The best BBQ in Austin to feast right now

What is it? An Austin barbecue institution since 2009, founded by pitmaster Aaron Franklin and his wife, Stacy.  

Why we love it: Lining the walls of Franklin BBQ is a plaque honoring diners who have visited at least 100 times—a small but dedicated club, considering the wait often stretches beyond three hours. But it’s a testament to just how good the barbecue is. The brisket is smoked to literal perfection; it’s juicy, tender and seasoned just right. Other notables include the house-special jalapeno cheddar sausage and beef ribs. Pro tip: Dip your meats into the in-house barbecue sauces for an extra kick of flavor. Meat is sold by the pound, but if you’re dining solo or with just one other person, you can request a smaller portion. When you make it inside the restaurant, consider snagging a branded t-shirt or one of Franklin’s iconic BBQ trays to remember the experience by. After all, you did wait several hours. 

Time Out tip: There’s never not a line outside, so arrive early and prepare to wait. The restaurant provides a limited number of folding chairs. If you arrive right at opening or past opening time, there’s a chance you might miss Franklin’s esteemed brisket. 

Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: Meats starting at $26 per pound

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What is it? A small-but-mighty barbecue joint in Northwest Austin with a Michelin star, serving pork and beef smoked low and slow. 

Why we love it: Interstellar BBQ was awarded a Michelin star in November 2024 for good reasons. Chef John Bates sources only top-tier meats and lets them shine over post oak smoke. The pork belly is glazed with peach tea, the turkey breast is brined with citrus and herbs and the brisket is everything you want it to be—tender, juicy, deeply flavored. Enjoy your protein with a side of housemade charro beans and scalloped potatoes layered with cream, parmesan and garlic. Seal the deal with scratch-made banana pudding. Trust us, you won’t regret it. 

Time Out tip: The space is small, so order your food first before grabbing a seat. If you’re having trouble finding a spot, holler at a team member, and they’ll help you out. 

Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 11am–4pm

Expect to pay: Meats starting at $22 by the pound

What is it? A Michelin-starred East Side staple helmed by pitmaster Ali Chem. 

Why we love it: La Barbecue is one of four barbecue restaurants in Texas to have received a Michelin star in 2024, and the award checks. What’s impressive is that the brisket is cooked low ‘n’ slow over post oak for 14 to 16 hours, yielding a bite that’s melt-in-your-mouth good. Other standouts include juicy pork ribs, peppery turkey and a side of shells and cheese that just might be Austin’s best mac. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, La Barbecue’s selection of specialty sandwiches is not to be missed.

Time Out tip: There’s limited street parking, so consider parking across the street at the paid lot. 

Address: 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 11am–3pm

Expect to pay: Meats starting at $26 per pound, sides starting at $8 per pint and desserts range from $4-$5

What is it? A Michelin-starred food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar known for smoked meats and flavor-packed sides. 

Why we love it: Co-owners Evan LeRoy, Lindsey LeRoy, Nathan Lewis and Sawyer Lewis launched Leroy and Lewis in 2017, starting from humble beginnings as a food truck before opening their brick-and-mortar location. Today, it’s a household name in Austin’s barbecue scene, known for high-quality meats like chopped brisket, confit beef cheeks and flat iron beef shoulder. While sides at some BBQ joints can be hit and miss, they shine here. Don’t skip the tangy pork hash and rice or the Texas red chili frito pie (no beans, of course). Cap it all off with a German chocolate cobbler, banana pudding tiramisu or brown butter mesquite chocolate chip cookie. 

Time Out tip: Weekends draw larger crowds, so arrive early and expect to wait. Lines can stretch from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the crowd. 

Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Dr, Austin, TX 78745

Opening hours: Sun–Mon 11am–9pm; Wed–Thu 11am–9pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm

Expect to pay: Plates, which come with 2 meats and 2 sides or 1 meat and 2 sides, start at $23 and $17. 

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What is it? A food truck known for its innovative fusion of Texan barbecue and Egyptian flavors located on Manor Road. 

Why we love it: You might know of KG BBQ through Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown, but if you’ve been in Austin since the joint’s opening in 2022, you know Kareem El-Ghayesh is serving up juicy brisket, bowls and wraps. If it’s your first time, be sure to try signature dishes like the pork ribs, dry rubbed in za’atar and glazed with pomegranate barbecue sauce, and the brisket rice bowl, which comes with Mediterranean rice, smoked brisket, baladi salad, candied nuts and pomegranate seeds. Once your order is ready, grab a seat at one of the picnic tables or head inside Oddwood Brewing for a brewski to pair with your selections. 

Time Out tip: Don’t skip out on dessert; the cardamom pistachio rice pudding is made with pistachio butter, topped with mascarpone whipped cream and crushed pistachios. 

Address: 3108 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Opening hours: Thu–Sat 11am–8pm; Sun 11am–5pm

Expect to pay: $30+ per pound for most meats; about $18 for bowls and wraps.

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What is it? A counter-service truck slinging Central Texas barbecue with Louisiana flair at Batch Craft Beer and Kolaches. 

Why we love it: Parish BBQ might be a newcomer to Austin’s BBQ scene, but pitmaster Holden Fulco is no rookie. A veteran of Franklin Barbecue and Interstellar, Fulco brings serious craft—and heart—to smoked meats. Inspired by the flavors of his Louisiana upbringing, Parish BBQ is part Central Texas tradition and part Cajun soul. The brisket is layered in smoke, the ribs are juicy and the sides, like the vinegar-forward slaw and fried rolls with Tabasco honey butter, show real thought. No gimmicks here, just deeply satisfying barbecue done right. 

Time Out tip: Bringing a group? Get the most bang for your buck by ordering the tray, which feeds five people. 

Address: 3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723

Opening hours: Thu–Sun 11am–8pm

Expect to pay: Meats starting $14 per half pound, sides starting $5 for small and sandwiches $15+

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What is it? A vintage trailer-turned-brick-and-mortar on the East Side serving small-batch barbecue with serious care. 

Why we love it: Micklethwait is for people who want their barbecue a little more…craft. The brisket? Luscious, juicy and smoked just right. But it’s the attention to detail that really shines. Meats are smoked over oak for a balanced smoke profile, and sides are made from scratch (hello, jalapeño cheese grits and citrusy-poppy slaw). The new home, a converted church, gives the space even more character. Austinites and visitors alike line up for Micklethwait, a testament to just how good the BBQ is. 

Time Out tip: It’s BYOB, so bring a small cooler and post up for a little while. 

Address: 4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX 78721

Opening hours: Thu–Sun 11am–4pm

Expect to pay: Smoked meats start at $27 per pound 

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What is it? A Black-owned BBQ truck posted up outside Corner Bar in South Lamar. 

Why we love it: This no-frills spot might fly under the radar, but its flavor punches way above its weight. The brisket-sausage sandwich is a behemoth—juicy, smoky and filled thick, while the pork ribs hold their own against the city’s big names. There are several picnic tables, but if you don’t want to bake in the Texas heat, this meal is best enjoyed at home. Brown’s is the kind of place where regulars are greeted like family, and first-timers become loyalists after one bite. It’s barbecue with a soul and a side of South Austin charm. 

Time Out tip: Parking is limited, but you can find some spots on W Mary St. 

Address: 1901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Opening hours: Tues-Sat 11am–7pm; Sun 11am–5pm

Expect to pay: A pound of meat starts at $18.

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What is it? A retro-style barbecue joint housed in the old Violet Crown Shopping Center.

Why we love it: Stiles Switch is where you go when you want solid, straight-ahead barbecue without the three-hour wait. The pork ribs fall off the bone, the jalapeño cheddar sausage packs a punch and the pork belly burnt ends melt in your mouth. It’s no surprise it was named a Top 50 BBQ Joint by Texas Monthly. Plus, the spacious dining area and air conditioning make it an easy pick for big groups or families. Stiles Switch is not trying to reinvent Texas BBQ—it’s just doing it really well.

Time Out tip: Save room—whether it’s peach cobbler, tres leches, or chocolate Oreo pudding, dessert here is non-negotiable. 

Address: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78757

Opening hours: Tue–Thu, Sun 11am–8pm; Fri, Sat 11am–8:30pm

Expect to pay: Meat plates start at $20.95.