Austin, Texas is the undisputed BBQ capital of the world. And if you're coming to Austin for a river tubing trip, you absolutely need to pair it with a BBQ pilgrimage. There is no better post-float meal than a tray of slow-smoked brisket, a pile of ribs, a cold beer, and a picnic table in the Texas sun. This guide covers the best BBQ joints in Austin — from the legendary to the hidden — and tells you exactly which ones to hit based on your schedule, your hunger level, and how long you're willing to wait.
The Legends
These are the spots that put Austin BBQ on the world map. If you're visiting Austin for the first time, you owe it to yourself to try at least one.
Franklin Barbecue
The one. The legend. Aaron Franklin's East Austin smokehouse won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest and has been called the best BBQ in America by basically everyone. The brisket is transcendent — a perfect bark, a ruby-red smoke ring, and meat so tender it falls apart when you look at it. The catch? The line. You're looking at 2–3 hours on a typical day, longer on weekends. People start lining up at 8 AM for an 11 AM open. Is it worth it? If you've never been, absolutely — once. But if you're coming off the river starving, this isn't your post-float play. Hit Franklin on your non-float day. They now offer limited pre-orders online, which can save some wait time.
La Barbecue
Michelin-starred and criminally underrated compared to Franklin. La Barbecue sits in East Austin and serves brisket that rivals Franklin at a fraction of the wait — usually 45–90 minutes. Founded by LeAnn Mueller (yes, from the Mueller BBQ dynasty), this spot has deep Texas BBQ lineage. The beef ribs are massive and the chipotle sausage is unlike anything else in town. Open Wednesday through Sunday. If Franklin is the museum, La Barbecue is the gallery opening.
Terry Black's Barbecue
The best BBQ you can eat right now. Terry Black's on Barton Springs Road is the post-float champion. It has Lockhart BBQ lineage (the Black family has been smoking meat since 1932), a massive outdoor patio, and — crucially — rarely more than a 15–30 minute wait. No reservation needed. Open 7 days a week. The beef rib is their signature: a single rib that weighs over a pound, with a mahogany bark and melting fat. If you're picking one BBQ spot after your San Marcos River float, this is it.
The Next Tier
These spots are pushing Austin BBQ forward. They might not have the national name recognition of Franklin, but the food is world-class and the lines are shorter.
LeRoy and Lewis
New-school BBQ at its best. This South Austin trailer (now with a permanent structure) is run by pitmaster Evan LeRoy, who brings a fine-dining background to the smoker. The menu rotates — you might find beef cheeks one day and a smoked meatloaf the next. The brisket is always on point, but the creative sides and specials are what set LeRoy and Lewis apart. Perfect for foodies who want something beyond traditional.
InterStellar BBQ
Located in Cedar Park (north Austin), InterStellar is worth the drive. The brisket is consistently in Austin's top 5 conversations, and their sausage program is one of the best in the state. The wait is usually 20–45 minutes, and the vibe is relaxed suburban BBQ done at the highest level. If you're staying north of Austin, this is your spot.
Parish
Cajun-influenced BBQ that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025. Parish blends Texas smokehouse tradition with Louisiana flavors — think boudin, dirty rice, and ribs with a Cajun rub. It's in South Austin and rarely has a long wait. If your crew wants BBQ but wants something different, Parish is the move. The boudin is legitimately some of the best outside of Lafayette.
Hidden Gems & Food Trucks
Austin's BBQ scene extends far beyond the big names. These spots might not have Michelin stars, but they're cooking at an elite level.
KG BBQ
Egyptian-influenced Texas BBQ. Chef-pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh brings Middle Eastern spices to traditional Texas techniques. The za'atar-rubbed ribs are a revelation — familiar Texas BBQ texture with completely unexpected flavor. KG operates as a pop-up in East Austin, so check their Instagram for dates and locations. When they're cooking, they sell out fast. This is Austin BBQ's most exciting newcomer.
Rollin' Smoke
Underrated and affordable. This East Austin food truck serves some of the best BBQ quesatacos in the city — smoked meat in a crispy cheese tortilla. The brisket is solid, the prices are low, and the wait is minimal. If you're looking for a quick, cheap BBQ fix that doesn't sacrifice quality, Rollin' Smoke is your answer. Perfect for a casual post-float snack when you don't want to commit to a full sit-down BBQ experience.
Austin BBQ Comparison
| Name | Location | Must-Order | Wait Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franklin Barbecue | East Austin | Brisket | 2–3 hours | $ |
| La Barbecue | East Austin | Brisket & ribs | 45–90 min | $ |
| Terry Black's | Barton Springs Rd | Beef rib | 15–30 min | $ |
| LeRoy and Lewis | South Austin | Beef cheeks | 15–30 min | $ |
| InterStellar BBQ | Cedar Park | Brisket & sausage | 20–45 min | $ |
| Parish | South Austin | Boudin & ribs | 15–30 min | $ |
| KG BBQ | East Austin | Za'atar ribs | Varies (pop-up) | $ |
| Rollin' Smoke | East Austin | Quesatacos | 10–20 min | $ |
Practical Tips for Tubers
You just floated the river for 4 hours. Here's how to optimize your post-float BBQ experience:
- Shortest lines: Terry Black's (15–30 min), Parish (15–30 min), and LeRoy and Lewis (15–30 min) are your best bets when you're starving off the river.
- Closest to shuttle drop-off: Most tubing shuttles return to South/Central Austin. Terry Black's on Barton Springs Road is the most convenient spot.
- Open on Sunday: Terry Black's (7 days), Franklin (Sun–Wed hours vary), La Barbecue (Wed–Sun). Always check — most sell out by 1–2 PM.
- Reservations: Almost none take reservations. Franklin has limited pre-orders online. For groups of 10+, call ahead and most spots will accommodate.
- Order-ahead tip: If your shuttle arrives around 5–6 PM, call Terry Black's on the bus ride back and ask about wait times. They're open until they sell out.
- Pro move: Hit BBQ for lunch before your float. Most spots serve from 11 AM–2 PM. Eat a huge lunch, then float it off on the river. Afternoon floats are less crowded anyway.