City Market

Luling City Market BBQ Joint was recommended by my new friend Bill Dumas and he also recommended what to get. Hence the Big Red sugar bomb! An old school BBQ joint that looks just like any other sit down cafe. But in the back Smokehouse are a group of men that are waiting to carve up what meats you want. You walk through one smoke stained swing door, get served by the team and then out the otherside. This style of service is so cool and an awesome tradition. Brick offsets run with open fires. Once cooked, they are buttoned off (with less wood burning) and are used to keep the smoked meats and sausage warm for service. Super friendly staff in the front that jumped at the chance to get a photo and a little cooler but equally friendly staff at the back that let me take photos and lifted the lids on the smokers to snap a few shots. Good home style BBQ, great sausage, and the combo of the fatty brisket and sausage on white bread with dill pickles, onion and their special sauce was unreal. #lulingcitymarket #bbqwithbark

The line was extremely long to get inside the restaurant so we were anticipating great food! The wait wasn’t entirely long but the heat made it feel like it was. Once we got our BBQ the presentation was great but the lack of flavor was disappointing. The ribs were pretty good but the brisket was very fatty and the most flavor was when we added lots of BBQ sauce. The sausage was a bit greasy. Overall the service was nice but definitely need more flavor in the BBQ.

Lives up to the reputation. Loved going into the pit to choose the meat. Ribs are outstanding. Brisket good. They can keep the sausage. Sauce...tangy sweet mustard base. Love the simplicity of it. So glad we stopped here.

Met some friends for lunch, and we were lucky enough to go early to avoid the long line. We shared ribs, brisket, and sausage, which were all tasty, and that sauce... a little sweet but still good. Once we were done, the line was outside the door down the sidewalk. I highly recommend going early!

OMG THE FOOD , PRICE AND SERVICES ARE AMAZING!! This was our last stop in Texas before heading back home. Most definitely a spot to choose. Wish they could mail me some of BRISKET! LOL don't forget to get a slice of onion. Truly a must have when you are on this town.

It's a famous local institution for a reason. Brisket was delicious, the ribs were excellent. I thought the sausage was the only weak link in the otherwise amazing meat party in my mouth. Line or the door, come early with your appetite ready.

Walk in to the back smoke room. Pitmasters are there handing you the food directly off the pit. Got a 3 meat, brisket and ribs and sausage. Omg one pinch of the brisket just melts in your mouth. The sausage could feel the skin snapping when you bite it. And the ribs are fall off the bone. Omg. This is true authentic bbq.

We drove 120 miles to eat at this fantastically authentic joint. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience from meeting pit men to coming out smelling deeply or smoke. I have a theory that any food that arrives on a piece of paper must be good and it certainly helped true for this place.

City Market was so great. There are two lines, one that goes into a smoke room to order meat. The other, which is before the smoke room, is for drinks and sides. The service was great. The restaurant and bathrooms were very clean. The tables were also wiped off. The meats were fabulous! The ribs and sweet pickles were a dynamic duo. The mixed brisket was perfect! And I suggest you don't skip the banana pudding!

Just got done eating at Luling Bar-B-Q, and wow--this place did not disappoint. We ordered the barbecue brisket, jalapeño sausage, and the regular sausage, and every bite was packed with that slow-smoked, Texas-style flavor you hope for when you walk into a BBQ joint. The brisket was tender, juicy, and had that perfect smoke ring with just the right amount of bark--melt-in-your-mouth kind of good. The jalapeño sausage had a great kick without overpowering the meat, and the regular sausage was classic, flavorful, and snapped just right with each bite. No frills, just solid barbecue done the way it should be. If you're in Luling, this spot is a must. Might need a nap now, but totally worth it.

Line was to the door but probably only took us 30 minutes or so to get to the smoker room and get the meat. Food is great. We did not even get sides.... Pure BBQ for us this trip. Excellent mustard based (?) sauce! Brisket was good! Ribs a little overdone But sausage was great and made it worth the trip!

Smokehouse was not too hot, plenty of staff behind both counters. Service was fast, food was hot, tables were clean.

Best Texas BBQ! Hubby has been eating here for over 40 years! Great customer service! It's all good to the Brisket to the sauce!

Well was a little disappointed today with City Barbecue. You can tell they are stuck in the past, which is okay if your product is world class...but. Let's start with the positives the pork ribs were very good tender and sweet. The potato salad was also pretty good. Now let's talk about the brisket it had no flavor at all, unfortunately was dry as a bone as well. I would guess they are using the cheapest, lowest quality brisket available on the market. The problem with this level of Barbecue is there are so much better choices out there buccies brisket is better. I would rather pay couple more dollars to eat prime seasoned brisket. Lastly even if the food was amazing I would not eat here again with the guy vaping behind the service line. I did give 3 stars because the meat cutter was super nice.

I just love the charm of nostalgic small country towns characterized by a railroad track running along the edge of town. Luling is that type of town and I visited for City Market BBQ. The layout of the restaurant is a little quirky with two separate ordering areas: one for the smoked meats (brisket, pork ribs, sausage, the other for sides (potato salad and beans). My wife and I ordered a little of each. By little, I mean more than two people should eat for lunch. We favored the ribs over the other meats, as they were flavorful (with or without sauce) and tender. The brisket was good, but a little light on flavor (seasoning). The sausage was lean and juicy with good flavor, but impossible to eat with knife and fork because the casing was loosely packed. All the meats were a value compared to other BBQ restaurants. The sides were good and the portions were generous for the price. Nostalgic BBQ, in a nostalgic town, at a fair price, ...worth a visit.

This is Truly One of the Mt. Rushmore of BBQ in Texas !!!! The sauasge links alone can stand on there own.....This is a No Nonsense OG Pit Smoked JOINT. Ribs, Brisket & OMG the sausage links are all on point. The Respect is 100% Earned Here..... If you looking for FuFu Chipotle Burnt Ends or Blue Corn Torta Compote......BYE !!! THIS IS GROWN FOLKS BBQ. Dont play around here Ok. Give it the Proper it Deserves. Do Not Pass on the Peach Cobbler too.......

2024 Update....Go! As good as ever. The pit masters take their work seriously. Delivering consistent world class Heart of Texas smoked brisket,ribs and sausage for generations. Little do the thousands driving along Interstate 10 know that right under their noses,a few miles away is Luling City Market. The Holy Grail of Q in my opinion. Open at 10 am...never much of a line because these pros keep it moving. No repeat, no heat lamp. All meat taken off hot pit and sliced to order! These types places are truly endangered. If you want to see old Texas.... Go!

A very unique restaurant. You pick the meats sausage, brisket, and ribs that you would like to eat and they slice it for you. Then you go upfront and you can choose your sides. I have brisket, ribs, and sausage. What I like about the restaurant as you get exactly what you would like to eat and how much. The food is excellent.

Really great customer service! Food is delicious!! Brisket has great flavor. Ribs are a little sweet and a lot greasy but so worth the messy fingers! Sausage is different. Not bad just not what I am used to. Texture seems blended, loosely packed. Maybe beef? Not your typical BBQ sausage! Free bread. Free drink refills! Oh and the sweet tea... The Best!!!! I do recommend this for everyone!!

Food was great tasting! Service- not friendly!! Ambiance- layout of restaurant, Strange - restrooms, extremely filthy and full of graffiti. The overall ambience of the restaurant was rather weird energy. But if you close your eyes and eat, the food was great.

Funky, classic, old-school Texas Hill Country bbq located in a downtown Luling storefront on the town square. Looks like it's been there a long time. Smoke grabs your nose as soon as you open the door. Order your meat in the back through a screen window in front of the smokers Order by either the pound or brisket slice. Cafeteria-like service. Seating was on wooden picknick benches inside I got two slices of moist-end brisket, a jalepeno-cheddar sausage ring with requisite pickled jalepenos and a slice of white bread in the early in the AM for breakfast. Sauce available but dilutes the Texas beef flavor. The brisket was smokey with a marvelous rendered fat flavor and smoke ring while the sausage ring was nicely spicey , with and artisan grind and awesome case snap. Texas "Q" is the best.

Around 12:30 on a Saturday we pulled up to what looked like an old west movie set. Friends that live in Austin told us that for good BBQ we should be prepared to wait. The line was all the way to the door but moved up pretty quickly. Whatever you do, don't stand in any door way and hold open a door. You will get hollered at to not let the ac out or the smoke in, it's all in an afford to keep the dining area comfortable, which I appreciate. The long line gets you into the back room where the magic happens. The menu is not complicated and it doesn't need to be; beef brisket 4.5 stars, pork ribs 4 stars, and sausage 5 stars. For less than $3, try at least one sausage. Or just try some of everything! Get your bread and pickles here too, if you want to make a sandwich. Yes the BBQ has its own separate register. I asked if I could take a picture of the cutting board and they gratefully did that and more! One by one they opened the smokers and invited me into the pit to snap a few closeups! I was in BBQ HEAVEN!! Once you finish fan-girling over the meat (oh was that just me?!) take your paper wrapped package back up to the front counter and pick out your sides, drinks like Big Red or sweet tea, and desserts like banana pudding. Now find a table and dig in. There is sauce on the tables but it doesn't really need it. My son and I are usually die-hard rib fans but surprisingly the sausage and brisket were everyone's favorites!

Food was terrific, Greatest food and service,seating arrangements and overall ambiance!

Hands down the best brisket and ribs! Don't even get me started on their BBQ sauce! It is a lovely mustard based sauce which is a delightful break from the ketchup based red sauce which people often make way too sweet. But let's back up a moment. Their brisket and ribs are SO good they do not need the sauce at all. So what to do? Enjoy half without sauce and half with sauce. A total win-win. There has not been one person I've brought here through the years that hasn't absolutely loved the food here. The beans and potato salad are good though I prefer to go solely carnivore here as the meat is so good and I feel why waste the stomach room when there is brisket? I love this place in its quaintness and that you walk into the pit to order, pickup and pay for the meats. People come from all over to eat here and you can always strike up a conversation with the people at the next people or by waiting in line to get in the pit. It's fun. Today's chats were all about football! Be sure and purchase a bottle of the BBQ sauce for your take home meats!

This is the first time and last time I will eat City Market BBQ. It won't let you give a 0 star rating. The meat department has pricing and taste issues. The brisket was extremely dry and 40% of the weight was fat. The sausage was also really dry and completely lacking in flavor. Sign says pickles are free. We were charged $3+tax. Was going to use a credit card only to find out, after WE asked, he charges a 4% credit card fee. Waste of time and money. The front takes care of the sides and is an independent business. The beans, potato salad, and banana pudding were all wonderful and priced at a great value!!! The sides get a 5 star rating!

A good friend of mine took the trip out to Luling for some bbq. I had a great time waiting in line for over an hour thanks to my friend and friendly people in line. IDN revel in writing negative reviews but I was underwhelmed by the bbq. It seemed really overrated as I find a lot of bbq. There were some great character traits like the homemade bbq sauce(not bad) and the signs stating to respect employees of all backgrounds as they may have special needs. Although I tasted some pretty mid brisket courtesy of a kind patron. They ran out of it right before we made it to the pit. Sausage was ok and the ribs were -an adequately tasty bite. Best to get there early if you want a seat or a full plate of cue, and avoid the line, then arrive early because apparently there's always a long line. It's a pretty drive but other than that at least I can say I've been there and tried that.

Finally got to try some of the best bbq they say. Such a cool place unfortunately it's always so busy no matter what time or day you go but for good reason it's good food you see them make it. Just for me personally I felt like it was missing some sauce because I am not really into dry rub bbq and they didn't have sauce here. Overall though it was good.

The bbq, no matter what you order, is the best! We have been going to City Market for years and have compared it with others but the meat and sauce just can't be beat. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the floors, especially in the bathrooms, are filthy.

Luling City Market has fantastic employees and service and most importantly, AMAZING Texas barbecue. We're talking brisket, ribs, and smoked sausage! Yummy sauce that's not too sweet too. Bunch of wood tables and friendly employees from those who serve food and drinks and souvenirs. A very small Texas oil town with this gem- it's worth the hour drive from San Antonio, and there's great antique shops next door. Can't wait to make another trip out there!

Interesting experience & great meat! Head to the back for the meat-brisket, ribs or sausage (no chicken) then go back to front room for sides & drinks. We had the most fabulous ribs ever!! Beans & potato salad good but not great. You can order ribs by the amount u can eat, not by weight or rack. I really liked that. Employees very nice. Good thing I don't live in Luling!!!

My hands down favorite. Been going here since my grandparents would take me as a kid. Their bar b que sauce is AWESOME! I always take some home. My favorite is the sausage links but the brisket is great too! The little kid in me still loves that when you pay cash and your change is over 50 cents they give you a fifty cent piece.

Home style restaurant and Friendly wait staff with generous portions Will return soon

On Main Street in the small town of Luling, Texas, is an old time market that makes a lot of barbecue. An after effect of the days where meat markets would smoke the excess meat that did not sell fresh quickly enough. City Market and many others did this in central Texas and thus, Texas barbecue was born. Our second stop with 2 years intervening was primarily to eat their delicious sausage and purchase a half gallon of their tremendous sauce. We were definitely not hungry after filling up at Snow's BBQ in Lexington TX. Service is good and ordering in the smoke and cutting room is half the fun. Go. Enjoy. You won't regret it

Came here on a recommendation from a co-worker. He said it was the best BBQ he's ever had. So, to cap off a week long work trip in Laredo, we made our way to this place. It did not disappoint. The way the restaurant is setup made the ordering process a little confusing. However, the staff was patient with me and my friend and helped us out. We walked into the area where all the meat was prepared. It was so hot in the room, but the great smells made up for it. We ordered beef and pork ribs, with sausage links. As I bit into the pork rib I couldn't explain how good it was. I believe I described it as bacon on steroids. The second pork rib I ate was a little too salty, but still good. The beef ribs were flavorful. I wish we ordered more. The links held their own too. This will be a place I return to for sure if I'm back in the area.

Just took a hard look at my two receipts and noticed a "technology fee"!?! Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough but I didn't see anything at the registers (both for meat and sides) that mentioned an additional fee. I'm not a fan of hidden or extra fees like this.

As a kid, my dad would often stop in Lockhart or Luling for BBQ on road trips from Dallas to South Texas. So when my husband and I visited City Market for an impromptu lunch on the way home from Round Top recently, the nostalgia came flooding back. Now as an adult, I fully appreciate the dedication and skill that goes into making BBQ. It had been probably 20 years or so since I visited, so when we walked in we didn't know where to order. We were lucky enough to follow a guy in and he kindly led us to the back room where you order your meats. There in a room with smoke swirling around, the BBQ guys were all quickly slinging and slicing. There's something to be said about seeing someone prepare your BBQ that way. It's a sight to see. The brisket was everything you could dream of and the ribs....wow. They were so tender and some of the best I've had. No sauce required but the sauce is balanced and a nice complement. Now the sausage--it will turn sausage naysayers into believers! I realized the other sausages I've been eating are sub par. This is the way! For sides, they're philosophy is simple and it works. The beans were solid and the potato salad had enough creaminess and zing to it. Sometimes less is more, especially when it comes to BBQ. Can't wait to go back and carry on the tradition with my son.

My Mom and hubby had several peoples tell them the best bbq was at City Market in Lulling. So we tried it and it was pretty good. We got ribs, brisket and sausage. Sides were potato salad and beans. Not bad but not the best to me. Ribs were tender and flavorful. Cut them this my fork! The brisket was tender but I've had some with more of a smoke flavor and juicer. Potato salad was good to my Mom and hubby & they liked the beans. The order system is different. Go in the door to the far right. Order the meat and pay for it there. You also need to get the pickles, onion, and peppers back there. If you get it for here, they will give it to you on paper only. The potato salad, beans, chips, and can/bottles of pop and beer are up front. You pay for those separately.

Myself personally, I did not like the taste of the sausage I know that's what they're known for its just me I did not like it also was not impressed with the overall syrup of the restaurant store. They may be an acquired taste of the sausage.

Old style barbecue in the heart of barbecue Mecca, but man this place has some tasty food. Line situation is a little different (one for the meats, one for the sides). Sausage is off the hook. Worth the trip to Luling if you're on the IH10 passing through.

Favorite bbq spot for 45 years! Quality and flavor has remained consistent! Brisket, ribs and sausage are as good as you can get in Texas! This is real Texas Bbq!

If this is what represents Texas BBQ, then it is just NOT for me... Rated highly at 4.8 here on Yelp and featured as a top 50 Texas BBQ joint, to say I was disappointed is an understatement. Everything was cooked okay, the BBQ sauce was good; but overall the seasoning on all the meat was lacking and subpar. The BBQ beans were plain PINTO beans and also inedible. I only had one bite. The ribs were a bit tough, the brisket had parts that were juicy and parts that were like jerky! And again, everything was under seasoned. The ambiance had a small town feel and ordering in the smoke room was a cool experience; but that was about it for me. Guess I'm just biased towards Louisiana BBQ... ‍ Won't be trying this out again. Sorry Texas!

Classic Texas BBQ from a very traditional smokehouse inside a grocery store. Delicious brisket. BYOS (Bring your own sides)

Great bbq would highly recommend not a lot of side opinions but the meat is great and the sauce. service is great always pretty busy but get you in and out quick

Nestled off I-10 in Luling is a BBQ spot slinging meat since 1958. Their website says they have been consistently nominated Top 10 by Texas Monthly but for the past 60 years & I did a little research. I found the last time they were featured was way back in 2013. They have log been on my BBQ bucket list & I finally made the stop on the way to the Houston area to visit family & I got to tell you I was the aura of nostalgia of the place that drew me but this is place that had a great reputation but there was a lot to be desired on this visit.. First, the good. 1 pound of brisket is going for $30-35 but at City Market we found at a more than reasonable $21. I was able to go behind the serving area and lot at their decades old pits. Brisket & ribs had the pork you expect to see from a good cook time. Staff is friendly & this is pretty much where the accolades end for me. If you know me you know that I totally understand that even the best paces have an off day but there was just too much here to call it up to that. You pay good money you don't want or expect to find a place slipping on quality, flavor & taste. It's crazy because the brisket has great bark & color but when sliced the interior was greyish white. Brisket lacked seasoning, dry, no great pull you expect not moist or juice running. No burnt ends offered either.I can name 10 places that make better BBQ brisket. Sausage was ok l, great flavor but it has no snap or running juices when cut open. We didn't try the ribs. I don't know if they do beef ribs but this was all that was offered on this Saturday. We had the brisket with bread, onions & pickles & you have to pay for their house BBQ sauce at $1-3 a cup or bottle that you cant take with you either. I don't like smothering my brisket or meat with sauce but I had to because that brisket was tough & dry. I love to eat meat not hidden by sauce. It couldn't be helped today. That's a shame cuz bad meat shouldnt have to be helped or covered up with good BBQ sauce. That's not true Texas BBQ. We ordered sides which were a la carte and separate from the BBQ line & pay as well. We ordered their pinto beans were nothing spectacular. It has bacon it & it was salty. I love salty but too much salt in food makes you thirsty. Maybe, that's their go to move to sell their drinks. My brother had the potato salad & said it mustard base with taste of paprika. It could of use salt which ironic because everything else including the brisket was over salted. It took me 20 years to finally try this BBQ establishment & I don't think I can or will give it another shot. I wish I had a reason to say I'll be back but what I did try doesn't warrant a return trip. Harsh but if BBQ is what you rest your laurels on then you can't be bragging about something that no longer deserves the bragging it once deserved.

This was one of the first Texas Monthly Top 50 bbq joints we tried after moving to the Lone Star State. We brought home sauce and bought a shirt and everything. There is zero pretense here - if it seems like they must have been operating and looking and smelling and tasting like this for a long time, well, it's because they have. The brisket and sausage were the stars of the show, but if you're reading this you already know what to order.

This barbecue spot is definitely the best top three in the state of Texas/ the food is excellent/The service is spectacular./ it's a very clean down home Good spot to eat.

We have been going here for years but our last visit on 4/5 Friday was horrible. The brisket was dry, tough, and tasteless. Their brisket is $20 a pound which is cheap compared to BBQ places in Surrounding area. Be aware that everything else is at an extra charge (pickle, onion, bread, BBQ sauce). There is a surcharge when paying with credit card.

We finally were able to stop in to try City Market BBQ about a week ago. We were there for a early dinner @4:00 on a Thursday so it wasn't very busy. The BBQ did not disappoint either and indeed lived up to expectations. I really loved their BBQ sauce too!

Remember looks can be deceiving!! When you walk in and see the line, dining room and sometimes smoke billowing out of the kitchen you may not expect to be served the best BBQ you ever tasted, but please try it with an open mind. After you go into the pit area to order and pay for your food you take the meats, bread and don't forget the pickle and onion to the table of your choice. At that point someone from your party needs to go get water and plastic ware from the front counter. Don't forget to get the sauce from that same counter. (The BBQ is not the same without the sauce). If you want to take a sauce bottle home I think it's under $2. Speaking of taking home - you can buy the links either cooked or uncooked so u might want to bring a cooler to get it back home. I often take 2-3 cooked sausage back home and eat them Over the next few days. OMG they are good. Just reheat in the oven in foil. This is a nice day trip from Houston, College Station or Austin. Hope you enjoy!

Great local bbq. Place Bbq is good. Ribs and brisket were greAt Sauce is delish. Mustard based

Visiting from California, I highly recommend this spot for bbq. Staff is very friendly and helpful when it comes to ordering. Plenty of seating inside the dinning area. I had brisket lean and fatty and they were both delicious. I would definitely return 10/10. We even took some to take back home.

Either the best or very close to the top of best barbecue I've had to date! Definitely order the sausage. Some of the best I've had and I don't normally order sausage at a barbecue restaurant. Also get the sauce because it's so different and so addicting. Beans and potato salad not my fav but good. We waited 45 minutes and it was worth it!

Best BBQ in the county!!!! Their BBQ sauce, they make it and it's a must try. It's a traditional way to eat it on a piece of paper instead of plates. You must come Luke 2hrs before they close because they ran out pretty fast and you might not get a piece. The downside is that they only take cash, but if you don't have any, they have an ATM. Sometimes as coin changes they give you the 50cent coin.

I've been to Luling before for BBQ, but not City Market. Headed east on I-10 I decided to stop by and grab lunch on Wednesday afternoon. There were only 5 people in line when I arrived, but 5 minutes later there were 15 behind me. I got a pound of ribs, 2 hot sausages, a small beans, small potato salad, and banana pudding to go. The place was packed!! The service was very efficient and portions were on target for my appetite. I actually was surprised the prices aren't higher! Everything I ate was very good. Didn't need the sauce I was given, but they are absolutely right - once I got home a couple hours later I warmed the sauce and had the family dip the remaining ribs and sausage in the sauce and it was fabulous Amazing first experience. I'll be driving there again for BBQ whether I'm in the area or not - it's just that good!. Worth every penny and minute waiting in line. Another place I would go every day if I lived closer!

Always friendly and yummy. Worth the road trip! Don't forget to bring sauce home with your leftovers!!

Best sausage and ribs anywhere the brisket is pretty good too but the sausage steals the show.

Went on a road trip with non-Texans, and stopped by this place, and it was an experience. This place only accepts cash but there is an ATM machine available. To order your meats, you need to go to the backroom where there are a group of guys cutting the meats. It was a bit intimidating, but they are friendly. The sides and drinks you can order when you enter the restaurant. There are lots of seating available throughout, so can accommodate groups. I recommend coming in at least before 30 or 45 mins before closing because they can run out of meats. For the BBQ, I like the brisket because it is moist and fatty! The sausage is also good, so those are my go-to orders. The sides were... eh! With that much bbq, I was expecting some decent sides.