San Antonio may never become Austin’s Barbecue City in capital letters, but the Alamo City holds its own when it comes to slow-cooked meat and freshly made sides. Here’s a look at some of the area’s best BBQ spots, from restaurants whose meat is praised by industry experts to locals who just love good food and friendly service.
2M Smokehouse
A new player on the barbecue scene, this restaurant offers true craft smoked meats and sides with an uncanny knack for hitting just the right balance between peppery smoke and tender meat. Pitmasters and high school friends Esaul Ramos Jr and Joe Melig found the barbecue Goldilocks Zone in 2016, staying put to wave cords of oak like magic wands over brisket that’s both peppery and moist, pork ribs that pull off the bone with ease and handmade sausage links stuffed with serrano peppers and Oaxaca cheese. Sides such as pickled nopales, Mexican street corn and mac and cheese spiked with chicharrones elevate the experience to a whole other level.
The newest addition to this list, this family-run establishment is all about bringing small town barbeque San Antonio best BBQ list to San Antonio. The menu is simple and straightforward, with a selection of meats cooked low and slow on custom-made pits that give the dishes a real depth of flavor. The result is mouthwatering rib plates, chicken sandwiches, pork sausage and a delicious cornbread that’s worth the trip all by itself.
Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant features authentic Texas cuisine with a modern twist. The brisket and ribs here are some of the most coveted in the state, with the signature rub adding just the right amount of spice. Other must-try items include the hush puppies, fried catfish and jalapeno cream corn.
This quaint and cozy restaurant is a must-visit for any bbq lover. The owner and staff are extremely friendly and welcoming, while the menu is full of traditional favorites, including ribs that fall off the bone with every bite and moist and juicy brisket. They also serve a variety of homemade desserts, including flan, ice cream and cake.
A local favorite, this joint is known for its huge portions of brisket and other meats served in soft tortillas. Its homemade bbq sauce is also a highlight and is made with a blend of sour cream, butter, brown sugar, vinegar and spices. The service is fast and efficient, and the owners are always on hand to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
A barbecue renaissance has taken hold of the Alamo City, with many new spots finding creative ways to kiss meat with fire. Whether it’s fusion recipes or unique combinations of classic barbecue sides, these new places are sure to surprise and delight you. Dignowity Meats has a dish called the Dignowity Pie, Pinkerton’s serves mouthwatering smoked pork belly, and Curry Boys uses Asian ingredients to elevate their brisket rice bowl to another level of deliciousness.