Barbecue in Austin

by Lu, OTL City Guides & Seat Fillers

When it comes to barbecue, Austin is a meat lover’s paradise. Texans know how to slow-cook beef and pork until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, and the variety of barbecue joints in Austin is sure to please any palate. From smoky, sauce-slathered ribs to juicy brisket, I’m highlighting a few of the best places to get your barbecue fix.

My three picks won’t surprise anyone who lives in the area. They’re some of the most known and visited. But that’s not all, as this is the ultimate go-to for barbecue in Austin. So, I’m also providing a directory of more than 150 spots that are smokin’ hot!

The County Line Legendary Bar-B-Q

I’m starting with The County Line, one of the more well-known barbecue joints and one that should be on all BBQ aficionados’ must-try list.

The first location was opened in the late 1970s, and it wasn’t long before word spread about this great spot where you can get some of the best barbecue in Austin, including fall off the bone ribs and German sausage with a bit of a kick.

Best Seats in the House

While the County Line isn’t limited to its Hill and Lake locations in Austin, serving up the meats and more in San Antonio, El Paso, and Albuquerque, NM, it’s still something special. I recommend the Lake Austin restaurant, especially when the weather cooperates as brisket, a cold beer, and a seat on the deck by the water is the recipe for a perfect afternoon or evening.

An All-You-Can-Eat Option

Unless you’re finicky or craving something specific, you can go family-style at The County Line and try a bit of everything. Most platters are in the $20 range, but you have to be willing to dish out more for the all-you-can-eat, starting at $36.99 a person.

Pricey? A bit. But, hey, if you’re really looking to do it up big with barbecue in Austin, then go all-in. You get sausage, chicken, brisket, pork ribs, turkey breast, a few sides, and some Blue Bell Ice Cream to wash it all down.

I forego the all-you-can-eat as I’m partial to the appetizers. Instead of the usual suspects, The County Line serves up Mexican Deviled Eggs, Bar-B-Q Sliders, and its famous homemade bread, and that’s pretty much all I need. Yum!

The County Line’s Two Austin Locations

Hill: 6500 West Bee Cave Road, Austin

Lake: 5204 FM 2222, Austin

Franklin Barbecue

Patience is required.

The Franklin Barbecue is an award-winning lunch-only joint named “the best BBQ in Texas” by many publications across the state.

It’s a small spot with a rustic exterior located on East 11th Street between Airport Boulevard and Rosewood Avenue in the heart of downtown Austin. And, if you’re wondering if it’s open, you don’t need to walk inside, as the line in front is the tell.

The Franklin is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 am to “sold out.” And, if you think that means 7 pm or even 5 pm, think again. We would never recommend showing up after 1 pm, as supplies last until 2 pm, maybe 3.

Buy in Bulk

Here’s the thing. You can pop by, stand in line, and order a sandwich. But I recommend making it more worthwhile. You can buy meats like pulled pork, brisket, or Franklin’s jalapeno cheddar sausage by the pound. So, why not make a party of it?

It’s the meat that’s the star attraction anyway, as sides at the Franklin are pretty dull with potato salad, slaw, and pinto beans. Prepare your own sides and desserts, and have a Franklin feast in the comfort of home (or the office?).

Anyone who’s sampled the goods will tell you that you have to give this place a try. Critics, foodies, and Austinites agree that The Franklin must be on the list for the best barbecue in Austin or anywhere else!

Franklin Barbecue: 900 East 11th Street, Austin, TX

Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q

I get it. Some of you are rolling your eyes right now. After all, Rudy’s Country BBQ is a chain, and it’s part of a country store and gas station. It’s nothing fancy to look at, with its rows and rows of wooden tables. But hear me out, as I have to make a case for Rudy’s serving up some of the best barbecue in Austin.

You might be a hardcore meat eater, and all that matters is how many ribs, sausages, or pounds of brisket is on the table. But I know I’m not alone as I am not quite vegetarian, but I enjoy the sides more than the main course. However, I like a few bites of really good brisket, especially the burnt ends, and that’s why I like Rudy’s.

By the Piece or Pound

Instead of ordering a platter or sandwich, you go through the line, picking up cartons of sides, and then friendly Rudy’s reps take your order by the pound, half pound, or even less. They’ll tell you what’s good and show you what you’re getting before paying. So, for someone like me who isn’t going to eat a lot of meat, I can get just a little bit of those yummy burnt ends.

That doesn’t mean meat eaters aren’t satisfied, though. It’s quality and quantity here, and you’re not settling for what the chef puts on the sandwich, as you’re ordering by the pound. Then, with meat and bread in hand (or bag!), you head over to the condiments and pile on the pickles, onions, and sauce to put your masterpiece together.

By the way, Rudy’s isn’t over the top with the sides either, but the potato salad and new potatoes are yummy and, the cream corn is a must!

Rudy’s Locations Are Listed in the Austin Barbecue Directory Below

Get Your Hands On All of the Barbecue in Austin

Everyone’s going to give you different opinions on the best barbecue in Austin, Texas. So, take some suggestions or eat your way through the city. The following list has more than 150 BBQ spots, including Rudy’s multiple locations.

Get Your Fill of Barbecue and Then Fill Some Seats

You might be visiting us just for the list of Austin barbecue restaurants. So, while we have your attention, let us introduce our really cool seat filler club, as Austin is one of our top US locations.

What’s a seat filler? It’s someone who gets to reserve free pairs of tickets to super-fun live entertainment when venues have some last-minute openings. OTL Seat Fillers has offered all kinds of shows and events over the years. But if you really enjoy plays and musicals, you’ll really love being a comp ticket VIP!

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