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 , 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 : 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鈥攖raditions 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, has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Austin based on diners' reviews on 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: $$
- Address: 10901 North Lamar Blvd. Ste 401 Chinatown Center Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Cantonese, Noodles
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#29. Black's Barbecue Austin
- Rating: 4.0/5 (984 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3110 Guadalupe St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#28. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.0/5 (743 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1509 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Asian Fusion, Korean, Barbecue
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#27. Bouldin Acres
- Rating: 4.0/5 (199 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2027 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, Pickleball
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#26. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.0/5 (423 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5222 Burnet Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#25. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.0/5 (2103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 217 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, Cocktail Bars
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#24. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.0/5 (161 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3914 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#23. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.1/5 (435 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11005 Burnet Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
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#22. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.1/5 (298 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 7709 Ranch Road 620 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Convenience Stores
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#21. House Park Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.1/5 (103 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 West 12th St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
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#20. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew
- Rating: 4.1/5 (2050 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6610 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings
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#19. Chi'Lantro
- Rating: 4.1/5 (749 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 823 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Food Trucks, Barbecue
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#18. SLAB BBQ & Beer
- Rating: 4.2/5 (376 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2701 West William Cannon Drive Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Beer Bar
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#17. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue
- Rating: 4.2/5 (176 reviews)
- Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Drive Ste 101 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers, Sandwiches
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#16. SLAB BBQ & Beer
- Rating: 4.3/5 (1309 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9012 Research Blvd. C4 Ste C4 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Beer Bar
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#15. la Barbecue
- Rating: 4.3/5 (3061 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2401 East Cesar Chavez Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches
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#14. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1526 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 11570 Research Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Gas Stations
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#13. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 4.4/5 (1225 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2451 South Capital Of Texas Hwy Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Gas Stations, fast food
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#12. Big Vinny's BBQ
- Rating: 4.4/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1800 South Congress Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
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#11. KG BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (270 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3108 Manor Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Egyptian, Barbecue, Food Trucks
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#10. Micklethwait Craft Meats
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1134 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4602 Tanney St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
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#9. Terry Black's Barbecue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (7693 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1003 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Sandwiches, Southern
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#8. Franklin Barbecue
- Rating: 4.5/5 (6241 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 900 East 11th St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue
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#7. Gangnam Korean BBQ
- Rating: 4.5/5 (366 reviews)
- Price level: $$$
- Address: 1100 Little Texas Lane Austin, Texas
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue, Seafood
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#6. Rollin Smoke BBQ
- Rating: 4.6/5 (390 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1700 East Cesar Chavez St. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Sandwiches
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#5. Distant Relatives
- Rating: 4.6/5 (109 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3901 Promontory Point Drive Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks, Sandwiches
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#4. Mum Foods Smokehouse & Delicatessen
- Rating: 4.6/5 (124 reviews)
- Address: 5811 Manor Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Smokehouse, Barbecue, Delis
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#3. Brown's Bar-B-Que
- Rating: 4.7/5 (458 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1901 South Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Trucks
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#2. Moreno Barbecue
- Rating: 4.7/5 (156 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5608 Menchaca Road Austin, Texas
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Burgers
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#1. Jim's Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.9/5 (249 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 6900 Ranch Road 620 Austin, Texas
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue, Smokehouse
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
