S.A.’s BBQ Brawl: 10 Smokin’ Hot Picks in 2024
San Antonio is famous for its diverse culture, historical background, and of course, impressive food habits particularly the barbeque joints. From the historical smokehouse giants to the modern upstarts, BBQ restaurants satisfy almost any taste bud. In this guide, we’ll delve into six of the best BBQs in San Antonio, each offering its unique flavor profile and culinary experience.
The Smoke Shack
Overview
Founded in the Southeast part of San Antonio, The Smoke Shack has become a favorite to residents and tourists in the area. This venerable smokehouse reeks of authenticity and tastiness, offering scores of meats including brisket, ribs, sausage, and chicken. While the burgers are juicy and the ribs tender, pair your protein with a selection of delectable sides and wash it down with one of their craft beers on tap for the ultimate BBQ experience.
My Review
Having been a barbeque enthusiast for a long time, I can say that The Smoke Shack has an unmatchable lure. The instant you enter through the door you get a whiff of juicy deliciousness that comes with hickory smoking. I suggest you begin with their tender brisket; you will find it stretching smoothly in your mouth. The ribs are particularly enjoyable as they are both well-seasoned, smoky, and packed with tender meat. Of course, one must not overlook the sides – whether it is the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese or the zesty flavors of coleslaw, every creation represents Southern cuisine in its truest form.
The Big Bib BBQ
Overview
Located in the very downtown of San Antonio The Big Bib BBQ has become one of the most popular places to eat due to the great menu and friendly staff. Cooking genuine Texas-style BBQ, this is the popular joint that serves delicious slices of briskets, sausage, and ribs marinated with its blend of spices and smoked to deliciousness. However, what makes The Big Bib unique is that it mixes the traditional sides with several meats and veggies, for example, mac and cheese with pulled pork and creamed corn with jalapenos.
My Review
The trip to The Big Bib BBQ turned out to be quite a revelation for me in terms of excellent eating. As soon as I took a bite of their great, thick, smoky slice of brisket, I knew I was in the heart of BBQ country. The meat was tender, succulent, and packed with flavourous smokiness that is to be expected from great brisket and more. They are like no other barbecue foods you may be familiar with. The mac and cheese with pulled pork was one of the best tastes I’ve ever eaten, with melt-in-your-mouth cheese sauce with pieces of pork for a real feast.
Rudy’s Barbecue
Overview
It would be rather unwise and incomplete not to include Rudy’s Barbecue in any list of the best BBQ places to visit in San Antonio. With its origins dating back to 1989, Rudy’s distinguishes itself with its simplicity and authentic all-Texas selection of cuisine along with the Southern attitude. When it comes to BBQ, Rudy’s has you covered if you like brisket, sausage, ribs, or chicken all of which are available by the pound, along with sandwiches and sides that look almost too delicious to eat.
My Review
Rudy’s Barbecue is a testament to the timeless appeal of Texas-style barbecue. As soon as you set foot inside, the first thing that hits you is the heavenly scent of barbeque meat from the pit. The short ribs are superb – savory, tender, and juicy, the cracklings of fat that coat the meat perfectly crispy. And of course the sides – from the sharp potato salad to the creamy coleslaw, every bite takes you on a ride through the best of comfort Southern food.
Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse
Overview
Nestled just on the south outskirts of San Antonio, Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse is a true find for those who want authentic local taste. An authentic, family-run smokehouse that is famous for slow-smoked briskets and homemade sausages together with an extensive range of traditional accompaniments. They have all types of food that you might be seeking such as potato salad, coleslaw, or even baked beans.
My Review
A true artisanal labor of love, the Smokehouse at Augie’s Barbed Wire Smokehouse gives its meats the utmost attention to detail before serving. For instance, the brisket is very delicious and soft and gives a smoky hickory sensation that cannot be compared to any other food. And the sausage? It is undoubtedly something like which you have never before had a taste, filled with so many flavors and spices embedded within a skin-like cracker. Probably best served with their spicy coleslaw on the side; a perfect BBQ combination!
Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Overview
Rich in history and tradition, Pinkerton’s Barbecue has lived up to the expectations of San Antonio BBQ lovers since 1944. This timeless restaurant based in a red-brick establishment provides a wide variety of smoked meats, such as brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken. Whether it is a sandwich or an ample meat and sides combo, Pinkerton offers a genuine taste of the Lone Star State barbecue.
My Review
In my opinion, as a barbeque enthusiast, Pinkerton’s Barbecue deserves a lot of credit. A step into the restaurant takes one down memory lane and into a modern classic Southern tradition and cooking expertise. The meat – the star of the show – the brisket, slow-cooked to tender, juicy goodness and fragranced with the aroma of barbecue, holds a mouthful of music in a single bite. And the ribs? They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and are covered by one of the best savory crusts that shall make you drool. This is a place any BBQ lover should visit because Pinkerton’s is a restaurant that has a long history and nothing can compare to the delicious taste of its dishes.
2M Smokehouse & Catering
Overview
Located at the southeast edge of San Antonio, 2M Smokehouse & Catering is a lesser-known gem that locals and tourists appreciate. Focusing on Central Texas barbecue, this no-frills restaurant continues to impress with its choice of smoked meats, freshly prepared sides, and a predominant number of draft beers. Don’t look any further because 2M Smokehouse & Catering will give you the best BBQ that you can get whether ordering for take-out or eat-in.
My Review
My visit to 2M Smokehouse & Catering was nothing short of revelatory. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the intoxicating aroma of smoldering oak and sizzling meat. The brisket, slow-smoked to perfection, was a revelation – tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. And the sides? They were the perfect accompaniment, with each dish showcasing the same level of care and attention to detail as the main event. With its warm hospitality and unparalleled flavor, 2M Smokehouse & Catering has earned its place among San Antonio’s BBQ elite.
B&B Smokehouse
Overview
B&B Smokehouse is the epitome of a classic Texas barbecue joint. Located on the Southside of San Antonio, this no-frills spot has been serving up mouth-watering barbecue since 1984. The menu features brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken by the pound, along with a variety of sandwiches and sides. The atmosphere is casual, and the focus is firmly on the food.
My Review
As soon as one enters the B&B Smokehouse, the first thing their senses are greeted with is the delectable smell of barbeque food. The brisket, for instance, is excellently marinated and grilled; it melts in your mouth with a nice texture and a perfect layer of crust around it. The sausage is tasty and is of a good chewiness and the ribs melt in the mouth. Among the sides, coleslaw is a special treat that balances out the heaviness of the meats with a creamy feel. Amiable personnel and the home-like environment are aspects that can make one feel like visiting the place over and over again.
The Big Bib BBQ
Overview
Big Bib BBQ is another well-known restaurant that specializes in smoking different types of meats and homemade sides. Along with numerous Mexican dishes, this restaurant also has a bar where you can get a drink to have with the meal. The Big Bib is dominated by a strong sense of community and often holds events and fundraisers.
My Review
To begin with, the Big Bib BBQ has a homely atmosphere, which gives the first impression of the comfort the visitors want to have. Their smoked turkey is my favorite – juicy, tasty, and with very good spices added to it. The brisket is equally as good with a full, deep smoked flavor and a fork-tender texture. Their sides are all made in-house, and the mac and cheese was excellent – rich and smooth. It is a plus that you can order a drink from their rather extensive bar menu that complements your meal, making your dining experience here one of convenience and contentment.
Two Bros. BBQ Market
Overview
Two Bros. BBQ Market is a barbecue restaurant situated in North Central San Antonio which is extremely suitable for those wishing to enjoy an informal dinner. Select from the available smoking meats list that includes brisket, sausage, ribs, and chicken served with traditional recipes such as potato salad and coleslaw. There is also a plus side in the sense that there is a playground for children which makes it a perfect place for a family vacation.
My Review
Two Bros. BBQ Market is a must-visit for all those who love tender, juicy barbeque and prefer to eat in a comfortable, home-like environment. The star of the dishes offered here is the brisket which is moist, tender, and has been smoked to the right level. Ribs are also enticing, well-spiced, and grilled to the required tenderness. One of the best sides in my opinion is the baked beans and they are quite tasty. The most inspirational is the playground where parents can cook their meals while observing kids play. This is an opportunity where the whole family can get to enjoy the best of barbecued foods.
Blanco BBQ
Overview
Blanco BBQ is one of the largest and most popular barbeque restaurants in North San Antonio. They have a large menu of smoked meat options and traditional fixings, as well as one of the best and most efficient drive-thrus for those who are on the run. It has ample space for the dining area and has the outdoor seating space for being a good place for casual and group eating.
My Review
The center benefits from a wider selection of foods and better quality said me at the Blanco BBQ. There is no question that one should try the brisket which is so tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Another bestselling dish is pulled pork; it is tender, moist, and full of flavor. Their sides are also very good; the potato salad and green beans are especially noteworthy. One of the best things in this restaurant is the drive-thru for those days when you have no time to prepare a delicious barbecue at home. Friendly people and enough space would make it a suitable place for any event.
Read Also: Top 12 Best Breweries In San Antonio
Conclusion
Barbeque in San Antonio is very popular and there are so many eateries that BBQ lovers can visit. No doubt, if you’re in search of a genuine Texas barbecue joint, this city offers it alongside good food and atmosphere for families. All of the said spots add something different to the mix and I suggest you visit them. There is quite a variety of the tastiest barbecues in Texas and I am sure you will revisit for more.
