The Best Austin BBQ

Salt Lick BBQ Austin

Getting props from the Travel Channel is a pretty big deal, especially when named the best spot to chow-down on barbecue in the entire country. Only one Austin BBQ joint has earned that coveted title, and that local gem is the word-famous Salt Lick BBQ Austin.

Experience the carefully prepared and popular dishes at three locations close to Austin: the original spot in Driftwood, a second restaurant in Round Rock, and the Austin Airport. For the most authentic Austin BBQ experience, take a drive through the gorgeous rolling hills of Driftwood. As soon as you arrive, you’ll smell the delectable aromas wafting from the open pit, where all their delicious dishes have been smoked since 1967. Order their family style beef, sausage, and ribs, or enjoy meat by the pound including the famous brisket, ribs, sausage, or turkey. Everything is smoked to perfection, and then doused in their signature sweet Austin BBQ sauce.

Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue

In a beautiful, carefully renovated, and historic building, Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue is a classy yet comfortable dining experience. You don’t need to wear a suit and tie, but their elegance comes across in their divine Austin BBQ, top-notch menus, and fun brunch atmosphere. True to the city it serves, this one-of-a-kind spot features live music nightly in the upstairs bar and lounge—a true indicator of Austin authenticity.

For brunch, enjoy their quality and hearty buffet, serving up fresh cut fruits and berries, house smoked salmon, spicy breakfast sausage, coffee-rubbed brisket, and a goat cheese and caramelized onion omelet. But the real moneymaker is, of course, the smoked meat and authentic Austin BBQ. At lunch and dinner, try their oak-smoked and oak-grilled entrees ranging from country style pork ribs, cold-smoked quail, spicy jalapeno links made in house, Colorado lamb chops glazed in lavender honey, and the brown sugar ranch ribeye. Order classic collared greens, waffle fries, and green chili cheese grits on the side.

As a whole, your dining experiences will be unforgettable, but this culinary treat will be ingrained in your mind, conjuring constant mouthwatering memories of this Austin BBQ.

Ruby’s B.B.Q.

Grab a seat on their outdoor patio and prepare for an original and wholly satisfying Austin BBQ experience at this authentic spot, smoking food and meat in classic brick pits since 1988. Available for take-out and dining on location, you’ll be full for days after devouring the tender and flavorful food cooked in these epic smoke pits.

Sure, they have vegetarian options, but don’t miss out on their all natural brisket, Elgin hot sausage, baby back pork ribs, smoked chicken, or any of their combination platters. With a rustic, local, and friendly atmosphere and all of the delicious food you can consume, Ruby’s defines the best of Austin BBQ.  

Now that you have a full stomach, discover the best things to do in Austin.