13 BBQ Spots in San Antonio Every Meat Lover Should Try

In San Antonio, get ready to enjoy some of the best barbecue in the city. One of the newest spots in town is Pinkerton’s Barbecue, where the pitmaster ensures everything is smoked just right. Try the prime brisket, housemade sausages, turkey, chicken wings, and glazed pork ribs, all sold by the pound. With a variety of fresh sides made daily, you won’t have any leftovers. Pinkerton’s is also easy to reach if you’re in downtown.

2M Smokehouse

For Texas barbecue in San Antonio, head to 2M Smokehouse on the east side. It’s not far from downtown and offers some of the best brisket you’ll find. The smoked meats here have a Central Texas-style flavor with a local twist. Try their pork sausage with Oaxaca cheese and serrano peppers. Don’t miss the sides like Chicharoni Macaroni with crispy pork rinds and Borracho Beans. You can even enjoy their meats in a taco or sandwich for a true taste of San Anto fare, and consider pairing your meal with the Best Chili in San Antonio for a perfect combo.

Pinkerton’s Barbecue

Pinkerton’s Barbecue in downtown Alamo City serves up classic Texas-style barbecue. Grant Pinkerton is the owner and pitmaster, using old school techniques and natural ingredients to create top-quality meats like prime brisket, sausage, and glazed pork ribs. You can buy it by the pound and pair it with tasty sides like Baller Rosemary Bacon Mac & Cheese. With three patios for dining in, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy real smoky pit flavors in San Antonio, especially if you’re also craving the Best Cornbread in San Antonio.

Two Bros. BBQ Market

Two Bros. BBQ Market in San Antonio is known for its Texas Pit BBQ. Chef Jason Dady focuses on quality and brings out the best in every bite. Locals love the family atmosphere and succulent meats like brisket, pork ribs, and chicken thighs. Open 7 days a week, it’s a great spot to eat in or pick up a feast to go.

Smoke Shack

Smoke Shack in San Antonio near Alamo Heights is a top spot for Texas barbecue. Grab their 3 meat combo with brisket, sausage, and caramelized pork ribs—all tender and full of flavor. The sides, like mac & cheese and fried okra, come in generous portions. It’s great for a picnic at Brackenridge Park or to pick up some meats to go.

Rudy’s BBQ

Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ in San Antonio serves up Real Texas Barbecue. Popular for its brisket, Texas smoked sausage, and St. Louis ribs, it’s a great spot for family-style dining. They offer tasty fixin’s like creamed corn and potato salad. You can also order online or use their catering service for gatherings.

Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse

Augie’s Barbecue in San Antonio is a top spot for Texas BBQ lovers. Their succulent brisket, pulled pork, and other smoked meats are all made from scratch. The spacious restaurant has a fun décor and a dedicated bar with specialty bourbons. Whether you’re there for the hand-cut ribeyes or enjoying a brisket and bourbon on the outdoor patio, it’s a great place to relax on a warm Texas evening. Affordable and welcoming, Augie’s is where you can enjoy real traditional Texas ‘cue.

Smoke BBQ + Skybar

Smoke in the downtown area brings a fresh take on Texas-style barbecue with its extensive menu. They serve brisket, pulled pork, and Dr. Pepper pork ribs, along with unique choices like beer can chicken and Shiner Bock Beer brined turkey. The Cowboy Chop Ribeye with barrel-aged rye whiskey butter is a standout, and sides like buttermilk mashed potatoes and candied beets add a special touch. Diverse and flavorful, Smoke is a go-to for BBQ lovers.

The Barbecue Station

The Barbecue Station has been a local favorite for 30 years, serving BBQ straight from the pits fired with oak and mesquite. Bobby and Stewart Peacock keep it simple with classic items like brisket with a rich black volcanic bark, tender baby-back ribs, and lollipop beef ribs. Stop by if you’re looking for the Fried Chicken Restaurants in San Antonio experience alongside your barbecue feast.

Dignowity Meats

Dignowity Meats on the Eastside of San Antonio is a sandwich shop in the historical neighborhood of Dignowity Hill. They serve smoked meat favorites like KC Brisket Burnt Ends, Pulled Pork, and St. Louis Ribs. The sharp cheddar mac-n-cheese is a popular side, and the Dignowity Pie mixes brisket burnt ends, pulled pork, mac, and fries with sliced jalapenos. Owners Andrew Samia and Shane Reed bring a mix of flavors from the Northeast and Midwest.

Reese Bros Barbecue

In 2020, Nick and Elliott Reese started a food truck that quickly became a favorite among San Antonians. Their brisket and queso fundido sausage are must-tries, cooked to perfection on their twin pits. Located near the Alamodome, it’s the perfect picnic spot for enjoying a burger or spiked aguas fresca. Whether it’s a Thursday night cookout or a Sunday lunch, the outside seating makes it a relaxing place to enjoy some of the best BBQ in downtown San Antonio.

South BBQ & Kitchen

Opened in 2018 by Andrew Samia, South BBQ & Kitchen in the Mission Historic District is a must-visit for real barbecue fans. The brisket with its rich bark is always a hit, and the pulled pork sandwich on a soft potato roll is full of flavor. You can enjoy your meal in the cozy dining room or relax outside on the shaded patio. The place has a simple brick-and-steel look, making it all about the food.

DeeWillie’s BBQ

DeeWillie’s BBQ was started by Derrick Willis and his wife Tausha in 2017. They went from a food truck to opening their restaurant in 2018. Their brisket with a rich fat-cap and baby-back pork ribs are popular choices. The smoke shack has big pits that produce great barbecue, and the sweet potato casserole is a favorite side.

Curry Boys BBQ

Curry Boys BBQ started in 2020 by Andrew Samia and Sean Wen. They mix barbecue with Southeast Asian flavors, serving smoked brisket and pulled pork with yellow or green curries on rice bowls. Their spot, a pink shipping container on St. Mary’s Strip, offers a different take on BBQ that’s worth a try.

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