San Antonio’s barbecue scene is a delicious collision of Texas tradition, Mexican culinary influence, and big-city creativity. From smoky, peppered brisket that needs no sauce to tender barbacoa kissed by mesquite, the Alamo City offers a depth of flavor that often flies under the national radar.
While Lockhart and Austin often grab the headlines, San Antonio quietly houses some of the most soulful pits in the Lone Star State. Here, the definition of barbecue expands beyond the standard trinity of brisket, ribs, and sausage to include things like smoked cabrito, borracho beans, and hand-rolled tortillas.
The local landscape is defined by a mix of legendary institutions that have been smoking for decades and a new wave of craft pitmasters pushing the boundaries. Whether you are looking for a massive beef rib or a perfectly charred pollo asado, this city delivers an experience rooted in patience and fire management.
Finding the “best” spot often depends on the day of the week and the time of day, as true Texas barbecue is a finite resource. The top-tier joints in San Antonio operate on a simple principle: smoke until the meat is perfect, sell out, and do it all again tomorrow.
For visitors and locals alike, navigating the smoke can be overwhelming. That is why we have curated a list of the definitive must-visit destinations for carnivores in the 210.
To ensure you experience the city’s finest, we have focused on consistency, bark quality, smoke penetration, and the overall atmosphere of these beloved establishments.
Pinkerton's Barbecue
| Address | 107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed 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 | (210) 983-0088 |
Absolutely amazing experience all around! We visited around 3 p.m. on a Thursday and only had a short wait to get inside, though I’ve heard the lines can stretch out to the street during peak times. It was an easy walk from the River Walk where we were staying, and I understand they also validate parking at nearby garages.
Once inside, ordering was simple and the service was excellent. The staff took time to explain the menu and answer our questions, which we really appreciated. The atmosphere was great, and finding seating was easy.
We ordered a Dino beef rib, pork ribs, brisket slices, and the original sausage (a pork and beef blend that was outstanding), along with mac and cheese and jalapeño cheese rice. Everything was delicious, and the barbecue sauce was especially memorable—we couldn’t get enough.
The meat was incredibly tender—the ribs practically fell off the bone, and the brisket pulled apart effortlessly. The Dino Rib was about two pounds of meat and was totally worth it, we were told this is the first thing they typically run out of on a daily basis. We had more than enough food for our family of four, plus leftovers that reheated surprisingly well.
If you’re visiting San Antonio, this place is a must. Easily some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. Highly recommend!
When we go on vacation we rarely eat at the same place twice. We had to make an exception for this restaurant because my husband liked it so much. It was located next to our hotel (Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Riverwalk Downtown) which was also convenient. Expect lines and them to sell out of meats. The staff was friendly and gave us the run down of the ordering process. The items are served family style and the meat is ordered by the pound. We LOVED the ribs. I do wish they had a spicy BBQ sauce.
Pinkerton
First off, the brisket and the jalapeño sausage were really good. At 3pm, the line moved pretty slow even though it was about 25 people long still took 30 minutes, and there were plenty of folks behind the counter. Pickled onions and pickles were good. Potato salad not too mashed, looked fresh made. Brisket was really good. Jalapeño sausage, good snap good density complex flavors. I’ll try to come back next time I’m in town.
Well worth the wait! Had to wait a little while to get in but once in, OMG!!! The meat was crazy good! Best BBQ we’ve ever had. The sides were delish but the BBQ was the star! The brisket, regular sausage and pork ribs were AMAZING! The prices weren’t too bad - paid about $70 for the two of us but we had 3 meats, 4 sides and 2 drinks. Great place to eat in the heart of downtown SA!
3 stars — Good, not great
Stopped in on a Wednesday evening on our way from Austin to Houston and waited about 50 minutes in line, which felt long for a weekday dinner. Ordered a half pound of sliced fatty brisket and asked for an end piece.
The brisket was good — tender, properly smoked, decent bark, visible smoke ring. No complaints on execution. But honestly, it wasn’t anything I haven’t had at plenty of other solid BBQ spots across the country. For a place with this reputation and this wait, I expected to be wowed, and I wasn’t.
The space itself is nice — full bar, sit-down service, comfortable atmosphere, which is a step up from the typical trailer-and-picnic-table BBQ joint. Staff was friendly and the line moved at a reasonable pace once it got going.
Would I recommend it? If you’re already downtown near the Alamo and want a reliable brisket lunch in a real restaurant setting — yes. If you’re driving across town or willing to wait an hour expecting a top-tier experience — there are equally good options with shorter lines.
Solid 3 stars. Good brisket, fair value, but not destination-worthy.
Reese Bros Barbecue
| Address | 906 Hoefgen Ave, San Antonio, TX 78210 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed 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) 925-9205 |
Brisket was fork tender and very flavorful, almost like barbacoa. I had the poblano Mac as a side, and although I wish it had been a bit creamier, the flavor was excellent. Staff is super friendly and helpful. The ambiance is great and the location is a couple of blocks away from the Alamodome, so great place to go for lunch, although there will more than likely be a line when you arrive. No worries, the food is worth the wait!
First time here and we came on a Friday around noon. Small line, not bad at all. Service was exceptional and food came out quickly.
We ordered 1/2 # moist brisket, 1 link quesofundido sausage, a large poblano Mac and cheese, a small okra beans, and finally 3 homemade tortillas. ( and no, we didn’t eat it all!)
First of all the brisket was damn tender; falling apart at the touch. Could use just a little more seasoning IMHO (yeah I know). But still better than a few other places I’ve visited.
The sausage was excellent. The cheese inside provided a different texture and of course taste. Yum!!
The okra beans were ok, not my favorite, but the wife really liked them.
The tortillas were soft when hot; they didn’t last long!!
The star for me was the poblano Mac and Cheese. I simply could not stop eating it. Sure wish I had that particular recipe.
All in all; very pleased with Reese Bros. Service with a smile and good food. Nothing better.
Went to Reese Bros earlier today and I had a great experience. Had the sharing platter of 1lb brisket, 1/2lb turkey, 1/2lb pork ribs, poblano mac* & cheese, jalapeno sausage, slaw, flour tortillas plus sauces and slaw. And a Modelo Negra and food was exceptional. If your in the area definetly recommend. 10/10
Excellent experience, went on a Sunday right after they opened, very short line, very easy to order. They have ample parking. The brisket was delicious, if not the best I've ever had, its is up there. Loved the poblano mac and cheese and potato salad. Definitely recommended. Great service also, very nice people.
Brisket, poblano mac, queso sausage… all top notch. Highly recommend, but be prepared to wait in line to order or get there early. Parking is easy, friendly people, bar has everything you need. Friendly staff and lots of open tables for outdoor dining.
Smoke Shack BBQ
| Address | 3714 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209 |
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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: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 957-1430 |
Good BBQ. The brisket and ribs were tasty. We liked the rub. I feel like the meat had been cut for a while but it didn't detract from the taste. As everyone seems to rave about the brisket Mac and Cheese...they are on point. Its absolutely delicious. So we're the beans, okra and coleslaw, although I felt it needed a bit more of the delicious vinegar marinade. Even the rolls were good.
4 stars for 4 reasons
1. The brisket was good, juicy and flavorful. Option to pick from is marble( fatty) and lean. Not the best brisket but very similar to mission BBQ.
2. Fries were amazing
3. The pricing is super cheap for the amount you get
4.quantity a lot of food
Minus 1 star because the brisket sandwhich found a piece of long hair.
Food:
Brisket, fried okra, Mac and Cheese filled with brisket, and ribs 😋🤤. EVERYTHING I just mentioned was fresh, delicious, and ON POINT and I had enough food left over for dinner and a little leftover for the next day. I definitely got my money’s worth. I went there after reading the reviews and having a taste for barbecue chicken. Unfortunately, there was no barbecue chicken or anything I planned to purchase while checking out the menu at the airport. However, I have no regrets and I will be back when I’m in the area.
Service:
I called while at the airport to make sure they had chicken and I was told yes. I immediately headed straight to the restaurant from the airport. It was my first visit to this restaurant and to be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the service.
I wasn’t immediately acknowledged. They ran out of everything I planned to purchase between the time I called and drove to the restaurant from the airport (short ride).
The area where the condiments are stored was not as clean or organized as it should have been for a restaurant. There seemed to be enough staff to take care of it while I was there. Staff I came in contact with were nice and acknowledged with a smile when I was at my table.
There is an area before arriving to the restroom that was not as clean as it should have been. The garbage can was running over with trash.
Atmosphere:
Loud, joyful, and family friendly environment. I met a family who were looking for a place to sit. I invited them to sit with me and it was great! I will be back the next time I am in the San Antonio area. I’m thinking positively 🤞🏾.
If you’re in the area, check them out and give them a try. I did and I don’t regret it. My next visit will be better.
Spent over $300 for about 8 people and we only got two rolls. So ask if they forgot?. Cole slaw is good if you like the cheese like bill millers bbq kinda close to it. Potatoes salad was mmm 🤔 ok . Brisket was tender and juicy. Ribs were dry but good. Sausage was dry, but ok. Chicken and turkey was so juicy I really don’t eat it like ever. Macaroni was excellent must try .. it was gone.. no corn they were out!!!😳. Tried the poppers but sweet cause they use sweet bacon . But it was ok!!mmm I tried the next day left overs🫤
This was SO disappointing. We celebrate Mother’s Day for myself the day before because we go elsewhere for family on the actual day. All I wanted was brisket; it’s my favorite and my husband was in the area so he picked up from here. Gosh, it was such a let down. That brisket was so dry. I didn’t finish it. His sandwich, you couldn’t find any coleslaw. The potato salad made me nauseous because it was so dairy forward it tasted like milk! They have pretty good reviews so I can see why he chose to go here but this was a fail.
Blanco BBQ
| Address | 13259 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216 |
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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 | (210) 251-2602 |
The price was really reasonable the atmosphere was pleasant and very clean and comfortable. The food was good. Really nice sausage. We loved tender brisket. Condiments were more than enough. Pecan pie was good, it’s our granddaughter’s favorite. This was our first visit. Service was very good.
You can order at a kiosk or with a person. We ordered with a person. It took a really long time to get our food. My husband went up and spoke with the cashier. She said their systems went down when we ordered and that the order "must have been lost." The order was replaced, and we received our food quickly. I had the turkey with charro and green beans. The turkey and charro beams were good. The green beans were inedible. My husband had the brisket with okra and mashed potatoes. The okra was ok. The mashed potatoes were over salted, and the brisket was dry and flavorless. I had water to drink. The water coming out of the soda fountain is not drinkable.
suppose to be the best bbq in San Antonio. This restaurant falls short of that. I asked for lean brisket they said that the fat on this is lean. How do you have lean fat ? Look at how much is thrown away. Who can eat this much fat ? It’s another restaurant that falls short of expectations. Don’t waste your money here. They charge you for things that aren’t edible. Where quality is replaced by quantity and desire to be greedy by keeping and retaining a long time customer.
Very decent barbecue place! We loved the brisket!
And the green beans came with some brisket meat and good flavors as well.
The fried mushrooms were very greasy though.
Overall a pleasant place to visit if you crave BBQ.
Drive through experience no connection or smile but did say thank you. Man n cheese was poor quality, tasted like Mexican sopas.... Brisket sandwich was good and sauce a bit spicy. Pototoe salad was okay tasted like it was pretty bought from a distributer very celery..Tea was good..
B&B Smokehouse
| Address | 2619 Pleasanton Rd, San Antonio, TX 78221 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM 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 – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 921-2745 |
We were in the mood for barbecue and the woman at the hotel we were staying at recommended this place. The woman at the register was quite helpful and we ordered the 3 meat platter. I want sure what was happening with the beverage order though. She had a bunch of cups with lids and chilled with something that she gave me when I asked for sweet tea. I returned it and just settled on can a lemonade which she filled from the lemonade dispenser on the counter. The three meats we had was chicken, turkey and the brisket. Are two sides for a macaroni and cheese and coleslaw. We also got the monster baked potato with cheese and butter. When they called the order number for pickup they also offered me bread and more sour cream for the potato. The mac and cheese was very good and the coleslaw was average. The three meats were very good and I enjoyed the barbecue sauce that they supplied. It was a little expensive to eat there though. We ordered two of their cookies for dessert which cost $7.50 for two. The atmosphere was just average. Overall a good experience.
On Saturday, May 30th, we took our SIL visiting from CA to have a BBQ Lunch. A friend highly recommended B&B Smokehouse on Pleasanton Rd & they didn’t disappoint. We will definitely be going back soon. The Pork Ribs & Potato Salad were our favorites. All the sides were delicious. We shared a Peach Cobbler & it was hot ‘n delicious! The restaurant was nice & the customer service was great.
Better upscale version of Bill-Millers actually. Food tastes very flavorful and fresh. The cream of corn was my favorite and brisket. I love that they have lunch plates for different days of the week. Definitely recommend this place for a good BBQ plate.
Definitely loves this place i lived in this area for over 20 years and its the first time i ever dine in! And wow! I mean wow !! I loved the service the lady (shes a little older) in the front was so sweet i think her name is lilly She gave us the best service ever !!! The food is delicious too
Items ordered: Chef salad w/ turkey/ Spud with brisket/ pork sandwich w-fries and side of potato salad and cream corn (missing from order-1 brisket taco)
Salad was a generous size of an actual good chef salad( not just the hard pieces of lettuce we throw on the side. It had : lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots , boiled egg, cheese, olives, broccoli and then the turkey. A little light on the turkey(2 oz.) for the portion of overall salad. All tastes good and fresh oh can’t forget the croutons.
Potato w/brisket- overall ok potato could use butter or at least include butter and normal potato compliments / brisket was tender and just the right pull.
Pork sandwich w/fries- included the basic compliments( pickle/onion) pork was well seasoned with BBQ sauce. Just the right amount but also came with a smaller sauce if you’re one of those that like extra sauce.
Sides: potato salad - everyone has their favorite, but this was a little sweet to me. To me potato salad tastes better a little tangy with pickles. But it was ok.
Cream corn- it was basic cream corn. Needed a little something extra. But ok.
Oh and we also ordered peach cobbler. It was thick and plenty of peaches. If you like the overly sweet sauce then you will love it. Some Vanilla ice cream would have been nice.
I also ordered 1 brisket taco but was not in my order. I didn’t bother going back since it was a bit of a drive to come to this side of town for me. We were visiting SA and this place was recommended to us. I gave only 4 starts only because my taco was left out. Overall taste/ portions were good. Quaint place and atmosphere. Music is very loud where you have to talk louder than normal. Very busy place and drive thru is a little tricky to line up on.
Two Bros. BBQ Market
| Address | 12656 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 496-0222 |
FINGER LICKING GOOD!! 👅Honest review of this establishment, the food here is fresh and delicious! Full of flavors 🤤 We had the turkey, brisket, sausage link, mac n cheese, and cream corn! Everything hit the spot and tasted excellent! Very impressive with 3 different bar b que sauces to choose from. My favorite was the red bottle! Definitely would come again, and I recommend for anyone to try this place and give it a shot! You won’t be disappointed! Ton’s of room for dine in, and the customer service and atmosphere very exceptional!
We enjoyed a half pound of brisket, and three sides. All were delicious. They have three difference sauces you take to your table: sweet, tangy, and shiner molasses.
Indoor and outdoor seating and various beer and wine available
The crew were friendly and it was served up quickly.
Didn't know this place was around our neighborhood. Would have been coming here instead of driving all the way across town for some GOOD barbecue. Brisket was tender and juicy! Ribs were just right! Couldn't complain about the sides. Price was a little high, but what isn't right now! Will be coming back for sure! Please keep the beer a little colder, especially the Shiner! Loved this place!!!
Food is home made and they always make the meats nice and tender. Desserts are very good as well. Atmosphere is chill and you have the option to eat inside or outside. Employees are great and very welcoming.
My first visit here but I will return. I ordered the big brother sandwich with potato salad. The sandwich had 3 meats. Pull pork, brisket and sausage. The sandwich was big and delicious. The coleslaw was creamy and tasty. It's was a very good meal.
2M Smokehouse
| Address | 2731 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed 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 | (210) 885-9352 |
Checked this place out after hearing about their Pitmaster win on the Food Network. I wanted to go before everyone heard about it. Well it is obvious they had been winning people over long before the Food Network came along. We waited almost two hours in line to lose out on the much wanted brisket by just a few people. I was able to get one pound of beef rib and some tritip as well. I didn’t purchase any sides as they don’t have potato salad on the menu, but people were raving about the Mac and cheese. We did get a little taste of the brisket while waiting in line. I will go back, and go back early for that brisket! So let me tell you about the beef rib! I forgot to take a pic beforehand as I was starving but here is a pic of the damage. It was one, big, black rib. The thick charred rub that was cooked on there along with the rib meat was some of the best bbq I have ever had! The tritip was good too, but that rib will own space in my head for a while. 2M sells the usual bbq meats and some unusual variations such as pulled pork with a green sauce. They have plenty of drinks including beer, and some amazing desserts that I assume are made by the pastry chef wife. The meat is not cheap ($42 rib) but is worth every penny. They have plenty of seating outside and a small dining room that is cooled on the inside. We are lucky to have this eatery in our city. I am so happy and proud of them.
My 2M Smokehouse Odyssey
I have been excited to come here since Pitmasters 1st aired on HBO/Food Network. I was not aware of this barbecue joint prior to the show.
I Arrived at 1145 after fighting with Loop 410 ridiculous backups due to the never-ending highway construction. A special thanks to Google for not diverting me down backroads thru WWWhite. It was not that crowded but was already a bit difficult to find parking, thus providing a deduction in my optimism right off the bat.
Line was about 80 folks deep, with the length of the line and knowing its been open for almost an hour, I found it odd that with what I researched limited indoor searing, odd that all tables outside were empty except one. The weather was actually cooler than usual for SATX. The line didn’t look too bad BUT moved extremely slow, often not moving. So I decided to give this review an early start.
It appears large bulk orders were slowing down line (yes confirmed later). They will work out logistics later as they are experiencing a huge growth spurt from what I can tell. At 1 PM while waiting in line, announcement came through that sausage was already out!!!! as well as turkey. Another shot at my optimism, I am now bummed out about sausage, however I remain optimistic and continue waiting in line.
115 - I am now 5 people away from door.
125 now im in and great news, great music, the line cant be more than 20 people long in here.
145 ordered to-go, 155 out the door with a ton of food. Everyone was friendly and I even got a nod from Esaul who was grindin with everyone else.
I ordered to-go, to eat at the house, but while driving I heard the food talking to me so I pulled over.
1st order of business, the sides one at a time:
Pickles- 10/10 Ive never had them seasoned with all these herbs and spices like this. I should have bought a jar of these.
BBQ sauce- 10/10 different than any other and you’ll be tempted to bathe in it.
Beans- 10/10 almost as good as mine which are 11/10.
Macaroni- 10/10 I date to say the best I’ve had.
Pitmaster Helper- 10/10 nombre shut up.
Mexican street corn- 10/10 this is real, I am awake.
Now for meat, no adding anything to meat:
Pork Belly- 9/10 flavors are there, lean and tender, wish it was smokier. It’s probably just me but I’m not a huge fan of what seems to me a strong pork flavor, but duhhhh, its PORK belly!
Pork Ribs- 10/10 gimmie more
Brisket moist- 10/10 seasoned and smoked to perfection.
Cookies (pineapple upside down, chocolate chip, pecan)- 10/10 not too sweet, buttery, perfect, almost like brownies.
Overall- 10/10- well worth the wait, I’ll be back, and I will always brag about this place. Mission accomplished to comfirm Esaul & Grecia are furreal and will always be puro San Antonio. This is why they won Pitmasters and are top 50 Texas Monthly.
EVERYTHING was amazing! We had brisket, pork ribs, pork sausage, and pork belly. Never had pork belly but next time I'm here (it will be very soon!) I'm going to load up on it. This place is great! People were welcoming. Food was mouthwatering. Definitely on my list of favorite places. The outside looks a little rough, but this is definitely a diamond in the rough. Very clean inside. I want to hug the pit master next time I'm go. For real! I had high expectations and I'm so happy right now.
Overall, the experience was good despite the warm weather. I enjoyed the pork cheese sausage the most since it had a slight spicy kick to it, but I enjoyed the brisket too despite being on a slightly drier side and the slices are kind of thick for brisket which is a good thing. The chicharrón macaroni and cheese was delicious and creamy. The pickles helped balance the richness of the meat and the macaroni and cheese. Overall, it's worth going at least once whenever you happen to be in San Antonio for any reason. Make sure to arrive by 10:45 am for the best selection of meats and sides especially on weekends.
Came in after a long morning of exercise, glad they had the air conditioned space inside. Service was friendly and the line moved quick. Got chopped brisket sandwich (great portions) and pork sausage with sweet slaw. Also tried the pickled Serrano peppers and their pickles and onions that come with the meal. Nothing disappointed. Didn’t have one, but their Dino Ribs looked amazing. Will be back. They have sauce on the table, but you won’t need it, everything is good on its own.
TEXAS COUNTRY BBQ
| Address | 20116 US-281, San Antonio, TX 78221 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 626-2744 |
Excellent service and everyone was super friendly! Great prices! Brisket was tasty but! The ribs looked good but somehow lacked flavor. They did throw in a piece of turkey but it was too dry. The bbq sauce was good.
Macaroni was peppery and yummy!
Star of the show was the sweet potato casserole but that was just a nice bonus. I came for the brisket.,
Family owned business, must try the nachos, hands down the best nachos we have ever had. Everything was really good. Will definitely come back again
One of the best bbq spots in San Antonio!!!
The loaded baked potato with brisket is one of my favorites! The brisket is always so tender and flavorful! The potatoes they use are also HUGE and sooo yummy! The portions are amazing especially for the price.
Everything is made super fresh and the entire place is so clean and cozy.
What an amazing hidden gem!
Very close to the highway.
Phenomenal food, Phenomenal service. We will definitely be back.
Everything was fantastic and very well served. So much food we even took some to go!
Family owned business - Visit Sev!
Tell him Karen with the Maltipoo dog sent you lol
TEXAS COUNTRY BBQ absolutely delivers. The brisket? Melt-in-your-hands perfection. The mac ’n’ cheese? Creamy, cheesy, no notes. Even the fried fish surprised me, in the best way. Add in friendly, down-to-earth service, and you’ve got a spot that proves good food and good people still exist.
It’s a bit south of San Antonio, but trust me, this drive is worth it. If you know, you know. PS. Remembered to take pictures after we were almost done.
RUSTY BUCKET JAWSMACKIN BBQ
| Address | 600 Cupples Rd, San Antonio, TX 78237 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (210) 433-6663 |
Good Ol Texas BBQ lol can’t believe I only ordered the ribs! The ribs were seasoned very well with the side of sauces on the side. The place outside kind of gave me a feel where I thought it wasn’t going to be all that great. Yet, the inside gave me such a Texas feel! In the future I will definitely try the baked potato & brisket.
TL;DR: A solid BBQ stop with a standout sauce program that makes the visit worth it.
Stopped here on a Tuesday afternoon and ordered the 2-meat plate with brisket and smoked turkey alongside potato salad and mac & cheese.
The meat was good across the board. Brisket and turkey both had decent smoke flavor and maintained good moisture. Nothing that blew us away but nothing to complain about either. The real star of the show was the sauce. They offer three different options: regular, sweet, and spicy. The spicy actually had a decent kick to it which we appreciated. Having multiple well-executed sauces is something we don't see often enough and it elevated the plate.
Sides were consistent. Potato salad and mac & cheese were both solid but didn't stand out the way we've seen at other stops. Portions were fair for the price.
The restaurant was clean and the staff was friendly. Served on a metal tray with butcher paper which is always a good sign. The patriotic tablecloths gave the place some character.
A good BBQ stop that does the fundamentals right and lets the sauce program shine. We'd eat here again if we were in the area.
This place was pretty good. The meat was good. The portion size was a little small for what I expected from Texas. My sides were pretty good as well. I liked the way the restaurant was set up and the employees were pretty nice. Overall I would say I'm happy with the visit.
One of the most underrated barbecue restaurants in San Antonio. Despite it's modest appearance outside, the interior is incredible! Great food and they got salsa and pico de gallo. Excellent place to take your family too as well!
Food here is outrageously good. Been coming here 2 years.. the food is perfect not too much about 20$ per person. Me and my husband order the three meat plate and just add one more side great to share -we never finish it usually take home.. creamed corn is my favorite and the baked potato’s are out of this world .. .. don’t judge how the building looks.. come in and support business owners of San Antonio ..
The Barbecue Station
| Address | 1610 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78209 |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM 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: Closed |
| Phone | (210) 824-9191 |
Late post: Did a San Antonio road trip back in Dec'25. Learned of the BBQ Station from the decent reviews. Food - GOOD, Tea - GOOD, with a vintaged themed rustic motif. Relaxing, friendly atmosphere and the BBQ aroma fills your senses of Texas BBQ'ing. Delicious... 😋 Enjoy... I just wish I had more 😉
The best BBQ in the area. Had the combination plate with brisket & sausage. Really delicious, brisket was moist and sausage had a good smokey flavor. Highly recommend if you want authentic Texas BBQ!
TL;DR: Solid smoked meat with good smoke flavor, but the sides and overall experience didn't quite match up.
Stopped here on a Sunday and ordered a 2-meat plate with brisket and smoked turkey alongside potato salad and mac & cheese. $38 split between a 1-meat plate and a 2-meat plate between us.
The meat was the strong point. Both the brisket and smoked turkey had good smoke flavor that held through each bite which is something we haven't found at every stop on this trip. The tenderness was solid as well. Sauce had a nice tangy flavor to it though it was thinner than your average Texas style. Meat didn't need it but it was a welcome addition.
The sides were a different story. Both were clearly pre-made for to-go orders and it showed. The potato salad was more like mashed potatoes than what we'd expect from a BBQ joint. Mac & cheese was fine but nothing to write home about. We also grabbed a peach cobbler which was good but could've been warmer.
The restaurant was clean and the staff was friendly. Not a lot going on for families though. We also felt like the 1-meat plate gave you a better portion than the 2-meat which is worth noting if you're deciding between the two.
Decent BBQ that gets the smoke right. If the sides matched the quality of the meat this would be an easy recommendation. We'd come back if we were in the area but probably wouldn't go out of our way.
First time visitor. Fairly unfriendly staff when ordering. Brisket was okay, but compared to other places, there’s room for improvement. Our group agreed jalapeño mac and cheese was the best item. The bean lid was broken and fell off a couple of times on people; very unsanitary. Moldy hoagie bun given for sandwich order. When brought to their attention, they replaced it…with a second moldy hoagie bun. Potato salad was odd with some type of green pepper in it. Wasn’t good. Cole slaw was bland. Restaurant felt dirty. Last time visitor.
Oh boy, this place was amazing! Loved the look and atmosphere of the place. We were greeted by everyone behind the counter and the services was great. I got the brisket and turkey plate with green beans and Mac & cheese. Delicious! Everything had great flavor and loved the little heat on the Mac & cheese. I look forward to coming back when I am in town for work. 10/10 recommend!!!!
Texas Pride Barbecue
| Address | 2980 E Loop 1604 S, Adkins, TX 78101 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 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 – 7:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 649-3730 |
Stopped in yesterday and grabbed the brisket, sausage, and green beans.
First off, the young crew working up front was awesome. Super friendly, polite, and attentive right from the start.
As for the food, it was a bit hit or miss. The sausage was pretty dry, and the brisket was on the bland side. I definitely needed to add barbecue sauce to wake up the flavor.
Overall, amazing service and great staff, but the meats could definitely use a bit more moisture and seasoning.
Texas Pride Barbecue has a great atmosphere and is definitely a solid spot for BBQ lovers. The overall experience was enjoyable, and you can tell they put effort into their food and service.
That said, there were a few things that could use some improvement in my opinion. The chicken was a bit on the dry side—this could have just been an off day, but it stood out. The meat itself was juicy and flavorful. The BBQ sauce wasn’t my favorite, as it tasted a little too ketchup-forward for my taste.
On the bright side, the macaroni salad was amazing—creamy, flavorful, and easily one of the highlights of the meal.
It’s a good place to check out if you’re in the mood for homemade barbecue, and I’d be open to giving it another try.
Great BBQ!! I've been here a couple of times and I'm never disappointed. Tried something different today, Chicken Fried BBQ, it was superb!! Two nice thick slices of brisket, lightly breaded and cooked right when you order it. The deep frying doesn't overcook the brisket. It must be just flash fried, however it's done, it was delicious. All of the sides are delicious. Wife had the jalapeno popper, fresh off the smoker, and she destroyed it. Other family members had several of the other meats and they enjoyed it. I would recommend this BBQ restaurant for anything that they serve.
This place was amazing. We had an event of 150 people. The staff was amazing, on point and so helpful. Food was so so good. Plenty of room for vendors, people, band and dancing. We never felt crowded. We will definitely be back.
Chopped brisket sandwiches were delicious. Fried pickles could have used a little more seasoning, but overall food was delicious.
BBQLIFE By Chris
| Address | 902 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78220 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 359-1511 |
We decided to start off our anniversary with a good lunch. This place isn’t far from our new house, so we decided to check it out. Not gonna lie, we were initially discouraged after seeing it was an old Sonic drive-in. We decided to still give it a shot. I ordered the outlaw potato and my husband got the one meat plate. A large fruit punch kool-aid and large lemonade. The food did NOT disappoint. Large portions and everything tasted amazing, well seasoned. Service was great. This is our new bbq spot.
I had to stop myself to take this picture.
It was a wait to get our orders and it is on the expensive side but everything is expensive now. The young man that greeted us and took our orders was very polite and courteous as we were sitting the lobby waiting. We took our orders home and the meat is so tender it was falling off the bone! I ordered the ribs, sliced brisket, mac n cheese, and ranch beans. Everything tasted great, not too fatty or too lean, nice smokey flavor.
This is some GOOD BBQ! I saw a post in IG and decided to give them a try. I went on Easter Saturday so it was quite busy. I was surprised because it was also pouring rain when I arrived but had stopped by the time I left. Anyway, the joint looks like an old Sonic drive in so there’s enough parking spots. Orders are taken inside and you can come wait in your car since it’s limited seating inside. Y’all, It smells so good in there. I only ordered meats, Sliced brisket, ribs and sausage. They didn’t have any turkey. The brisket was lean and juicy. The pork ribs were meaty and very tender. The sausage was good as well, but I.wont get that again. Go give them a try if you’re on that side of town. 🇺🇸
Welcomed with a smile, excellent suggestions and service! Served the best loaded potato and pulled pork. Meat is smoked/ cooked to perfection! So happy we stopped!!
Can't say enough about this place. Being from Alabama myself, and coming to this area of Texas my whole life I feel like I know a thing or two about southern barbecue even if I can't barbecue it myself. My dad smoked mullet (fish) and flounder growing up and killed ribs on the grill. I've tried most of the meats here and you will not be disappointed not only with flavor but size. My wife LOVES the outlaw potato because she can get easily 2 to 3 meals out of it. The gentleman at the register is quite possibly the best person I've seen in restaurant customer service and I spent nearly 18 years in restaurants myself. Also I knew I was going to post this today and told myself to make sure to take pictures first but I forgot because I couldn't wait to eat it. 😂 The pictures are from last October but they work because the food is pretty consistent as well. GO THERE NOW!!!
Augie's Barbed Wire Smokehouse
| Address | 3709 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212 |
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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 – 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 | (210) 960-9307 |
Our first time here, we had a great time. We sat indoors. There was a private party oufside, but it still was great indoors. Food was plenty and we left there spending way less than we expected, with very full tummies. We ordered the brisket, sausage, chicken and ribs. We devoured it all. We also had cream of corn, potato salad and mac n cheese. Mac n Cheese was FANTASTIC!! It was all very good. My kids got a burger,which a as bigger than kids burger, and chicken tenders, huge and great. The French fries were great too, seasoned perfect. The lady at the register gave you the feeling of being family, very sweet and nice. I have nothing but nice things to say about this place. We will definitely be going back in the future!
We really enjoyed the food overall.
We had a pork and beef rib, brisket, mac and cheese, borracho beans, creamed corn.
Brisket we got medium fat so it was great. The pork rib was great the beef rib is what took a star off of this review. It was huge had maybe a TOTAL of a SINGLE big bite of meat on it, it was dry hard to get any meat off of it at all because of the silverskin and like 1 mm of meat in it. (It should not even be sold in my opinion)
Beans were good.
Creamed corn was thick and creamy, sweet enough.
Mac and cheese is very thick and cheesy, not any other flavors, so it can get old and heavy quick, but a small amount was good, I would add some pepper or something to add a tad of depth to it.
BBQ sauce we really liked it.
Wish they had a diet coke and not just diet Dr pepper.
So overall I would have gave them a 5 star but that beef rib was just for the garbage can. So stay away from that and it was a great meal. it seemed like pretty good pricing, so for the price it was certainly worth it.... I am sure better BBQ is around but costs more as well
TL;DR: Generous portions at a great price but the BBQ left more to be desired in the smoke department.
Stopped here for Sunday dinner and ordered the three meat plate with brisket, chicken, and sausage. Sides were potato salad and mac & cheese. $20 for a three meat plate is hard to beat and the portion size matched the value.
The biggest letdown was the lack of smoke flavor across the board. For a smokehouse, we expected to taste smoke and it just wasn't there. The chicken was actually the highlight of the plate which says something. It was grilled well and had good moisture and flavor to it, but it felt more grilled than smoked. The brisket needed sauce to get through and the sausage didn't do much to stand out.
The sauce did its job and was solid enough to carry the meat where it needed help. Sides were underwhelming. Potato salad and mac & cheese were both forgettable.
The restaurant itself was clean and the staff was attentive. Outdoor seating area was nice and had a family-friendly feel to it. We were quoted a 45 minute wait but our food came out in about 15 which was a pleasant surprise.
At $20 for a three meat plate the value is there. But if you're looking for that deep smoked flavor in your BBQ, this might not be the stop for you. We might come back if we were in the area but it wouldn't be our first choice.
This is good old time BBQ. A no frills kind of place. They have limited inside seating, plenty on outside. But the food...terrific, great flavors, we had the brisket and pulled pork, both awesome, sides were plentiful in choices and just as delicious. Both meats and sides, quanity portions. Highly recommend
Great service. One of the best burger and fries I've ever had. Brisket nachos were tremendous as well.
South Barbecue
| Address | 2100 N Main Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 757-3855 |
Amazing food! I ordered their BBQ plate, and the brisket was excellent. The sides were just as good. There’s plenty of parking available, which makes it convenient. The place is also well air-conditioned, even when it’s extremely hot outside, making for a comfortable dining experience.
This place has insanely good food. I’m not sure why only 4.5, as that doesn’t justice to this place.
I was in town for a conference and I wanted to try a smoke house. I’m sad now I only did this now, as I wasted 4 days until now with average expensive food. You can find good steak in town, but this place has insane brisket, ribs and sausages.
Prices are more than fair, I’m not sure how they can keep th prices so low. A soda, 1/2 brisket and two sides is les than 30$. Skip the soda and take a single side and you’re like 20$.
My biggest problem was I could not eat more.. brisket just melts in your mouth… I’m sure if you look at it carefully you’ll see how it melts on your plate. It’s way too good. Ribs fall off the bone … sausage… I’ve tried tha jalapeño one, and it’s the perfect amount of spicy, at least for me, some might call it mildly spicy. I preferred the tortilla more than the bread, and the sauce is not my thing. Especially as the brisket is to die for:)
Azalia was very helpful and her recommendations were perfect.
If you can only eat one thing, I would say brisket and corn (it’s sweet and just the right amount of spicy). But you should also throw in a sausage and some ribs:)))
10/10 recommended
In my opinion, the best Tex-Mex BBQ in San Antonio. Very authentic, farm-to-table freshness, Servers feel like family (Azalea), seating and tables crispy clean, smells of smoked meat, ambiance culturally representative. Excellent overall. Definitely eat there again. Best value for money. Food prestation is spot on, and BBQ sauce is sweet yet tangy, perfect blend.
So good! I’ve been to all the places with a line from Austin to Houston to SA and their brisket is by far the best I’ve had. Jes took care of us the most recent trip and she is a fantastic server/waitress. She really knows her stuff. I couldn’t get the crew to stop stabbing the food long enough to share a proper photo. You’ll love the food. Try it.
Party of one on weekday for lunch. Only one other in restaurant when I entered, but was half full at end of meal. Quick and friendly service. Ordered basic brisket sandwich. Comes with pickles (which overpowered the meat and had to take most of them off) and side sauce. Sauce has a vinegary taste. Meat looked moist, but was a bit on the dry side once eaten, but had decent flavor. A bit expensive for the basic sandwich, but that seems to be the trend.
Casanova Barbecue
| Address | 312 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | (210) 744-8545 |
Amazing BBQ in San Antonio. Love coming to Casanova BBQ at the Pearl when I am in town. Carlos makes the BEST beef brisket, roasted chicken and sausage. Can’t wait to come back. Also the service is amazing, this crew is the best!!
The place is small, and exactly what you would think a whole on the wall would be. The food was completely amazing and way better than several BBQ restaurants I have been at. The brisket and the ribs were out of this world and the tatertots were very well fried and crunchy.
Would 100% recommend and would be a regulat if I lived close to here.
I was having such a weird day, never had Casanova BBQ before and they made my night perfect! From the delicious food, cold draft beer, to the amazing service I’m so blown away. They are amazing and their vibe is top notch. Do yourself a favor and come visit this place. You won’t be disappointed.
Seriously one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. Pimento on point. We stopped just to get a quick bite while doing a San Antonio day trip and this might be more memorable than the concert we are seeing later. Top tier experience.
Best brisket and sausage sandwich! Barbecue sauce was the bomb! It's so tasty makes you want to eat more! Best place to come to!
Essential Tips for Your San Antonio BBQ Crawl
Navigating the San Antonio barbecue scene requires a bit of strategy, as the best meat is often gone by early afternoon. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local looking to expand your palate, these practical guidelines will help you maximize your experience and avoid the disappointment of a “Sold Out” sign hanging in the window. Here is how to eat like a true pitmaster during your visit.
1). Arrive early, but not too early
In Texas, barbecue is lunch food. The sweet spot for arrival is usually between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM. This allows the pitmaster to finish resting the brisket while ensuring you beat the noon rush and get first pick of the burnt ends and marbled point cuts.
2). Order by the pound, not the plate
While combo plates are convenient, ordering moist brisket, pork ribs, and sausage by the pound allows you to control the exact slices you receive. Ask for “fatty” or “moist” brisket specifically if you want the juiciest meat; this is where the flavor lives.
3). Respect the “Big Red” tradition
San Antonio has a deep cultural love for pairing barbecue with Big Red soda. While craft beer and sweet tea are widely available, ordering a bottle of this iconic red cream soda is a local rite of passage, especially when eating spicy sausage or barbacoa.
4). Plan for the siesta
Many of the old-school, family-owned pits close as soon as the meat runs out, often by 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM. Do not plan a late dinner at a traditional smokehouse; instead, make barbecue your main midday meal and plan a lighter dinner.
5). Don’t skip the sides and tortillas
In San Antonio, sides are not an afterthought. Look for unique offerings like Mexican street corn, charro beans, or creamed corn with roasted poblano. If fresh flour tortillas are available, use them to make a brisket taco—it is the ultimate fusion of Texan and Tejano cuisine.
The beauty of San Antonio’s smoke culture lies in its accessibility and warmth. It is a city where a pitmaster might know your name by your second visit, and where the line at the cutting block feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a transaction.
Whether you spend your day chasing the perfect bark on the North Side or discovering a hidden gem on the South Side, the journey is as rewarding as the meal. Bring an appetite, leave your diet at the door, and savor the distinct, smoky character that makes the Alamo City a true barbecue capital.
