Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Austin area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Austin area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Austin based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Austin were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#30. First Chinese Barbecue
- Rating: 3.9/5 (596 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 10901 North Lamar Blvd. Ste 401 Chinatown Center Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp
#29. Black's Barbecue Austin
- Rating: 4.0/5 (984 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3110 Guadalupe St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#28. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.0/5 (743 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1509 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#27. Bouldin Acres
- Rating: 4.0/5 (199 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2027 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, Pickleball
- Read more on Yelp
#26. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.0/5 (423 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5222 Burnet Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#25. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.0/5 (2103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 217 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp
#24. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.0/5 (161 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3914 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#23. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.1/5 (435 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11005 Burnet Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#22. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.1/5 (298 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7709 Ranch Road 620 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Convenience Stores
- Read more on Yelp
#21. House Park Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.1/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 West 12th St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
- Rating: 4.1/5 (2050 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6610 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.1/5 (749 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 823 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. SLAB BBQ & Beer
- Rating: 4.2/5 (376 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2701 West William Cannon Drive Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
#17. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
- Rating: 4.2/5 (176 reviews)
- Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Drive Ste 101 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#16. SLAB BBQ & Beer
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1309 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9012 Research Blvd. C4 Ste C4 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Beer Bar
- Read more on Yelp
#15. la Barbecue
- Rating: 4.3/5 (3061 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2401 East Cesar Chavez Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1526 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11570 Research Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Gas Stations
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1225 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2451 South Capital Of Texas Hwy Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Gas Stations, fast food
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Big Vinny's BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1800 South Congress Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#11. KG BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (270 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3108 Manor Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Egyptian, Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Micklethwait Craft Meats
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1134 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4602 Tanney St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Terry Black's Barbecue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (7693 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1003 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Franklin Barbecue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (6241 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 East 11th St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Gangnam Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (366 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1100 Little Texas Lane Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Seafood
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Rollin Smoke BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (390 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1700 East Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Distant Relatives
- Rating: 4.6/5 (109 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3901 Promontory Point Drive Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Mum Foods Smokehouse & Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.6/5 (124 reviews)
- Address: 5811 Manor Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Smokehouse, Barbecue, Delis
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Brown's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.7/5 (458 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1901 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp
#2. Moreno Barbecue
- Rating: 4.7/5 (156 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5608 Menchaca Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Jim's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.9/5 (249 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6900 Ranch Road 620 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
