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Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the San Antonio area by diners

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Joshua Resnick // Shutterstock
Joshua Resnick // Shutterstock
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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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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!

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#30. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.2/5 (369 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 16915 San Pedro Ave. Hollywood Park, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

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#29. LongHorn Steakhouse

- Rating: 3.3/5 (294 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7439 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#28. Texas Roadhouse

- Rating: 3.5/5 (355 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2893 Cinema Rdg San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

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#27. Blanco BBQ

- Rating: 3.5/5 (750 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13259 Blanco Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#25. The County Line

- Rating: 3.7/5 (474 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4334 Hyatt Place Drive San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp

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#24. True Texas BBQ

- Rating: 3.7/5 (196 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 17238 Bulverde Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#23. Moses Rose's Hideout

- Rating: 3.7/5 (417 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 516 East Houston St. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Cocktail Bars
- Read more on Yelp

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#22. Dee Willie's BBQ

- Rating: 3.8/5 (150 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6506 South Zarzamora St. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#20. Augie's Barbed Wire Smokehouse

- Rating: 3.8/5 (373 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3709 North St. Marys St. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp

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#19. Smokey Mo's BBQ

- Rating: 3.9/5 (145 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7418 Northwest Loop 410 Ste 107 San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Breakfast & Brunch, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#18. Barbecue Station

- Rating: 3.9/5 (458 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1610 Northeast Loop 410 San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Comfort Food
- Read more on Yelp

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#17. Rusty Bucket JawSmacking BBQ

- Rating: 4.0/5 (219 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 600 Cupples Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#15. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

- Rating: 4.1/5 (510 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1302 Austin Hwy San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Hawaiian, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#14. The Big Bib BBQ

- Rating: 4.1/5 (1274 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 104 Lanark Drive San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#13. The Pigpen

- Rating: 4.2/5 (317 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 106 Pershing Ave. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Bars, Southern, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#12. Chas Market & Kitchen

- Rating: 4.3/5 (439 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1431 North Pine St. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#10. Rios Barbacoa

- Rating: 4.4/5 (120 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8601 Huebner Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Mexican, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#9. BBQLIFE

- Rating: 4.4/5 (334 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 902 South WW White Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp

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#8. Garcia Barbecue

- Rating: 4.4/5 (117 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9390 Huebner Road Ste 101 San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp

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#7. 2M Smokehouse BBQ

- Rating: 4.4/5 (648 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2731 South WW White Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp

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#5. El Monte BBQ

- Rating: 4.4/5 (167 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6526 Bandera Road Ste 4 San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Tacos
- Read more on Yelp

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#4. South BBQ & Kitchen

- Rating: 4.5/5 (186 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2011 Mission Road San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern
- Read more on Yelp

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#3. 225 Urban Smoke

- Rating: 4.6/5 (508 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1015 Rittiman Road Ste 113 San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Cajun/Creole, Barbecue, Food Trucks
- Read more on Yelp

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#2. Curry Boys BBQ

- Rating: 4.7/5 (386 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 536 East Courtland Place San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Thai, Barbecue, Noodles
- Read more on Yelp

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#1. Reese Bros Barbecue

- Rating: 4.7/5 (104 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 906 Hoefgen Ave. San Antonio, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
- 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.

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