The Ultimate Guide to the Best BBQ in Austin, Texas (That’ll Make You Drool)

Discover the absolute best BBQ in Austin, Texas — a smoky, mouthwatering journey through the city’s most iconic and hidden barbecue gems for true foodies.

Let’s get one thing straight: Austin, Texas doesn’t mess around when it comes to BBQ. This city isn’t just the live music capital of the world — it’s the undisputed capital of smoked meat. We’re talking about briskets that melt at the touch of your fork, ribs that slide off the bone like butter, and sausage links with a snap so perfect it deserves its own Spotify playlist.

This isn’t just food — it’s a full-blown pilgrimage for foodies. Whether you’re a local on the hunt for new flavors or flying into Austin with a mission to conquer every BBQ joint on your bucket list, this guide will arm you with everything you need to experience the best BBQ in Austin, Texas.

Grab your wet wipes, loosen your belt, and let’s dive deep into the smoky heart of Texas cuisine.

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What Makes Austin BBQ So Damn Good?

Before we jump into our list of smoked masterpieces, let’s answer the obvious question: why is BBQ in Austin such a big deal?

It’s the wood. It’s the fire. It’s the 12+ hour smoke sessions. But most of all — it’s the soul. Central Texas BBQ is known for its salt-and-pepper crust, minimal sauce (if any), and bold, natural flavors that let the meat speak for itself. Austin pits often use post oak wood, giving the meat a uniquely sweet and smoky aroma.

Now combine that with backyard grit, generational family secrets, and new-school chefs pushing boundaries, and you’ve got the best damn BBQ scene in the country.

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Franklin Barbecue – The Holy Grail of Brisket

You knew this one was coming.

Location: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Brisket, Pulled Pork, Turkey

The myth. The legend. The line that wraps around the block before sunrise. Franklin Barbecue isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a rite of passage. Owned by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, this place is BBQ mecca. Their brisket is famously juicy, smoky, and coated with a bark that borders on spiritual.

Yes, you will wait in line. For hours. Yes, it’s worth it. Every. Single. Time.

“If brisket had a red carpet premiere, it would be at Franklin.”

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La Barbecue – Big Flavors, Bigger Smoke

Location: 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Brisket, Beef Ribs, El Sancho Loco Sandwich

Run by LeAnn Mueller, of the legendary Mueller BBQ dynasty, La Barbecue is a fiery contender for the best BBQ in Austin. These folks aren’t shy with seasoning, and that’s exactly why foodies flock here.

Their beef ribs are absolute mammoths, and their brisket can go toe-to-toe with any in the state. Bonus points for their house-made pickles and spicy chipotle slaw.

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Micklethwait Craft Meats – BBQ With a Gourmet Twist

Location: 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Jalapeño Cheese Grits, Lamb Chops, Brisket Frito Pie

This isn’t your standard BBQ shack — it’s a vintage Comet trailer dishing out some of the most unique smoked meats in Austin. Micklethwait is for the adventurer. Think smoked lamb, citrusy sausages, and scratch-made sides like lemon poppy slaw and jalapeño cheese grits that steal the show.

“This is where Texas BBQ meets food truck fantasy.”

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Leroy and Lewis – The New School Pitmasters

Location: 121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Beef Cheeks, Kimchi Cabbage Slaw, Cauliflower Burnt Ends

Voted one of the top 50 BBQ joints in Texas by Texas Monthly, Leroy and Lewis is redefining what BBQ can be. Their menu changes regularly, and you’ll often find smoked beef cheeks, barbacoa, and even smoked cauliflower burnt ends (yes, they’re amazing).

Sustainability, nose-to-tail cooking, and chef-driven creativity put this spot in a league of its own.

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Interstellar BBQ – Rising Star of North Austin

Location: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Brisket Elote, Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Pastrami

Don’t sleep on this northside newcomer. Interstellar BBQ might be the next big thing. The meats here are outrageously tender, and their brisket elote (Mexican street corn topped with chopped brisket) deserves a standing ovation.

They also serve smoked pastrami that would make Katz’s Deli do a double take.

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Terry Black’s Barbecue – The Tourist’s BBQ That Locals Still Love

Location: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Giant Beef Ribs, Mac and Cheese, Sweet Tea

Terry Black’s is where you bring your out-of-town friends to blow their minds — and where locals go when they want consistent, no-fuss greatness. It’s spacious, efficient, and always hits the spot.

Pro tip: snag a beef rib the size of your forearm, sit outside, and let the sun and smoke do their thing.

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Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew – BBQ Meets Austin Vibes

Location: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Switch Original Sausage, Corn Casserole, Brisket Chili Frito Pie

Tucked away in an old strip mall, Stiles Switch is the dark horse of the Austin BBQ world. It’s a neighborhood hangout with a serious smoke game. Their sausage game is strong — especially the Switch Original. Add a local brew and settle in.

This spot feels like home. If your home smelled like smoked pork 24/7.

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Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ – Where BBQ Meets Tacos and Magic Happens

Location: 11500 Menchaca Rd, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Brisket Taco on Handmade Flour Tortilla, Smoked Carnitas, Tomato Serrano Salsa

Valentina’s is what happens when Central Texas BBQ marries bold Tex-Mex flavors — and the result is chef’s kiss. Their tacos come stuffed with smoked brisket, topped with buttery guacamole and homemade salsas. Their tortillas are made fresh daily and taste like fluffy clouds of joy.

Get the Real Deal Holyfield (egg, brisket, beans, cheese) if you go for breakfast.

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Sam’s BBQ – Where Legends Never Die

Location: 2000 E 12th St, Austin, TX
Must-Try: Mutton Ribs, Sausage, Brisket

One of the oldest BBQ joints in Austin, Sam’s BBQ has been feeding the East Side since 1957. It’s got a no-frills, old-school charm — a reminder of Austin’s BBQ roots before the food trucks and Instagram selfies.

Order at the counter. Sit outside. Feel the history.

“You don’t need a degree in BBQ to love Sam’s — you just need an appetite.”

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Style Guide: How to Tackle Austin’s BBQ Scene Like a Pro

✅ Go Early: Most places sell out by mid-afternoon. Beat the crowds.
✅ Hydrate: You’re eating salt-and-smoke bombs. Bring water (and stretchy pants).
✅ Mix It Up: Try brisket, ribs, turkey, and sausage. Variety = full experience.
✅ Don’t Over-Sauce: Let the smoke shine. Sauce is a supporting actor, not the lead.
✅ Tip the Pitmaster: These folks work hard — show some love.

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Hidden BBQ Gems (Locals-Only Favorites)

Brown’s BBQ

A food trailer slinging big flavor with no ego. Their pork ribs? Underrated gold.

JNL Barbecue

Smoked boudin. Wild flavors. Backyard chill.

Distant Relatives

Afrocentric BBQ with bold spices and historical influence. Deep flavors, deep meaning.

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Austin BBQ Is a Lifestyle, Not a Meal

BBQ in Austin is more than just food — it’s culture, it’s craft, it’s community. It’s the pitmasters waking up at 2am to start their fires. It’s the locals who debate brisket bark like it’s politics. It’s the foodies, like you, chasing that next juicy bite.

Whether you’re lining up at Franklin or finding a hidden gem on the East Side, one thing’s for sure — you’re never too far from greatness in this town.

So loosen that belt, grab some napkins, and let the smoky pilgrimage begin.

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