The Alamo, the River Walk and Pee Wee’s Big Adventure might put San Antonio on the tourism map for some travelers, but this city also holds its own when it comes to barbecue. Texans are proud of the rock-star bark on their brisket, and San Antonio has plenty of meat-savvy restaurants to satisfy barbecue cravings. These 11 standouts are making a name for themselves by taking the Texas low-and-slow tradition to the next level.
BBQ lovers know that good barbecue requires a lot of patience and dedication. The smokers at this Austin-based chain smoke for up to 12 hours a day to get the perfect flavor for their pork, chicken and beef brisket. Their signature rubs are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and they serve it all with sides like creamy mac and cheese, sweet baked beans and the ever-popular coleslaw.
Despite being relatively new to the local food scene, Bandit best BBQ in San Antonio is quickly becoming one of the best places for barbeque in San Antonio. This modern restaurant combines a hipster coffee shop vibe with some of the best smoked meat in town. Their turkey has amazing smoky flavor and is a great alternative to brisket or pulled pork. The ribs are a must-try and they have all the right amount of tenderness and smoke. Their macaroni and cheese is stout and creamy with larger-than-life noodles drenched in liquid gold.
If you’re looking for a classic barbecue experience with great service this is the place to go. The brisket here is moist, fatty and has that perfect smoke-flavored bark. Their signature sauce is tangy and just the right amount of spicy, and their side dishes are just as delicious. The creamed corn is creamy, savory and just a little bit sweet, and the coleslaw has a nice crunch to it.
At Two Bros BBQ Market you’ll find a menu full of classics including cherry-glazed baby back ribs, the cheesy chop and marbled brisket. Their cobbler is a must-try too and has an irresistible crusty top. If you want to try something different this is the place to go for tacos too – they have an impressive selection including barbacoa, mollejas and carne guisada.
Using Yelp data, Hoodline crunched the numbers to determine the top affordable barbecue spots in San Antonio. Gogi Street took the top spot for its Korean and Asian fusion cuisine, but the other spots on this list all have great reviews and a solid price-tag. You’ll find everything from casual burger joints to family-friendly spots that have been around for years.