United States
Introduction to Austin's BBQ Scene
Austin, Texas, is renowned for its vibrant BBQ scene, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The city is home to a diverse array of BBQ joints, each with its own unique flavors and traditions. Here, we explore the top 10 BBQ restaurants in Austin that you must visit.
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is often cited as one of the best BBQ spots not just in Austin, but in the entire country. Founded by Aaron Franklin and his wife Stacy in 2009, it began as a food truck and quickly gained a loyal following. Today, it operates as a standalone restaurant and has received numerous accolades, including the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2015. Franklin's BBQ is known for its simple yet effective seasoning with just salt and pepper, and its brisket is a must-try. However, be prepared for long lines, as this place is extremely popular.
la Barbecue
la Barbecue, founded in 2012 by LeAnn Mueller, is another beloved BBQ spot in Austin. Mueller, the granddaughter of Louie Mueller, whose eponymous restaurant in Taylor, Texas, has been operating since 1949, brought in pitmaster John Lewis, who previously worked at Franklin Barbecue. la Barbecue is known for its juicy brisket, pork ribs, and other smoked meats. It started as a food truck but now operates from a restaurant in East Austin, offering a welcoming atmosphere and free cold beer to keep fans happy while they wait.
InterStellar BBQ
InterStellar BBQ, opened in 2019 by pitmaster John Bates, is located at the northern tip of Austin. Bates, who previously owned the Noble Sandwich Co., brings 30 years of restaurant experience to his BBQ venture. InterStellar BBQ is notable for its creative sides and desserts, such as mac and gouda, and Mexican chocolate rice pudding with crumbled Oreo cookies. It was ranked #2 in Texas Monthly's 2021 list of the Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints.
Terry Black's Barbecue
Terry Black's Barbecue is a family-run institution that began in Lockhart, Texas, in 1932. In 2014, Terry Black's twin sons, Michael and Mark, brought their family's BBQ tradition to Austin. Located on Barton Springs Road, this BBQ joint is known for its convenient location, cafeteria-style service, and extensive selection of sides and desserts. The brisket and beef ribs here are particularly popular, and the lines are generally shorter compared to some other top BBQ spots.
Leroy and Lewis Barbecue
Leroy and Lewis Barbecue, located south of downtown Austin, is another top recommendation. This BBQ spot is known for its innovative approach and was featured on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list. It offers a variety of meats, including brisket, ribs, and sausage, along with unique sides. The pitmaster, Bradley Robinson, previously worked at Chuds BBQ, adding to the restaurant's credibility.
Distant Relatives
Distant Relatives is a food truck that has gained significant attention for its unique BBQ style, which incorporates African ancestry and ingredients like tamarind molasses and chile-vinegar dip. Located at Meanwhile Brewing Co., this spot offers burnt ends with black-eyed peas and other creative sides. It was named one of the 11 Best New Restaurants in America by Eater.
Sam's Bar-B-Que
Sam's Bar-B-Que is an old-school BBQ joint that has been operating in East Austin since 1957. This family-run restaurant is known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender brisket, cooked over an indoor brick pit. It offers traditional sides like baked beans and potato salad, providing a classic BBQ experience.
Loro
Loro is an Asian smokehouse with a casual backyard BBQ vibe, located on South Lamar. It is a collaboration between Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue and Chef Tyson Cole of Uchi. Loro offers traditional BBQ favorites with a twist, such as smoked beef brisket flavored with Thai herbs and oak-smoked salmon in cucumber-yuzu broth. The unique sides include coconut-scented rice with lemongrass.
Iron Works Barbecue
Iron Works Barbecue, originally an ironworks shop, was transformed into a BBQ haven in 1978. This tiny tin building, a state historic site, serves famous Texas sliced beef, ribs, and more. The sandwich menu includes smoked turkey and pulled pork, and the sampler plate offers a variety of meats and sides.
Exploring More Hidden Gems
Beyond these top spots, Austin has several other hidden gems worth exploring. Moreno Barbecue, located in deep South Austin, offers classic BBQ plates with smoked brisket and turkey, as well as innovative dishes like pork belly tacos. Micklethwait Craft Meats, a food trailer in East Austin, is known for its brisket Frito pie and gourmet sides like lemon-poppy seed coleslaw. House Park Bar-B-Que, though temporarily closed due to a fire, is Austin's oldest BBQ pit and offers a nostalgic dining experience with its award-winning barbecue sauce and traditional sides.