Franklin’s BBQ
3421 N I-35, Austin, Texas 78722
Unless you’ve been living under a rock (among the food community), you’ve inevitably heard all the hype and rave reviews about Franklin Barbecue. Magazine articles, newspaper write-ups, fellow bloggers, yelp reviewers, and even that foodie friend of yours are all making claims that Franklin Barbecue is the best of the best. Shit, even Bon Appettit magazine called Franklin “The Best BBQ in America”. My claims will be no different!
READ MY FULL REVIEW ON FRANKLIN’S BBQ HERE
Lambert’s Downtown BBQ
401 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX – 78701
If you’re looking for Texas BBQ, presented in unique genre-blending ways, look no further than Lambert’s. The menu distorts traditional Texas BBQ, creating fantastic complimentary and contrasting flavors you never would have never previously considered. Casual-Upscale, if you will, with a great atmosphere and live music frequently.
Iron Works BBQ
100 Red River Street, Austin, TX
If you’re new to Austin and visiting the convention center, you might have noticed the enticing smell of BBQ in the air and asked yourself, “is this what Texas smells like?” Unfortunately, no. But located directly behind the convention center, Iron Works BBQ is serving up delicious Texas BBQ in an authentic atmosphere, complete with no A/C.
House Park BBQ
900 West 12th Street, Austin, TX (Lamar & 12th)
With a close proximity to downtown and a slogan that reads: “Need to Teef to Eat my Beef” House Park is the newest edition to the list after recommended by a friend (see below). Sounds like I need to get there soon to try it myself!
Old School BBQ & Grill
Mobile, but typically in the trailer park at Waller and 7th St.
Does the restaurant storefront factor into “presentation quality” of the food? Well if so, Old School BBQ has got it figured out, serving delicious BBQ right out the window of an old school bus? And yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
Multiple Locations: Hwy 360 & Hwy 183
Best BBQ from a gas station ever! Seriously, the ‘extra moist’ brisket is legit. Top to bottom, the menu is one of the best all around BBQ spots around Austin. And don’t forget the creamed corn, or as I’ve heard it referred to by locals, “candy corn”, it’s worth the calories. In the words of The Dude, “It ties the meal together….man.”
Blue Ribbon BBQ
120 East 4th Street, Austin, TX 78701
A fresh, and welcome addition to the breakfast/lunch downtown scene, Blue Ribbon brought Texas BBQ to the Frost Tower, (the building with the “crown” thingy). Convenient and tasty to satisfy those BBQ breakfast taco cravings.
Outside of Austin, but well worth the drive:
Kreuz Market
619 North Colorado Street, Lockhart, TX 78644
Check out my review of Kreuz Market here.
If you’re looking to really satisfy your Texas BBQ cravings, and you’re willing to make the effort, head down to Lockhart for Texas BBQ with epic quality. Quite simply, the brisket is like a conjugal visit for your taste buds. Need I say more? Just call ahead to check their hours before you leave, it’s a sad drive back on an empty stomach…
Smitty’s Market
208 S Commerce St, Lockhart, TX 78644
Another fantastic BBQ destination in Lockhart, consistently ranking at near the top of Texas Monthly’s ‘Top 50 BBQ in Texas’. Rumors has it, two boys from Florida by way of Austin, traveled to Lockhart for an epic Texas BBQ experience. The BBQ menage a trois, sampling lbs. of brisket and sausage from Krietz’s, Smitty’s, and Blacks in one afternoon trip.
Snow’s BBQ
516 Main Street, Lexington, Texas
Snow’s was recently voted the Best BBQ in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine, and I cannot argue with them. It will probably be the best BBQ you ever eat, if you are lucky enough to get some. Problem is: they are only open on Saturday from 8am till the food is gone. Which is typically by 11am. I recommend calling early in the week and placing an order.
The Salt Lick
18300 FM 1826 - Driftwood, TX – 78619
The Salt Lick is located in Driftwood, TX about a 30 minute drive South West of Austin. This place offers family style serving so you’re sure to get your belly full. The Salt Lick also provides great atmosphere and is an excellent place to take out of town guests. It’s been featured on almost every BBQ/Great Eats type show on the Food Network and the Travel Channel, however it does not come close to some of the other places on the list. However, their BBQ Sauce is phenomenal and like no other, so grab a couple bottles to take home with you. As this place is BYOB, and extremely busy on the weekends, be sure to pack a cooler full of beer on your way out.
Louie Mueller BBQ
206 W. Second Street, Taylor, TX 76574
If you’re in the neighborhood, check out this BBQ joint consistently rated top in the state.
Luling City Market
633 East Davis Street, Luling, TX 78648
If you really feel like getting out and away from Austin for an afternoon drive and some great BBQ, City Market is your place in Lulling. That is, if you can remain strong and get past the intoxicating smells of Krietz’s, less than 100 yards off of US-183…
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You need to add House Park BBQ to the list. Great BBQ and centrally located (12th and Lamar). Th brisket is a not as good as Franklin but close and you don’t have to wait 45 minutes to get it. Also, Old School usually gets good reviews but I was pretty disappointed when I ate there a couple months ago. They have a decent burger but the brisket I had was inedible – solid fat and actually too smokey (hickory I think). Overall, Jim, you offer a pretty comprehensive list. Personally, Kreuz is King and truly traditional with great meat. For all the Californians and those of you who require your BBQ drenched in a sweet bbq sauce, go to City Market because Kreuz has none to offer. Snow’s brisket is some of the best in Texas but the drive is a little further. Overall, Franklin is the best in Austin and Kreuz, Smitty’s, City Market, and Snow’s are some of the best in Texas……
Thanks for the input. I’ve never tried House Park BBQ but I’ve heard good things and I know you know your BBQ so I’ll add them to the list. Great downtown location as well. Hopefully the out of towners are interested in taking a drive to Lockhart for Kreuz. It’s worth it!