Austin, Texas, is a pilgrimage site for barbecue lovers, and finding the best bbq in austin is a culinary quest that has transformed Central Texas into a premier food destination. Since the late 2000s, a dynamic food truck scene has been instrumental in launching legendary pitmasters and defining the city’s unique smoked meat landscape. As pioneers like Aaron Franklin and LeAnn Mueller transitioned from trailers to celebrated brick-and-mortar establishments, a new wave of innovators continued to emerge, spreading incredible barbecue across Austin and beyond. The city’s strong support for local businesses ensures that despite the boom, there’s always room for a new pitmaster to make their mark.
Having made Texas my home over the past several years, I’ve embarked on this delicious journey to discover the best bbq in austin firsthand. Growing up far from the heart of Texas, I was relatively unfamiliar with brisket. However, that first smoky, tender bite was a revelation, instantly converting me into a devout fan. Brisket, a cut from the cow’s breast, requires patience and skill, slow-cooked for 12 hours or more to break down its connective tissue. When done correctly, fatty, smoky pieces melt in your mouth, embodying the magic of Central Texas BBQ. Brisket is king here, and Texans hold strong opinions about where to find the absolute best. Based on my own explorations and numerous recommendations, here are my top picks for the best bbq in austin. It’s more than just food; it’s an essential part of the texas travel guide, a true cultural experience.
Pork ribs, beef rib, brisket, potato salad, and bread at Franklin Barbecue in East AustinA selection of classic Texas barbecue including brisket, beef rib, and pork ribs, served with sides at a top Austin BBQ spot.
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue arguably stands as the prime example of the meteoric rise of the Austin BBQ scene. It all started in 2009 when Aaron Franklin, a hobbyist turned pitmaster, began selling his smoked meats from a food truck in East Austin with his wife, Stacy. Their dedication quickly earned them a passionate and loyal following, with patrons happily enduring long lines for a taste of his craft. It’s a testament to Aaron’s skill that his renowned beef brisket requires nothing more than simple salt and pepper seasoning.
By 2010, Franklin Barbecue had transitioned into a standalone restaurant, solidifying its reputation as not just some of the best bbq in austin, but arguably the best in all of Texas. The restaurant has since hosted notable figures from President Obama to Anthony Bourdain, all drawn by the allure of Franklin’s smoked perfection. In 2015, Aaron Franklin’s mastery was recognized with a prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest.
Be advised: experiencing the best brisket in the country comes with its challenges, namely the wait time and the price. A pound of his famous brisket currently runs $34. On a chilly morning in February, I arrived at 7:45 a.m. and was still tenth in line, despite the restaurant not opening until 11 a.m. As unbelievable as it may seem, waiting in line is a significant part of the Franklin experience. The atmosphere is friendly, and the anticipation builds excitement for the meal. Ultimately, the brisket and beef rib were absolutely worth the three-hour wait. If you’re looking to manage costs, the classic sides like potato salad and coleslaw, while decent, don’t quite live up to the meat and can be skipped.
What to Try: The legendary brisket and the beef rib are non-negotiable must-tries.
900 E 11th St, Austin, franklinbbq.com
la Barbecue
Brisket sandwich and pork ribs at la Barbecue in East AustinA delicious brisket sandwich and smoked pork ribs served at la Barbecue, a popular spot for the best bbq in Austin.
While I may have missed the era of ordering Franklin’s from a truck, I was fortunate enough to experience la Barbecue during its food truck days. Founded in 2012 by LeAnn Mueller, whose family legacy in barbecue dates back to 1949 with her grandfather Louie Mueller’s restaurant in Taylor, TX, la Barbecue quickly made its mark.
LeAnn brought in John Lewis, a pitmaster with experience from Franklin Barbecue, and together they quickly established la Barbecue as one of the top contenders for the best bbq in austin, notable also as one of the few female-owned operations in the city. I have fond memories of lining up under the large oak trees on weekends for their brisket, often enjoying free cold beer from a keg to help beat the Texas heat while waiting. Today, they continue to serve incredibly juicy brisket, pork ribs, and other smoked delights, now from a spacious dining room in East Austin, solidifying their reputation for serving the best bbq in austin.
What to Try: Their brisket and pork ribs are consistently excellent.
2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, labarbecue.com
Distant Relatives
A plate featuring brisket, pulled pork, and pork spare ribs from Distant Relatives, known for their unique, flavorful sauces and sides in Austin.
The ethos of Distant Relatives is captured by their three C’s: “cookery, community, and culture.” Owner and pitmaster Damien Brockway opened this unique spot on August 28, 2020, drawing inspiration from the African diaspora in the U.S. Incredibly, less than two years later, Chef Brockway was recognized as a James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas. Brockway operates his food truck and smokers from the expansive parking lot of Meanwhile Brewing in South Austin, offering patrons a large beer garden with seating and live music alongside their meal.
On a recent visit, I sampled the brisket with smoked mustard butter, pulled pork with tamarind molasses BBQ sauce, and a few pork spare ribs with a spicy dry rub. All the meats were fantastic, but the true highlight setting Distant Relatives apart is the creativity and depth of their sauces. The smoked mustard butter perfectly complemented the rich brisket, while the tamarind molasses sauce added a tangy, complex kick that elevated the pulled pork. My order came with toasted white bread and delightful samples of their spicy smoked peanuts and pickled golden beets. It’s a different but equally compelling contender for the best bbq in austin.
What to Try: Don’t miss the brisket and pulled pork, and be sure to try all their unique sauces.
3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, distatantrelativesatx.com
InterStellar BBQ
A vibrant spread from InterStellar BBQ showcasing brisket, pork belly and ribs, with mac ‘n cheese, broccoli salad, and Mexican chocolate rice pudding – a strong contender for the best bbq in Austin.
Pitmaster and owner John Bates brought InterStellar BBQ to life in 2019, leveraging 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. The restaurant occupies the same space in a strip mall near the northern edge of Austin where Bates previously ran his sandwich shop, Noble Sandwich Co. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the two smokers prominently displayed in the parking lot.
My girlfriend Kel and I visited last fall and were immediately captivated by their peach tea glazed pork belly. I was particularly pleased to see a more creative approach to sides and desserts here, including their mac and gouda and a fantastic Mexican chocolate rice pudding topped with crumbled Oreo cookies. Not long after our visit, Texas Monthly released its highly anticipated 2021 list of the Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints, ranking InterStellar as #2 – a significant achievement that cemented its place among the discussion of the best bbq in austin.
What to Try: The St. Louis pork ribs, peach tea glazed pork belly, and the unique Mexican chocolate rice pudding are highly recommended.
12233 Ranch Rd 620 N suite 105, Austin, theinterstellarbbq.com
Terry Black’s Barbecue
A classic Central Texas barbecue plate featuring brisket, cornbread, string beans, and banana pudding from Terry Black’s Barbecue in Austin.
Terry Black’s Barbecue holds a special place in my Austin BBQ journey, as it was likely my very first experience with this iconic Texas food, and it remains a consistent favorite. The Black family’s barbecue history traces back to 1932 in Lockhart, TX, a town just south of Austin, widely considered one of the state’s BBQ capitals.
In 2014, Terry Black’s twin sons, Michael and Mark, brought their family’s legacy to Austin, opening a spacious restaurant on Barton Springs Road, conveniently within walking distance of downtown. Terry Black’s was already popular when I first visited, and it was instantly clear why after my first bite of their brisket. I genuinely hadn’t imagined beef could taste so incredible.
Beyond the excellent brisket, several factors make this spot a standout for the best bbq in austin for many:
- Location: Centrally located and easy to access, especially from downtown.
- Service: Efficient cafeteria-style ordering means you get your food quickly.
- Selection: A wide variety of meats, and an extensive array of sides and desserts.
- Space: The restaurant is large with ample picnic table seating, so finding a spot is usually easy, even during busy times.
- Wait Time: While there’s usually a line, it rarely exceeds 30 minutes in my experience, far shorter than some other top spots.
What to Try: Their brisket and beef rib are family tradition perfected.
1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, terryblacksbbq.com
Leroy And Lewis Barbecue
Leroy And Lewis Barbecue sell some of the best BBQ in Austin, like this brisket and beef cheekA plate featuring tender brisket and unique beef cheek, alongside Frito pie, from Leroy and Lewis Barbecue, showcasing innovative options for the best bbq in Austin.
“Wow, the brisket is so buttery,” I texted my friend Nick after my first taste. Evan LeRoy’s brisket truly melted in my mouth and is absolutely on par with the very best, including Franklin’s. I opted for the two-meat plate with two sides, adding the $2 upcharge for the Akaushi brisket from Heartbrand Beef, available on Saturdays and Sundays.
My second meat choice, the beef cheeks from 44 Farms, is an offering unique to Leroy and Lewis. Billing themselves as “new-school barbecue with old-school service,” their plates come with house-made pickles, beet BBQ sauce, mustard BBQ sauce, and potato bread. Neither the brisket nor the beef cheeks even needed sauce; they were incredible on their own.
Leroy And Lewis Barbecue initially gained fame serving from a blue food trailer parked at the popular Cosmic Coffee patio and garden. In early 2024, they made the exciting move to a spacious new brick-and-mortar restaurant, which I can highly recommend for experiencing some of the best bbq in austin.
What to Try: The beef cheeks are a unique and delicious experience. Their L and L brisket burger is also legendary.
5621 Emerald Forest Dr., Austin, leroyandlewisbbq.com
Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew
A hearty plate featuring brisket, pork rib, and cheesy sausage from Stiles Switch BBQ, a spot known for excellent smoked meats and a touch of Austin history.
For smoked meats served with a side of cinematic nostalgia and a great selection of Texas craft beers, head to Stiles Switch BBQ, located in the historic Violet Crown Shopping Center in Central Austin. This very location was famously used by Richard Linklater in the mid-90s for the pool hall scenes in “Dazed and Confused,” featuring a young Matthew McConaughey.
Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick and his team consistently deliver tasty brisket, as I was happily reminded on a recent visit. The atmosphere is notably friendly. At the counter, I was debating my second meat choice – play it safe with a pork rib or try the staff’s recommended jalapeno cheddar sausage? Noticing my indecision, the team generously offered me a free sausage link to try, which was a kind gesture. While the flavor was good, I personally still find the natural casings challenging to chew. Stiles Switch also stands out for its excellent dessert options, including peach cobbler, a shareable tres leches cake, and delicious chocolate Oreo pudding, making it a contender for the best bbq in austin with great sweets.
What to Try: The brisket and pork ribs are solid choices. Don’t skip their desserts.
6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, stilesswitchbbq.com
KG BBQ
Egyptian-inspired Texas barbecue at KG BBQ, a food truck in East AustinAn exciting plate of Egyptian-inspired Texas barbecue from KG BBQ, a unique food truck offering flavorful and innovative dishes in East Austin.
KG BBQ, which opened in 2022 adjacent to Oddwood Brewing on the east side, is one of the most innovative new barbecue concepts not just in Austin, but across the entire Lone Star State. Here, Egyptian pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh infuses Texas barbecue techniques with the vibrant flavors of his homeland. Kareem honed his craft with some of Austin’s top pitmasters, including Aaron Franklin, the late Bill Kerlin, and Miguel Vidal of Valentina’s.
On my first visit, I indulged in a variety of offerings: brisket, pomegranate-glazed pork ribs, a smoked lamb chop with mint chimichurri, Baladi salad, Cowboy Mac n Cheese (using lamb instead of the typical brisket), and Egyptian bread pudding with iced ahwa (coffee). The pork ribs and lamb chops were particular favorites – cuts you rarely find at traditional Texas BBQ joints, executed beautifully.
The Egyptian Cowboy Mac n Cheese, topped with lamb, sumac onions, and pomegranate BBQ sauce, was also fantastic and a creative twist. The Baladi salad, bursting with tomato, cucumber, red onion, and pomegranate seeds, was perhaps the most colorful and refreshing salad I’ve ever seen accompanying Texas BBQ. The brisket, on that particular day, felt like it still needed some refinement compared to others on this list. However, the overall innovative approach and unique flavors firmly place KG BBQ in the conversation for exciting new takes on the best bbq in austin.
What to Try: The pomegranate-glazed pork ribs, smoked lamb chops, creative mac ‘n cheese, and pistachio rice pudding are highly recommended.
3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX, kgbbq.com
Micklethwait Craft Meats
The signature vintage trailer of Micklethwait Craft Meats, a renowned spot for crafting some of the best bbq in Austin from scratch.
Tom Micklethwait made a notable career pivot, trading baking for smoking meats, and began serving traditional Texas barbecue from a beautifully restored vintage trailer in East Austin. His dedication to quality paid off when, in 2017, just five years after opening, Texas Monthly recognized Micklethwait Craft Meats as one of the ten best barbecue joints in the state.
I finally visited three years later, eager to try his brisket, a sausage link, and his promised “made-from-scratch sides,” opting for the jalapeno cheddar grits and lemon poppy slaw. Unwrapping the tender brisket back home, I thoroughly appreciated his hard work. The sides, particularly the grits and slaw, were indeed better than average, clearly showing thought and effort went into their preparation. Micklethwait offers a solid, consistently excellent experience for those seeking the best bbq in austin from a classic trailer setting.
What to Try: The brisket is top-notch, and their creative, scratch-made sides are a definite highlight.
4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX, craftmeatsaustin.com
Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue
Delicious brisket sandwiches, including the Mel-Man and a grilled cheese with brisket, served at Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue near Austin.
Located just a few blocks north of Austin’s official city limits in Pflugerville, Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue is particularly known for its smoked meat sandwiches. Pitmaster John Brotherton dedicated over a decade to perfecting his craft and finding success in the competitive Central Texas barbecue scene. After his first venture, Curly’s, closed in 2014, he returned stronger with Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue in 2017.
His perseverance was rewarded in 2021 when Brotherton’s landed on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list, bringing increased popularity and exposure. I visited in late 2023, trying the grilled cheese with brisket, Monterey Jack, and provolone on Texas toast. The sandwich had a generous amount of meat, though I wondered if it was a leaner cut as it wasn’t quite as rich as I expected.
Kel, who grew up with sauced brisket, chose the Mel-Man—chopped brisket and spicy sausage on a brioche bun, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Next time, I’m eager to try their signature Pflugerville Philly, featuring brisket, queso, onions, and peppers, or simply order sliced brisket by the pound. Brotherton’s also uniquely offers breakfast items like a brisket omelet and “Briscuits and Gravy.” Don’t overlook their cobbler; the warm, sizable portion of strawberry cobbler we had was one of the best versions I’ve experienced. This spot is a strong contender for the best bbq in austin area, especially if you’re exploring options slightly outside the immediate city center.
15608 Spring Hill Ln Ste 105, Pflugerville, TX, pflugervillebarbecue.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Austin BBQ
Here are some common questions people have when seeking the best bbq in austin:
Is the wait time at Franklin Barbecue really worth it?
For many, yes. Franklin Barbecue is world-renowned, and the experience of waiting alongside fellow enthusiasts is part of the adventure. The brisket itself is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the craft. If you prioritize experiencing the absolute top-tier and have the time and patience, it’s likely worth it for you. However, Austin has many other fantastic BBQ joints with shorter waits.
What time should I arrive to get BBQ?
For the most famous spots like Franklin, arriving 2-3 hours before opening is common practice, especially on weekends. Other popular spots like la Barbecue might have lines, but often shorter. Places like Terry Black’s are cafeteria-style and generally have more manageable queues. For newer or less hyped spots, showing up closer to opening or during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon) is usually sufficient.
Beyond brisket, what other meats should I try?
Definitely explore the beef ribs (often called “dinosaur ribs”), pork ribs (St. Louis cut is common), and house-made sausages (jalapeno cheddar is a popular Texas variety). Some places also offer unique meats like pulled pork, turkey, or even beef cheeks (like Leroy and Lewis).
What about side dishes at Austin BBQ places?
While the meat is the star, sides can enhance the meal. Standard options include potato salad, coleslaw, and beans. Many places now offer more creative sides like mac and cheese, creamed corn, or unique salads. Don’t be afraid to try the less traditional options!
Can I find vegetarian options at Austin BBQ restaurants?
While primarily meat-focused, many BBQ joints offer sides that are vegetarian-friendly (like coleslaw, potato salad, beans, or greens, depending on preparation). However, finding a substantial vegetarian main dish is rare. Distant Relatives and KG BBQ might offer more unique, vegetable-forward sides or salads. It’s best to check the specific menu beforehand.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, the pursuit of the best bbq in austin leads you to a diverse array of establishments, ranging from historic multi-generational family businesses to innovative food trucks pushing the boundaries of the craft. While this list covers some of the most celebrated spots, it’s truly just an introduction to the rich and vast barbecue scene that Austin and Central Texas have to offer. Each place has its unique flavor, history, and experience.
Exploring these BBQ joints is more than just eating; it’s immersing yourself in a significant part of Texas culture and history. Whether you’re waiting in line, chatting with pitmasters, or savoring a perfectly smoked slice of brisket, you’re participating in a cherished tradition. Use this guide as your starting point, but don’t hesitate to explore further. The quest for the best bbq in austin is a delicious adventure that never truly ends. So go ahead, grab a plate, and taste the heart of Texas!