Best BBQ in Austin (2025)

Still the city’s pilgrimage, where post oak smoke and James Beard clout meet a lively queue. Cited by Texas Monthly for a decade and now recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, it’s the brisket benchmark locals use to measure the rest.

New-school barbecue in a neighborhood restaurant and bar, with creative cuts and local sourcing. Awarded a Michelin star and celebrated by The New York Times and Texas Monthly, it proves Austin barbecue doesn’t stop at brisket, ribs, and sausage.

Northwest Austin’s destination for meticulous smoke and fun specials like peach tea–glazed pork belly. A Texas Monthly favorite and Michelin-star recipient, it delivers polished classics with sides that show as much care as the meats.

East Side powerhouse carrying on the Mueller family legacy under chef-owner Ali Clem. Expect peppery brisket, juicy ribs, and house-made sausage. A Michelin-star winner and a frequent pick of national critics, it’s essential Austin barbecue.

Chef Kareem El-Ghayesh fuses Egyptian flavors with Central Texas technique — brisket with sumac, kofta, and stellar chicken — from a truck beside a local brewery. Praised by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand for bold, personal barbecue.

Damien Brockway’s African diaspora–inspired trailer at Meanwhile Brewing rewrites expectations: chile-vinegar chicken, pepper-flecked sausage, and soulful sides. Recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand and frequently highlighted by national outlets.

The beloved trailer graduated to a renovated East Austin church, keeping its scratch-made ethos. A Texas Monthly stalwart and Michelin Bib Gourmand pick, it pairs superb brisket and sausage with thoughtful sides and desserts.

A North Lamar favorite with an old-school Texas roadhouse feel, praised by local critics for quality without the hassle. Known for excellent sausages and wings, and cited by Texas Monthly in 2025; a reliable, community-rooted spot for dinner barbecue.

A family-run trailer outside Corner Bar turning out tender brisket, ribs, and cabbage that locals swear by. Featured by Eater Austin and covered by local media, it’s a South Lamar staple with friendly service and fair prices.

Former Franklin alum Ben Lambert smokes old-school, with cult favorites like Cajun butter turkey and al pastor pork ribs at Buzz Mill Riverside. Covered by Eater Austin and praised by local barbecue hounds, it’s a weekend-only gem.

A 2025 arrival blending Cajun roots with Central Texas smoke behind Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches. Think glazed ham, duck, and brisket po’boys. Lauded by the Austin American-Statesman and local magazines for bringing fresh flavors to the scene.

An East Austin institution since 1957 with an indoor brick pit and mutton on the menu. Frequently profiled by local press and reviewed by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s a piece of neighborhood history serving straightforward smoke and generous plates.