Austin, Texas, is the place for all things weird and unique, and it’s also considered a hotbed for BBQ. It doesn’t matter if you like sweet, mesquite, or hot and spicy, Austin has a place for you to enjoy whatever kind of smoked meat you most desire. No matter if you’re a local or just passing through, you need to check out this list of the best BBQ that Austin has to offer.
Franklin Barbeque
900 E. 11th St.
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 653-1187
Franklin Barbecue has been voted the Best BBQ in the USA in Bon Appetit magazine. It’s located in east Austin, a short cab ride away from the Capitol building. Chef Aaron Franklin provides the holy trinity of wood-smoked BBQ in the form of brisket, ribs and sausage, and Anthony Bourdain has described the brisket as “supernatural.” This coveted BBQ place is a must visit, but be sure to get there early, as the spot is only open until they run out — and it’s always packed. All the meat is sold by the pound at around $20 per.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
6610 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 380-9199
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew is located in the Violet Crown Shopping Center across from Lord and Taylor. Featuring old-school décor, Stiles Switch offers a classic take on Texas pit BBQ: big and bold. The menu features a wide variety of sandwiches, sides and, of course, brisket, ribs, sausage, turkey and pork loin. The prices range from about $9 to $12 per half-pound. I would highly recommend the 1, 2 or 3 plate. This includes your choice of one, two or three types of meat and two sides paired with a $16 pitcher or $5 pint of craft beer. How could you go wrong with that deal?
La Barbecue
1906 E. Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 605-9696
La Barbecue is located on East Cesar Chavez, just east of downtown Austin. This place boasts a hearty menu of the trinity. All of the BBQ is wood fire-smoked and ranges in price from $17 to $22. It also features some pretty creative sandwiches, like the La Frito Loc. This location is open for lunch Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. until it’s sold out, and evening hours running from 6 p.m. to 9 Thursday to Saturday.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood Ave.
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 791-5961
Micklethwait Craft Meats is located near the George Washington Carver Museum in east Austin. This BBQ trailer is known to locals for its sausage. Having been featured on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, this smoked meat locker is a great place to stop for lunch during a visit to the museum. I recommend the 1, 2 or 3 plate. It starts at $13.95 for one, two or three meats with two sides.
Freedmen’s
2402 San Gabriel St.
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 220-0953
Freedmen’s Bar and BBQ is located just a few blocks northwest of the University of Texas at Austin. This upscale bar and dining experience pairs great Texas smoked BBQ with classic cocktails. Take in the warm setting in this historic bar and enjoy the Trinity Plate at $20 with pork spare rib, brisket and house-made sausage. Complement it with an Ol-Schmokey bourbon and orange-based cocktail or bartender’s choice, both just $10 for an unforgettable dining experience.
Black Box Barbecue
201 East 9th St.
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 635-6024
Legendary pitmaster John Mueller, who was once featured on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservation and has been dubbed the “Beef Rib King” for his juicy, falling-off-the-bone short ribs, has made his triumphant return after having to close John Mueller Meat Co. This time he’s relocated to downtown Georgetown. While he doesn’t own the business, it belongs to his friends Gary Brown and Justin Bohls, expect the Black Box Barbecue to serve Mueller’s traditional and mouthwatering menu of brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken, and his various side dishes on weekends from 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Expect a brick-and-mortar location in the future. Until then, I won’t mind stopping by and handing over $10 for one of the most savory sliced brisket sandwiches ever made. Welcome back John!
Sam’s BBQ
2000 E. 12th St.
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 478-0378
Sam’s Legendary BBQ is situated just off the MLK Jr. Boulevard in northeast Austin. This classic, straight-up BBQ joint is decked out in wall-to-wall memorabilia. The perfectly fatty brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender mutton are to die for from this iconic BBQ place. Sam’s platters range from $14.95 to $25.95 and include your choice of two sides.
Ruby’s BBQ
512 W. 29th St.
Austin, TX 78705
(512) 477-1651
Ruby’s BBQ combines classic Texas pit BBQ and Cajun flavoring for a unique dining experience. All of the BBQ is smoked in true Texas fashion using oak wood in a brick-and-mortar pit. The BBQ chicken is a local favorite, with a smoked ¼ chicken offered for $9.25 and a smoked ½ chicken at $13.25. Of course, the place offers a wide variety of sandwiches, platters and meats by the pound as well. Ruby’s sits just north of Freedmen’s Bar near the University of Texas.
Kerlin BBQ
1700 E. Cesar Chavez
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 412-5588
Kerlin BBQ is located on East Cesar Chavez only a block away from La Barbecue and is said to be on par with Franklin — but without the three-hour wait time. Kerlin has been described by Thrillist as one of the best new BBQ places in Austin. This delectable double-wide is a no-holds-barred BBQ joint offering prime angus brisket, pork shoulder, beef hot links and, of course, pork ribs. Its jalepeno dill potato salad is a great addition to any of the aforementioned meats. Prices vary, so feel free to call ahead or even place an order in advance to avoid long lines.
Brown’s Bar-B-Que
1901 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 517-8520
Brown’s Bar-B-Que is a food truck situated near a couple of bars just south of downtown Austin, offering moist brisket, sausage and chicken plates for $10 or less. Accompanied by homestyle comfort food sides, you can’t go wrong with a plate or sandwich from this conveniently located BBQ truck.
If you’re also a lover of tacos, Austin also made the Top 10 Taco Cities in the U.S.
Does all of this food entice you to live here? If so, take a look at these apartments in Austin, TX!