Your Guide to the Best BBQ in Austin, Texas

At Playcation Homes, we know the best BBQ in Austin, Texas is more than just a meal. It's a chance to taste tender brisket, smoky beef ribs, and juicy pulled pork. Our lakefront retreats are the perfect home base after sampling Austin’s famous Central Texas BBQ. Each home has a fully equipped kitchen and air conditioning, so you can reheat leftovers or host a small barbecue feast. In this guide, you’ll discover the top barbecue spots, from food trucks to brick-and-mortar joints, all within reach of our Misty Waters or The Cove Lakehouse.

Here, you can pick the best option to satisfy your BBQ cravings:

Top BBQ Spots in Austin

1. Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue is often called the king of low and slow cooking. Pitmaster Aaron Franklin uses simple dry rub and post oak smoke to make the best brisket and beef rib. Guests line up early for the James Beard Award–winning flavors.

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (6,702 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

⏰ Hours: Tue–Sun, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (Closed Mon)

📞 Phone: +1 512-653-1187

🍖 What to Try: brisket (melt-in-your-mouth, rich connective tissue), beef rib (buttery bark)

🍽 Service: cafeteria-style service

🔗 Learn more: Franklin Barbecue Map

🌐 Website: franklinbbq.com

2. La Barbecue

La Barbecue grew from a food trailer to a popular brick-and-mortar joint. LeAnn Mueller honors family recipes with post oak smoke and a mild dry rub. Enjoy pulled pork and St. Louis pork ribs under oak trees.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (3,285 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

⏰ Hours: Wed–Sun, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closed Mon–Tue)

🍖 What to Try: brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis pork ribs

🍽 Service: dine-in or takeout

🔗 Learn more: La Barbecue Map

🌐 Website: labarbecue.com

3. Distant Relatives

Distant Relatives blends African diaspora flavors with classic Central Texas BBQ. Owner Damien Brockway uses mustard butter and tamarind molasses sauces to elevate smoked meats. The food truck sits next to a beer garden with live music.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (271 reviews)

📍 Address: 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744

⏰ Hours: Wed–Thu, 12:00 PM–8:00 PM; Fri–Sun, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM

🍖 What to Try: brisket with smoked mustard butter, pulled pork with tamarind molasses sauce

🍽 Service: food truck

🍻 Pairing: craft beer in a beer garden

🔗 Learn more: Distant Relatives Map

4. InterStellar BBQ

InterStellar BBQ brings a modern twist to old-school smoke. Pitmaster John Bates uses oak smoke and low heat to craft peach tea-glazed pork belly and tender turkey. It earned a Michelin star for its creative sides.

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (1,791 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750

⏰ Hours: Wed–Sun, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (Closed Mon–Tue)

🍖 What to Try: peach tea-glazed pork belly, St. Louis pork ribs, turkey

🍽 Service: dine-in or takeout

🔗 Learn more: InterStellar BBQ Map

5. Terry Black's Barbecue

Terry Black’s Barbecue is a family legacy from Lockhart. Their cafeteria-style service and picnic tables make it a fun dine-in experience. Order brisket, pork ribs, and creamy cole slaw in South Austin.

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (22,254 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

⏰ Hours: Daily 10:30 AM–9:30 PM; Fri–Sat until 10:00 PM

🍖 What to Try: brisket, pork ribs, smoked turkey

🍽 Service: cafeteria-style

🔗 Learn more: Terry Black’s Map

6. Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is new-school with old-school service. Chef Evan Leroy serves unique cuts like beef cheeks and a brisket burger on potato bread. Sauces include beet BBQ and spicy mustard.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 (1,734 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX 78745

⏰ Hours: Mon, Wed–Thu 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–10:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–9:00 PM (Closed Tue)

🍖 What to Try: beef cheeks, brisket burger

🍽 Service: dine-in or takeout

🔗 Learn more: Leroy and Lewis Map

7. Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew

Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew blends Texas BBQ with craft beer. Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick smokes brisket, sausage, and sliced beef in post oak. Enjoy live music at the beer garden.

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (5,472 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

⏰ Hours: Tue–Thu 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; Fri–Sat 11:00 AM–8:30 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–8:00 PM (Closed Mon)

🍖 What to Try: brisket, jalapeño cheddar sausage, peach cobbler

🍽 Service: dine-in or takeout

🔗 Learn more: Stiles Switch Map

8. KG BBQ

KG BBQ brings Egyptian flair to Texas BBQ. Pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh learned from top pitmasters and adds a dry rub of sumac and pomegranate to pork ribs. It sits next to a brewery for craft beer pairings.

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (1,326 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

⏰ Hours: Thu–Sat 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Mon–Wed)

🍖 What to Try: pomegranate-glazed pork ribs (sumac dry rub), lamb chops, pistachio rice pudding

🍽 Service: food trailer at Oddwood Brewing

🔗 Learn more: KG BBQ Map

9. Micklethwait Craft Meats

Micklethwait Craft Meats started in a trailer and now has a brick-and-mortar spot. Tom Micklethwait trades baking for oak smoke and pairs brisket with scratch sides like jalapeño cheese grits and lemon poppy slaw.

⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (1,851 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX 78721

⏰ Hours: Thu–Sun 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (Closed Mon–Wed)

🍖 What to Try: brisket, mac ’n gouda, jalapeño cheese grits

🍽 Service: dine-in or takeout

🔗 Learn more: Micklethwait Map

10. Brotherton's Black Iron Barbecue

Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue is known for smoked meat sandwiches. Pitmaster John Brotherton serves a brisket grilled cheese and hearty strawberry peach cobbler.

⭐ Rating: 4.6/5 (1,778 reviews)

💲 Price Level: moderate

📍 Address: 15608 Spring Hill Ln, Suite 105, Pflugerville, TX 78660

⏰ Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (Closed Mon)

🍖 What to Try: brisket grilled cheese, Mel-Man sandwich, strawberry peach cobbler

🍽 Service: dine-in or takeout

🔗 Learn more: Brotherton's Map

Tips & Tricks for BBQ Explorers

Our guests at Playcation Homes have shared insider tips to make your BBQ tour seamless:

Book early: Many barbecue joints sell out by mid-afternoon. Plan to arrive before opening for the best selection of brisket, pork ribs, and beef cheeks.

Keep it cool: After a smoky day, cool off in our private pool at Misty Waters or The Cove Lakehouse.

Cater your stay: Some spots offer catering or national shipping. You can have smoked meats delivered to your kitchen for a lakefront picnic.

Mix and match: Try a food truck for pulled pork, then a brick-and-mortar for a brisket sandwich with spicy barbecue sauce.

Pair with sides: Order potato salad or cole slaw to balance rich meats, and don’t skip mac ’n cheese or Mexican chocolate rice pudding for dessert.

Use our guides: Explore more in Texas with our Top-Rated Lake Travis Boat Tours and Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals.

Final Thoughts

Austin’s barbecue scene is a vital part of its culture and community. From the low and slow art of Central Texas BBQ to modern twists with pomegranate or mustard butter sauces, there’s a flavor for every guest. When you stay at Playcation Homes, you get the best base camp for these adventures. Relax in our cozy lakefront homes, cook up leftovers in your fully equipped kitchen, and relive your favorite barbecue moments under the stars.

Ready to plan your stay and taste the best BBQ in Austin, Texas? Book your escape now at https://www.playcationhomes.com/ and start your smoky journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one rated BBQ in Texas?

Many local guides and reviewers point to Franklin Barbecue as the number one rated BBQ in Texas. Its simple salt-and-pepper dry rub and oak smoke have earned top praise.

Who is the famous barbecue guy in Austin, Texas?

Aaron Franklin is the pitmaster behind Franklin Barbecue. He won a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest and helped put Austin on the global BBQ map.

What is the Michelin recommended BBQ in Texas?

InterStellar BBQ and Micklethwait Craft Meats are two Austin spots recommended by Michelin for their high-quality smoked meats and craft sides.

What BBQ restaurants in Austin have a Michelin star?

InterStellar BBQ and Leroy and Lewis Barbecue have earned Michelin stars for their creativity, flavor, and dedication to craft.

How do I choose the best BBQ joint in Austin, Texas?

Consider what you want: classic brisket, unique sides, or a beer garden with live music. Check hours, line length, and service style. Use our list and stay at Playcation Homes for easy drives to all spots.