20 essential barbecue restaurants in San Antonio

By San Antonio Current Staff

It’s always a good time for barbecue in Texas. There’s just something about the smoky flavors and food coma-inducing sides that have tied themselves tightly to Lone Star State culture.

We put together a list of 20 of San Antonio’s essential BBQ joints to help you find your match made in smoked-brisket heaven. Traditional flavors, new twists and plenty of good eats are ahead, so grab a napkin and dig in — you just might find a new local favorite.

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Smoke Shack
3714 Broadway St., (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com
Featured twice on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious BBQ and southern-style cooking that will amply satisfy your cravings. Grab an order of the tender, melty Brisket Grilled Cheese and you may just become a regular.
Photo via Instagram / smokeshack

Two Bros BBQ Market
12656 West Ave., (210) 496-0222, twobrosbbqmarket.com
The cooking may be done in the pits but the flavor is anything but. If the award-winning brisket doesn’t blow your mind, the Cherry Glazed Baby Back Ribs will make you a believer in Two Bros BBQ Market’s low and slow cooking process.
Photo via Instagram / twobrosbbqmarket

2M Smokehouse
2731 S. W.W. White Rd., (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse.com
2M Smokehouse cooks out of their own love of barbecue and the proof is on the plate. Seasoned and smoked to perfection, their menu offers all the barbecue must-haves and a few delicious bonuses.
Photo via Instagram / 2msmokehouse

225° Urban Smoke
1015 Rittiman Rd #113, (210) 444-9956, 225urbansmoketx.com
Serving up smoked meats, Cajun treats and southern favorites, 225° Urban Smoke offers more than just BBQ. They’re a chef-driven one stop flavor shop and the pride in their craft comes through in each bite. Don’t forget the Nola Beignets for dessert!
Photo via Instagram / 225urbansmoke

Smoke BBQ + Skybar
501 E. Crockett St., (210) 253-9919, smokedowntown.com
Can’t find the right comfort food? Smoke has you covered. They make all sorts of barbecue favorites, but it’s hard to pass up on the loaded bowl of brisket mac and cheese.
Photo via Instagram / smokesanantonio

The Big Bib BBQ
104 Lanark Dr., (210) 654-8400, thebigbib.com
Meat by the pound and flavor by the mile. Their blend of herbs and spices and smoking woods make sure every bite is just as good as the last. Southern comfort at its finest.
Photo via Instagram / bigbibbbq

South BBQ & Kitchen
2011 Mission Rd., (210) 437-0070, southbbqtogo.com
Bringing the “BBQ for the ‘tone” since 2011, South BBQ & Kitchen have been doing it in-house daily for nearly a decade. They serve a prime angus brisket that tastes as good as it sounds.
Photo via Instagram / southbbq

Bandit BBQ
1913 S. Flores St., (858) 353-3999, banditbbqsatx.com
If you make it past Bandit BBQ’s Loaded Brisket Fries with room to spare, the Picadillo Taco will be sure to finish the job. You can even take home a bottle of their famous sauce!
Photo via Instagram / banditbbqsatx

Dee Willie’s BBQ
12130 O'Connor Rd., (210) 387-7452, facebook.com/DeeWillies
Good food, good prices, good service! Food made by BBQ lovers for BBQ lovers. With several locations and a food truck, there’s no excuse not to chow down on some of their brisket.
Photo via Instagram / puropinchesa

B&B Smokehouse
2619 Pleasanton Rd., (210) 921-2745, bbsmokehouse.com
Cooking up great ‘cue since ’84, B&B knows what goes into a good plate of down-home favorites. Fresh ingredients and the attention to detail you get from handcrafted sauces make for an unforgettable experience.
Photo via Instagram / bbsmokehousetx