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The best BBQ in Austin

LeRoy & Lewis leads our ranking for BBQ in Austin. It is named most often by local critics and food writers. Interstellar BBQ and La Barbecue come next.

  1. 1LeRoy & LewisReaders' top three, 2026
  2. 2Interstellar BBQNamed by the MICHELIN Guide
  3. 3La BarbecueNamed by the MICHELIN Guide

157 barbecue spots are open in and around Austin. The top 6 are ranked first; the rest follow.

Ranked by Guide2 from readers’ polls, critics and local food writers (how we rank). Updated October 11, 2026. No restaurant pays to be listed or ranked.

The top 6

How we rank

  1. 1LeRoy & Lewis

    Barbecue · Austin
    • Finalist in Best of ATX 2026 for BBQ, voted by readers [1]
    • One MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide [2]
    • the MICHELIN Guide (2026): “The excellent barbecue menu isn't built around brisket, although that beloved item is available as a daily special at the end of the week.” [3]
    • The Infatuation (2022): “It feels like a love letter to beef, and it's this broad-minded approach to barbecue that makes it the best way to experience smoked meat in Austin.” [4]
    Where
    121 Pickle Rd, Austin, TX 78704
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  2. Interstellar BBQ
    Photo: theinterstellarbbq.com

    2Interstellar BBQ

    Barbecue · Austin
    • One MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide [2]
    • the MICHELIN Guide (2026): “Brisket with a simple salt, pepper, and garlic rub, is outstanding but it doesn't end there.” [3]
    • The Infatuation (2022): “Interstellar BBQ is a Central Texas-style joint that decided getting an A in "the classics" wasn't enough and made up its own extra-credit assignments.” [4]
    Where
    12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78750
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  3. La Barbecue
    Photo: labarbecue.com

    3La Barbecue

    Barbecue · Austin
    • One MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide [2]
    • the MICHELIN Guide (2026): “You will marvel at the sublimely succulent, flavorful beef, but don't overlook the array of equally tempting offerings like house-made sausages, and pork or beef ribs.” [3]
    • The Infatuation (2022): “It's almost impossible to mention barbecue in Austin without La Barbecue's name coming into the mix.” [4]
    Where
    1502 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  4. Distant Relatives
    Photo: distantrelativesatx.com

    4Distant Relatives

    Barbecue · Austin
    • Bib Gourmand (good food at a moderate price) in the MICHELIN Guide [5]
    • the MICHELIN Guide (2026): “There is a stern nose to tail and root to stem ethos here, where you'll find everything from pulled pork and brisket to chicken smoked using pecan wood and mixed hardwood.” [3]
    • The Infatuation (2022): “The barbecue (and sides) at Distant Relatives aims to highlight the flavors and textures of the African diaspora in America.” [4]
    Where
    3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744-1181
    Order onlineDirectionsMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  5. 5Franklin Barbecue

    Barbecue · Austin
    • Bib Gourmand (good food at a moderate price) in the MICHELIN Guide [5]
    • the MICHELIN Guide (2026): “Tender and smoky with flavorful marbling and a dark char, it's worth the hours-long wait.” [3]
    • The Infatuation (2022): “Aaron Franklin has built a name for himself by making some of the best brisket in Texas (and possibly the world).” [4]
    Where
    900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
    Get directionsCallWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  6. 6KG BBQ

    Barbecue · Austin
    • Bib Gourmand (good food at a moderate price) in the MICHELIN Guide [5]
    • the MICHELIN Guide (2026): “From rubs and sauces that use sumac, cinnamon, and pomegranate to Mediterranean sausage with green olives, sun dried tomatoes, and feta cheese, the mashup is marvelous.” [3]
    • The Infatuation (2022): “KG BBQ adds an Egyptian twist to classic Central Texas-style barbecue.” [4]
    Where
    3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

More BBQ in Austin

151 more · A to Z
  1. Crimson Creek Smokehouse
    Photo: crimsoncreekbbq.com

    Crimson Creek Smokehouse

    Barbecue · Austin
    Where
    12701 Nutty Brown Rd, Austin, TX 78737-9299
    Get directionsCallWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  2. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
    Photo: famousdaves.com

    Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que

    Barbecue · Austin

    “Grab a seat it's BBQ time!”

    Where
    9500 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748
    Today
    Open now until 8 PM
    Has
    Takeout · Delivery · Catering
    All hours
    Mon3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Tue3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Wed3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Thu3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Fri3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Sat3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Sun3:30 PM to 8 PM
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  3. Leroy and Lewis Barbecue
    Photo: leroyandlewisbbq.com

    Leroy and Lewis Barbecue

    Barbecue · Austin

    “New School BBQ, Old School Service”

    Where
    5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX 78745
    Today
    Open now until 9 PM
    Has
    Catering · Takeout · Dog friendly · Full bar · Reservations
    All hours
    Mon11 AM to 9 PM
    TueClosed
    Wed11 AM to 9 PM
    Thu11 AM to 9 PM
    Fri11 AM to 10 PM
    Sat11 AM to 10 PM
    Sun11 AM to 9 PM
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  4. Louie's Craft BBQ
    Photo: louiescraftbbq.com

    Louie's Craft BBQ

    Barbecue · Buda
    Where
    122 Main St, Buda, TX 78610
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  5. Moreno Barbecue
    Photo: morenobbq.com

    Moreno Barbecue

    Barbecue · Austin

    “Our Natural Angus beef is "NEVER, EVER" given antibiotics or added hormones.”

    Where
    9900 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78748
    Today
    Open now until 8 PM
    All hours
    MonClosed
    Tue11 AM to 8 PM
    Wed11 AM to 8 PM
    Thu11 AM to 8 PM
    Fri11 AM to 9 PM
    Sat11 AM to 9 PM
    Sun9 AM to 8 PM
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  6. The Smokin' Shack

    Barbecue · Austin

    “Your Favorite Smoked BBQ And Wings Spot In Austin”

    Where
    4412 Brandt Rd, Austin, TX 78744
    Today
    Closed today
    Has
    Takeout
    All hours
    MonClosed
    TueClosed
    Wed12 PM to 7 PM
    Thu12 PM to 7 PM
    Fri12 PM to 7 PM
    Sat12 PM to 7 PM
    SunClosed
    Get directionsCallWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  7. The Switch
    Photo: theswitchdripping.com

    The Switch

    Barbecue · Austin

    “Specializing in Texas Craft BBQ & Good Drinks in the Texas Hill Country.”

    Where
    166 Hargraves Dr, Austin, TX 78737-4796
    Today
    Open now until 8:30 PM
    Has
    Catering · Private dining · Brunch · Takeout
    All hours
    MonClosed
    Tue11 AM to 8:30 PM
    Wed11 AM to 8:30 PM
    Thu11 AM to 8:30 PM
    Fri11 AM to 9 PM
    Sat11 AM to 9 PM
    Sun10:30 AM to 8:30 PM
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

Show 81 more, Dam-A, Hot Pot & Bbq Ayce - Austin Hotpot to an Nyeong k Tofu & Bbq

Worth the drive

Within about half an hour of Austin.

  1. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q

    Barbecue · San Marcos

    “For 67 years, it has been our mission at Bill Miller Bar-B-Q to serve delicious, affordable, and high-quality food to families in South Texas.”

    Where
    3928 IH-35 S, San Marcos, TX 78666-9375
    Today
    Open now until 9 PM
    Has
    Full bar · Takeout · Delivery
    All hours
    Mon6 AM to 9 PM
    Tue6 AM to 9 PM
    Wed6 AM to 9 PM
    Thu6 AM to 9 PM
    Fri6 AM to 9 PM
    Sat6 AM to 9 PM
    Sun6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  2. Black's Barbecue
    Photo: blacksbbq.com

    Black's Barbecue

    Barbecue · San Marcos
    Where
    510 Hull St, San Marcos, TX 78666
    Order onlineDirectionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  3. Bloodworth BBQ
    Photo: bloodworthbbq.com

    Bloodworth BBQ

    Barbecue · Kyle
    Where
    208 W Center St, Kyle, TX 78640
    Order onlineDirectionsCallWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  4. Crimson Creek Smokehouse
    Photo: crimsoncreekbbq.com

    Crimson Creek Smokehouse

    Barbecue · Dripping Springs
    Where
    2250 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
    Get directionsCallWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  5. It's All Good BBQ
    Photo: itsallgoodbbq.com

    It's All Good BBQ

    Barbecue · Spicewood
    Where
    22112 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, TX 78669
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  6. Kelly's Hill Country BBQ
    Photo: khcbbq.com

    Kelly's Hill Country BBQ

    Barbecue · Wimberley

    “Founded in 2020 by local resident Kelly Evers, Kelly's Hill Country BBQ is THE go-to spot for authentic, low and slow, pit-smoked Central Texas BBQ!”

    Where
    14306 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
    Today
    Closed today
    Has
    Catering · Takeout
    All hours
    MonClosed
    Tue11 AM to 4 PM
    Wed11 AM to 4 PM
    Thu11 AM to 4 PM
    Fri11 AM to 4 PM
    Sat11 AM to 4 PM
    SunClosed
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  7. Opie's Barbecue

    Barbecue · Spicewood

    “Opie's, is a pick-your-meat-from-the-show-pit kind of joint, and once you recover from your swoon, an attendant is standing by to assist you in your selections.”

    Where
    9504 State Hwy 71, Spicewood, TX 78669
    Today
    Closed for the day
    All hours
    Mon11 AM to 4 PM
    Tue11 AM to 4 PM
    Wed11 AM to 4 PM
    Thu11 AM to 4 PM
    Fri11 AM to 7 PM
    Sat11 AM to 7 PM
    Sun11 AM to 5 PM
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  8. Pig Pen BBQ
    Photo: pigpenbbq.com

    Pig Pen BBQ

    Barbecue · Dripping Springs
    Where
    301 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
    Today
    Closed for the day
    All hours
    Mon12 AM to 12 AM
    Tue12 AM to 12 AM
    Wed12 AM to 12 AM
    Thu12 AM to 12 AM
    Fri12 AM to 12 AM
    Sat12 AM to 12 AM
    Sun12 AM to 12 AM
    Get directionsCallWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  9. Railroad Bar-B-Que

    Barbecue · Dripping Springs

    “At Railroad Bar-B-Que, we do barbecue the right way. Slow-cooked. Mesquite smoked.”

    Where
    1111 US-290 #3818, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
    Today
    Open now until 8 PM
    On the menu
    Beef Brisket (1/2 pound) $13.99 · House Salad $6.49 · Soda and Tea $2.89 · Banana Pudding $4.29
    Has
    Catering · Takeout
    All hours
    Mon10:30 AM to 8 PM
    Tue10:30 AM to 8 PM
    Wed10:30 AM to 8 PM
    Thu10:30 AM to 8 PM
    Fri10:30 AM to 8 PM
    Sat10:30 AM to 8 PM
    Sun11 AM to 8 PM
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  10. Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q

    Barbecue · Kyle

    “Real texas bar-b-q”

    Where
    19430 I-35, Kyle, TX 78640
    Today
    Open now until 9 PM
    Has
    Takeout · Catering
    All hours
    Mon6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Tue6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Wed6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Thu6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Fri6:30 AM to 10 PM
    Sat6:30 AM to 10 PM
    Sun6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

  11. Rudys Country BBQ

    Barbecue · Kyle

    “Real texas bar-b-q”

    Where
    Kyle, TX 78640
    Today
    Open now until 9 PM
    Has
    Takeout · Catering
    All hours
    Mon6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Tue6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Wed6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Thu6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Fri6:30 AM to 10 PM
    Sat6:30 AM to 10 PM
    Sun6:30 AM to 9 PM
    Get directionsCallMenuWebsite

    Checked Oct 6 · Report a change

Show 12 more, Smitty's Market to Willie's Burgers & BBQ

No longer open

How we rank

Nobody at Guide2 scores the food. The ranking adds up what Austin’s own judges have said in public: readers’ polls count most, then critics’ standing lists, then local press and food writers. Every point is numbered and listed under Sources below. The full method.

What changed

Questions

What is the best BBQ in Austin?
LeRoy & Lewis. Finalist in Best of ATX 2026 for BBQ, voted by readers; One MICHELIN Star in the MICHELIN Guide. Interstellar BBQ and La Barbecue come next.
How many barbecue spots are in Austin?
157 are open in and around Austin as of October 2026, including Ali's BBQ, Alzer's Barbeque, Alzer's Bbq, B Cooper Barbecue, B. Cooper Barbecue and 152 more. Within a half-hour drive there are 60 more, in Taylor, San Marcos, Liberty Hill, Lockhart, Bastrop, Kyle, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Spicewood, Lago Vista, Wimberley, Elgin, Hutto and Leander.
Which barbecue spots in Austin take reservations?
4 take online bookings: Dam-A, Hot Pot & Bbq Ayce - Austin Hotpot, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar, The Salt Lick and The Salt Lick BBQ - Austin Airport. The rest are walk-in or by phone.
Where can I order BBQ online in Austin?
71 have online ordering on their own websites: Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Black's BBQ, Black's Barbecue Austin and 63 more.
Is Courson’s BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Courson’s BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Curly's Carolina, TX in Austin still open?
No. Curly's Carolina, TX has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Danny's BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Danny's BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Gordo’s Tortas & BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Gordo’s Tortas & BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Graceland Grocery in Austin still open?
No. Graceland Grocery has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Henry's Barbecue in Austin still open?
No. Henry's Barbecue has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Jan Chi Korean Cuisine & BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Jan Chi Korean Cuisine & BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Kerlin BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Kerlin BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Lazy G Bbq in Austin still open?
No. Lazy G Bbq has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Li Hot Pot and Bbq in Austin still open?
No. Li Hot Pot and Bbq has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Lonestar Jacks BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Lonestar Jacks BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Lucky's BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Lucky's BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Oakwood Bbq Catering in Austin still open?
No. Oakwood Bbq Catering has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Outback Steakhouse in Austin still open?
No. Outback Steakhouse has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Paw Paw's BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Paw Paw's BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Ray's BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Ray's BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Rocky Creek Bar BQ in Austin still open?
No. Rocky Creek Bar BQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Schmidt's Family Barbecue in Austin still open?
No. Schmidt's Family Barbecue has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Texas Rib Kings BBQ in Austin still open?
No. Texas Rib Kings BBQ has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is The Flaming Pit in Austin still open?
No. The Flaming Pit has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.
Is Wilhite's Bar B Que in Austin still open?
No. Wilhite's Bar B Que has closed. For BBQ nearby, see the list above.

Sources

  1. 1Best of ATX, Best of ATX 2026: Readers’ Choice Winners - Austin Monthly Magazine, 2026. Checked Oct 7, 2026. Archived copy.
  2. 2the MICHELIN Guide, https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/austin_2958315/restaurants/1-star-michelin, 2026. Checked Oct 7, 2026. Archived copy.
  3. 3the MICHELIN Guide, https://guide.michelin.com/ca/en/best-of/the-best-bbq-spots-in-austin-texas-michelin-guide, September 2026. Checked Oct 7, 2026. Archived copy.
  4. 4The Infatuation, The 15 Best BBQ Spots in Austin - Austin, January 2022. Checked Oct 7, 2026. Archived copy.
  5. 5the MICHELIN Guide, https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/texas/austin_2958315/restaurants/bib-gourmand, 2026. Checked Oct 7, 2026. Archived copy.

See something wrong? Read our corrections policy.

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