5 Best Barbecue Joints in Austin, Texas to Try

Austin is nothing less than barbecue royalty—the city where smoky brisket is an art form, the lines run around the block, and every neighborhood claims the “next big thing.”

Here, pitmasters are rock stars, family recipes share the stage with experimental fusion, and the ‘cue culture is relentless in its pursuit of perfection.

Whether you want legendary brisket, tacos with a BBQ twist, or sides that steal the show, Austin is the capital of American barbecue for a reason.

1. Franklin Barbecue

The brisket here is world-famous—and for good reason.

Aaron Franklin’s method of slow-smoking Central Texas beef with salt, pepper, and post oak has made Franklin’s a global BBQ mecca.

The line starts at sunrise for moist brisket, snappy sausage, and tangy espresso barbecue sauce.

Don’t miss their ribs or Bourbon banana pie if you make it to the front.

2. Micklethwait Craft Meats

This acclaimed food truck-turned-stationary spot stands out for inventive sausages, peppery brisket, and specials like barbacoa and pastrami.

Sides—like lemon poppy slaw and jalapeño cheese grits—show off Austin’s creative palate, and everything is made in-house, from sausages to pickles.

3. La Barbecue

Run by pitmaster LeAnn Mueller (barbecue royalty in her own right), La Barbecue serves big, bold flavors: ultra-moist brisket, spicy pork ribs, and sausage links with a pop.

Their sauces—spicy and tangy—complement classics and specials alike.

The casual picnic-table setting is quintessential Austin.

4. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

Located in an old train depot on North Lamar, Stiles Switch pairs perfectly barked brisket with friendly, laid-back service.

Try their beef ribs, pulled pork, or the “Switch,” a three-meat plate featuring top picks. Innovative specials like jalapeño cheddar sausage put a modern twist on Central Texas ‘cue.

5. Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

No city fuses traditions like Austin, and Valentina’s is proof: hand-rolled flour tortillas cradle smoky brisket, pulled pork, or grilled “Tex-Mex” sausage, all topped with house salsas and pickles.

Classic BBQ platters are available too. Their breakfast tacos, stuffed with chopped brisket and eggs, are a true local obsession.