Blog > Top 5 Barbecue Spots in the Austin Area
If there’s one thing Texas is known for it’s BBQ, and Austin residents are no strangers to the smoky smell of brisket, sausage,and beef ribs. We love our barbecue, but with so many places in the area claiming to “be the best in Texas” it’s hard to choose your favorite, go-to restaurants. Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered! We’ve narrowed it down to what we believe are the top five places for Barbecue in the Austin area. Here are our picks, let us know what you think!
Of course we had to include the legendary Franklin’s on our list. Franklin Barbecue has spurred much debate over the years due to its insanely long lines – is it really worth waiting five hours for barbecue? We say yes, and the critics agree! Franklin’s has won just about every barbecue award there is and the owner, Aaron Franklin, even won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest in 2015. Everything from the brisket to the turkey is melt in your mouth tender and delicious. If you just can’t deal with the lines or they run out of meat before you make it to the front, check out Aaron’s cookbook and try your hand at being pitmaster yourself!
Currently housed in its famous yellow food truck on Caesar Chavez Street, La Barbecue is making a big move at the end of the month and joining forces with a local convenience shop, Quickie Pickie just down the street. Don’t worry though, nothing will change about their delicious food. They’re even adding a second smoker to amp up production of their brisket and beef ribs. Fan favorites include the sausage and giant beef ribs. You can order ahead and avoid the long lines, or if you don’t mind the lines they offer free beer while you wait!
Possibly the most underrated BBQ joint in Austin, Freedmen’s will get you some of the best brisket, sausage, and spareribs with none of the crazy lines you’ll experience at Franklin’s or La Barbecue. Plus, Freedmen’s understands that the sides are just as important as the meats! Menu items like smoked beets, chili, baked beans, and homemade bread round out your BBQ experience. For dessert you absolutely have to try their famous smoked banana pudding. The drink selection is great too!
Micklethwait (the “th” is silent) is located less than half a mile from Franklin Barbecue and has a fraction of the lines, but don’t think that’s because it isn’t just as great. This little food trailer definitely has something for everyone, serving up great classics like brisket and beef ribs, along with some equally delicious alternatives including chicken and pulled pork. Their real specialty though is their homemade sausages and coarse lamb and beef. With great sides and desserts Micklethwait takes no shortcuts. Owner and Pitmaster, Tom Micklethwait has a background in baking and worked at a popular Italian restaurant before breaking out into the BBQ biz. It’s certainly a seemingly unlikely transition, but boy are we happy he made the jump!
It’s BBQ with a spin. Valentina’s serves up BBQ you can definitely only find here in Texas, combining two of your favorite foods – barbecue and tacos. The menu is simple but delicious and includes both sandwich and taco options, but we recommend you try the tacos with their homemade flour tortillas. The taco menu includes of course a smoked brisket taco, as well as beef fajita, smoked carnitas, and chicken. Top your tacos off with homemade salsa and guac! Your sides have some Tex-Mex flare as well, the smoked corn is a fan favorite for sure! Valentina’s is currently located in its usual food trailer in South Austin on Manchaca, but owner Miguel Vidal hopes to move into the brick-and-mortar restaurant they’ve been renovating by the end of the year!