Best BBQ in Austin

Austin's barbecue scene runs from decades-old institutions with lines around the block to trailers parked next to a bar. This list is ordered by real Google rating and review volume — every spot below is currently open and has at least 30 reviews backing its score, so nothing here is a fluke five-star with three ratings.

1. The Smokin' Shack

The Smokin' Shack is a moderately-priced barbecue joint.

4.9 stars, 156 reviews. The smallest review count on this list, but the highest rating — worth seeking out if you want something less crowded than the big names below.

2. Brown's BBQ

This barbecue trailer parked next to Corner Bar dishes up brisket, chicken & comfort-food sides.

4.8 stars, 871 reviews. A barbecue trailer parked next to Corner Bar on South Lamar, serving brisket, chicken, and comfort-food sides.

3. Terry Black's Barbecue

Spacious, casual stop for pit-smoked meats & housemade sides from famous 4th-generation pitmasters.

4.7 stars, 26,209 reviews — more than any other barbecue spot in this guide by a wide margin. A 4th-generation pitmaster family running a spacious, casual room on Barton Springs Rd.

4. Franklin Barbecue

Long lines form early for brisket, pulled pork & other smoked meats at this bustling spot.

4.7 stars, 7,250 reviews. The one everyone's heard of, for good reason — long lines form early for brisket and pulled pork at this East 11th St spot. Get there before it opens if you actually want to eat.

5. Micklethwait Barbecue

Trailer with outdoor picnic tables serving up BBQ meats, including combo plates & sandwiches.

4.7 stars, 2,038 reviews.

6. KG BBQ

KG BBQ is a moderately-priced barbecue joint in Mueller.

4.7 stars, 1,654 reviews. On Manor Rd in East Austin.

7. True Texas BBQ

True Texas BBQ is a moderately-priced barbecue joint.

4.7 stars, 335 reviews. On Lake Austin Blvd.

8. Stiles Switch BBQ

BBQ joint in Violet Crown shopping center for smoked meats & local draft beer amid old-school decor.

4.6 stars, 5,805 reviews.

9. Black's Barbecue Austin

Acclaimed barbecue family offers brisket, ribs, sides & craft beers in a relaxed, wood-decked space.

4.5 stars, 4,128 reviews.

10. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Classic BBQ joint with picnic table seats serving brisket, ribs & more pulled straight from the pit.

4.4 stars, 6,699 reviews. Classic picnic-table BBQ right on Congress Ave downtown — the most central option on this list if you don't have a car.

A note on price: every spot on this list is $$ (moderate) — Austin BBQ doesn't really do "cheap," but it also doesn't run into steakhouse territory.