Top 11 cole slaw in San Antonio
Cole slaw is a popular side dish in San Antonio, often served with barbecue. It's a creamy, tangy coleslaw made with cabbage, mayonnaise, and a blend of seasonings. If you're looking for the best cole slaw in San Antonio, check out these top 5 locations: Blanco BBQ, Smoke Shack BBQ, Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q, Down on Grayson, and RUSTY BUCKET JAWSMACKING BBQ.
1. Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q
Family-owned Texas BBQ joint since 1989

The cole slaw and potato salad were a highlight of the meal, with a delicious and tangy flavor. However, the peach cobbler was disappointing - it was not served hot and had a soggy crust, suggesting it was prepackaged. Overall, the dessert option did not meet expectations and is not recommended.
On a more positive note, the brisket was a standout dish. It was beautifully cooked with a great bark and smoky flavor that really impressed. I even decided to purchase a jar of their signature rub to take back home with me. The baby back ribs were also good, with a tasty seasoning, but my particular serving was slightly chewier than ideal. Nonetheless, the cole slaw and potato salad made for great sides and rounded out a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
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2. Smoke Shack BBQ
Authentic Texas BBQ experience in a laid-back setting

The meal included vinegar based cole slaw and southern greens, which were standout dishes. The cole slaw had a tangy and refreshing taste, while the southern greens were well-seasoned and full of flavor. The potato salad was another great side dish, with a creamy texture and well-balanced seasoning.
The sausage was also a highlight of the meal, with a juicy and flavorful interior and a perfectly crispy exterior. The combination of the sausage with the vinegar based cole slaw, potato salad, and southern greens made for a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Blanco BBQ
Authentic Texas BBQ experience in a low-key setting

The BBQ meats at this establishment are cooked to perfection and seasoned well, providing a satisfying meal. The cole slaw is creamy and makes a great accompaniment to the brisket, in particular. On a previous visit, the ribs stood out for their excellence. The brisket is also not to be missed, and the macaroni and cheese, as well as the cole slaw, are delicious sides that complement the main dishes well.
In summary, the BBQ meats are a highlight of this restaurant, with the ribs and brisket being particularly noteworthy. The sides, including the cole slaw and macaroni and cheese, are delicious and add to the dining experience. The cole slaw, in particular, pairs well with the brisket.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
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4. Pinkerton's Barbecue
Family-owned restaurant with a rich history and traditional Texas barbecue techniques

Cole slaw was a common side dish, nothing particularly special about it. It was a traditional offering, often found at barbecues and diners. The dressing was tangy, and the cabbage was crisp, making for a classic coleslaw flavor.
Mac and cheese, on the other hand, was a standout. It was creamy, rich, and decadent, with a perfectly browned top. The noodles were cooked just right, and the cheese was melted to perfection. The coleslaw and mac and cheese were both tasty, but the mac and cheese was definitely the star of the show. Together, they made for a satisfying and delicious meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. DeeWillie's BBQ
Family-owned business since 1965

The three-meat plate consisted of tender brisket, meaty ribs, and crispy chicken accompanied by potato salad and coleslaw. The brisket featured a perfect level of smokiness, while the ribs were both delicious and satisfying. The chicken, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, added a great variation in texture to the dish.
Regarding the sides, the potato salad provided a complementary flavor profile to the plate's main components. However, the coleslaw truly stood out, offering a fresh and crunchy texture that paired exceptionally well with the smoky brisket. The coleslaw served as a delightful contrast, making it a great side choice.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Suburban
- Cheap Eats
6. San Antonio Pig Stand
A historic and iconic San Antonio establishment

Pig Stand is well-known for its delicious steak sandwiches, onion strings, chicken steaks, and perfectly cooked cod fish. The restaurant also offers tasty ice cream, apple pie, biscuits, coffee, milkshakes, chocolate malt, and root beer. The prices are attractive, and the staff is attentive, providing a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for guests to unwind after a long day.
The decor of Pig Stand is lovely, and the food stands out for its quality, with made-to-order golden fried cod fish, in-house made tartar sauce, cole slaw, fries, and Texas toast. The made-to-order cod fish is a must-try for fans of seafood, and the tartar sauce and cole slaw are made fresh in-house, complementing the dish perfectly.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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7. RUSTY BUCKET JAWSMACKING BBQ
Authentic Texas-style BBQ, On-site smoked meats

The BBQ event was a success, with delicious food that pleased many. The main dish, BBQ, received general praise for its taste and quality. However, there were differing opinions regarding the cole slaw.
The cole slaw, freshly made and served, stood out for its tangy flavor that added a refreshing note to the meal. Its taste was a nice contrast to the rich and smoky BBQ, making it a well-balanced side dish. Nevertheless, some attendees found it to be a bit too sweet for their preference. Overall, the cole slaw's tangy and fresh qualities contributed to the success of the BBQ event.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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8. The County Line
Historic location with delicious BBQ and cold beer

We were served coleslaw as one of our side dishes, and it was characterized by large pieces of cabbage in a sauce. Unfortunately, this particular coleslaw did not meet our expectations, and we did not enjoy it.
Our meal came with beans and coleslaw on the side, and while the beans were a hit, we were disappointed with the coleslaw. The main component of the dish was large pieces of cabbage coated in sauce, which did not appeal to our taste.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
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9. Smokey Mo's BBQ
Family-owned and operated business since 2000, uses traditional Texas-style cooking methods

I ordered two meat plates from this restaurant, one consisting of turkey, brisket, Mac & cheese, and coleslaw, and the other with chicken, pork ribs, green beans, and Mac & cheese. The portion size was generous, and it was more than enough to feed two adults and two young children. The meats were cooked to perfection and remained moist throughout. This establishment is a great neighborhood spot that offers delicious food and friendly service.
The coleslaw was a standout side dish, with a creamy texture and a satisfying crunch. The combination of flavors and textures made it a delightful complement to the savory meats. It was creamy and crunchy, with a hint of sweetness that made it tempting to eat on its own. Overall, the coleslaw was a delicious and memorable component of the meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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10. Bushwood BBQ
Texas-style BBQ in a casual setting

I recently ordered takeout food on a Friday afternoon, which included sausage, pulled pork, and brisket. The brisket was decent, while the turkey, which I tried on a different occasion, was good. However, I wasn't aware that the sausage had cheese in it. The potato salad lacked flavor, but the pinto beans were pretty good. Overall, I would rate the food below average.
In addition to the meats and sides, they also provided us with BBQ sauce, pickles, and onions. The creamed corn and green beans were other sides that came with our order. It was a decent selection of food, but the flavors didn't quite come together as I had hoped. The pulled pork and brisket were just average, and the sausage with cheese was an unexpected flavor profile that didn't quite work for me. Unfortunately, the sides didn't make up for the lackluster meats, leaving me underwhelmed by the meal as a whole.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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11. Reese Bros Barbecue
Slow-smoked meats, Homemade sides, Established in 1989

The meal consisted of several delicious dishes, including brisket, carnitas, okra beans, cole slaw with a twist, and poblano mac. The brisket was tender and fell apart easily with a fork, indicating its perfect cooking. The carnitas had a rich and impressive flavor that stood out. The poblano mac was a unique twist on a classic dish, and the okra beans were packed with flavor and had an interesting texture.
The cole slaw was not the typical mayonnaise-based side dish. Instead, it had a unique twist that made it stand out. The dish had a perfect balance of flavors, with the rich and savory meats complemented by the tangy and refreshing slaw. Each dish had its distinct qualities and flavors, making for a satisfying and enjoyable meal. Overall, the combination of unique and delicious dishes made for an exceptional dining experience.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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