Austin, Texas is known for its delicious BBQ. From traditional Texan BBQ to barbecue fusion, the city has something for everyone. This guide will help you find the best BBQ joints in Austin, Texas and provide an overview of what each one has to offer.
- La Barbecue
- Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue
- Franklin Barbecue
- Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
- Hut’s Hamburgers
- Salt Lick BBQ
- Terry Black’s Barbecue
- Micklethwait Craft Meats
1. La Barbecue
If you’re looking for a true Texas-style barbecue experience, La Barbecue is the place for you. Founded by the family of John Lewis, who is a renowned pitmaster and the mastermind behind the legendary Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue has been serving up delicious smoked meats since 2010.
The menu features all the classic Texas BBQ favorites, from brisket, pulled pork, and beef ribs to homemade sauces and sides. The brisket is slow-smoked for hours over Texas Post Oak and is served with a unique blend of salt and pepper, making it truly one-of-a-kind. The pulled pork is also slow-smoked until it is tender and juicy, and you can choose from a variety of homemade sauces to finish it off.
But that’s not all: La Barbecue also serves up some unique dishes, like their signature beef ribs, which are rubbed with a special blend of spices and wood-smoked until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. There are also special sides like the Texas poutine and the breakfast taco, which combine flavors from Texas and Mexico.
La Barbecue is a family-run business, and they make sure to treat their customers like family. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and they go above and beyond to make sure you have a great experience. Plus, the restaurant has a great outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying your meal al fresco.
If you’re looking for some of the best Texas-style barbecue in Austin, La Barbecue is the place to go. With its delicious smoked meats, homemade sauces and sides, and friendly staff, La Barbecue is sure to make your Austin BBQ experience unforgettable.
2. Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue
Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue is one of the best places to go for barbecue in Austin, Texas. Located downtown in the heart of the city, Lambert’s brings a modern approach to classic Texas barbecue. The menu is full of traditional favorites like beef brisket, pork ribs, and smoked sausage, but also offers some unique dishes like smoked pork belly and smoked lamb ribs.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is inviting and relaxed, with a cozy feel that’s perfect for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to help you decide what to order.
The restaurant is also known for its selection of craft beers and wines, which can be enjoyed with your meal or as a refreshing after-dinner drink. If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Lambert’s also offers a range of specialty cocktails and other drinks.
If you’re looking for a delicious and memorable meal in Austin, Texas, you won’t want to miss out on Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue. From its modern take on classic Texas BBQ to its selection of craft beers and wines, Lambert’s is the perfect spot for a night out or a casual dinner with friends.
3. Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue has been a beloved fixture of Austin’s BBQ scene since 2009. It has become a pilgrimage site for BBQ fans around the world and is known for its signature smoked brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. The unique blend of Texas flavors makes the BBQ truly unforgettable. The brisket is slow smoked for 12 hours and slathered in an oak-smoked sauce that adds a delicious depth of flavor. The pork ribs are tender and juicy, and the sausage is made with a blend of spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
The atmosphere at Franklin Barbecue is as inviting as the BBQ. The restaurant is open from 11am to 4pm, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends and family. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the line moves quickly. You can even order your BBQ online and have it delivered to your door.
The only downside to Franklin Barbecue is the wait. Patrons can often be seen queuing up outside the restaurant before it opens, eager to get a taste of Austin’s famous BBQ. But the wait is worth it – Franklin Barbecue is an experience like no other, and a must-try for anyone looking for the best barbecue in Austin, Texas.
4. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew is one of the most popular barbecue joints in Austin, Texas. This spot is known for its Texas-style smoked meats, craft beers, and live music. The menu includes classics like brisket, ribs, and sausage, plus some unique dishes like smoked turkey and smoked pork belly. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a beer with a side of brisket or enjoy a show while snacking on smoked pork belly, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew has it all.
The atmosphere at this spot is relaxed and inviting. The restaurant has an outdoor patio with plenty of seating, and live music is often playing. The service is friendly and attentive, and the staff is always willing to answer any questions you might have about the menu.
The craft beer selection is impressive and includes both local and imported brews. The bar also offers a variety of cocktails, which are perfect for sipping while you enjoy the live music.
In addition to the delicious food and drinks, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew also offers catering services. Whether you’re hosting a corporate event or a family gathering, the restaurant can provide you with a delicious selection of smoked meats, sides, and desserts.
If you’re looking for a great barbecue spot in Austin, Texas, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew is the place to go. With its Texas-style smoked meats, craft beers, live music, and friendly service, this place is sure to provide you with a delicious and memorable experience.
5. Hut’s Hamburgers
Hut’s Hamburgers is a classic Austin staple for anyone looking to experience the city’s famous barbecue scene. Established in 1939, Hut’s Hamburgers is one of the oldest restaurants in the city and continues to be a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.
The restaurant’s signature dishes are their classic burgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches, all made of top-notch local ingredients. But that’s not all. Hut’s Hamburgers also offers visitors some unique barbecue dishes, like the smoked brisket and smoked turkey sandwiches. And of course, no meal at Hut’s is complete without one of their homemade sides or milkshakes.
From the classic and comforting to the unique and creative, Hut’s Hamburgers is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the best of what Austin has to offer in terms of barbecue. Not only will you get to enjoy delicious and flavorful food, but you’ll also get to experience a piece of the city’s history and culture. So, if you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy Austin’s BBQ, Hut’s Hamburgers should be at the top of your list.
6. Salt Lick BBQ
One of the most iconic BBQ joints in Austin, Texas is the Salt Lick BBQ. Originally a small restaurant near Driftwood, Texas, Salt Lick BBQ has been serving up traditional Texas BBQ for over 50 years. Diners flock from all over the state to sample their famous beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage.
What sets Salt Lick apart from other BBQ joints is its homemade sauces and sides. The sweet and tangy sauce is made with a secret blend of spices and goes perfectly with their tender, juicy meats. All of their sides are made with fresh local ingredients and are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Salt Lick BBQ offers a unique dining experience that’s perfect for a special occasion. Visitors can dine in their rustic picnic area, complete with a live band to add to the atmosphere. They also have a great selection of local craft beers to perfectly complement your meal.
If you’re looking for a classic Texas BBQ experience, the Salt Lick BBQ is the spot for you. With its homemade sauces, delicious meats, and unique atmosphere, it’s sure to exceed all of your expectations.
7. Terry Black’s Barbecue
Terry Black’s Barbecue is a family-run BBQ joint located in Austin, Texas. It has been serving up traditional Texas-style BBQ since 1999 and has become a local favorite in the city. The menu includes all the classic BBQ dishes, like delicious brisket and smoked sausage, as well as some unique dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. Try the smoked bibimbap, a Korean-inspired dish made with smoked beef, rice, kimchi, and gochujang sauce, or the smoked beef tacos, with smoked beef, cilantro, onion, and queso fresco.
The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they offer catering services for large events. The restaurant also has a patio area, where you can enjoy your meal in the fresh air.
No visit to Austin would be complete without a stop at Terry Black’s Barbecue. Whether you’re looking for a traditional BBQ feast or something new and exciting, this restaurant has something for everyone. With its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder why Terry Black’s is one of the best BBQ joints in Austin, Texas.
8. Micklethwait Craft Meats
- Micklethwait Craft Meats: Texas-style smoked meats and unique dishes Micklethwait Craft Meats is located in East Austin and specializes in Texas-style smoked meats. The menu features classic BBQ dishes such as brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, as well as some unique items like smoked boudin, smoked duck, and even smoked elk. The ingredients are locally-sourced and the meats are smoked over Texas post oak. The restaurant is relatively small but has a great atmosphere and the staff is friendly, making it a great spot for visitors to experience traditional Texas BBQ in a unique setting.
- BBQ plates and sandwiches available At Micklethwait Craft Meats, you can order a plate of meat with two sides for around $15. The menu also offers a selection of sandwiches, such as a brisket sandwich with slaw and pickles for $8. If you’re looking for a quick bite, the restaurant also serves up a selection of sides such as brisket beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. You can also order a variety of drinks to go along with your meal, including beer, wine, and cocktails.
- Weekly specials and catering services Micklethwait Craft Meats offers weekly specials, such as the popular “Taco Tuesday”, where you can get two tacos for the price of one. The restaurant also offers catering services, so you can bring their delicious BBQ to your next event. The restaurant also has a great patio area for outdoor dining, which is perfect for those warm Texas evenings.
- A must-visit for BBQ lovers Micklethwait Craft Meats is a must-visit for anyone who is looking for delicious Texas-style smoked meats. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious food at reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Micklethwait Craft Meats is a great spot for BBQ lovers to experience the best of Austin’s BBQ scene.
