Pinkerton's Barbecue

We were in San Antonio for a few days and decided to try Pinkerton’s BBQ since it was right across from our hotel. Even though we showed up about an hour before closing and had to wait in line for a bit, it was so worth it. We ordered the pork ribs, brisket, South Texas beans, bacon mac & cheese, and banana pudding. Honestly, this was some of the best BBQ I’ve had in years. The brisket was melt‑in‑your‑mouth tender and full of smoky flavor. The pork ribs were juicy and had the perfect sweet and savory crust. The bacon mac & cheese was rich, creamy, and loaded with smoky bacon—total comfort food. And the banana pudding? Cold, creamy, and perfectly sweet, with soft chunks of banana and those classic vanilla wafers. It was the perfect ending to the meal. The sweet tea was ice‑cold and refreshing, and the staff were super friendly and made us feel welcome even though it was late. The only thing none of us liked was the beans—they just weren’t for us, so I wouldn’t recommend them. Also, a heads up: some menu items do sell out, so it’s best to get there earlier if you want the full selection. All in all, Pinkerton’s made our trip even better. Next time we’re in San Antonio, we’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!

If you're a tourist like myself looking for an incredible authentic Texas BBQ with that nice cowboy feel on the inside, this is 100% the place to go!! Not only is the food incredible, pull apart, and melt in your mouth, but the people here are just incredible! I spoke to Brandon who may have been a manager of some sort, and he was just very genuine and kind while being funny and professional. For the price, I would come back time and time again, the chicken, the brisket, the pulled pork, the banana pudding, everything from enter to exit is a must have experience!! If I could give 6 stars, I would!

It was busy, but the wait wasn’t too bad. They do not have plates everything is individually sold. We got ribs, sausage, brisket sandwich, rice, beans and Mac n cheese. Food was good overall. The rice and beans were not good to me but the Mac n cheese made up for that it was delicious. The brisket sandwich was real big and it was so much meat on it that the bread could barely hold it. Good place definitely recommend. We spent almost $80 on the items we got!!

This was the best food that I had while I was in Texas. The sauces are so flavorful and even the dry rub was delicious. I definitely want to go back. I love the family style dining and the accessibility to go containers without having to ask and wait for them was a plus. My picky eating kids actually had zero complaints. The staff made it even better with how friendly and attentive they were.

I was pretty unimpressed with my meal, was not worth the $50 I spent. The brisket was overly soft, greasy, with a lot of unrendered fat. The jalapeno sausage was good but was cold in the middle. The turkey was moist but salty. The jalapeno cheese rice was overcooked and flavorless, at first glance I thought it was potato salad. The pudding was good but not much banana flavor. The bread pudding was cold, flavorless, and I wasn't aware that the berry syrup/topping would be put on top. I enjoyed the beans, the dry rub ribs were tender and seasoned well, the sweet tea, the creamy bacon Mac& cheese, spacious dining room, the BBQ sauces, and the bread used for the sandwich.

They do have very well smoked brisket and it was really juicy and tender. But we were sort of disappointed with both the sausage link and boundin. The Mac and cheese was very tasty while the Jambalaya with smoke duck and spice was a different story. Tasty and savory!

I brought 14 starving customers here after doing some research, waited about 35 mins in the line then chowed down on delicious BBQ that was totally worth it, the brisket and the pork ribs were my favorite followed by the pulled pork and sausages. The sides were also all delectable. The staff helped me gauge how many pounds of meat my party needed and really shined through to make the experience that much better. I highly recommend it when looking for the authentic Texas BBQ experience.

The first thing I wanted to eat in San Antonio was Texas BBQ. Pinkerton's seemed to have a good reputation, and good reviews so that was my choice for the night. I wouldn't say I have a lot of other BBQ experiences to compare this to, but I wanted to give it its proper respect. I have cooked BBQ for restaurants so I have an appreciation of the time and process for it. The restaurant itself has a nice ambiance, and is nicely decorated with all the taxidermy. I love all the wood which gives it a comfortable feel. There was a nice long bar that was separated from the food line which was great if you wanted a beverage. There wasn't a line when I arrived which I feel like I got lucky. The staff was nice and patient and I was trying to figure out my order. There were 3 sections to the line which was confusing at first, but makes sense if there's a big line. I ended up ordering a Beef Rib (Short rib), and a couple slices of Brisket. You order the meat by the lb. so 1 rib was about 1.5 lb. I got Mac n Cheese and Baked Beans for the sides. My wife ordered the Plain Sausage, and 3 Dry Rubbed Pork ribs with potato salad. Each plate came with onions, pickles, jalapeno, and White Bread. The Short Rib was very delicious. It was my favorite meat that I tried. The one minor note is that it is very fatty. The Brisket was nice and tender. The Pork ribs were nicely seasoned and juicy as well. I also enjoyed the sausage as well. The one trick I learned was to eat the meat with the bread. The bread soaks up all the fat and provides a nice vessel. Every meat was excellent but I feel like the side dishes were just as good. The potato salad had a great balance of creamy, sour, soft, and crunchy. The Mac n Cheese was flavorful and creamy. I will say the Baked Beans was my favorite. I could eat those beans with anything! If you're ever in San Antonio definitely stop by Pinkerton's. It has a great location in the downtown area. I thoroughly enjoyed my first Texas BBQ experience!

Line get outta control, a lot of fanfare and hype . I've had better but for being in San Antonio ranks up there

What I never reviewed? Been a few times. First time at lunch at opening had beef ribs, missed that and subsequent visits were for dinner sold out. Brisket fatty definitely one of my top 3. I been to maybe 50 bbq joints in USA probably. Pork ribs probably #1 unless there's somewhere I went years ago and forgot. First time banana cream pie pudding, it was sweet banana forward tasting. I'm not a dessert guy but sure, yum. Boudin link had twice, very heavy wish it was more bloody than rice Jalapeño cheese link, you can taste the cheese. Thighs had once, same as my Traeger Rarely or never order pulled pork or turkey, just boring. Best sides would be cole slaw and potato salad. Rest just on par.

What a wonderful and historic site. I did not take pics of the food; there are enough. The food was great. Would recommend getting a little early or prepare to stand in line. Oh...and it's totally work it!!!

If you're looking for a BBQ spot that not only serves mouthwatering food but also makes you feel like family, this is the place to be! From the moment I walked in, the staff greeted me with big smiles and warm hospitality. The customer service here is exceptional--they make you feel like you're at home, and every interaction is filled with genuine kindness. Now, let's talk about the food. The glazed pork ribs? Absolutely phenomenal! Tender, juicy, and the glaze on them is sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of sticky. Each bite is pure perfection. They have a variety of sides that are all tasty as well. It's clear that they put a lot of care into each dish. If you're in the mood for BBQ, this spot checks all the boxes--delicious food, outstanding service, and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.

Awesome place. You know when locals come around, even on a 30 degree weather, it has to be great! Brisket was a bit too fatty, but still very good. The pork ribs were my favorite. As soon as you walk in, just stand in line and tell them how many people, pick the cold then the warm sides, finally the meat. Very fluid and the staff. even late in the day is very courteous and answers the same questions over and over. Location is great within the square and great outdoor seating. Feels like you're in somebody's yard having a feast in the middle of the city. Must-have Texas BBQ!

To start, I always have to say I judge BBQ very tough. It's Texas, it's what we do. Pinkerton's has done Texas BBQ proud! The brisket was tender and had excellent smokey flavor. The turkey was moist and flavorful. The jalapeño cheesy rice had a great kick, might be too much for some, but great if you do spicy. The blueberry cobbler and the banana fosters pudding were nice finishers. The sweat tea could use some work. Note there will be a line and get there early if you want to try the beef ribs. Mostly friendly staff and very causal atmosphere.

Hell yeah!!! I'm not a fan of BBQ and Pinkerton made me a convert. I loved the whole experience. I felt welcomed. I ordered what was recommended and they were so nice, they threw in a free sample of their ribs with my Manpigbear sandwich. The restaurant is beautiful and the outdoor seating is comfortable and partly shaded. The drinks are refillable and the sweet tea is great....and sweet! The line at night can go out the door and around the corner. I went at 4 and the place was empty.

Had to stop by on my work trip visiting San Antonio. I've had amazing brisket in Dallas and Austin, and San Antonio did not disappoint! Of course I tried the brisket and also their pork ribs. The brisket was melt in your mouth, fork tender. They had just unwrapped a new brisket from the holding oven (I was very surprised excited) and I asked for slices of the point, not a problem at all. Everything is ordered by the slice, so I went with 2 slices of brisket and 2 pork ribs. Brisket was 10oz, yikes, and the ribs just over 8oz. My eyes were way bigger than my stomach. The ribs were some of the best if not THE best bbq pork ribs I've ever had!! I also had a side of potato salad which is a mustard and scallion base salad and absolutely delicious if you like mustardy potato salad. Everyone behind the counter was super nice and welcoming (some bbq places remind me of the soup naz i Seinfeld episode). Can't speak for the other meats they have but dang their brisket and ribs are amazing!!!

*Beware* the parking around is very scammy! Paid to park at an honor system type lot catty corner to Pinkerton's which had no admission bars just scan to pay. I apparently stayed about 5 mins over the 2 hours I paid for and they mailed me a bill for $90 when the rate is only $15 an hour anyway. Just be careful. The Food: Pinkerton's was not bad, but I could throw a stone in any direction in Texas and probably find something better. Not trying to be contrarian, as I really did enjoy the unique flavor profile of their sauce. It was quite different from normal sweet or tangy bbq sauces you get. However, the line was very long, it was mid day and they ran out of the famous big ribs, but my main problem was the mac and cheese felt like eating concrete. It was so hard to eat because of the thick consistency and chewing was hard despite it being a soft substance. The busy crowd could've been because of the race that occurred the day we went, I'm not sure. But the service was friendly, with them giving pickle juice to runners who needed some electrolytes. The other food I had was about average. In short, I would rather eat somewhere else for the amount I'm paying, and not have to worry about predatory parking companies nearby. Might be worth a stop to try, but it wasn't my personal favorite.

If you're in the San Antonio area and want BBQ you should definitely consider checking out Pinkerton's The property is very inviting with nicely strung lights and a picturesque architecture. As you walk in the door you are hit with a plethora of intoxicating aromas The staff were incredibly friendly and professional. They work in an assembly line, and items are listed on menus (with pricing) above each station. It doesn't take very long to order and make your way through the line The food was delicious. The brisket was amazing, and the sides I ordered hit the spot. They are real it Ricky hearty portions A couple on cons would be they don't have any free parking. Also, the dining area was closed for an event, so, it was to-go orders only. If you the pay for parking and planned to eat in you could be disappointed. That being said, they have a few picnic tables with heaters on their porch (first come first serve), and they have a couple other tables in the yard of the property (no heaters or coverings) Some tips: At the first station ask for bread. Also, ask for pickles, onions, and jalapeños. This is all complimentary, and they will pair well with the meal. If you're feeling dessert, the bananas foster pudding was very tasty Cheers!

NOW THIS SPOT IS LEGIT BBQ. (Comparing this spot to Terry Blacks, Pinkerton's is far better) Talk about high quality meats and sides. I was highly impressed by my dinner tonight and can't wait to come back again. Since I'm visiting from California, of course I had to get me some Texas style BBQ. Looked up some BBQ spots on Yelp and Pinkerton's immediately caught my eye, THEY DID NOT DISSAPOINT. For $61 I got a slice of brisket (.44 lb), .25lb of pulled pork, .25lb of jalapeño sausage, Boudin sausage, 4 small sides- chili beans, potato salad, coleslaw and the mac and cheese along with 4 slices of bread. IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY. The brisket was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The pulled pork was packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The jalapeño sausage is one of the best I've had in general, so damn good. Boudin sausage was ok, but not my cup of tea. However all of our sides WERE AMAZING 10/10. If I had to choose my top two favorites it would be the chili beans and potato salad.....don't sleep on those. Overall service here was great and everyone was friendly. When we arrived, there was only two parties that were ahead of us on a Sunday night at 7pm but about 15 min later they had a line to the door! Dinning area felt like a lodge with all the dear hanging on the a walls but I loved that since I'm here for the experience lol. Overall this place is awesome. Come check them out if you haven't already. Thanks Pinkerton's for the great dinner!

Growing up in Texas, finding great BBQ, is part of what we do. The list just grew longer today when I treated my taste buds to the brisket here at Pinkerton's. Moist, is saying it lightly, because the meat falls apart when it hits your tongue. Great smoky flavor and it looks as good as it tastes. With or without the sweet sauce; it is delicious. Add the glazed pork ribs and you have a meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of cowboys. The side of beans are amazing, as is the Bacon Mac n cheese. Top it all off with the Banana Foster pudding and then you will be ready for a siesta. The place has a western style with wooden tables and chairs. It just adds to the feel. Pinkerton's is located downtown SA and is near the River Walk, so you can go walk it off, if you want.

Every bite is delicious. I like their brisket the most. She likes the pork ribs the most because they are sweet. I like brisket because it is fat and every bite of meat is tender and juicy. I can't think of any other adjectives except melt-in-the-mouth! It is also tasty enough. The barbecue sauce on the table is completely unnecessary. It is salty and meaty with a hint of smoke. The service attitude is very good, and the decoration of the store is also the style I like.

I'm my goodness . Walk in and all you think is need bourbon with all the smoke and meat aromas. Portions were great. Nose leads the palette and the food that follows won't disappoint. Staff was great, friendly and most of all excited to see your face as the serve you portions. Great place to lounge with friends or family. Will patron here anytime in the area. Must revisit!

Pinkerton's Barbecue is a meat lover's paradise, serving up some of the best Texas BBQ in the heart of downtown. I believe this is their only location in San Antonio at the time of writing. There's much debate on who has the best BBQ and in my option, Pinkerton's ranks in the top. My only gripe is that it's more expensive compared to other options so you'll have to weigh whether you think it's worth it. Parking: Located near Legacy Park, there's a free parking lot nearby, but can fill up quickly depending on what is going on. Street parking is also available, though it can be a bit of a walk during peak hours. The Barbecue: I went for the brisket, pork ribs, and jalapeño cheese sausage, along with their smoked mac and cheese and potato salad. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfect bark, while the ribs were smoky, flavorful, and fell off the bone. The sausage packed the right amount of heat, and the sides were creamy and well-seasoned, balancing the meal perfectly. The potions are priced by weight or pieces. While they show you the price per weight, you can ask for the amount of pieces you want. I highly recommend estimating UNDER. The portions are generous and you'll be full and have a ton of leftovers. Service: The staff was incredibly friendly and efficient, even during the busy lunch rush. They made great recommendations and ensured everything was served fresh. There will be a long line because they essentially only prepare one order at a time as you're coming down the line so try to avoid coming during peak times. Pinkerton's combines amazing barbecue with a welcoming atmosphere and solid service. Whether you're a barbecue connoisseur or just looking to try authentic Texas barbecue, this spot is worth every bite.

Spot to be, but come early for dinner as this place is highly recommended and the line is long. If you arrive and the line is out the door, recommend grabbing a drink but it did not disappoint. Friendly staff, delicious food and once you have food, very little discussion is had as you are grubbing out on some great bbq and enjoying the environment. Came for the brisket but glad I had the jalapeno cheese sausage and the Mac and cheese.

Visited Pinkerton's for the first time. There was a line out the door on a cold night. That's always a great sign of what's to come. We were greeted by a friendly face and a big hello. It's a very nice establishment with a cool country vibe. Lots of places to sit inside and outside. We ordered the brisket, turkey, pulled pork and sausage. All were quite delicious, super tender and very well seasoned. My favorite was the pulled pork. Wow! It was packed with flavor. They were out of ribs and chicken, but that just means I have to go back. The sides were tasty as well, and the portions were generous. My favorite was the jalapeño cheese rice. It was delicious. This is definitely a spot I'll visit again very soon.

Holy smokes. Hands down, best bbq I've ever had. It topped Terry Black's in our book. We loved it so much that we've decided this is where we're eating after our wedding this summer. Everyone is so welcoming & friendly, and it truly just feels so homey, country and southern. Makes me feel like I'm back in the Carolina's. The food- Oh. My. Goodness. My favorites were the pulled pork & the macaroni. The macaroni is like something from my dreams. Sooo cheesy and rich and delicious. The beef ribs & brisket were so tender and buttery, so juicy. The brisket did lack in flavor, but the crust made up for it. I have seen others raving about the beans so I tried them, they were just okay in my eyes. The jalapeño cheese rice was also just okay, a little mushy- so those two sides I wouldn't necessarily recommend to a friend. But that Mac & cheese. WOW lol I cannot say enough good things. We got a large and I think I gave my fiance 3 solid bites before I devoured it. Definitely our favorite BBQ place by far, and I'd like to say we're connoisseurs of good BBQ.

In town for a weekend from Fort Worth. I relied on my fellow Yelpers to find some of the best BBQ. Since we didn't have a rental car this was our choices based on the reviews and the location. They are right across from the Alamo so it's very convenient. We got there at 11am in a Saturday morning. Luckily there was only 10-12 people in line outside. There's the kicker. Their line is very very slow. You get inside and there's still room for about 20-25 people in line. They have two registers but basically serve one person at a time. It could be so much more efficient and they lose a star for this. Our wait was close to 40 minutes by the time we walked away with our food. Now it's definitely worth the wait! The customer service is amazing! Super friendly and never rushing you. What I found too is they give big servings so don't let your eyes order for you. We messed up only eating 1/2 and giving the other 1/2 to a homeless lady we ran across an hour later. Back to the Q! It was amazing ! The brisket is cut in huge slices! So mouth watering and perfect bark. The brisket Mac n cheese is out of this world good. Loved the ribs too! They are huge cuts. Definitely one of the better bbq places and loved how much room they have for tables.

When it came to visiting Texas, we knew that we had to get some real barbecue. Pinkerton's looked like a great option and definitely was worth it. They were located pretty conveniently downtown and the space is huge and very nice. It's located in some sort of park area. When we went, it wasn't very busy at all. We went through the line very fast and ordered a variety of different things. Everything was great. I really enjoyed the brisket and the sausage. The potato salad was also very good. Side note: we superover ordered. For myself, my dad and my brother, we went with recommendations from staff and ended up with way too much food. I will just put it out there that you can totally always go back for more.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I would eat here every week if I could but I've got a figure to maintain lol! It's cafeteria style serving and everything is served by the weight. They have the BEST THE BEST Mac and cheese I've ever had in my entire life. I dream of their Mac and cheese. I'm craving evening while writing this. There's usually a long line, but there's a bar that you can go to and get something to drink while you wait. I've taken almost everyone I know here and everyone loves it!!

We've been fans of the Houston mother ship for years. We finally made it to the San Antonio location. The food is just as amazing and the service is friendly and knowledgeable. The Beef brisket is 5 star fare all the way. Tender and full of beefy flavor, we snarfed a 1/4 pound easily, we wanted to try a few things without overdoing it. My wife and I enjoyed a 1/4 pound of ribs sauced...came out to 3 ribs and they were as tasty as the brisket. Wifey loves pulled pork so we got a 1/2 pound of this, it was very good. We enjoyed a small side of a really good and almost too sweet cole slaw. The house BBQ sauce is stellar but the meat stands up real good without it. You need to try this place....you'll thank me later.

Well my sister and my cousin suggested this place was the best in downtown San Antonio, TX. It is the best when it comes to the ribs and their bread pudding. The ribs has a tangy unique taste that I like. According to my cousin a lot of people from Illinois if not elsewhere love the ribs and and that's the reason why they love the ribs. The bread pudding has the right texture and they had some sort of fruit jam that they put that gives its unique flavor that is actually very delicious. Do come To eat those two selections. They are the best. Now what I didn't like was the brisket it was a bit too salty I guess native Texans like that?. The Mac and cheese was also salty too and not as creamy my sister said it didn't but I disagree. I didn't like potato salad there. It has an aftertaste I didn't like next to a more mush texture than chunky potatoes. It wasn't chunky also texturewise for a potato salad it wasn't as creamy. The coleslaw also just didn't excite me. It was more on the acetic side then creamy Mayo side of coleslaw. If I had to compare it to Max and Louie's deli that I ate two days ago they're coleslaw is better than Pinkerton's. Ambience was very loud and the crowd to wait was very loud this is not one of those formal they give you a menu restaurants. I learned in Texas when you do barbecue restaurant it's more like you have to go wait in line and pay for it and then find a seat similar to a cafeteria. In Illinois or in Chicago specifically they don't do that and most of the barbecue places. Service in regards to them giving me water since I didn't drink any water earlier was hospitable. Three out of five stars because of the food but didn't expect to be very informal? I don't know if the prices were expensive since I was treated out with my mom before I leave heading back to Dallas first and then back to Chicago. Also be prepared with the line which was long since it's not a sit-down restaurant

We've been on the hunt for great barbecue, but unfortunately, Pinkerton's didn't quite meet our expectations. While we'd return for the meat, the sides left much to be desired. We ordered 1/4 pounds of chopped brisket, 1/4 pounds of pulled pork, half a pound of pork ribs, and a jalapeño cheddar sausage. The chopped brisket and pork ribs were standout items--both delicious. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was also pretty good, adding a nice kick. However, the pulled pork had a distinct flavor that I didn't enjoy, although my fiancé liked it. The sides were pretty mid. The potato salad was bland, and the savory baked beans were just okay, as I'm used to sweeter versions from the South. The barbecue sauce was excellent, but I wish there were spice level options available (unless I missed it). I did like how they gave complementary onions, jalapeños, pickles and bread. I arrived around 7:30 PM on a Monday and found a long line, with many items already sold out. I waited outside for a bit before getting in, and the line continued to be lengthy inside. However, the servers were very friendly. The restaurant itself was clean and offered ample seating both inside and outside. Our search for great Texas barbecue continues, but we may return just for the meat! Big tip: don't pay $20-30 for parking in the lot across the street.. look for the street parking if you can. It's much cheaper!

Long line, so get here early - but absolutely worth the wait. They ran out of sliced brisket (1 hour before close so understandable) but still had plenty of chopped brisket which was absolutely phenomenal. The gentlemen taking the orders were efficient and pleasant, sort of like an assembly line. Altogether, we had the chopped brisket (1 pound in the picture), the bacon mac&cheese, baked beans, & jalapeño cheese rice. Mom had the Man Bear Pig sandwich. Everything was delicious.

The ambiance is exactly what you would expect from Texas BBQ. Paper towels at the tables, the smell of smoking meat. The food is amazing. We had the brisket and they were accommodating for juicer orders, the sausage was incredible, great potato salad and incredible Mac and Cheese

Guy came out and said they had more beef ribs than they knew what to do with - 10 people later... beef ribs gone. The last one ordered by the person in front of me. Good food all in all - brisket and pork ribs were top notch. Would have been 5 stars if I got my beef ribs...

Heard or read that Pinkerton's has pretty good BBQ. But, I'm sad to say, "no, it ain't so." The lil' Pinkerton smoke shack is set up next to Legacy Park, on Travis, between Main and Flores. Enter park side into a cozy arena, but don't be fooled even if there's a line. Arriving around Saturday at 12 pm, they haven't sold out of anything yet, and there was only an interior line. Get in the line, order sides first, then mains, which are charged by weight. Potato salad -- it tastes like potatoes, it's yellow, it's simple. Not much flavor. Comes in scoops. Very forgettable, uninspiring, and easy to eat. Jambalaya Special -- smallest is a "personal" size which seems to be a "Large". It's semi-comfort food. Has sausage and stuff inside, but otherwise not particularly memorable. Easy to eat. Maybe should have ordered the beans instead. Two Beef Ribs -- they're big, they're meaty, they have bark on them. The meat has already fallen off the bone. BUT, they are DRY, have parts that are somewhat chewy, and the smoke flavor has not penetrated into the meat. They probably didn't salt and let them sit early enough; the interior was bland, as if unseasoned. Any seasoning and salt was concentrated on the outside. Four slices of Brisket -- about 1 pound. Well, they were flavored like the ribs. The consistency of the brisket differed. One section was drier, and the other portion was juicier. The only flavor was concentrated towards the surface. The interior was bland, same deal as the ribs. Sorry Pinkerton's, I know you're popular, but there's no love of beef in your bbq. Your seating area is pretty neat, but I have buyer's remorse from eating your food. I can hydrate with the water from your soda fountain, but I shouldn't be enjoying the sides more than the real deal. Side note: if you've ordered too much (like me), you can bring some home in a pack-your-own doggie bag.

Friends in Houston and San Antonio love this place. This was my first visit to either of the restaurants. I wasn't very hungry so my review is on a limited sampling. The glazed ribs were excellent. The sweet glaze paired well with the pork. The meat was tender but not mushy. Perfect cook. A+. I'd like to go back and try the ribs without the glaze to see how they compare. The lean brisket was tasty and tender but really dry. I got there around 11:30am so I can't blame it on brisket that has been sitting all day. B-. The beans were extremely disappointing. They were way too salty and after 2 spoonfuls I couldn't eat any more. A waste of money on my part. The beans alone ruined this meal for me. Rating: F. I did enjoy the jalapenos. They were the spiciest jalapenos I've had in a very long time and they helped get the saltiness of the beans off my mind. I might try this place again, but honestly, I'm sad I didn't just get some tacos down the street. I came in with high hopes based on recommendations from my friends, but a large group of coworkers ate here a couple months ago and they also stated they were all very disappointed in their meals. Maybe the BBQ in Austin has us spoiled.

I didn't have the best luck with my Pinkerton's adventure - but that was the fault of my travel schedule as they were closed on my free day - Monday - and I couldn't get there early enough on Tuesday. I arrived around 7:30 and already they were out of most meats, with only brisket, sausage and pulled pork left. We waited online outside for about 15 minutes and then entered the inside line. Once inside, the meats vanished one by one, until only brisket was left. Undeterred, I ordered more sides and 3 slices of brisket - about half a pound if I recall correctly. I also got some small sides of Mac and cheese with bacon (I assume house smoked??) and beans as well as a special jambalaya. The jambalaya was the only regret as a small was a large side and $7.50 and totally unnecessary alongside so much other food. The Mac and cheese was solid. The beans were legendary (did I just say that about beans? Yes.) The brisket was AMAZING. If had that perfect look. A perfect smoke ring, a perfect bark, just the right fat to meat ratio. I've lost track of all the Texas BBQ but this has to be in my top three. Ahead of anything I've had in the BBQ capital of Lockhart and only slightly behind the legendary Franklin BBQ in Austin. My only advice? Get there early. Legend is that the most popular menu item is a beef rib that's usually gone by noon.

The food is amazing. The service is exceptional. It's a busy place and load. The staff was friendly and welcoming. Regardless of the long lines they all seemed happy and willing to explain their menu. I waited in line for 50 mins for a brisket sandwich. It was delicious.

Oh my goodness. I think I had an orgasm while eating this. The ribs and the brisket were on another level! Came at 11am on a Friday with minimal wait. Maybe 10 people waiting for it to open. Tip: park in the lot on Travis that is about a block from the restaurant. The Lot is not on the small lot as the restaurant. - the lot had a gate and you need a ticket. It's not the lot without a gate. You get two hours of validated parking. Ask the cashier for a validation code

While ordering sides and then meat by weight is an odd way of getting your food, it's worth the strangeness. The brisket is as tender as it gets (which does make it tricky to get up, actually. It falls right apart), the burnt ends are full of flavor (and I'm now a convert), and they really know their sides. The mac & cheese is different from most others I've had, and I almost walked up to the counter to get the recipe. The dining area reminds me of the small-town bbq joints I'm used to with nothing but lacquered wooden furniture and TVs with whatever football game on. It's definitely a comforting place.

Great everything the food service a little bit pricey but the taste of the food outweigh the price tremendously. We'll go back again and again and again.

In the words of our Lyft Driver, "Pinkertons is THE place." We arrived around lunch time to the cabin like atmosphere and luckily walked right in. We were total noobs so (sorry I forgot his name) walked us through how everything works. Picked up a variety of things which were all tasty. The ribs were fall off the bone and the sausage had some nice snap to it. Coupled with some beers and you have yourself and experience.

The venue seemed nice. Had a great outdoor space and the line was out the door so we thought the food was worth the wait. Unfortunately, when it came our turn, they were out of lots of food items. We got the brisket and cheesy jalapeno sausage and a bunch of sides. The meats didn't really have that much flavor on their own. Had to use their BBQ sauce to make it palatable. The sides were tasty though. They were all large sizes as seen in the photo but a small is probably more than enough for two ppl. They do validate parking as they say on their website but it only covers up to 2 hours to our realization. Unfortunately had to pay out of pocket because of how long we had to wait in line. Expected more from all the other reviews but overall experience was just ok. Would recommend probably going earlier in the day so you can hopefully get more food options.

MY MY MY...... This is by far the BEST BBQ spot I've visited in a while. Hands down THE BEST. Listen, when you come here don't worry about the line. STAND IN THE LINE. IT'S ALL WORTH IT. My sandwich was soooooo tasty. My sides were great. The link, ribs, etc was ALL GOOD!! Listen, you will NOT be disappointed. TRUST ME. Pinkerton BBQ, YOU DID THAT! Thank you for serving such AMAZING food. And your staff is great. They were so on point. And the greeter at the door was great. Kept everyone great company as we waited to get in. The men working the food line was GREAT. The place was filled with high energy and awesome attitude. Great job Pinkertons. I WILL DEFINITELY BE RETURNING! Who wants to join me when I return?

I got a simple order-mac with potato salad and brisket. Mac: The mac was congealed and didn't really move at all! What a let down! Potato Salad: Boring, with no tangy kick that you get from real soulful potato salad Brisket: Not bad but definitely not above average. This place missed the mark for me. The prices were fair but I can make better at home, sorry.

Food was amazing and the service was great! We had a group of 16 and they helped us get settled and made sure we had plenty of food.

First time in Texas and first time having Texas style BBQ. What better than Pinkerton's. Heard great things about it and it was so close to our hotel we had to give it a try. Once we arrived there was a line out the door but no worries it moves fast. We waited about 20 minutes til it was our turn. A very friendly employee approached us and asked us how many in our party then he recommended we get the family style meal. We got three kinds is meats, Mac and cheese, Cole slaw and a small jambalaya. The brisket was amazinggggg, my kids loved it so did I The pulled pork was flavorful and perfectly cooked. The sausages were amazing. Too bad the ribs were sold out by the time it was our turn. Great customer service Beautiful dining room Delicious BBQ .... I highly recommend this place ...

This good is so amazing! We're visiting from California and came here while on vacation. Best bbq in San Antonio! Can't wait to go back again one day! Fun fact they have the old family history pictures along the wall with an explanation of who is in the pic and what the Pinkerton family was doing back in like the 1900's

This place had good reviews and we were new in town so we figured it was a safe bet. The line was incredibly long and we stood in it for more than an hour. The food was good but not the best barbecue I've ever had. Still, no complaints. If we go back to San Antonio, we will make a reservation and eat somewhere else simply because this place doesn't take reservations and the line was crazy long! It's not the kind of place where somebody comes to your table and brings you your food. You wait in a long line and then walk through an ordering station where you pick things you want and they give it to you on a tray and then you carry it to a bench style table And get your own drinks. That's the only reason why I'm taking away one star. Simply because of the lack of ambience. I can't blame them for having the long line though because that just means they're really good. Or at least really good in that area.

We ordered the shareable plate and chose ribs, brisket (to go), cheesy jalapeño rice, baked beans, potato salad, and bread pudding. The ribs were tender but lacked flavor. However, the brisket was the standout item. It was juicy, with a nice flavor and a peppercorn crust on top. Adding a bit of salt enhanced the brisket's flavor. In hindsight, we should have ordered more brisket and fewer ribs. (The brisket wasn't photographed since it was taken to go and we forgot to capture it.) The sides were bland. The bread pudding, however, was enjoyable, topped with a blueberry compote and cream cheese drizzle. The staff were friendly and helpful, explaining the ordering process and offering samples of meats they were cutting. I would definitely return for the brisket if I find myself in San Antonio again.

Pinkerton's is the real deal when it comes to Texas BBQ. Parking can be tricky and you'll have to wait in line for a bit but the service is decent and the ambiance feels like a hunting lodge, which is a nice change of pace from some places that look and feel like they're about to fall down around your ears. :-) Their moist brisket (ask for the fatty slices!) is in the top three when it comes to flavor; a nice bark with lots of smoke and pepper thrown into the mix. Their pork ribs are similarly delicious, though I have to put a word in for a dish you don't normally find in a BBQ place - gumbo! If you get a chance, be sure to try out their seafood gumbo, which tastes like it's straight off of Bourbon Street. This place scores a 5 out of 5 on the 'CTJ Scale', as noted below. 5 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Jesus good. Would be OK passing away after finishing a plate here. 4 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Mary good. Would be OK having a nosh here with Mother Mary. 3 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Joseph good. Would be OK having a beer here with Jesus' Dad. 2 out of 5 stars: Come-to-the-Apostles good. Meh. Wouldn't have my last supper here. 1 out of 5 stars: Come-to-Nobody good. I wouldn't have my penultimate supper here, either.

The atmosphere was very cozy with a large outdoor area. Inside had tons of taxidermy mounts which were pretty cool to look at. I was looking for some good Texas BBQ within walking distance of the hotel. Looked at pics and reviews and gave Pinkerton's a try. Service was hit and miss based on who was waiting on you. The person serving the sides was not very people friendly and didn't seem to even want to be there. The person serving the brisket was full of energy and had everyone talking and laughing. I had the brisket sandwich, flavor was good it was just dry. The sides were bacon Mac and cheese, potato salad and beans. The best part of my meal was the beans by far, they were very good. Everything else was just okay, not bad but not what I was expecting. Hopefully I just caught them on a bad day.

When in San Antonio Texas Pinkerton' BBQ is a must for husband and me. The food here is 1st class delicious as are all the employees. This place is friendly, clean, has A/C, lots of sitting and serves up delicious mouth watering BBQ. You n Ed to try the boudin it is spicy but so worth it. They also validate parking at the Teed garage and the lot across the street, go to their website for the address.

Went with 4 coworkers for lunch on a Friday. Expect a line on a Friday, but it moves pretty fast and we still found sitting inside. Lots of side options and you can get meats by the pound or get a sandwich. Everything was delicious!! The restaurant is in the middle of downtown so you may have to pay for parking and food prices reflect a downtown location. I thought it was worth it!

Wow, first time in Texas and this place did no disappoint. Long line but moved at a good pace. Cafeteria line pick cold then hot sides then the meat. The meat was all amazing the ribs came off the bone. Recommend ordering family style so you can all try some. Did pork ribs, brisket, sausage, pulled pork. Don't sleep on the coleslaw not usually a big fan but it was great.

Great experience here. There was a long line out the door but after a few minutes of not moving the rest of the time went quickly and moving along. There was live music on the patio while you waited which was nice and the park there is beautiful. The ordering process is fairly easy and they help with making recommendations. We got the potato salad and coleslaw, jambalaya and beans, and for meats got the pork ribs, brisket and jalapeño cheddar sausage. They also gifted us banana pudding since we were celebrating! Very kind staff and an unexpected treat. At the register you can ask for parking validation. They have both garage and lot parking across the street. The food was all really good quality and our favorites were the jambalaya and brisket.