Last Updated On – 21st September, 2025
Jump To: Affordable | Central & East | North & Suburban
The Austin BBQ restaurants in 2025 are a vibrant mix of legendary institutions and exciting new players, all pushing the boundaries of what Texas barbecue can be. This guide is your definitive resource for navigating the long lines and smoky aromas to find the 20 best spots, whether you’re a devoted brisket enthusiast or just looking for a new favorite.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out. Additionally, a few links in this article may help The Austinot earn a small commission if you make a purchase using those links.
Affordable Austin BBQ Restaurants
Distant Relatives
Image Credit: @distantrelativesatx IG
Distant Relatives is a food truck that offers a unique take on barbecue with a modern African American influence. A good choice is the smoked chicken with chili vinegar butter, which is a standout dish.
Where: 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Thursday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Friday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The Green Mesquite BBQ & More
The Green Mesquite BBQ & More is a laid-back, classic Austin spot known for its shaded patio and friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. Try their brisket, which is slow-smoked over a mix of pecan and oak woods.
Where: 1400 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Parish Barbecue
Parish Barbecue blends the best of Central Texas smoked meats with a unique Louisiana flair. The pitmaster, with experience from some of Austin’s most famous BBQ spots, creates a menu that is both familiar and innovative. Be sure to try their smoked brisket, which is known for its rich flavor and a perfectly peppery bark.
Where: 3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday – Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Waylon J’s Barbecue
Waylon J’s Barbecue is a pop-up turned permanent weekend barbecue collaboration located inside Salty Sow. The menu features traditional smoked meats alongside creative offerings. For a standout experience, try the Sichuan bacon ribs with the whiskey maple mop sauce.
Where: 1917 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday – Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bill Miller BBQ
Bill Miller BBQ is a regional fast-food chain known for its affordable and quick barbecue and comfort food. The restaurant is particularly famous for its fried chicken, which many consider a standout item over their brisket.
Where: 709 E Ben White Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Daily 6:00 am – 8:00 pm
Main Streat Food Hall
Main Streat Food Hall is located inside the H-E-B grocery store in the Mueller neighborhood, offering a variety of food options, including barbecue. Their on-site True Texas BBQ restaurant is a reliable choice, and the loaded mac and cheese with chopped brisket is a standout item.
Where: 1801 E 51st St, Austin, TX 78723
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Big Vinny’s BBQ
Big Vinny’s BBQ is a food truck that offers classic Texas barbecue with a friendly, local feel on South Congress. Their smoked brisket is a standout, praised for its tender and flavorful qualities.
Where: 1800 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday – Sunday 11:30 am – 7:30 pm
House Park Bar-B-Que
Image Credit: House Park BBQ FB Page
House Park Bar-B-Que is one of Austin’s oldest barbecue joints, known for its no-frills, classic Texas barbecue served from a vintage pit. The brisket is a standout, praised for being tender and full of smoky flavor.
Where: 900 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78703
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday CLOSED | Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
SLAB BBQ & Beer
SLAB BBQ & Beer offers a unique, hip-hop-themed take on traditional barbecue, focusing on creative sandwiches. Try the McDowell, a boneless rib sandwich that was featured on television.
Where: 9012 Research Blvd C4, Austin, TX 78758
Operating Hours: Monday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm | Monday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
JNL Barbecue
JNL Barbecue is a spot that serves up creative, fourth-wave Texas barbecue, known for its experimental and flavorful meats. Their al pastor ribs offer a unique and delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flavors with classic smoked pork.
Where: Food truck, located at the Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday – Saturday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
CM Smokehouse
CM Smokehouse offers a creative twist on classic Texas barbecue, serving up innovative smoked dishes from its food truck at Bouldin Acres. Try the Brisket Crunchwrap for a unique and delicious meal.
Where: 2027 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Donn’s BBQ
Donn’s BBQ is a long-standing local favorite in Austin, known for its no-frills, traditional Texas barbecue and all-day breakfast. Many people enjoy the brisket plate with a side of potato salad.
Where: 10003 FM 969, Austin, TX 78724
Operating Hours: Daily 5:30 am – 8:00 pm
Central & East Austin BBQ
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Micklethwait Craft Meats is an acclaimed East Austin barbecue joint known for its quality smoked meats and creative sides. The spot, which began as a food truck, is celebrated for its juicy brisket and house-made sausages. For a standout meal, order the rotating sausage of the day.
Where: 4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX 78721
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday – Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
La Barbecue
La Barbecue is a renowned Austin institution known for its high-quality, smoky brisket and lively atmosphere. Be sure to try their highly acclaimed brisket sandwich, which features a generous portion of their flavorful meat on a fresh bun.
Where: 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is a world-renowned Austin institution famous for its slow-smoked brisket that draws long lines every day. The melt-in-your-mouth brisket is a must-order, with its perfect bark and rich flavor.
Where: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Terry Black’s Barbecue
Terry Black’s Barbecue is a Central Texas-style pit known for serving a wide selection of smoked meats from a large open counter. Their post oak smoked brisket, which is famously tender and juicy, is a must-try item.
Where: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday 10:30 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday – Thursday 10:30 am – 9:30 pm
North & Suburban BBQ
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Image Credit: Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ Austin FB Page
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a Texas institution known for its big chop style of barbecue, where meat is sold by the pound directly from a massive, smoky pit. Their juicy, pepper-crusted brisket is a must-try for any first-time visitor.
Where: 217 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Stiles Switch BBQ
Stiles Switch BBQ offers a traditional Central Texas barbecue experience with a focus on classic smoked meats and a nostalgic atmosphere. A popular recommendation is their perfectly smoked beef ribs, which are known for being tender and flavorful.
Where: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 11:00 am – 8:30 pm | Sunday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Interstellar BBQ
Image Credit: InterStellar BBQ FB Page
Interstellar BBQ offers out-of-this-world barbecue with an innovative menu that sets it apart from traditional Austin joints. Be sure to order the smoked scalloped potatoes, a standout side dish that is a local favorite.
Where: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Kemuri Tatsu-ya
Kemuri Tatsu-ya is a unique Austin eatery that creatively blends a Japanese izakaya with a Texas smokehouse. A great recommendation is the Hot Pocketz, which are stuffed with smoked brisket and Gouda.
Where: 2713 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Sunday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Tuesday – Thursday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday – Saturday 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
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