Best BBQ Restaurants in Austin

I’ve traveled around the world, and when I want great BBQ I always come back to Austin, TX.  My Obsession started when I was 9 years old with a visit to the County Line near Barton Creek and I’ve had the pleasure of visiting dozens of other establishments since then, and each BBQ Restaurant seems to get better.  Presently, Stubbs is has the top distinction on the list for their fun atmosphere and fantastic food.  Many couples also choose Stubbs for Wedding receptions.

1. Stubbs

512-480-8341
801 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701

Stubb’s BBQ is legendary for the amazing acts that have graced their stage within the past few years. From Hip Hop to Country, Rock and Roll to Indie and Electronica, they have had them all.  Past acts include Willie Nelson, The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie, Snoop Dogg, Dwight Yoakam, many more… Stubb’s Restaurant was always filled with good friends, great music and plenty of Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q.

2. County Line on the Hill

512-327-1742
6500 W Bee Cave Rd
Austin, TX 78746

A BBQ legend in Southern TX, this County Line offers an incredible 20 mile view of the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Sunsets are spectacular! They offer a variety of Grilled goodies including: Fish, Chicken and a full line of steaks.

3. Rudy’s Country Store

512-418-0444
2451 Capital of Texas Highway S
Austin, TX 78746

Their pits are 100% wood fired with oak, a slower burning wood than the mesquite used by other BBQ establishments. Along with time and oak, they cook with a dry spice that ensures each plate of Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is perfectly ready for you. And make sure to apply some of their famous “Sause”.

4. Iron Works Barbecue

512-478-4855
100 Red River
Austin, TX 78701

They serve Real Texas barbecue in a country atmosphere.  Originally an ornamental Iron Work shop owned and operated by the Weigl family, this little tin building was converted into The Iron Works BBQ in 1978.

5. The Salt Lick

512-328-4957
3801 N Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746

Take a deep breath and inhale the aroma of some of the best BBQ the Hill Country has to offer. Owners Thurman Roberts and his wife Hisako had the opportunity to gather and share family BBQ recipes that had been handed down from generation to generation since the Civil War at family reunions.   Their meals were such a success, friends encouraged them to start their own restaurant. Opened for business in 1969, the Salt Lick has become world-renowned.

6. Artz Rib House

512-442-8283
2330 S Lamar Boulevard
Austin, TX 78704

Comfortably arranged with tables on several levels, this south Austin favorite combines small-town friendliness with world-class smells emanating from the kitchen. The award-winning baby back ribs are smoked to perfection; beef and pork ribs, smoked brisket, chicken and sausage round out the barbecue menu. All entrees come with potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, pickles, onions and bread.

7. Sam’s Bar-B-Cue

512-478-0378
2000 E 12th St
Austin, TX 78702

Local musicians often stop by here after playing a show nearby, so Sam’s is a great late-night gathering spot.  They serve delicious beef brisket, ribs, sausage, chicken and even mutton,  for one of the most satisfying dining experiences you’ll ever have, stop by this popular East Austin restaurant.

8. Green Mesquite BBQ in Oak Hill

512-288-8300
7010 Hwy 71 West
Austin, Texas 78735

Their barbecue covers the smoky gamut from tender brisket to moist chicken, from spicy sausage to flavorful pork ribs. Take a seat indoors or out in the beer garden and get your fill of sausage, brisket, and ribs with beans, slaw, onion rings, and other fixins’…

9. Lamberts Barbecue

512-494-1500
Schneider Brothers Bldg.
401 W. Second St.
Austin, TX 78701

Gussied-up barbecue invented by renowned local chef Lou Lambert. This hip eatery next door to City Hall attracts throngs of downtown worker bees, politicos and the food cognoscenti looking for real Austin food. And they get it: a variety of sophisticated and down-home barbecue choices, house-made charcuterie, and other modern dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients.

10.  Ben’s Longbranch BBQ

512-327-1742
6500 W Bee Cave Rd
Austin, TX 78746

Dine in, take out, delivery and catering, Ben’s Longbranch BBQ has been serving amazing ribs in Austin for 31 years. With fast and friendly service Ben’s is a great place to satisfy any BBQ craving.