Austin’s barbecue scene has always been worth the hype, but now it has Michelin recognition to back it up. In Michelin’s Texas guide, Austin smokehouses InterStellar BBQ, la Barbecue, and LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue made history as some of the first barbecue restaurants anywhere to earn Michelin Stars, and all three have continued to hold onto the distinction. Michelin also recognized CorkScrew BBQ near Houston, helping cement Texas barbecue as one of the state’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Of course, Michelin stars are just the beginning around here. From legendary brisket lines and family friendly patios to old school neighborhood favorites, Austin is packed with barbecue spots that are absolutely worth the stop. Here are some of our favorite places to grab barbecue around Austin.
Franklin BBQ via Yelp
Black’s BBQ
3110 Guadalupe St | More Locations
Family run since 1932, Black’s BBQ can now be found in four cities across the state after the Black family made a name for themselves at the original joint in Lockhart. Third-generation pit master, Kent Black, leads the charge here in Austin, slow-smoking all barbecue the way his grandfather did in 1932 with a simple rub, local post oak wood, and some patience. You can order online for local or national delivery, or through Doordash, Favor, and Grubhub.
Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue
15608 Springhill Lane #105, Pflugerville
Brotherton’s Black Iron Barbecue is a longtime local favorite for creative takes on Texas barbecue classics. The Brisket Grilled Cheese is especially popular, and the menu also includes sandwiches, smoked meats by the pound, loaded sides, and rotating specials. Brotherton’s earned a spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list and remains a great option for standout barbecue without some of the city’s notoriously long lines.
Cooper’s Barbecue
217 Congress Ave.
A longtime Texas barbecue institution, Cooper’s brought its famous Llano style barbecue to downtown Austin in 2014. Located right on Congress Avenue, the restaurant is known for smoky meats cooked over mesquite, hearty sides, and a laid back Texas Hill Country feel in the middle of downtown. Alongside the barbecue, you’ll also find frozen margaritas, beer, wine, and cocktails, making it an easy stop before concerts, events, or a day exploring downtown Austin.
Franklin BBQ
900 East 11th Street
Yes, Franklin BBQ is every bit as delicious as the magnanimous reputation that precedes it. Named best BBQ in the world by Bon Appétit, and Best BBQ in the Known Universe by Texas Monthly, we can vouch for the accuracy of these statements with ease. The brisket is succulent. Every menu item is bursting with pristinely tuned flavor. If you’re willing to wait in line, we can assure you that Franklin is worth each moment spent waiting for it. They now offer Nationwide Shipping through Gold Belly here.
InnerStellar BBQ
12233 Ranch Rd 620
Interstellar BBQ has solidified its reputation as one of the best BBQ spots in Austin by earning a spot on the prestigious Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints List as well as its one-star Michelin rating. Their perfectly juicy meats and unique standout sides like smoked scallop potatoes and mac & gouda have left customers raving. For a truly unforgettable bite, make sure you order some of their peach tea-glazed pork belly. When you’re on the hunt for some out-of-this-world BBQ, stop by Interstellar.
Iron Works
100 Red River St.
People love Iron Works BBQ‘s seasoning, rubs, and sauces so much that Iron Works went ahead and started bottling and selling them. That should give some indication as to the quality of the flavors that this Red River St. restaurant represents. They’ve won a ton of accolades, and their site says Jay Leno has their ribs FedExed to him because he loves them so much. Check here for dining and delivery options.
KG BBQ
3108 Manor Rd
For a completely unique barbecue experience you can’t find anywhere else, KG BBQ is where you’ll want to go. Egyptian flavors fused with Texas-style smoked meats come together at this one-of-a-kind food truck. Their menu is sure to intrigue you, featuring mouthwatering dishes like brisket shawarma, smoked lamb chops, and pink potato salad. You can find them at Oddwood Brewing every Thursday – Sunday. Trust us, try this one.
La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez St.
One of Austin’s most beloved barbecue spots, la Barbecue is known for its smoky brisket, house made sausages, and famously long lines on busy weekends. Located in East Austin, the Michelin starred restaurant sources high quality beef from local ranches and has become a must visit for barbecue fans from all over Texas. If you want to skip the wait, ordering ahead is definitely the move.
LeRoy & Lewis
5621 Emerald Forest Drive
New-school BBQ and old-school service come together at LeRoy & Lewis, one of the best BBQ places in town. The creative sides and delicious BBQ at this trailer are all made from locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and ranches. The mac and cheese is a crowd favorite and will stick to your ribs – get it as a side with the smoked beef cheeks. Check out the rest of LeRoy & Lewis’ Michelin-rated offerings here!
Loro
2115 S Lamar Blvd.
This Austin smokehouse is a bit different. Here you’ll find a blend of an Asian smokehouse and classic Texas barbecue, lovingly crafted by the culinary geniuses behind Uchi (Chef Tyson Cole) and Franklin Barbecue (Aaron Franklin). The rustic-casual South Lamar location is complete with a large outdoor patio and daily happy hours – it’s a great place to stay a while and work your way up to the meat with drinks and inventive appetizers.
Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ and Catering
4602 Tanney Street
After 12 years of dishing out legendary ‘cue from their East Austin trailer, Micklethwait Craft Meats—ranked among Texas Monthly’s Top 10 BBQ Joints—has upgraded to a permanent brick-and-mortar just two miles east of the original pit. The team officially opened the doors on January 3, 2025, transforming a quaint former church on Springdale Rd. into a smoke-scented sanctuary. Inside, you’ll find air-conditioned seating; outside, picnic tables stretch beneath a canopy of towering native pecan trees, making it an ideal spot to settle in with a tray of brisket and fixin’s all year long.
Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen
Locations in Mueller, Lakeline, and Barton Creek
Mum Foods is both a smokehouse and a delicatessen, and they make some of the most delicious sandwiches in Central Texas. They’re known for having the “Best Pastrami In Texas” according to Daniel Vaughn of Texas Monthly, as well as their soups, house-made bread, desserts, and of course, BBQ. You can also find them at their brick-and-mortar on Manor Road, as well as at the Barton Creek and Lakeline Farmers Markets on Saturdays from 9 am – 1 pm, and the Mueller Farmers Market on Sundays from 10 am – 2 pm. Mum Foods was also part of the inaugural selection of Michelin-rated restaurants.
Rudy’s Bar-B-Q
2451 S Capital of Texas Hwy
Since 1989, Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q has been serving up tasty BBQ throughout the Southwest. Each plate of Rudy’s Bar-B-Q is 100% wood-fired with oak and a dry spice that’s perfectly ready when you add their famous “Sause”. Click here for the full menu. Takeout and delivery options are also available.
Rollin Smoke BBQ
1700 E. Cesar Chavez Street at Chalmers
Fifth-generation Texan and Pitmaster Kyle Stallings has been serving up what’s consistently considered some of Austin’s best BBQ. Rollin Smoke is open weekly during the evening, serving BBQ sandwiches, tacos, and more, and open for lunch on Friday and Saturday till 3 am. Please note: due to their location, children are only allowed on weekdays before 6 pm!
Slab BBQ
Multiple Austin Locations here
There’s nothing wrong with injecting a little regional variety into barbecue, and Slab BBQ & Beer makes a perfect case for this. Slab serves as a delicious crossover between traditional Texas barbecue and diverse flavors found in Memphis, the Carolinas, and Alabama.
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
6610 N Lamar Blvd.
The Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew team is led by owner Shane Stiles and pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick, who has more than fifteen years of industry experience. The eatery, set in the historic Violet Crown Shopping Center on N. Lamar, is designed to host a nostalgic atmosphere that transcends back to the old Austin neighborhood-style eatery, which combines exceptional Texas BBQ, great atmosphere, and cold Texas craft brews. Call (512) 380-9199 for to-go orders and catering, or place your order online.
Terry Black’s Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs Rd.
From the Black family in Lockhart, twins Michael and Mark embarked on their own BBQ journey here in Austin–one built on generational knowledge and experience passed down from their father, Terry Black. Terry Black’s wins over patrons with their unique style of Central Texas ‘cue hailed as essential by BBQ lovers statewide. They offer nationwide shipping, pre-orders, delivery, and pickup here.
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