The Top 10 Bar-B-Q Joints in Austin

Description:

Lamberts, located within the entertaining Warehouse District, pairs an energetic atmosphere with an upscale menu made up of barbeque, steak, and seafood. When finished with any one of their highly recommended dishes, you can enjoy live music playing on their second floor nearly every night of the week. They are open for lunch, a popular spot for business patrons, and, as dinner is a well sought after experience, reservations are recommended. For those who wish to take advantage of the Austin weather, Lamberts also offers an outside patio.

Our Local Expert Says:

This popular downtown barbeque joint attracts quite a crowd for their Gospel Brunch every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring local live music. Reservations are recommended.

Description:

Besides providing some of the best barbecue in town, Stubb's has a huge outdoor venue for live music. Past acts have included Liz Phair, Flaming Lips, Peter Frampton, Bad Religion, DJ Spooky, Guided By Voices, Sonic Youth and more. You can expect to pay a moderate sum for a plate of barbecue chicken, pork or turkey breast. End your meal with banana pudding or a brownie. Come early to get a bite to eat, then stay and watch the shows.

Description:

The old Weigl family Iron Works no longer forges metal, but a tasty assortment of fine Texas barbecue. With walls adorned with branding irons, the motif is quintessentially Western, perhaps for the benefit of conventioneers from the neighboring convention center. At the counter, order your choice of sliced beef, chicken, beef ribs, pork ribs, pork loin and sausage for a two-meat combo plate completed with sides of potato salad and beans. Or make your choice of meat by the pound. The spicy sauce is a tangy counterpoint. And if you are craving barbecue somewhere far away, note that Iron Works ships their goods anywhere.

Description:

This smoke-free restaurant is heaven for meat lovers. The smoked brisket and pork ribs are house specialties. All items are served with potato Salad, onions and pinto beans. If you are in the mood for some soup, try the seafood gumbo or the garlic soup. If folk music is your kind of thing, drop by Sundays 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for Bluegrass Jam.

Our Local Expert Says:

For years, this out-of-town barbecue joint has been voted 'best barbecue' by locals. Part of it’s the in-house smoking of the meat and the other part is the rural, communal atmosphere of the spread-out seating. Don’t forget to bring your own libations since The Salt Lick cannot serve alcohol and DON'T FORGET CASH--credit cards are not accepted here.

Description:

For a mouthful of real Texas barbecue, head make the drive to the legendary Salt Lick. The scenery and the rustic restaurant buildings all add to that perfect Southern experience. Try the mammoth-sized sandwiches or the family style meals (inclusive of pork ribs, brisket, sausage, potato salad, cole slaw, beans, pickles, onions, and bread.) Dig into the delicious smoky sausages or the moist briskets all made with special Salt Lick sauces. You have to leave room for the irresistible homemade desserts. It must be noted though that the restaurant is located in a dry precinct so you have to bring your own alcohol. Great barbeque, melt in your mouth desserts and a drink of your choice, mmmm!

Description:

Uncle Billy's is passionate about beer. Stop in for a cold pint and pick something off their long menu of Texas-style barbecue while you're there. Try the fried chicken salad or the quesadillas, or go for the family-style meat trays if you're feeding a crowd.

Description:

A lovely view of the lake, warm and friendly staff and a cozy ambience, The County Line has it all! You can start your meal with delicious home-made bread and later on, feast on some pork ribs and beef brisket. Make sure you leave some place for dessert - the blueberry cobbler is just mind blowing! In short, this place serves the best barbecue and has value for your money as the big portions will not leave you hungry.

Description:

Sweet south Texas quail, pulled pork, sugar duck and the garlic h-bomb (smoked pork shoulder stuffed with garlic and jalapenos), slurp! Is your mouth watering yet? Then what are you waiting for, head down to Buster's at Bee Cave and go crazy at this barbeque heaven. You can also order that perfect summer party grub, since they offer catering as well. Quality preparations, variety and good vibes make Buster's a great barbeque stop.

Description:

A cheap and satisfying eatery for barbeque lovers and non lovers alike, Green Mesquite offers it all, from lean and tender pork ribs to po'boys and vegetable burgers. Sip on a chilled beer while you dig into your chicken fried steak in the cheery outdoor courtyard or roll up your sleeves for the all-you-can-eat special. They also offer low carb plates for the health conscious and reasonable kids plates served with fries. Live music, succulent barbeque, beer and bright sunlight--this is a little piece of Texan barbeque paradise. Another location can be found at 7010 Hwy 71 W Austin, TX 78735 (+1 512 288 8300.)

Description:

This restaurant features backwoods barbecue with not-so-traditional side dishes, including collard greens and vinaigrette cole slaw. Musical legends such as Buddy Guy and Maceo Parker have dined here, and the restaurant decor reflects this down-home blues appeal. The restaurant serves the only barbecue made with all-natural beef in Texas and a house sauce that is one of the tastiest around. Beer and wine are offered. Catering is also available.