Smoke & Savor: Austin’s BBQ Elite Unveiled

Austin, Texas is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, with barbecue standing out as a local specialty. The city’s smokehouses and pit masters have honed their craft over decades, creating a distinctive style of Texas barbecue that draws food enthusiasts from around the world. Austin’s best barbecue joints offer mouthwatering brisket, tender ribs, flavorful sausages, and an array of delectable sides that showcase the region’s rich barbecue tradition.

From iconic establishments that have become local institutions to innovative newcomers pushing the boundaries of traditional barbecue, Austin’s barbecue landscape is diverse and ever-evolving. These eateries range from no-frills trailers to full-service restaurants, each with its own unique approach to smoking meats and crafting flavors. The city’s barbecue scene reflects a blend of time-honored techniques and creative culinary approaches, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every barbecue lover’s palate.

1) Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue stands as the crown jewel of Austin’s barbecue scene. Founded by Aaron and Stacy Franklin in 2009, this establishment quickly rose to fame for its exceptional smoked meats.

The restaurant is renowned for serving what many consider the best barbecue in the world. Their brisket, in particular, has gained legendary status among barbecue enthusiasts.

Located at 900 E. 11th Street, Franklin Barbecue opens for lunch six days a week. The restaurant is famous for its long lines, with patrons often waiting hours for a taste of their acclaimed offerings.

Franklin Barbecue’s menu features a variety of smoked meats, including natural brisket, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, and sausage. The simple interior, with its corrugated metal ceiling and cement floors, keeps the focus on the food.

The restaurant has garnered attention from celebrities and food critics alike. It has been featured in Texas Monthly and received a nod from the MICHELIN Guide.

For those unable to visit in person, Franklin Barbecue now offers nationwide shipping, allowing barbecue lovers across the United States to enjoy their famous brisket at home.

Website: https://franklinbbq.com/

2) La Barbecue

La Barbecue stands as one of Austin’s premier barbecue destinations. Located at 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, this iconic pit has earned a reputation for its exceptional smoked meats.

The brisket at La Barbecue is widely considered some of the best in the Austin area. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly smoked, it exemplifies Texas-style barbecue at its finest.

Visitors can also sample an impressive array of house-made sausages. These unique offerings showcase the culinary creativity that sets La Barbecue apart from other joints in the city.

While brisket and sausages shine, La Barbecue’s menu features other expertly prepared meats as well. Ribs, pulled pork, and turkey round out the selection of barbecue staples.

La Barbecue typically operates during daytime hours, fitting the traditional barbecue meal schedule. Eager diners often form lines early to secure their preferred cuts.

For more information or to plan a visit, check out La Barbecue’s website: La Barbecue

3) Micklethwait Craft Meats

Micklethwait Craft Meats stands out as a top barbecue destination in East Austin. This popular spot offers Central Texas-style barbecue from a trailer less than a mile east of downtown.

The menu features classic smoked meats like brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, sausage, pulled pork, and turkey. They also serve unique options such as barbacoa, catering to diverse tastes.

Scratch-made sides complement the meats, with standouts including jalapeño cheese grits and lemon poppy slaw. The rotating selection of house-made desserts adds a sweet finish to meals.

Visitors can enjoy their food at covered outdoor seating under shade trees, creating a relaxed atmosphere. The establishment attracts a varied crowd, from police officers to families and well-dressed locals.

Founded in 2012 by Austin-born chef and pitmaster Tom Micklethwait, the restaurant focuses on excellent food, hospitality, and a friendly environment. Their commitment to quality has earned them recognition in the MICHELIN Guide.

For more information: https://craftmeats.com/

4) Terry Black’s Barbecue

Terry Black’s Barbecue stands as a legendary establishment in Austin’s barbecue scene. Located at 1003 Barton Springs Road, this eatery offers authentic Central Texas-style BBQ.

The restaurant is known for its exceptional smoked meats, particularly the brisket and turkey. Many consider their turkey to be among the best in Austin.

Despite its popularity, Terry Black’s manages to maintain efficient service. Even during peak hours, customers typically find themselves seated within 20 minutes.

The menu features a variety of traditional barbecue options, allowing diners to sample different meats and sides. The quality of the food consistently earns high praise from locals and visitors alike.

Terry Black’s has gained recognition beyond local acclaim. It has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide, solidifying its status as a top barbecue destination in Austin.

For those planning a visit, Terry Black’s is open daily from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM. More information can be found on their website: www.terryblacksbbq.com

5) InterStellar BBQ

InterStellar BBQ has quickly risen to prominence in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene. Located at 12233 Ranch Road 620 N, this establishment has earned a coveted Michelin star for its high-quality cooking.

The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, or until they sell out. InterStellar BBQ is known for its commitment to sourcing the best wood and taking the time to cook their meats to perfection.

Their pastrami brisket has been praised by food critics as one of the best cuts of beef in Austin. The restaurant also offers unique side dishes, with their scalloped potatoes receiving particular acclaim from patrons.

InterStellar BBQ’s reputation has grown significantly since its inclusion near the top of Texas barbecue rankings. This has led to increased wait times, especially on weekends, as barbecue enthusiasts flock to experience their offerings.

For more information or to place an order, visit their website at https://www.interstellarbbq.com or call 512-382-6248.

6) Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew has established itself as a top contender in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene. Located in the historic Violet Crown Shopping Center on North Lamar Boulevard, this eatery combines quality smoked meats with craft beer.

The restaurant offers Central Texas-style barbecue without compromising on taste or atmosphere. Patrons can enjoy a nostalgic dining experience in the art deco-inspired setting of the 1950s-era building.

Stiles Switch has garnered recognition from Texas Monthly Magazine, appearing on their Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints list in 2013 and 2017. Austin Monthly Magazine also voted it Best BBQ in Austin for 2022.

The menu features a range of smoked meats and sides. Visitors can expect prompt, friendly service and a welcoming ambiance. The combination of excellent barbecue and craft beer selections makes Stiles Switch a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

For more information or to plan a visit, check out their website at www.stilesswitchbbq.com.

7) LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue stands out in Austin’s competitive BBQ scene with its innovative approach. Located at 5621 Emerald Forest Dr, this restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional barbecue.

The establishment describes itself as “New School BBQ, Old School Service.” Their menu draws inspiration from global barbecue cultures, expanding beyond typical Texas-style offerings.

LeRoy and Lewis started as a food truck at Cosmic Coffee before growing into a full-fledged restaurant. The new location features a full bar and an expanded menu, providing customers with a more comfortable dining experience.

Open six days a week, LeRoy and Lewis serves lunch and dinner. They’re closed on Tuesdays, but operate from 11 am to 9 pm on most days, with extended hours until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The restaurant has gained recognition for its quality, earning a One Star rating in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide USA. This accolade highlights their commitment to high-quality cooking.

For more information or to explore their menu, visit LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue’s website: https://leroyandlewis.com/

8) The Salt Lick BBQ

The Salt Lick BBQ stands as an iconic destination for barbecue enthusiasts in the Austin area. Located in Driftwood, Texas, this family-owned establishment has been serving mouthwatering smoked meats since 1967.

Visitors to The Salt Lick are greeted by the sight of an open pit where meats are smoked using time-honored techniques. The restaurant’s rustic atmosphere and scenic Hill Country setting add to its charm.

The menu features a variety of barbecue staples, including beef ribs, pork ribs, brisket, and sausage. Many patrons opt for the family-style all-you-can-eat option to sample multiple offerings.

The Salt Lick’s popularity often leads to long wait times, especially on weekends. However, many find the experience worth the wait. The restaurant’s BYOB policy allows guests to bring their own beverages to enjoy with their meal.

For those unable to make the trip to Driftwood, The Salt Lick also operates locations at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and in Round Rock.

More information about The Salt Lick BBQ can be found at: https://saltlickbbq.com/

9) Black’s Barbecue Austin

Black’s Barbecue Austin brings the legendary Texas-style BBQ from Lockhart to the heart of the city. Located near the University of Texas campus, this outpost serves up authentic smoked meats daily.

The Austin location maintains the same high standards as the original Black’s, which has been operating since 1932. Brisket, ribs, and sausages are smoked on traditional pits in Lockhart and delivered fresh to Austin.

Customers rave about the tender, flavorful brisket and meaty pork ribs. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition has earned it a place among Austin’s top BBQ destinations.

Black’s Barbecue Austin offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking genuine Texas barbecue without leaving the city.

For more information or to place an order, visit their website: https://www.blacksbbq.com/austin-bbq

10) Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ gained fame for its unique fusion of Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Founded by husband-and-wife team Miguel and Modesty Vidal in 2013, the restaurant started as a food truck before settling in Buda, Texas.

The menu offered a mix of “Tex” and “Mex” options. Diners could enjoy classic Central Texas dishes like pulled pork and sliced brisket sandwiches, as well as tacos filled with smoked brisket or cerveza-marinated beef fajitas.

Valentina’s was known for its high-quality meats, including juicy brisket, pork ribs, and beef ribs. The restaurant also served breakfast, offering a unique morning barbecue experience.

Despite its popularity, Valentina’s faced challenges. The restaurant closed abruptly in April 2024, amid reports of financial difficulties and management issues.

While Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ is no longer operating, it left a lasting impact on Austin’s barbecue scene. The restaurant’s innovative approach to combining barbecue and Tex-Mex flavors helped solidify its place among the city’s notable barbecue establishments.

The Rich History of BBQ in Austin

A bustling outdoor BBQ cook-off with smoke rising from sizzling grills, surrounded by a lively crowd enjoying music and food in Austin

Austin’s barbecue tradition stretches back decades, shaping the city’s culinary identity. Slow-cooked meats and unique flavor profiles have become synonymous with Austin’s food culture.

Origins and Evolution

Austin’s barbecue scene began to take shape in the mid-20th century. House Park Bar-B-Que, established in 1943, stands as the city’s oldest barbecue joint. This deep-rooted establishment set the stage for Austin’s barbecue legacy.

The 1960s saw further growth with Stubb’s opening in 1968. Their custom-made Oyler barbecue pit and consistent rubs have been staples for over 50 years. These early pioneers laid the foundation for Austin’s barbecue reputation.

In recent years, Franklin Barbecue has elevated Austin’s status as a top barbecue destination. Their award-winning brisket has attracted national attention and celebrity fans.

Influence on Local Culture

Barbecue has become integral to Austin’s identity. The city’s barbecue culture blends traditional Texas techniques with local innovations. Pitmasters pass down their craft through generations, preserving time-honored methods.

Austin’s barbecue scene reflects the city’s diversity. Mexican-influenced dishes like barbacoa tacos showcase the fusion of culinary traditions. The use of oak wood smoking and dry rubs defines the Central Texas style that Austin has made famous.

Barbecue joints have become community gathering spots. They host live music events, embodying Austin’s reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World. This blend of food and culture creates a unique social experience for locals and visitors alike.

Distinctive Styles and Flavors

Austin’s barbecue scene offers a diverse range of culinary techniques and flavor profiles. From traditional methods to innovative approaches, local pitmasters showcase their expertise through unique smoking processes and flavor combinations.

Central Texas Style

Central Texas-style barbecue forms the foundation of Austin’s BBQ identity. This style emphasizes the quality of the meat and the smoking process. Pitmasters use oak or pecan wood to smoke brisket, ribs, and sausages for extended periods. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a distinctive bark.

Interstellar BBQ exemplifies this style, focusing on perfecting classic techniques. They smoke their meats low and slow, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Terry Black’s Barbecue also follows Central Texas traditions, offering a robust selection of smoked meats.

Signature Sauces and Rubs

While Central Texas-style barbecue often lets the meat speak for itself, many Austin pitmasters have developed unique sauces and rubs to complement their smoked offerings. These additions create flavor profiles that set them apart from competitors.

KG BBQ stands out with its Egyptian-inspired twist on classic barbecue. Their pomegranate barbecue sauce adds a tangy sweetness to pork ribs. La Barbecue combines savory and salty notes in their rubs, enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.

Some establishments, like Franklin Barbecue, offer house-made sauces on the side, allowing diners to customize their experience. This approach maintains the integrity of the smoked meats while providing options for those who enjoy additional flavors.