Best BBQ in Austin

When Michelin launched its Texas guide in November 2024, it awarded stars to barbecue for the first time anywhere in the world. All three went to Austin: la Barbecue, LeRoy and Lewis, and InterStellar BBQ. Franklin Barbecue received a Bib Gourmand, not a star. Austin holds 7 one-stars total — more than any other Texas city. Franklin is still excellent and the line is part of the ritual — but if a 3am alarm isn't in your life, these three don't require one.

The Michelin-starred three

LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue

Won Best Barbecue in the 2026 Chronicle Readers Poll, beating Franklin, la Barbecue, KG BBQ, and Stiles Switch — that's Austinites voting, not critics. The bacon rib is the signature, and the smoked all-brisket-patty burger is one of the best burgers in the city, which most people don't know.

4.4 stars, 2,401 reviews. $$.

la Barbecue

Four blocks from Franklin, with a fraction of the wait. Grass-fed brisket from local ranches, house-cured sausage, and a condiment bar with kimchi and spicy garlic pickles — bolder and saltier than Franklin, with a thicker bark. Some people prefer it; some find it too aggressive. Go form an opinion.

4.4 stars, 3,534 reviews. $$.

Interstellar BBQ

Pitmaster John Bates, out on RR 620 in NW Austin. Textbook brisket, but the reason to make the drive is the creative menu: smoked brisket taco, peach tea–glazed pork belly, jalapeño popper sausage.

4.5 stars, 2,167 reviews. $$. Open Wed–Sun, 11am–4pm or until sellout — it's a haul from central Austin, so don't go on a day you can't beat the cutoff.

Also Bib Gourmand-tier

Distant Relatives

Chef Damien Brockway explores the African roots of American barbecue — the most intellectually interesting BBQ in the city, parked at the brewery Austinites voted Best Brewery in 2026.

4.5 stars, 299 reviews. $$.

Moreno Barbecue

Akaushi barbacoa, smoked only on Sundays, wrapped in house-made beef tallow flour tortillas.

4.7 stars, 842 reviews. $$. A timing-based pick — one taco is a full meal, and it also shows up in our breakfast taco guide.

The full field, ranked by Google rating

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.