Best of 18 BBQ restaurants in San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas is a haven for BBQ lovers, boasting a wide range of BBQ restaurants that serve delicious and authentic smoked meats. From traditional favorites like brisket and ribs to unique local creations, these BBQ restaurants in San Antonio are a must-visit for foodies and travelers alike. Whether you're a resident or a tourist, indulging in San Antonio's BBQ scene is a memorable experience not to be missed.
- 1. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
- 2. Smoke Shack BBQ
- 3. Blanco BBQ
- 4. B&B Smokehouse
- 5. Two Bros. BBQ Market
- 6. Pinkerton's Barbecue
- 7. The Big Bib BBQ
- 8. DeeWillie's BBQ
- 9. The Barbecue Station
- 10. The County Line
- 11. RUSTY BUCKET JAWSMACKING BBQ
- 12. 2M Smokehouse
- 13. BBQLIFE By Chris
- 14. 225° Urban Smoke
- 15. Curry Boys BBQ
- 16. South BBQ & Kitchen
- 17. Reese Bros Barbecue
- 18. Garcia Barbecue
1. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
Family-owned and operated 'country store' with a friendly staff and a huge selection of BBQ sauces and rubs for sale.

The portions of food served at this establishment are generally small, leading some customers to comment on the high cost. The flavor of the food has also been criticized as mediocre by some, with the baby back ribs described as tender but lacking in balance due to an overly sweet BBQ sauce.
On the other hand, some customers consider the prices to be reasonable. However, there are others who believe that prices have risen too much, indicating a discrepancy in opinions regarding the value for money. Overall, there seems to be a consensus that the size of the portions could be improved, while the flavor may be hit or miss.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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2. Smoke Shack BBQ
Family-owned with homemade recipes

The Smoke Shack offers delicious food and exceptional service, making it a standout choice for dining. The establishment is known for its tender and juicy turkey and brisket, which have earned high praise from patrons. The potato salad side dish is particularly noteworthy for its exceptional taste and quality.
Diners consistently rave about the excellent food and welcoming atmosphere at The Smoke Shack, making it a go-to spot for both regulars and visitors. The friendly service and warm environment have resulted in consistently positive experiences for all who dine there, creating a loyal customer base who enjoy returning to the establishment with their guests. The Smoke Shack has yet to disappoint, as it consistently delivers top-notch meals and a memorable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Blanco BBQ
Family-owned BBQ spot with homemade sides

The service at this establishment is generally described as friendly, efficient, and accurate, with staff consistently wearing smiles. However, a few customers have reported inconsistent experiences.
As for the food, the 2-meat plate with brisket and sausage was somewhat dry, but the sides, such as potato salad and mac & cheese, were well-received. The smoked turkey was a standout, but the ribs and ham were only average in quality.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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4. B&B Smokehouse
In-house brewed beer and spacious outdoor seating

My friends couldn't stop raving about the ribs, so of course, I had to give them a try. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The ribs were juicy and bursting with flavor, perfectly complemented by the delicious BBQ sauce. The fresh potato salad was the perfect side dish, with just the right amount of tang and creaminess. I was impressed by the large portions and the fact that the food was ready in a matter of minutes, even though the place was packed. As a bonus, they offered a military discount, which I thought was a great touch. I can't wait to go back and try even more of their delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Two Bros. BBQ Market
Uses traditional offset smokers, high-quality meats, and homemade sides

The staff at the restaurant were friendly and welcoming, but there were some issues with the BBQ dishes. The brisket was dry and lacked moisture, while the chicken and pork ribs were undercooked, which affected the overall dining experience. However, the sides served were enjoyable and added some redeeming qualities to the meal.
On the other hand, 2 Bros serves excellent barbeque with a great selection of wines and beers to accompany the meal. They play good Texas music and offer outdoor seating, creating a pleasant atmosphere for dining. The only challenge is deciding what to order since all the menu items are sold by the pound. Based on this, 2 Bros is a recommended option for BBQ lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
6. Pinkerton's Barbecue
Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, Homemade sides and desserts

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. The Big Bib BBQ
Family-owned business since 1999, using traditional BBQ methods

The Big Bib BBQ in San Antonio is a standout location for BBQ lovers, offering an exceptional pulled pork dish that is incredibly juicy and a smoked turkey that is a delightful surprise. The quality of the food is sure to warrant a return visit.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Suburban
8. DeeWillie's BBQ
Family-owned business with 20+ years of experience

BBQ dishes have received high praise for their exceptional flavor and quality, with many guests claiming it to be the best they have ever had. The BBQ sauce, in particular, has been a topic of discussion, with some guests expressing a preference for spicy versions while others enjoy the regular sauce.
However, there have been differing opinions regarding the value and quality of the food. While many guests have praised the dishes for being delicious and smoked to perfection, others have criticized them for being overpriced and having substandard quality. The smoke flavor, in particular, has been a point of contention, with some guests appreciating it and others finding it to be overpowering.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Suburban
- Cheap Eats
9. The Barbecue Station
Uses mesquite wood for smoking, offers family-style packages, full bar available

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
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10. The County Line
Offers catering and has a large dining area

The meat combo at this establishment offers three different types of meat, although the portions of meat are somewhat small. On the other hand, the two sides that come with the combo are quite large. The bread, described as "the best homemade bread ever" by the waiter, was too sweet for some tastes. However, the brisket received high praise and was regarded as excellent.
The food served is delicious and satisfying, with a variety of options available for customers. The meat combo, while having small portions of meat, comes with large sides and can be a filling meal. The brisket is a standout option and is highly recommended. The bread, although too sweet for some, is still of good quality. Overall, the meal is very good and offers a variety of choices for customers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
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11. RUSTY BUCKET JAWSMACKING BBQ
Live music on weekends, Full bar with local beers

The service at this establishment is mixed, with customers praising its speed and friendliness, while others have reported issues with the food. The staff is known for being particularly friendly and creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, there have been some complaints about the quality of the food.
The BBQ at this location is a highlight, with customers raving about the delicious ribs and brisket. The overall dining experience is enjoyable, with classic hits music playing in the background. Despite some issues with the food, the friendly service and enjoyable atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination for BBQ lovers.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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12. 2M Smokehouse
Family-owned, custom-built smoker, on-site milled flour

The author had a wonderful late lunch at 2M Smokehouse in San Antonio, trying a variety of meats as the restaurant was running low on options. They enjoyed a small piece of brisket, one sausage link, and some pulled pork, all of which were outstanding. The pulled pork was so delicious that it was quickly devoured, leaving the author regret not arriving earlier to secure more of this delicious treat.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Hidden Gems
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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13. BBQLIFE By Chris
Live music on weekends, Family-owned and operated

BBQLIFE By Chris is a notable BBQ restaurant offering impressive dishes. Their Outlaw Sandwich is a standout, piled high with tender brisket and sausage and accented by a delectable sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. The brisket is especially noteworthy, known for its juiciness and rich flavor.
Mac and cheese, potato salad, and banana pudding are among the other memorable items on the menu. Each dish is prepared with care, resulting in a memorable BBQ experience. The mac and cheese and potato salad are popular choices, boasting creamy and well-seasoned textures. The banana pudding is a satisfying dessert, providing a sweet finish to any meal at BBQLIFE By Chris.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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14. 225° Urban Smoke
Family-owned business with a passion for BBQ

$$ Wilshire Owned and operated by chef Samuel Ransom, Jr. and Daniel Jiménez, 225° Urban Smoke gets its name from what many pitmasters consider the magic low and slow temperature for smoking meats. In addition to the usual barbecue fare (brisket, turkey, ribs), Ransom and Jimenez also incorporate several Cajun dishes into their menu, so you can easily create a smorgasbord of Southern-style catfish, red beans and rice, kale, and a Big Easy Sandwich loaded with brisket, sausage, pulled pork, pork rinds and barbecue sauce. How to Reserve: Visit us to reserve seating on a first-come, first-served basis or order takeout and delivery through DoorDash. Boys barbecue with curry
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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15. Curry Boys BBQ
Award-winning BBQ, Slow-smoked meats, Homemade sides

The smoked brisket bowl is a unique and amazing dish that combines smoked brisket with green curry sauce. This unusual combination creates a delicious and complementary flavor profile that is sure to impress. Whether you're a fan of Texas BBQ or Asian curry, this dish is a must-try.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- American Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
16. South BBQ & Kitchen
Uses local ingredients, Family-owned and operated

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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17. Reese Bros Barbecue
Family-owned local favorite since 1949, using time-honored techniques and original recipes

The restaurant is known for its friendly staff and delicious barbecue. There is ample outdoor seating, making it a great place to enjoy a meal on a nice day. The food comes out quickly after ordering, and the bar offers a variety of beer and cocktails, including a highly recommended frozen watermelon margarita. The brisket is a standout menu item, and the torta sandwich with carnitas is also a popular choice.
The food and service at the restaurant are both excellent. Even when it is busy, the wait time to order is not unreasonable. More importantly, the wait time for the food to be prepared and delivered to your table is very reasonable. The barbecue is the star of the menu, with a variety of mouth-watering options to choose from. The restaurant's popularity is a testament to the quality of the food and service, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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18. Garcia Barbecue
Family-owned and operated, Serving San Antonio since 1960

Garcia Barbecue is known for its delicious and authentic BBQ. One standout aspect of their offerings is the BBQ sauce and buns, which have received high praise from customers. The restaurant's menu features a variety of popular items, including brunch breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and tender brisket nachos.
From its food truck, Garcia Barbecue serves up mouthwatering dishes that are sure to satisfy. The restaurant's BBQ sauce and buns are among its most popular items, with customers raving about their taste and quality. The menu includes options like brunch breakfast tacos, breakfast sandwiches, and brisket nachos, all made with tender and flavorful meat. Whether you're in the mood for a quick breakfast or a satisfying lunch, Garcia Barbecue has something for everyone.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Hidden Gems
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