The Absolute Best Ribs in Austin [Updated 2025]

I have explored smoky dives, stylish eateries, and everything in between to bring you the most mouth-watering, finger-licking ribs in this eclectic city. With a cheerful tone and a rumbling stomach, I embarked on a mission to find the juiciest, most flavorful racks of ribs.

After careful deliberation, I have reviewed a whopping eight establishments, each vying for the coveted title of "Best Ribs in Austin." So, get ready to sink your teeth into this lighthearted adventure through Austin's rib scene, where tender meat and bold flavors await!

Lamberts

Highlights
Awesome atmosphere
Delicious meat and sides
Friendly staff
High-end atmosphere

Upon entering Lamberts, I was immediately captivated by the awesome atmosphere. The sleek, high-end decor and the vibrant energy of the place set the stage for what was to come. It felt like a place where ribs are given the respect they deserve.

Now, on to the ribs. Let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The delicious meat was tender and juicy, perfectly cooked to achieve that mouthwatering smoky flavor. Each bite was a culinary delight, leaving me wanting more. The quality of the meat was evident, and they truly showcased their expertise in preparing ribs.

But it wasn't just the ribs that impressed me. The sides were equally as delightful. The macaroni and cheese oozed with cheesy goodness, and the coleslaw had a zesty kick that added a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ribs. It was clear that the kitchen put thought and effort into creating a well-rounded meal.

The friendly staff only added to the positive experience. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to ensure that my dining experience was enjoyable. Their warm hospitality made me feel welcome and added a personal touch to the evening.

Lamberts truly offers a high-end experience for rib lovers in Austin. From the exquisite atmosphere to the delectable meat and sides, they leave nothing to be desired. It's a place where you can treat yourself to a memorable and satisfying meal. So, if you're in the mood for some top-notch ribs, Lamberts is definitely worth a visit - you won't be disappointed.

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Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering

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

First things first, the ambiance at Micklethwait Craft Meats is simply fantastic. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the inviting smell of smoky goodness and the welcoming smiles of the staff.

Now, let's talk about the star of the show - the ribs. Oh boy, they were nothing short of delicious. The meat was tender, smoked to perfection, and had a lovely caramelized crust that added a delightful crunch with every bite. The flavors were balanced, with just the right amount of sweetness and smokiness that made my taste buds dance with joy.

The friendly staff really went the extra mile to make sure I had a great experience. They were helpful, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions I had about their BBQ.

And let's not forget about the sides. Micklethwait Craft Meats offers a variety of mouthwatering sides that perfectly complement their ribs. The tangy coleslaw, the creamy mac and cheese, and the perfectly seasoned potato salad were all outstanding.

Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices. Micklethwait Craft Meats offers high-quality BBQ at a price that won't break the bank.

In conclusion, if you're on the hunt for the best ribs in Austin, look no further than Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering. With its great ambiance, delicious BBQ, friendly staff, variety of sides, and reasonable prices, it's a rib-lover's paradise. Don't just take my word for it - go and taste it for yourself!

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Stubb's Bar-B-Q

Highlights
Super cool venue
Great set up
Reasonable drink prices
Liquid death water
Stress-free entrance

Let me start off by saying, wowzas, Stubb's Bar-B-Q is one groovy joint! As I swaggered into the venue, I was immediately struck by its super cool atmosphere. The rustic charm of the place combined with live music playing in the background set the perfect vibe for a memorable dining experience.

The setup at Stubb's is nothing short of impressive. Walking through the bustling crowd, I noticed the spacious seating areas that allowed for a laid-back and stress-free enjoyment of their tantalizing ribs. The staff was attentive and friendly, ensuring that every customer felt like the ultimate VIP.

One of the things that caught my attention were the reasonable drink prices. As a fan of quality libations, I am always on the lookout for places that strike the perfect balance between flavor and affordability. At Stubb's, I found myself sipping on a delightful concoction called the Liquid Death Water, a refreshingly zesty beverage that perfectly complemented the smoky flavors of their legendary ribs.

Ah, the ribs! The main attraction and the reason I came to Stubb's in the first place. Let me tell you, these ribs are the real deal. Tender, succulent, and dripping with finger-licking-good BBQ sauce, they were everything a rib connoisseur could dream of. The meat fell off the bone effortlessly, and each bite was an explosion of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors dancing on my taste buds. It was a carnivorous delight!

If you're on the hunt for the best ribs in Austin, Stubb's Bar-B-Q is definitely a must-visit. With its rockin' vibes, enticing drink selection, and, of course, those melt-in-your-mouth ribs, this place has earned its rightful spot among the BBQ royalty of Austin. So, take a trip to Stubb's, satisfy your carnivorous cravings, and let your taste buds groove to the rhythm of sensational flavors. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

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Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

Highlights
Great BBQ
No. 5 on Texas BBQ monthly
Delicious food
Tender and flavorful beef cheeks
Worth the wait

First things first, let me tell you that Leroy and Lewis Barbecue serves up some great BBQ. No wonder it's ranked as number 5 on Texas BBQ monthly! As soon as I stepped foot into this joint, I knew I was in for a treat.

Now, let's talk about the ribs. Oh boy, these ribs are a game-changer. Each bite is like a burst of flavor in your mouth. The meat is incredibly tender and just falls off the bone. It's like a beautiful symphony of smoky, savory goodness. Trust me when I say, you won't be able to resist going back for more.

But that's not all. Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is known for their delicious food in general. One standout dish that caught my attention was the beef cheeks. Tender and flavorful, these beef cheeks are an absolute delight. You can taste the time and effort that goes into smoking and preparing them.

Be prepared for a bit of a wait though, because this place is popular for a reason. But let me assure you, it is worth the wait. The atmosphere is laid-back and the staff is friendly and attentive, making your experience all the more enjoyable.

In conclusion, Leroy and Lewis Barbecue is a must-visit for any BBQ enthusiast. Their ribs and beef cheeks alone make it worth the trip. If you're in Austin and craving some top-notch BBQ, Leroy and Lewis Barbecue should be at the top of your list.

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Stiles Switch BBQ

Highlights
Incredible food
Juicy and flavorful meat
Amazing pepper rub
Melt-in-your-mouth beef ribs
Friendly and enjoyable service

Walking into Stiles Switch BBQ was like stepping into a meat lover's paradise. The aroma of smoky goodness filled the air, and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into a plate of their famous ribs.

The first bite of the beef ribs was nothing short of heavenly. The meat was juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. It practically melted in my mouth with every bite. I could tell that they had been cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop perfectly.

What really stole the show was their amazing pepper rub. The combination of spices created a mouth-watering crust on the ribs that was both savory and slightly spicy. It was a perfect balance that enhanced the taste of the meat without overpowering it. Each bite was a delightful explosion of flavors.

Not only was the food incredible, but the service was also top-notch. The staff at Stiles Switch BBQ were friendly, knowledgeable, and truly made my dining experience enjoyable. They took the time to explain their menu and even offered recommendations based on my preferences.

Overall, my trip to Stiles Switch BBQ was a rib-lover's dream come true. The incredible food, juicy and flavorful meat, and that amazing pepper rub had me coming back for more. If you're looking for some melt-in-your-mouth ribs in Austin, I highly recommend giving Stiles Switch BBQ a try.

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Sam's BBQ

Highlights
Awesome barbecue and service
Staff treats you like family
Great atmosphere
Super tender brisket
Friendly employees

Walking into Sam's BBQ, I was instantly greeted with the intoxicating smell of smoky goodness. I knew right away that I was in for a treat. The staff at Sam's truly live up to their reputation of treating you like family. From the moment I walked in, they were warm, welcoming, and eager to help.

The atmosphere at Sam's is electric. The walls are adorned with quirky decorations, and the lively chatter of patrons fills the air. It feels like a true Texas barbecue joint, where people gather to enjoy good food and good company.

Now, let's talk about the ribs. Oh boy, were they incredible! Each bite was an explosion of juicy, fall-off-the-bone, goodness. The smoky flavor was just right, and the meat was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth. I couldn't help but close my eyes and savor every single bite.

But it's not just the ribs that impressed me. The brisket was equally outstanding. It was super tender with a beautiful smoke ring and a flavor that made my taste buds dance with joy.

What truly sets Sam's apart is the exceptional service. The friendly employees go above and beyond to ensure you have the best dining experience possible. They're passionate about their craft and are always ready to share their barbecue expertise.

In conclusion, if you're on a quest to find the best ribs in Austin, look no further than Sam's BBQ. With their awesome barbecue, warm atmosphere, and staff that treats you like family, you're in for a delightful experience. Don't forget to try their incredibly tender brisket too. Happy eating!

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Brown's BBQ

Highlights
Delicious brisket
Smokey boudin sausage
Tender and flavorful ribs
Creamy mac and cheese
Friendly family-owned business

From the moment I stepped into Brown's BBQ, I knew I was in for a treat. This family-owned establishment instantly gave off a warm and inviting atmosphere, making me feel like part of the family.

I started my rib-tasting adventure with a plate of their famous ribs. Let me tell you, these ribs were tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Every single bite was a delight, and the smoky seasoning was just perfect. It's no wonder that Brown's BBQ is known for their remarkable ribs.

But the deliciousness didn't stop there. I couldn't resist trying their brisket as well. Oh boy, was it a mouthwatering delight! The meat was perfectly cooked, with a beautiful smoky crust on the outside and a juicy, tender interior. It practically melted in my mouth, leaving me craving for more.

As a sausage lover, I couldn't pass up the chance to try their smokey boudin sausage. It was bursting with a wonderful mix of spices and had a satisfying smokiness. Each bite was a dose of sausage heaven.

To round out my meal, I indulged in their creamy and flavorful mac and cheese. It had just the right amount of cheesiness and was the perfect accompaniment to the smoky and savory meats.

Overall, my experience at Brown's BBQ was absolutely delightful, and I can confidently say that they serve some of the best ribs in Austin. So, if you're looking for a place with tender, flavorful ribs, friendly service, and a family-owned charm, Brown's BBQ is the place to be. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Highlights
Late night availability
Unique dining experience
Communal seating
Perfectly cooked BBQ
Juicy and flavorful meat

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is truly a gem when it comes to late-night dining in Austin. The restaurant stays open late, making it the perfect spot to satisfy those late-night cravings for ribs.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the unmistakable aroma of mouthwatering barbeque. The dining area had a rustic charm, with communal seating that added to the authentic and welcoming atmosphere. It felt like I was stepping into a time gone by.

Now, let's talk about the main event - the ribs. Oh boy, they were everything I had hoped for and more. The ribs were perfectly cooked, tender, and oozing with flavor. Each bite was a heavenly experience, with the juicy meat practically melting in my mouth. I couldn't help but savor every moment.

What truly set Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que apart was the unique dining experience. I had the pleasure of watching the pitmasters in action as they tended to the open pit, adding an extra layer of excitement to the meal. The staff was incredibly friendly, making sure I felt like part of the family.

In conclusion, Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a must-visit for any barbecue lover in Austin. The late-night availability, perfectly cooked BBQ, and juicy and flavorful meat make it a standout in the city's barbecue scene. So, if you're in the mood for some exceptional ribs, head over to Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and let your taste buds rejoice!

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