate on a "until we sell out" policy. The best pitmasters start their fires before dawn, and by 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM, the choicest cuts—especially the moist brisket and beef ribs—are often gone. Treat barbecue as a lunch activity rather than a dinner plan. Arriving between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM is the sweet spot for beating the rush while ensuring the meat is fresh out of the smoker.
Order by the Pound, Not the Sandwich
If you are visiting a top-tier spot, resist the urge to just order a chopped beef sandwich. You are here for the texture and bark of the meat. Ask for "moist" brisket (the fatty side from the point) rather than "lean" for maximum flavor and tenderness. Ordering by weight allows you to sample a little bit of everything—pork ribs, turkey, and sausage—without filling up on bread.
Know Your Sides and Sauce Etiquette
In Central Texas, the meat is the star, and sauce is often an afterthought—or entirely absent. Purists believe great brisket needs nothing but salt, pepper, and smoke. If you do use sauce, taste the meat first. For sides, you cannot go wrong with classic creamed corn, mac and cheese, or a simple dill pickle and onion tray to cut through the richness of the fat.
Bring Cash and Patience
While most modern places accept credit cards, a few old-school meat markets and pop-ups remain cash-only. Additionally, long lines are a feature, not a bug, of the Austin barbecue experience. Many famous spots offer free beer or folding chairs while you wait. Embrace the line as a social event; you will often meet locals who are happy to share their ordering recommendations.
Mix the Legends with the Underdogs
Do not spend your entire trip waiting in three-hour lines. While the legendary institutions are famous for a reason, Austin is full of "sleeper" hits that offer 90% of the quality with 10% of the wait. Pair a visit to a world-famous giant with a stop at a smaller food truck or a brewery pop-up to get a full picture of the city’s diverse barbecue identity.
Austin’s barbecue landscape is more than just a list of restaurants; it is a living history of Texas craft. The dedication required to produce world-class smoked meat—waking up at 3:00 AM to manage fires, enduring the brutal Texas heat, and obsessing over the moisture content of wood—is a testament to the character of the people who live here.
Whether you are a first-time visitor checking off the bucket list or a local looking to explore a new neighborhood joint, the pursuit of the perfect bite is a rewarding journey. So grab a tray, load up on butcher paper, and enjoy the smoky, peppery, and unapologetically rich flavors that make Austin the barbecue capital of the world.
