Texas is notorious for taking is BBQ very seriously and as the state's capital city, Austin is full of incredible BBQ offerings to try on your next visit. These restaurants range from casual and traditional to more modern and trend-breaking, though they all offer the best of this city's longstanding BBQ culture.
With the city being so full of BBQ locations, finding the best BBQ spot in town can often be difficult and time-consuming. However, this guide will help you discover the 8 best BBQ restaurants in Austin to add some culinary flair to your trip.
1. Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
• Address: 801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701
• Price Range: $$$$
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q is a AAA Diamond Approved long-standing Austin local favorite that combines incredible flavors with an old-school vibe and modern surprises.
While the savory brisket, ribs and other mouth-watering meats are the main attractions, Stubb’s also has a great atmosphere combining a classical smokehouse aesthetic with a full concert hall in the underground level.
Catch a concert on select nights or join the Gospel Sunday Brunch among other unique activities. Even without these exciting extras, Stubb's is one of the top Austin BBQ restaurants to try on your vacation.
2. Franklin BBQ
• Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
• Price Range: $$$$
With a cozy retro vibe and incredible offerings like brisket, sausage and ribs, it’s no wonder the AAA Diamond Approved Franklin BBQ has often been named the best BBQ in Austin.
However, this incredible quality and popularity does mean you’ll likely have to wait in line a bit. Some days, the line may be only an hour, although this is considered a short wait. You may have to wait upwards of two hours just to order, which makes this place more of an event than other restaurants on this list.
If you do decide to try Franklin BBQ, try lining up an hour before they open to ensure a shorter wait and that your desired meats are available.
3. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
• Address: 217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
• Price Range: $$$$
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a AAA Diamond Approved casual cafeteria-style restaurant with juicy meats and delicious sides in an airy, spacious venue.
Locals rave about the beef ribs, blackened brisket and generous sides of mac and cheese plus cornbread. There’s also a bar that serves local brews on tap making this a great place to relax in the afternoon or evening after enjoying your day in Austin.
4. Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
• Address: 401 West 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
• Price Range: $$$
Set in a historical brick building, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue is a casual and comfortable old-school smokehouse with unforgettable meats and side dishes that some consider to be one of the top BBQ spots in Austin today.
Locals rave about the large Texas toast and waffle fries, along with expertly prepared meats like jalapeño sausage, brisket and pulled pork among other favorites. With a rustic diner atmosphere inside, plus a large outdoor patio as well, Lamberts is a great place to enjoy a classic BBQ in downtown Austin.
5. Interstellar BBQ
• Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
• Price Range: $$$
Interstellar BBQ has won a number of awards and accolades in Texas with its sleek and modern design, this place stands out among the often rustic and retro BBQ joints throughout the city. Even with unique offerings like gouda mac and cheese, sides of zucchini and peach tea glazed pork belly, the BBQ methods here are old-school and steeped in rural Texas tradition, making this one of Austin best BBQ spots for those who want something truly unique.
6. Terry Black’s Barbecue
• Address: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
• Price Range: $$
Terry Black’s Barbecue is a Texas favorite featuring classic BBQ dishes smoked to perfection.
This casual yet modern restaurant has all your smoked favorites from pulled pork to ribs, brisket, chicken, plus an assortment of handmade sausages. Enjoy a number of sides as well, from garlic fries to cornbread, Texas toast and grilled green beans. Their homemade sauces come in a number of flavors and spiciness levels, so make sure to try them all to find your favorite.
7. Black’s Barbecue Austin
• Address: 3110 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705
• Price Range: $$
Black’s Barbecue Austin has a great selection of classic Texas BBQ along with acclaimed sides like their Mexican street corn, coleslaw and more.
With a casual atmosphere and spacious outdoor deck, this is a great place to relax, enjoy a craft beer and have some of Austin’s finest BBQ during your vacation. This restaurant has been serving locals since 1932, making it an essential part of Austin’s acclaimed food scene.
8. KG BBQ
• Address: 3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
• Price Range: $$
KG BBQ is one of Austin’s trendier smokehouses and it provides a unique mix of classic flavors and modern combinations.
Some of their popular offerings include the traditional brisket, the cinnamon-rubbed lamb shoulder rice bowl or pita wrap. Their sides are highly acclaimed as well, from the homemade rice pudding to the spicy coleslaw and hearty potato salads.
The outdoor seating is fairly minimal and the line can get pretty long in the evening and on weekends.
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