Best BBQ in Austin — Ranked by Real Reviews

Published March 20, 2026 · Updated weekly

Everyone has an opinion about Austin BBQ. We decided to let the numbers talk. These rankings are based on real review data — star ratings weighted by review count. No paid placements, no hype.

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#1: Terry Black's Barbecue

⭐ 5.0 (24,000+ reviews) · Patio, kid-friendly Twenty-four thousand reviews. Five stars. That's not a restaurant — that's a phenomenon. The brisket is the standard everyone else is measured against, the line moves fast, and the patio is massive. View on TownHop →

#2: Franklin Barbecue

⭐ 5.0 (7,000+ reviews) · Patio, kid-friendly The legend. Yes, there's a line. Yes, it's worth it. If you've never done the Franklin experience — bring friends, bring beer, bring a lawn chair. The brisket is transcendent. View on TownHop →

#3: Fiasco BBQ

⭐ 5.0 (43 reviews) · Patio, dog-friendly, kid-friendly The newcomer with a perfect score. Small review count but a flawless rating and growing fast. Worth trying before the secret gets out. View on TownHop →

#4: Cherry Creek Catfish Company

⭐ 4.6 (3,100+ reviews) · Seafood + BBQ, patio, live music Not a pure BBQ joint, but the smoked meats here are legit. The catfish is the star, but the brisket holds its own. Live music on the patio is a bonus. View on TownHop →

#5: Cabo Bob's Burritos

⭐ 4.6 (2,800+ reviews) · BBQ burritos, patio BBQ meets burritos. The smoked brisket burrito is one of the most underrated things in Austin. Fast, filling, and legit smoked meat inside a tortilla. View on TownHop →

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The BBQ Rules

1. Weekday > Weekend. Lines are shorter Tuesday through Thursday.
2. Get there early. Most places sell out of premium cuts by 1pm.
3. Order the moist brisket. If they ask fatty or lean, always say fatty.
4. Sides matter. Coleslaw and potato salad separate good BBQ from great BBQ.
5. Don't skip the sausage. Austin's jalapeño cheddar sausage is a thing of beauty.

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Find every BBQ joint in Austin at TownHop.