Best Craft BBQ In Austin: Brisket Power Ranking

Jump To: Affordable Spots | Central & East Craft Joints | North & Suburban Destinations

Austin’s barbecue scene is a world-renowned landscape where time-honored smoked meat traditions meet innovative culinary craft. From legendary Central Texas pits drawing early-morning crowds to neighborhood food trucks pushing flavor boundaries, finding the best BBQ in Austin requires a clear path through the smoke. Whether you are hunting for thick-cut peppery brisket, tender pork ribs, or house-made sausage, this curated guide highlights the top 12 spots across the Capital City.

Editor’s Note: We work hard to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, all details are subject to change. Please verify information before heading out.

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Also check out these articles – Best Brunch in Austin, Late Night Food in Austin, Best Patio Restaurants in Austin, Best Austin Rooftop Bars & Restaurants, and Best Sushi Restaurants in Austin!

Affordable Best BBQ in Austin Options

Distant Relatives

Image credit: @distantrelativesatx Instagram

Distant Relatives is an acclaimed food trailer located at Meanwhile Brewing that offers a unique take on heritage barbecue influenced by the African diaspora. Pitmaster Damien Brockway incorporates spices like tamarind, sorghum, and chili vinegar butter to elevate classic smoked meats.

Don’t skip the smoked chicken served with chili vinegar butter or the pork ribs rubbed with signature spice blends. Grab a craft beer from the brewery next door for the ultimate outdoor meal.

Where: 3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm | Monday – Tuesday Closed
How Much: $15 – $25 per person

True Texas BBQ

Located inside H-E-B grocery stores like the Mueller location, True Texas BBQ has earned serious respect from local pitmasters and food reviewers for exceptional quality at wallet-friendly prices.

Slow-smoked over natural Texas oak wood, their brisket features rich, peppery bark and tender texture. Pair your order with loaded mac and cheese or cornbread for a complete meal.

Where: 1801 E 51st St, Austin, TX 78723
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 9 pm
How Much: $10 – $18 per person

Brown’s Bar-B-Q

Brown’s Bar-B-Q is a family-run food trailer stationed on South Lamar that consistently serves up some of the best-value traditional smoked meat in South Austin

The smoked brisket is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the pork ribs feature a distinct, deep red ring and rich smoke flavor. Arrive early as popular cuts often sell out before closing.

Where: 1901 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Saturday 11 am – 7 pm | Sunday 11 am – 5 pm
How Much: $12 – $20 per person

Central & East Austin Pitmasters & Craft BBQ ATX

Franklin Barbecue

Image credit: @kimmaru_216 Instagram via Franklin Barbecue Facebook

Franklin Barbecue is a globally recognized culinary destination where dedicated patrons queue up early every morning for legendary central Texas smoked meats.

Owner and pitmaster Aaron Franklin has perfected the art of oak-smoked brisket, delivering rich peppery bark and render-soft fat. The pork ribs and espresso-based barbecue sauce are equally outstanding.

Where: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Tuesday – Sunday 11 am – 3 pm
How Much: $25 – $40 per person

la Barbecue

la Barbecue brings vibrant energy and top-tier central Texas barbecue to East Cesar Chavez Street. Founded in honor of the legendary Mueller family legacy, this spot crafts deeply smoky meats using custom pits and white oak.

Their massive beef ribs and juicy brisket sandwiches served on fresh buns are absolute must-orders. Enjoy the patio seating while savoring their seasoned free-range meats.

Where: 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday Closed | Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 6 pm
How Much: $22 – $38 per person

Micklethwait Craft Meats

Micklethwait Craft Meats operates out of a vintage trailer set in a breezy East Austin park setting. Pitmaster Tom Micklethwait elevates traditional pitmaster craft with handmade artisan sausages and chef-inspired side dishes.

Order the rotating sausage of the day, prime brisket, and jalapeño cheese grits. The handmade pies offer a perfect sweet finish to your meal.

Where: 4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX 78721
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday Closed | Thursday – Sunday 11 am – 9 pm
How Much: $20 – $35 per person

Terry Black’s BBQ

Image credit: Terry Black’s Barbecue Facebook

Terry Black’s BBQ on Barton Springs Road is famous for serving world-class central Texas barbecue with swift line movement and expansive indoor/outdoor seating

Passed down through generations of the Black family from Lockhart, their giant smoked beef ribs and fatty brisket showcase deep wood flavor and expert bark development

Where: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:30 am – 9:30 pm | Friday – Saturday 10:30 am – 10 pm
How Much: $22 – $40 per person

North & Suburban Smoked Brisket Austin Destinations

Interstellar BBQ

Interstellar BBQ in Northwest Austin has achieved national acclaim for its culinary approach to smoking classic cuts over post oak.

Pitmaster John Bates crafts legendary peach-tea glazed pork belly, prime brisket, and house-made jalapeno popper sausages. Free complimentary pinto beans and outstanding smoked scalloped potatoes complete the experience.

Where: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday Closed | Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 4 pm or until sold out
How Much: $22 – $38 per person

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

Situated in the historic Violet Crown Shopping Center, Stiles Switch BBQ offers traditional pit-smoked meats in a classic retro atmosphere.

Named after the historic 1800s railroad stop, this joint excels at prime brisket, tender beef ribs, and local craft beer pairings. It provides plenty of seating and minimal stress compared to downtown lines.

Where: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Operating Hours: Monday Closed | Sunday – Thursday 11 am – 8 pm | Friday – Saturday 11 am – 8:30 pm
How Much: $18 – $32 per person

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Image credit: Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ Austin Facebook

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que brings Llano’s famous “Honest to Goodness Bar-B-Que” tradition into downtown Austin right off Congress Avenue.

Diners select their meats directly off the large outdoor pit by the pound. Known as “Home of the Big Chop,” their thick-cut pork chops, pepper-crusted brisket, and complimentary beans are big hits.

Where: 217 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Operating Hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm
How Much: $20 – $35 per person

Know Before You Go

While many of the top craft BBQ spots in this guide are concentrated in East Austin and Central corridors, the Greater Austin metroplex features world-class smokehouses spread across every corner. Drivers from nearby suburbs like Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, and Buda can reach high-end options like Interstellar BBQ or Stiles Switch within 20 to 30 minutes. When visiting high-demand spots like Franklin or Interstellar, remember to budget extra time for queuing or order ahead online to secure prime cuts before pits sell out for the day.

Common Questions About BBQ Austin Eateries

What is the famous barbecue place in Austin?

Franklin Barbecue on East 11th Street is universally recognized as Austin’s most famous barbecue restaurant. Renowned worldwide for its slow-smoked oak brisket, it draws long daily lines with patrons arriving hours before opening.

What is the #1 BBQ restaurant in Texas?

While opinions among pitmasters vary, destinations like Franklin Barbecue, Interstellar BBQ, and Goldee’s (in nearby Fort Worth) frequently swap top rankings on Texas Monthly’s acclaimed Top 50 BBQ list.

Can you find high-quality Texas barbecue inside an Austin grocery store?

Yes! True Texas BBQ, located inside H-E-B grocery stores (such as the Mueller location), is highly regarded by local critics and food reviewers for serving top-quality post-oak smoked brisket and southern comfort sides at budget-friendly prices.

Are there unique non-traditional fusion barbecue options in Austin?

Definitely. Austin excels at culinary creativity, offering options like Distant Relatives, which infuses distinct African heritage spices and flavors into its smoked meats.

Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in Austin.

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Lacey Morris

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.