Savoring The Best BBQ Austin Can Offer

If there’s one thing the city of Austin is world-renowned for, besides its vibrant music scene, it is its mouthwatering BBQ. Feast your senses on slow-smoked meats, zesty sauces, and hearty side dishes that are a testament to Austin’s rich culinary heritage. Here, the BBQ isn’t just food—it’s a craft steeped in tradition, a testament to taste, and indeed, the flavor of community life.

Often referred to as the ‘Barbeque Capital of Texas’, Austin houses an impressive number of BBQ joints, each with its unique spin on this beloved culinary technique. From traditional smokehouses to innovative culinary centers, Austin’s BBQ scene offers a smoky, savory palette that’s second to none.

Franklin Barbecue

Any talk of Austin BBQ invariably begins with Franklin Barbecue. This iconic eatery is the brainchild of pitmaster Aaron Franklin, a James Beard Award winner respected in the barbeque world. The perfectly slow-cooked brisket, with a rich, flavorful bark and melt-in-your-mouth consistency, is the showstopper at Franklin’s. However, due to its immense popularity, be prepared for long queues. But worry not, for the bite into that smokey, heavenly meat will be worth every minute spent waiting.

La Barbecue

Next on our BBQ journey is La Barbecue, where you can indulge yourself in fantastic smoked meats made with love and patience. La Barbecue, owned by LeAnn Mueller, legendary Texas photographer and daughter of Taylor’s famous BBQ joint, is an Austin hotspot that blends tradition and flair. From the legendary El Sancho sandwich to the appropriately named ‘monster beef rib’, the meats here are flavor-rich, tender, and served with tangy pickles and soft bread.

Micklethwait Craft Meats

A gem in Austin’s East side, Micklethwait Craft Meats offers BBQ lovers artisanal meats handcrafted to perfection. A trailer cuteness, Micklethwait doesn’t just serve BBQ; they create an experience. The beautifully smoky brisket and house-made sausage are must-try delicacies. While there, don’t forget to sample the inventive and varied side dishes, which distinguish Micklethwait in the bustling Austin BBQ scene.

Stiles Switch BBQ

Paying homage to traditional Texas BBQ, Stiles Switch BBQ offers an extensive menu that celebrates the essence of Austin’s rich BBQ culture in every bite. Their signature beef brisket and succulent pork ribs, paired with their trademark sides, resonate with Austin’s BBQ-loving crowds. Stiles Switch also prides itself on their rotating daily special menu, where you can experience BBQ with a twist.

Modern Flames of Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

In the heart of Austin, where BBQ meets Tex-Mex, a unique culinary hybrid comes alive under the modern flames of Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ. Here, traditional Texas-smoked meats are served with a side of tortillas, offering a fusion of flavors that can only be described as heavenly. Home to the Real Deal Holyfield, a breakfast taco with brisket and bacon, Valentina’s transforms BBQ into a round-the-clock indulgence.

Exploring Austin’s BBQ scene means embarking on a culinary journey where tradition, innovation, and flavor intersect. Whether it’s Franklin’s renowned brisket, La BBQ’s divine sandwiches, Micklethwait’s unique sides, or the innovative Tex-Mex flavors of Valentina’s, the city offers something unique to cater to every BBQ fanatic. After all, Austin is a BBQ wonderland.