Top 5 Ranked BBQ Joints

I have lived in Austin for the majority of my life (was born and raised here) and dined at many of these exceptional barbecue restaurants/dives; the following are my top picks. I have also included a full list of favorites beneath the ranked list. These are my personal preferences based on taste, experience, consistency, ease of acquisition, and flair/style points. While I do not base my methods on a numerical system, the ranking system is quite intricate and has been tweaked to reflect current BBQ trends. I hope you enjoy it!

5. The County Line

County Line on the Hill
6500 W. Bee Cave Rd., Austin
(512) 327-1742

County Line on the Lake
5204 RR 2222, Austin
(512) 346-3664

http://Countyline.com

The County Line was formed by some Texans who loved Austin, loved its heritage and historical buildings, loved BBQ, and were committed to running a restaurant based on four principles:

1. Offer the highest quality smoked barbecue – ribs, brisket, sausage and chicken – with traditional sides of cole slaw, potato salad and beans.

2. Provide these BBQ specialties in generous portions at reasonable prices.

3. Offer friendly table service with linens and bar service.

4. Feature an authentic location that celebrates the heritage of Texas.

In 1975 they put all these principles into effect at The County Line’s original location in an old speakeasy now known throughout Austin as The County Line on the Hill…and the rest as they say is history. With locations all over the South-west the County Line continues to serve up award winning barbeque in a relaxed setting, that’s so good you’ll want to “Get It All Over Ya!”

In 1990, The County Line Restaurants began shipping its legendary barbeque to all parts of the United States by Air Ribs. The same quality products that you’ve come to enjoy in the restaurants can be shipped right to your door. What better gift could you give your family or friends than to have The County Line cook for dinner.

4. Terry Black’s

1003 Barton Springs Rd., Austin
(512) 394-5899
http://Terryblackbbq.com

Born and raised in Lockhart, Texas, Terry Black passed down generations of barbecue knowledge learned from his experience in the Lockhart BBQ scene. His twin sons Michael and Mark Black bring their very own style of central Texas BBQ from Lockhart to Terry Black’s Barbecue in Austin and now to you and your family to enjoy! It is also notable that Terry Black’s offers nationwide shipping on their products!

3. Cooper’s (Llano)

604 E. Young St., Llano
(325) 247-5713
http://Coopersbbqllano.com

Located in the Texas Hill Country, the BBQ capital of the world. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is honored to be the best of the best in the barbecue business and home of the original World Famous “Big Chop.” There is a Cooper’s location in Austin; it just doesn’t taste quite the same (and never has)!

The Wootan Family has provided its World Famous Pit Barbecue to hundreds of thousands of hungry diners over the years at its family-owned and operated restaurant. Now you can get a taste of Texas Hill Country BBQ that restaurant reviewers have raved about, and remember It’s All About The Meat.

2. Franklin

900 E. 11th St., Austin
(512) 653-1187
https://Franklinbarbecue.com

Where do we begin when talking about Franklin? It is a unique experience to eat their BBQ as you must wait in line (which is part of the experience) or pre-order an excessive quantity for a large group. Waiting in line at Franklin is a social experiment! Their stance falls in line with the motto, “no cuts, no buts, no coconuts” in that they do not let influencers or “public figures” cut the line if they happen to be in town. the most notorious incident featured Kanye West attempting to walk to the front of the line to get special treatment. When he arrived, he was turned away along with the entire posse in tow.

For a restaurant to be able to turn away high-net-worth customers (who would pay four times the worth of the BBQ to skip the line), they must be doing something right! The something is the food; it speaks for itself.

1. Rudy’s (Gasp!)

Locations around Central Texas
http://Rudysbbq.com

This could be blasphemy to many diehard BBQ fans; let me make my case before the judgment begins. Rudy’s Barbecue is readily available around Austin and it’s surrounding areas. I do not know the exact location of all Rudy’s; however, I do know there is one in Waco which makes a chain-restaurant. That being said, I love the atmosphere they present, the food they prepare, and the positive, can-do attitude of the employees.  Eating out is about the experience. In my opinion, Rudy’s is the most readily available, reasonably priced, and consistent BBQ restaurant in Austin. It also vastly helps that they have BBQ / country-style breakfast tacos available in the morning. You can eat there for every meal of the day! There are other venues that offer a more unique experience; these experiences are much further away and much more costly.

Alphabetical List of BBQ Favorites

Kerlin BBQ

2209 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin

(512) 412-5588

http://Kerlinbbq.com

Kreuz Market

619 N. Colorado St., Lockhart

(512) 398-2361

http://Kreuzmarket.com

Lambert’s Downtown Barbecue

401 W. 2nd, Austin

(512) 494-1500

https://Lambertsaustin.com

Louie Mueller Barbecue

206 W. 2nd St., Taylor

(512) 352-6206

http://Louiemuellerbarbecue.com

Micklethwait Craft Meats

1309 Rosewood Ave., Austin

(512) 791-5961

http://Craftmeatsaustin.com

Rudy’s BBQ

Locations around Central Texas

http://Rudysbbq.com

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q

801 Red River, Austin

(512) 480-8341

http://Stubbsaustin.com

The Salt Lick-Driftwood

18300 FM 1826, Driftwood

(512) 858-4959

http://saltlickbbq.com/driftwood

The Salt Lick-Round Rock

3350 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

(512) 386-1044

http://Saltlickbbq.com

Smitty’s Market

208 S. Commerce St., Lockhart

(512) 398-9344

http://Smittysmarket.com

Southside Market

1212 US 290, Elgin

(512) 281-4650

http://Southsidemarket.com

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

6610 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

(512) 380-9199

http://Stilesswitchbbq.com

Terry Black’s Barbecue

1003 Barton Springs Rd., Austin

(512) 394-5899

http://Terryblackbbq.com

Valentinas Tex Mex BBQ

11500 Menchaca Rd., Austin

(512) 221-4248

http://valentinastexmexbbq.com

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