The Absolute Best BBQ in Austin [Updated 2025]

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the smoky and tantalizing world of Austin's barbecue scene. From tender ribs to sizzling brisket, I have personally reviewed eight of the finest joints in town to bring you the juiciest and most flavorful plates Austin has to offer.

So, loosen your belt, grab some napkins, and join me on this lighthearted adventure to find the best bbq in Austin. Prepare to have your taste buds tingle and your carnivorous cravings satisfied!

Let's dive in!

Lamberts

Highlights
Awesome atmosphere
Friendly and attentive staff
Amazing food
High-end atmosphere
Great selection of drinks

Walking into Lamberts, I was immediately drawn in by its awesome atmosphere. The combination of rustic charm and modern elegance created a unique and inviting ambiance. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and a genuine friendliness that made me feel right at home. Their attentiveness throughout my visit was truly remarkable.

Let's talk about the star of the show - the amazing food. Each bite was a tantalizing explosion of flavors that left me craving more. From the tender and succulent smoked meats to the perfectly seasoned sides, Lamberts knows how to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients used are evident in every dish they serve.

What impressed me even more was the high-end atmosphere. Despite being a barbecue joint, Lamberts exudes an air of elegance and sophistication that sets it apart from others in Austin. It seamlessly blends the flavors of the South with a touch of refinement.

To complement their incredible menu, Lamberts offers a great selection of drinks. From craft beers to carefully curated cocktails, there's something for everyone's taste. The drink menu perfectly complements the flavors of the food, enhancing the overall dining experience.

After my visit to Lamberts, I can confidently say that it deserves a spot on the list of the best BBQs in Austin. With its awesome atmosphere, friendly staff, amazing food, high-end atmosphere, and great selection of drinks, it's a must-visit for any barbecue lover looking for a unique and upscale dining experience.

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Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering

Highlights
Delicious BBQ 😋
Great ambiance
Friendly staff
Variety of sides
Reasonable prices

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the mesmerizing aroma of delicious BBQ that filled the air. I couldn't help but let out a little drool. The menu had an impressive selection of smoked meats, from brisket to sausage, and everything in between. I decided to go with the classic beef brisket, and oh boy, it was mouthwatering! The meat was tender, juicy, and had that perfect smoky flavor that you just can't replicate.

One thing that stands out about Micklethwait Craft Meats is the great ambiance. The outdoor seating area is cozy, with picnic tables and string lights creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to grab a plate of barbecue and soak up the Austin vibes.

The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They were happy to answer all my BBQ-related questions and even made some recommendations for sides. Speaking of sides, the variety here is impressive! From the tangy coleslaw to the creamy mac and cheese, there's something to satisfy every craving.

Now, let's talk prices. Micklethwait Craft Meats offers reasonable prices for the quality and quantity of food you receive. You'll get your money's worth, that's for sure.

In conclusion, Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering is a must-visit for any BBQ lover in Austin. The delicious BBQ, great ambiance, friendly staff, variety of sides, and reasonable prices make it a top contender for the best BBQ in the city. Just make sure you come hungry!

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Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Highlights
Super cool venue
Great set up
Reasonable drink prices
Great views from all over
Stress-free entry

First of all, let me start by saying that Stubb's Bar-B-Q is not your ordinary barbecue joint. It's more like a barbecue extravaganza! The moment I stepped foot into this super cool venue, I knew I was in for a treat.

The setup at Stubb's is great; it's spacious, well-designed, and has a lively atmosphere that immediately puts you in the mood for some delicious barbecue. The smell of smoky ribs in the air was irresistible, and my taste buds were tingling with anticipation.

One thing that really stood out to me was the reasonable drink prices. Let's face it, enjoying mouthwatering BBQ without a perfectly paired beverage is just not the same. Stubb's made sure that didn't happen by offering a wide variety of beverages at prices that won't break the bank.

Now, let's talk about the views. Oh boy, are they spectacular! Stubb's Bar-B-Q boasts great views from all over the place. Whether you're seated inside, near the stage, or chilling on the patio, there's not a bad seat in the house. It's like being at a music festival, but with the added bonus of incredible barbecue.

Lastly, the stress-free entry was a breath of fresh air. No long lines or hassle; just a smooth entry process that allowed me to focus on what really mattered – the food.

In conclusion, Stubb's Bar-B-Q is undoubtedly a top contender in the holy grail of BBQ spots in Austin. With its super cool venue, great setup, reasonable drink prices, amazing views, and stress-free entry, this place delivers on all fronts. Don't miss out on the experience – your taste buds will thank you.

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Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Highlights
Great BBQ
Well deserving of #5 spot
Delicious food
Worth the wait

Leroy and Lewis Barbecue has truly earned its spot on the list of the best BBQs in Austin. From the moment I walked in, the aroma of sizzling meat filled the air, instantly igniting my appetite. The friendly staff greeted me with warm smiles and a menu brimming with mouth-watering options.

My taste buds were in for a treat as I dove into a plate of their deliciously smoked meats. Each bite was a flavor explosion that left me wanting more. The brisket, perfectly tender and juicy, melted in my mouth, while the ribs were gloriously sticky and succulent. And let's not forget the sausages, bursting with flavors that danced on my palate.

Despite the inevitable line, the wait was unquestionably worth it. The chefs at Leroy and Lewis Barbecue take their time to craft each dish with care and finesse. It's evident that they pay meticulous attention to detail, resulting in incredible flavors and beautifully presented dishes.

But what truly sets Leroy and Lewis Barbecue apart is their commitment to creativity. They constantly experiment with interesting flavor combinations, taking traditional BBQ to new and exciting heights. Their innovative approach is refreshing and undoubtedly adds to the allure of this eatery.

Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just someone looking for a memorable meal, Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is a must-visit spot in Austin. Their great BBQ, well-deserving of its #5 ranking, is sure to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds. So go ahead, indulge in their delicious creations, and experience the magic for yourself.

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Sam's BBQ

Highlights
Awesome barbecue, even better service!
Staff treats you like family
Great atmosphere
Super tender brisket
Really friendly employees

Walking into Sam's BBQ, I immediately felt like part of the family. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm, making me feel right at home. The atmosphere added to the welcoming vibe, with lively music playing and the delicious aroma of barbecue filling the air.

I started off my meal with their famous brisket, and let me tell you, it was nothing short of exceptional. The moment I bit into it, I could tell the meat had been cooked with love and care. Each slice was incredibly tender and packed with smoky flavor that melted in my mouth. It was clear that the pitmasters at Sam's BBQ knew exactly what they were doing.

But what truly set Sam's BBQ apart was the unbelievable service. The friendly employees went above and beyond to ensure that I had a memorable dining experience. They not only provided great recommendations but also took the time to chat and make me feel like a valued customer.

Overall, my visit to Sam's BBQ was an absolute delight. The combination of amazing barbecue, welcoming service, and vibrant atmosphere made it a standout choice in Austin's BBQ scene. If you're in search of a memorable barbecue experience, be sure to stop by Sam's BBQ.

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Brown's BBQ

Highlights
Deliciously moist brisket
Rich smokey flavor
Gentle meat on the bone
Creamy mac and cheese
Mustard-based potato salad

Let me start by saying, wow, the brisket at Brown's BBQ is absolutely out of this world. As I took my first bite, I could immediately taste the deliciously moist meat that practically melted in my mouth. The rich smoky flavor brought together all the flavors in such a satisfying way.

Now, I'm not one to usually gnaw on bones, but at Brown's BBQ, I couldn't resist. The ribs had just the right amount of meat on the bone - not too much to overpower the flavors, but enough to keep me coming back for more. It was an incredibly gentle experience.

Moving on to the sides, I have to give a special shoutout to their creamy mac and cheese. Each bite was like a delightful taste explosion in my mouth, with the perfect balance of cheesiness and creaminess. And their mustard-based potato salad was a refreshing and tangy complement to the smoky barbecued meats.

The atmosphere at Brown's BBQ was delightful as well, with friendly staff and a rustic yet cozy setting. The delicious aroma of smoked meats filled the air, creating the perfect ambiance for a barbecue feast.

Overall, my visit to Brown's BBQ was an absolute treat for my taste buds. From the moist brisket to the smoky ribs and the creamy mac and cheese, everything was expertly crafted to deliver an unforgettable barbecue experience. If you're looking for some of the best BBQ in Austin, I highly recommend you try Brown's BBQ. They truly know how to satisfy the cravings of barbecue enthusiasts like myself.

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Stiles Switch BBQ

Highlights
Incredible Food
Juicy Meat
Pepper Rub
Addictive Experience
Friendly Service

Let me start by saying, the food at Stiles Switch BBQ is absolutely incredible. From the moment I walked into the rustic yet inviting atmosphere, I knew I was in for a treat.

One bite into their juicy and tender meat, and I was hooked. The unique flavor profile of their pepper rub adds a delightful kick that keeps you coming back for more. Each bite is like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

What really sets Stiles Switch BBQ apart is the addictive experience they provide. The smoky aroma that lingers in the air is simply intoxicating. As you stand in line, anticipation builds as you watch the skilled pitmasters expertly tend to the meat. It's like watching an enchanting dance of flavor.

Complementing the outstanding food, the staff at Stiles Switch BBQ are exceedingly friendly. They greet you with a warm smile and genuinely helpful advice on menu choices. It's evident that their passion for barbecue shines through in every interaction.

I highly recommend a visit to Stiles Switch BBQ for any barbecue lover. The combination of incredible food, juicy meat, the aromatic pepper rub, and addictive experience makes it a standout in the Austin BBQ scene. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

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Terry Black's Barbecue

Highlights
Texas down home BBQ
Amazingly tasty ribs
Generous portioned sides
No sauce needed for meats
Excellent peach cobbler

Let me tell you, this place serves up some Texas down home BBQ that will make your taste buds jump with joy. From the moment I stepped in, the aroma of smoked meats hit me and I immediately knew I was in for a treat.

I started off with their famous ribs and oh boy, were they amazingly tasty! The meat was so tender it practically fell off the bone, and the smoky flavor was just right. You could tell that they put a lot of care into smoking their meats to perfection.

The sides were equally as impressive, with generous portioned servings that left me absolutely satisfied. I had the pleasure of trying their mac and cheese and potato salad, both of which were creamy and flavorful. The best part was that the meat was so flavorful on its own that no sauce was needed.

To end my meal on a sweet note, I indulged in their peach cobbler. And let me tell you, it was excellent. The peaches were juicy and the crust was perfectly crispy. It was the ideal dessert to complement the savory smokiness of the BBQ.

Overall, my visit to Terry Black's Barbecue was a delightful experience. The combination of Texas down home BBQ, the amazingly tasty ribs, generous portioned sides, no need for sauce, and the excellent peach cobbler make it a standout in the Austin BBQ scene. I highly recommend stopping by and indulging in their delicious offerings.

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