Austin, TX
These Are The Only BBQ Spots Worth Trying In Austin, TX
There are so many styles of barbecue around the world that transform humble cuts of meat into the luxurious, smoky dishes we love. Whether you slather your barbecue in Alabama white sauce or a sweet Kansas City-style sauce, we can all agree that each regional specialty brings something delicious to the table.
One of the most iconic barbecue destinations is Texas. And when they say everything’s bigger in Texas, barbecue is no exception—there are over 2,500 barbecue joints spread across the Lone Star State. While there are diverse styles in different parts of the state, you can count on beef making an appearance no matter where you go.
There’s more cattle in Texas than anywhere else in the country, and pitmasters transform just about every part of the animal into barbecue. Our senior culinary producer Natalie Lobel traveled to Austin, Texas, to see why their barbecue is world-renowned. Here are the five best spots in the city that you should try on your next visit.
Distant Relatives takes its name from the recipes passed along the African diaspora. West African cuisine in particular informs much of the dishes served at Damien Brockway’s barbecue spot. From pickled green tomatoes to black eyed peas to a smoky and spicy barbecue sauce flecked with grains of paradise, all of the food at Distant Relatives adds a unique spin on Texas barbecue.
3901 Promontory Point Drive, Austin, TX, 78744
Chelsea Lupkin
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue prides itself on using sustainably sourced, responsibly farmed meat. And part of that sustainability can be seen with their dedication to nose-to-tail cooking—meaning no part of the cow is wasted. Take their smoked beef cheek for example: this oft-overlooked cut gets smoked low and slow until it’s just as unctuous and tender as brisket. And while you’re there, don’t forget to order the smoked brisket burger. We’re not joking when we say it’s life-changing.
121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Chelsea Lupkin
Ramen Tatsu-Ya marries two of our favorite things: Japanese food and barbecue. Their katsumi barbecue ramen is served in the tsukemen style, where you take dry-cooked noodles and dip them in a concentrated, flavorful broth. At Ramen Tatsu-Ya, their noodles are hand-pulled and perfectly chewy. And then you dip them into a 48-hour pork and beef broth bulked up with pickled bamboo, tender brisket, charred scallions, and chili oil. If we could get an IV drip of this broth, we would.
Locations all over Austin and Houston
Chelsea Lupkin
When most people think of Austin barbecue, this is probably the first restaurant that comes to mind. Since Aaron Franklin first opened up a roadside trailer in 2009, his barbecue joint has exploded with worldwide acclaim. Some of his famous fans include Anthony Bourdain, Jimmy Kimmel, and even Barack Obama. One element of Franklin Barbecue that’s extra special is the use of post oak wood in the hand-built smokers, which imparts a deep brown exterior on the meat. If you’re willing to line up as early as 4:30 a.m., get the brisket—it’s so rich and tender that you won’t even want to add sauce.
900 E. 11th Austin, TX 78702
Chelsea Lupkin
InterStellar BBQ is one of the best barbecue spots we’ve ever visited ever. What we love the most about this place is that they honor classic Texas barbecue while incorporating inventive and exciting flavors. One of our favorite things on the menu is their rich and fatty smoked pork belly that’s lacquered in a glossy peach tea glaze. Add in their creamy scalloped potatoes, and bright and tangy zucchini salad, and you can achieve perfect barbecue harmony.
12233 Ranch Rd 620 N. Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
Are there any spots we missed? Let us know in the comments.