Austin, Texas, is known for its vibrant food scene, and one of the city's most beloved cuisines is barbecue. From brisket to ribs, sausage to pulled pork, there's no shortage of smoky, meaty goodness to be had in the Lone Star State's capital city. If you're a barbecue aficionado or just looking for a finger-lickin' good meal, here are some of the top barbecue restaurants in Austin to check out.
Franklin Barbecue
No list of Austin barbecue restaurants would be complete without mentioning Franklin Barbecue. This legendary spot has been named the best barbecue in America by numerous publications, and it's not hard to see why. The brisket, in particular, is melt-in-your-mouth tender and has a perfectly smoky flavor. Be prepared to wait in line, though - Franklin is so popular that people often start lining up hours before it even opens.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
If you're looking for a more low-key barbecue experience, Micklethwait Craft Meats might be just the spot for you. This food truck turned brick-and-mortar location serves up some seriously tasty barbecue, including brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. The sides here are also not to be missed - don't skip the jalapeno cheese grits or the elote-style corn.
La Barbecue
Another barbecue joint with a loyal following, La Barbecue is known for its juicy, flavorful brisket and pork ribs. The barbecue sauce here is also a standout - it's tangy and slightly spicy, with just the right amount of sweetness. La Barbecue is located in East Austin and has both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Terry Black's Barbecue
Terry Black's Barbecue is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving up delicious barbecue in Austin since 2014. The brisket here is a must-try - it's slow-smoked for 24 hours and has a perfectly crispy bark on the outside. The sides here are also top-notch, with options like mac and cheese, creamed corn, and green beans.
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
If you're looking for a unique twist on barbecue, Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ is the spot for you. This food trailer serves up a fusion of traditional Texas-style barbecue with Mexican flavors and ingredients. Try the smoked brisket tacos or the carne asada, which is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices before being smoked to perfection.
Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q
For a more casual barbecue experience, Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q is a solid choice. This chain has several locations in the Austin area and serves up classic barbecue dishes like brisket, ribs, and sausage. The meat here is cooked over oak wood and has a smoky, savory flavor.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew is a family-friendly restaurant that serves up some seriously delicious barbecue. The brisket here is a standout, but the sausage and pork ribs are also not to be missed. The sides here are also a highlight - try the jalapeno cheddar grits or the fried okra.
Meta Description:
Looking for the best barbecue restaurants in Austin, Texas? Check out these top spots for smoky, meaty goodness, including Franklin Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, and La Barbecue.
Meta Keywords:
Austin barbecue, Texas barbecue, best barbecue restaurants, Franklin Barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats, La Barbecue, Terry Black's Barbecue, Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ, Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew