The Best BBQ in Austin
The brisket every other Texas pit gets measured against, two Michelin-starred smokehouses, and the Lockhart cathedral worth the drive.
Central Texas BBQ means post-oak smoke, salt-and-pepper bark, and brisket judged by the pencil-thin smoke ring and the way a slice pulls apart. Austin is the capital of it, and the gap between a great pit and a famous one is real — so this list is the verified set, from the brisket everyone copies to the Michelin-starred new-schoolers, each scored by Dim Hour with what to order.
A heads-up on logistics: the classic joints are walk-in only and sell out, so go early. We included one Lockhart cathedral 30 minutes south — the pilgrimage is part of the point.
Franklin Barbecue
Aaron Franklin's East 11th Street smokehouse is the one every other Central Texas pit gets measured against — James Beard Award, post-oak brisket with a perfect bark, walk-in only. Line up early; it sells out.
la Barbecue
LeAnn Mueller carries the family name into East Cesar Chavez, and the brisket and beef ribs are the argument she keeps winning. Classic Central Texas pit, walk-in.
InterStellar BBQ
John Bates earned a 2024 Michelin star running the pit out on RR 620 in north Austin — far enough from the East Austin circuit that the line moves while the brisket stays elite. Beef ribs and smoked turkey, too.
LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
New-school BBQ that earned a Michelin star with preparations beyond tradition — beef cheeks, Wagyu tri-tip, beef-cheek barbacoa, and the barbacado taco. The most creative pit in town.
Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
Far south on Menchaca, the place where Central Texas BBQ and Tex-Mex genuinely share the plate — the Real Deal Holyfield breakfast taco (brisket on a house tortilla) is the signature. Walk-in.
Kreuz Market
The Lockhart pilgrimage: a BBQ cathedral since 1900, no forks, no sauce — shoulder clod, prime rib, and sausage smoked over post oak. About 30 minutes south of Austin and worth the drive.
What is the best BBQ in Austin?
Is Franklin Barbecue worth the wait?
Which Austin BBQ spots have a Michelin star?
What is the best brisket in Austin?
Where can I get Tex-Mex BBQ in Austin?
Do I need reservations for Austin BBQ?
What time should I get to Austin BBQ?
Is there good BBQ near Austin worth the drive?
What is "new-school" Texas BBQ?
What should I order at Austin BBQ?
How many Austin restaurants does Dim Hour cover?
Dim Hour scores every restaurant on food, service, ambiance, and value, and verifies every listing. This guide is updated as the catalog changes. Explore all Austin restaurants →