How many BBQ joints have you checked off your Austin foodie bucket list? You can’t miss these tasty restaurants if you have a hankering for the (unofficial) food of Texas. Here’s our 2019 BBQ roundup -- Just in time for summer.
New & Noteworthy
- The Switch - 166 Hargraves Dr #G100 - Dripping Springs | (512) 212-7211 | Website
By Stiles Switch BBQ, The Switch is located at Belterra Village in Dripping Springs. Drop by for daily specials, fun margaritas, and signature smoked meats. - McCollum Barbecue - 1213 Corona Dr | (512) 628-4288
Open on Sunday and Sunday only, McCollum Barbecue offers barbecue by the pound or as a sandwich. Enjoy sausages, Frito pies, sides, and more! - J. Leonardi’s Barbeque - 1124 E 11th St | (512) 744-0639
With Pitmaster Jerome Faulkner and former football player Cedric Leonard Griffin at the helm, this food truck serves up some of the best barbecues on the East Side. - Alzer’s BBQ - 1405 W Whitestone Blvd - Cedar Park | (512) 680-5652 | Website
Serving up traditional Texas smoked meats, Alzer’s BBQ is a food truck to visit if you’re in the Cedar Park area and have a hankering for some meat. - Lotus & Cleaver - 11501 Rock Rose Ave #152 | (512) 334-9387
Get a taste of Chinese barbecue at this establishment on Rock Rose Avenue. Roasted duck, char siu pork shoulders, and steamed buns are a few things you’ll enjoy.
Tried & True Favorites
- Black’s Barbecue - 3110 Guadalupe St | (512) 524-0801 | Website
This renowned Lockhart BBQ restaurant has a few locations to enjoy in Austin. Try the beef ribs, sausage, and brisket. - Brown’s Bar-B-Que - 1901 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 517-8520
Outside of Corner Bar sits a trailer with Brown’s Bar-B-Que. Pitmaster Daniel Brown serves classic, simple barbeque for a great price. Try the chicken and pork ribs. - Franklin Barbecue - 900 E 11th St | (512) 653-1187 | Website
Franklin Barbecue is famous for the long line that wraps around the building each morning before the doors open and hungry Austinites flood the establishment to get their fill. Grab a few friends and a few lawn chairs and make a morning of it! Try the Tipsy Texan Sandwich. - Iron Works BBQ - 100 Red River St | (512) 478-4955 | Website
Dishing out meals for over 39 years, this downtown barbecue spot is frequented by conference crowds and late-night crowds. - Kerlin BBQ - 1700 E Cesar Chavez St | (512) 412-5588 | Website
Bill Kerlin’s pastry trailer brought BBQ and buttery goodness together for his famous barbeque kolaches, but he still smokes meat while his truck is open Wednesday through Sunday. Try the brisket kolaches or pork ribs. - La Barbeque - 2027 E Cesar Chavez St | (512) 605-9696 | Website
La Barbeque sits on East Cesar Chavez in conjunction with Quickie Pickie, making this outstanding barbecue spot a great place to grab some smoked meats as well as a bottle of wine. Try the beef ribs and Frito pie. - Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue - 401 W 2nd St | (512) 494-1500 | Website
Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman’s Lamberts is where you should head if you’re looking for a nicer dinner in Austin. Try the chopped brisket sandwich at lunch or brisket at dinner. - Loro - 2115 S Lamar Blvd | (512) 916-4858 | Website
An Asian smokehouse concept by Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Loro serves up some of the city’s best-smoked meats with an Asian twist in the trendy establishment. Try the Thai Green Curry Sausage sandwich or beef brisket. - Micklethwait Craft Meats - 1309 Rosewood Ave | (512) 791-5961 | Website
This barbecue trailer serves up scratch-focused dishes that change daily, the usual being tasty meats and wonderful sides. Try the Frito pie and sausage. - Salt Lick - 18300 FM 1826 | (512) 858-4959 | Website
This legendary BBQ establishment serves some of Austin’s finest meats in large family-style dining rooms. Enjoy fresh lemonade or sip on a glass of wine and listen to live music while you wait for your table. Try the all-you-can-eat, family-style dinner. - Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew - 6610 N Lamar Blvd | (512) 380-9199 | Website
Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick serves up good smoked meats and specials Tuesday through Sunday. Try the beef ribs and pork ribs. - Terry Black’s BBQ - 1003 Barton Springs Rd | (512) 394-5899 | Website
Created by other members of the Black family, Terry Black’s BBQ is run by twin sons Mike and Mark to honor their dad. Meats, wine, and beer are served daily until sold out. Try the brisket and smoked turkey. - Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ - 11500 Manchaca Rd | (512) 221-4248 | Website
Valentina’s mixes every Austinite’s two favorite cuisines into one pit stop – Eat your meat by itself, on a sandwich, or in a taco. Try the Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco or smoked brisket taco.
