Texas is the self-proclaimed barbecue capital of the world. And who's going to argue with that? Like much of the state, San Antonio is full of dining spots specializing in drool-inducing smoked meats and succulent sides.
To help you sort through it all, we assembled a list of 20 must-try barbecue joints in the Alamo City that will help you find smoked-brisket heaven. From traditional flavors to new twists and everything in between, these restaurants, holes-in-the wall and mobile kitchens offer smoky succulence that does the Lone Star State proud.
San Antonio's 20 must-try barbecue restaurants
By San Antonio Current Staff on Fri, May 19, 2023 at 4:38 pm
Scroll down to view images
Photo via Instagram / windmill_ice_house
Windmill Ice House
2769 Nacogdoches, (210) 714-0630, windmillicehousesatx.square.site
Offering traditional Texan styles of barbecue, Windmill Ice House is serving their patrons an expansive and customizable array of options. From chips and queso, cole slaw or brisket intended to be finished with cornbread pudding or peach cobbler, this Northeast-side shack slings meals from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Wednesday through the weekend. They also often feature live music.
2769 Nacogdoches, (210) 714-0630, windmillicehousesatx.square.site
Offering traditional Texan styles of barbecue, Windmill Ice House is serving their patrons an expansive and customizable array of options. From chips and queso, cole slaw or brisket intended to be finished with cornbread pudding or peach cobbler, this Northeast-side shack slings meals from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Wednesday through the weekend. They also often feature live music.
Photo via Instagram / curryboysbbq
Curry Boys BBQ
2334 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 560-2763, curryboysbbq.com
The phrase “Texas BBQ and Southeast Asian curry” may leave you scratching your head, but menu items like the Brisket Curry Bowl — smoked Texas brisket with green curry, Jasmine rice, cilantro and fried shallots — will leave lovers of Asian cuisine and barbecue fanatics alike full and satisfied. The dining concept slings bowls from their bright pink shack on the St. Mary’s strip.
2334 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 560-2763, curryboysbbq.com
The phrase “Texas BBQ and Southeast Asian curry” may leave you scratching your head, but menu items like the Brisket Curry Bowl — smoked Texas brisket with green curry, Jasmine rice, cilantro and fried shallots — will leave lovers of Asian cuisine and barbecue fanatics alike full and satisfied. The dining concept slings bowls from their bright pink shack on the St. Mary’s strip.
Photo via Instagram / pinkertonsbbq
Pinkerton's Barbecue
107 W. Houston St., (210) 983-0088, pinkertonsbarbecue.com
This Houston-based eatery, named one of Texas Monthly’s 50 best in 2021, has a menu to fulfill all barbecue lovers' cravings. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of downtown near Legacy Park.
107 W. Houston St., (210) 983-0088, pinkertonsbarbecue.com
This Houston-based eatery, named one of Texas Monthly’s 50 best in 2021, has a menu to fulfill all barbecue lovers' cravings. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of downtown near Legacy Park.
Photo via Instagram / eagle_quattlebaum
Rusty Bucket Jawsmacking BBQ
600 Cupples Road, (210) 433-6663, rustybucketbbq.com
They don’t call it "jawsmacking" for nothing, though you may have to unhinge your jaw to get a bite of their Lone Ranger triple meat sandwich. Guests can expect classic barbecue flavors served in portions that might promise some leftovers from this Cupples Road spot.
600 Cupples Road, (210) 433-6663, rustybucketbbq.com
They don’t call it "jawsmacking" for nothing, though you may have to unhinge your jaw to get a bite of their Lone Ranger triple meat sandwich. Guests can expect classic barbecue flavors served in portions that might promise some leftovers from this Cupples Road spot.
Photo via Instagram / holysmoke210
Holy Smoke BBQ & Taquitos
1009 Avenue B, (210) 550-2426, holysmokesa.com
This food truck located at El Camino SA is pushing the brisket boundaries with fare like their brisket smashburger, a brisket mac and cheese grilled cheese sando, and loaded Holy Mac. Snag a cocktail from the full bar while you’re at it.
1009 Avenue B, (210) 550-2426, holysmokesa.com
This food truck located at El Camino SA is pushing the brisket boundaries with fare like their brisket smashburger, a brisket mac and cheese grilled cheese sando, and loaded Holy Mac. Snag a cocktail from the full bar while you’re at it.
Photo via Instagram / twobrosbbqmarket
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.
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 / 225urbansmoke
225° Urban Smoke
1015 Rittiman Road #113, (210) 444-9956, 225urbansmoketx.com
Serving up smoked meats, Cajun treats and southern favorites, 225° Urban Smoke offers more than just barbecue. 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-style beignets for dessert.
1015 Rittiman Road #113, (210) 444-9956, 225urbansmoketx.com
Serving up smoked meats, Cajun treats and southern favorites, 225° Urban Smoke offers more than just barbecue. 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-style beignets for dessert.
Photo via Instagram / herbermax
The Barbecue Station
1610 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 824-9191, barbecuestation.com
Complete with made-from-scratch sides, the Barbecue Station — which is housed in an old Exxon gas station — should definitely be a rite of passage for avid barbecue consumers.
1610 NE Interstate 410 Loop, (210) 824-9191, barbecuestation.com
Complete with made-from-scratch sides, the Barbecue Station — which is housed in an old Exxon gas station — should definitely be a rite of passage for avid barbecue consumers.
Photo via Instagram / reesebrosbbq
Reese Bros. BBQ
906 Hoefgen Ave., (512) 925-9205, reesebrosbbq.com
After years of serving up barbecue at pop-ups in the south and west parts of the Lone Star State, San Antonio natives Nick and Elliot Reese decided to open a brick and mortar location of Reese Bros in their hometown. The brothers are known for their famous sausage, turkey, ribs and 14-hour smoked brisket.
906 Hoefgen Ave., (512) 925-9205, reesebrosbbq.com
After years of serving up barbecue at pop-ups in the south and west parts of the Lone Star State, San Antonio natives Nick and Elliot Reese decided to open a brick and mortar location of Reese Bros in their hometown. The brothers are known for their famous sausage, turkey, ribs and 14-hour smoked brisket.
Photo via Instagram / 2msmokehouse
2M Smokehouse
Multiple Locations, 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 as well as daily specials Thursday through Saturday.
Multiple Locations, 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 as well as daily specials Thursday through Saturday.
Photo via Instagram / southbbq
South BBQ & Kitchen
2011 Mission Road, (210) 437-0070, southbbqtogo.com
Bringing it since 2011, South BBQ & Kitchen has been doing it in-house daily for over a decade. They serve a prime angus brisket that tastes as good as it sounds.
2011 Mission Road, (210) 437-0070, southbbqtogo.com
Bringing it since 2011, South BBQ & Kitchen has been doing it in-house daily for over a decade. They serve a prime angus brisket that tastes as good as it sounds.
Photo via Instagram / pxgscottyk
The Big Bib BBQ
Multiple Locations, thebigbib.com
Serving up meat by the pound and flavor by the mile, The Big Bib's blend of herbs, spices and smoking woods make sure every bite is just as good as the last.
Multiple Locations, thebigbib.com
Serving up meat by the pound and flavor by the mile, The Big Bib's blend of herbs, spices and smoking woods make sure every bite is just as good as the last.
Photo via Instagram / dignowitymeats
Dignowity Meats
1701 E. Houston St., (210) 462-1496, dignowitymeats.com
East side staple Dignowity Meats pushes the envelope of what it means to be a barbecue restaurant. Alongside delicious pulled pork and brisket, you can grab a classic deli sandwich like a reuben or smoked bologna.
1701 E. Houston St., (210) 462-1496, dignowitymeats.com
East side staple Dignowity Meats pushes the envelope of what it means to be a barbecue restaurant. Alongside delicious pulled pork and brisket, you can grab a classic deli sandwich like a reuben or smoked bologna.
Photo via Instagram / augies.bbq
Augie’s Barbed Wire
Multiple Locations, augiesbbq.com
Augie’s Barbed Wire has brought mouth-watering barbecue to San Antonio for over 20 years, which can be enjoyed at either its St. Mary’s or Broadway locations. Try the delectable brisket and legendary pulled pork sandwich or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the all-beef foot-long chili dog.
Multiple Locations, augiesbbq.com
Augie’s Barbed Wire has brought mouth-watering barbecue to San Antonio for over 20 years, which can be enjoyed at either its St. Mary’s or Broadway locations. Try the delectable brisket and legendary pulled pork sandwich or, if you’re feeling adventurous, the all-beef foot-long chili dog.
Photo via Instagram / dyamezgram
Blanco BBQ
13259 Blanco Road, (210) 251-2602, blancobbq.com
Blanco BBQ is a barbecue-focused Tex-Mex fusion joint that has just about anything you could want. The meats are consistently flavorful and juicy and the roasted corn has the potential to become highly addictive.
13259 Blanco Road, (210) 251-2602, blancobbq.com
Blanco BBQ is a barbecue-focused Tex-Mex fusion joint that has just about anything you could want. The meats are consistently flavorful and juicy and the roasted corn has the potential to become highly addictive.
Courtesy Photo / K. Spoetzl BBQ Co.
K. Spoetzl BBQ Co.
603 E. Brewery St., Shiner, (361) 401-7034, shiner.com/brewery
Located in Spoetzl Brewery, a historic brewery of Shiner beer, this barbecue spot from Pit Master Tommy Schuette is serving up all the traditional barbecue fare, including locally sourced brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage as well as loaded baked potatoes and sandwiches.
603 E. Brewery St., Shiner, (361) 401-7034, shiner.com/brewery
Located in Spoetzl Brewery, a historic brewery of Shiner beer, this barbecue spot from Pit Master Tommy Schuette is serving up all the traditional barbecue fare, including locally sourced brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausage as well as loaded baked potatoes and sandwiches.
Photo via Instagram / smokeshack
Smoke Shack
3714 Broadway, (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com
Featured multiple times on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious barbecue 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.
3714 Broadway, (210) 957-1430, smokeshacksa.com
Featured multiple times on Food Network, the Smoke Shack offers undeniably delicious barbecue 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 / bbsmokehousesanantonio
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 handcrafted sauces make for an unforgettable experience.
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 handcrafted sauces make for an unforgettable experience.
Photo via Instagram / deewilliestxbbq
Dee Willie’s BBQ
12130 O'Connor Rd., (210) 387-7452, deewilliestxbbq.com
This longtime spot offers food made by barbecue lovers for barbecue lovers. It’s worth heading to the Northeast side to chow down on some of their brisket.
12130 O'Connor Rd., (210) 387-7452, deewilliestxbbq.com
This longtime spot offers food made by barbecue lovers for barbecue lovers. It’s worth heading to the Northeast side to chow down on some of their brisket.
Photo via Instagram / bdaddysbbq
B-Daddy’s BBQ
14436 Bandera Road, Helotes, (210) 275-9995, bdaddysbbq.com
Whether you catch their food truck in the wild or swing by their restaurant before a night of live music at the nearby John T Floore’s Country Store, B-Daddy’s is doing barbecue right. Try something a little different with their creamy BBQ Nachos.
14436 Bandera Road, Helotes, (210) 275-9995, bdaddysbbq.com
Whether you catch their food truck in the wild or swing by their restaurant before a night of live music at the nearby John T Floore’s Country Store, B-Daddy’s is doing barbecue right. Try something a little different with their creamy BBQ Nachos.
Chava Communications
Read our sister publications
© 2024 San Antonio Current
