Smoking meat in Texas is no passing food fad – barbecuing is a lifestyle, a passion. Visit San Antonio and you’ll find a host of casual, market-style places where communal tables are the city’s reference point for locals and tourists alike. Good ‘cue takes patience, experience and the ability to take the heat, literally! We’ve put together a list of Alamo City’s best, smokin’ good, barbecue spots, and we dare you to try them all!
Two Bros. BBQ Market
Photo: Two Bros. BBQ Market by: dane brian flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Sit at one of the big picnic tables and enjoy what may be the best brisket in Texas. Share with a friend, that way you can gobble up the cherry glazed ribs, bacon-wrapped jalapenos and cheesy chop, guilt-free.
This traditional Texan barbeque joint cooks meat “slow and low” in their bbq pits, meaning a cold smoke that imparts a richer smoky flavor. Plus, their secret rub adds its own zestiness. – Jill Johnson
The Granary ‘cue and brew
Photo: The Granary ‘cue and brew by: stu_spivack flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
The Granary manages to take the smoke meats game to the next level. The lunch menu serves the staples, but come evening, the BBQ goes global at this trendy spot.
An amazing place to eat smoked meats, with original twists on traditional BBQ! – Nika
Conger’s Smoke Shack
Photo: Conger’s Smoke Shack by: T.Tseng flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Yup, set your alarm clock ‘cause The Big Dog (sausage, brisket and pulled pork on a hoagie roll), Frito Pie (chopped brisket, beans and bbq sauce) and hearty BBQ plates are definitely worth lining up for.
Get there early for lunch. Brisket and pulled pork are great. Best fried okra I have had in a very long time. – Michael Meade
Barbecue Station
Photo: Barbecue Station Restaurant by: BrownGuacamole flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
After 20 years, this local, down-home BBQ spot is still smoking, dishing out delicious wood smoked meats in an former Exxon station.
Good food when they have it! If you come too late in the evening half of the menu isn’t available. – Savannah
The Smokehouse
Photo: The Smokehouse by: Shane aka Kau Kau Hotel – Courtesy: Trip.com
40ft indoor pit fed with 100% mesquite wood, the meat is prepared with a secret dry rub and slowly cooked on the pit. The result: tender, smoky and succulent chicken, brisket, turkey, pork or beef ribs, pork loin, sausage and chop pork or beef.
Best BBQ in San Antonio. Go to an original, run by originals with a real pit. – Shane aka Kau Kau Hotel
The Big Bib
Photo: The Big Bib by: bhamsandwich flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
As members of the National BBQ Association, these folks take pride in their slowed cooked meats. And baby, it falls of the bone, melts in your mouth smoky goodness.
Delish BBQ! – Valentina Samardin
B Daddy’s BBQ
Photo: B Daddy’s BBQ by: urbanfoodie33 flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Oak-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage, pulled pork and irresistible sides (chipotle cole slaw and jalapeño creamed corn), Daddy’s not sending you home hungry.
Augie’s Alamo City BBQ
Photo: Augie’s Alamo City Bbq by: dave_stone flickr – Courtesy: Trip.com
Crispy black edges, perfect fat-to-meat ratio, delicious side and laid back vibe, it’s a local favorite for a reason.
