So, you live in San Antonio. Which means you live in Texas. Which means you live in barbecue country. You have all the smoke, tradition, and mouthwatering brisket you could ever want right at your fingertips. You also have excellent barbecue joints. Excellent, and very authentic barbecue joints.
Rios Barbacoa Southtown
$ | (210) 560-2981 | WEBSITE
Another San Antonio staple (family-owned for generations), another unbelievably good barbacoa. This is a world-class Texas barbecue spot, and while anything you order from the counter is going to be worth the visit, you need to get your mouth around one thing in particular: their signature barbacoa. If you live in Southtown, the short walk to Rios should be just as much a part of your weekly routine as your morning coffee – and way more satisfying.
Rusty Bucket JawSmacking BBQ
$ | (210) 433-6663 | WEBSITE
While San Antonio has no shortage of barbecue joints, Rusty Bucket JawSmacking BBQ remains one of the top spots for a quiet meal that still delivers big flavor. Across the board, the BBQ here is impressive – you can’t go wrong as long as the Smack Down (if you haven’t tried it, ask your server) and the loaded Smac Attack Potatoes are on your plate.
Reese Bros Barbecue
$ | (512) 925-9205 | WEBSITE
In case you’ve been dropped into San Antonio from somewhere far away – or you’ve been living under a rock since you arrived – allow us to educate you about Reese Bros Barbecue, a true Texas treasure. Eating the brisket sandwich – juicy, smoky chopped brisket on fresh bread – sometime around lunch on at least one occasion is an absolute requirement for calling yourself a San Antonio local.
True Texas BBQ
$ | (210) 482-3360 | WEBSITE
Next time you’re craving brisket or barbecue, head to True Texas BBQ to get your fix. Not only is the BBQ here excellent, it’s also ridiculously affordable. And should that craving hit after shopping, this place is conveniently located right next to a grocery store.
Pepe’s Barbacoa #4- Bandera Rd. (cash only)
$ | (210) 438-1664 | WEBSITE
Without question, the best barbacoa in San Antonio. This is served by the entire family (who might also be saints) out of a modest spot tucked permanently along Bandera Road in a no-frills strip. You’ll be more than satisfied by a single order, but our move is always to grab an extra tamale.
Brickyard BBQ
$ | (210) 600-3227 | WEBSITE
Find yourself craving authentic Texas barbecue in San Antonio? Brickyard BBQ is your move. This place is a no-frills joint meets a family kitchen and it’s been serving for six years. Get the brisket.
El Monte BBQ
$ | (210) 267-1356 | WEBSITE
Grabbing barbecue at El Monte BBQ regularly is basically a San Antonio requirement. This smokehouse is where you go for tender, juicy meats (the brisket and smoked turkey are our go-to’s), tacos, family time, and the outdoor seating that welcomes you during your meal.
Gogi Street (Korean Fusion)
$ | (210) 455-5574 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re a Korean BBQ fanatic or you’ve never tried bulgogi, Gogi Street should be at the top of your mental I-need-awesome-food-and-I-need-it-for-cheap list. This place offers a delightful Korean fusion experience that continues to impress – so it’s not just a spot for a killer meal, it’s a true San Antonio gem.
BoBeQs Food Truck
$ | (210) 835-8760 | WEBSITE
Operating from a roadside spot with tables, and probably serving San Antonio’s barbecue lovers for years now. This place is a no-fuss, small-batch, arrive-early food truck. Use it accordingly (aka beat the crowds and savor the fresh offerings).
Brisket Boys
$$ | (210) 313-8084 | WEBSITE
So you’ve decided to venture out for barbecue. But you want something smoky, your friend wants a sandwich, and your crew wants a feast. Everyone can get what they want (and pay a reasonable amount for it) at Brisket Boys, which might just be San Antonio’s best family-friendly barbecue spot. If the line is crazy long (as it usually is)? Just relax, know this brisket plus this vibe is worth it, enjoy the live DJ, and be grateful you live in a place that makes this kind of Saturday possible.
Rios Barbacoa
$ | (210) 558-4818 | WEBSITE
Sometimes you want barbecue because you’re looking for a simple meal. But other times, you’re looking to take down a lot of meat and tortillas. And for those times, Rios Barbacoa is here to provide some of the most affordable homemade food in the city. Everything here is good – we suggest coming with family and ordering a feast’s worth. Just note: the parking can be tricky.
Tx Front Yard BBQ
$ | (210) 852-1582 | WEBSITE
You’ll deal with the limited parking here because the turkey legs are worth it, and because it’s just a quick drive from downtown. It’s also popular with families, so go for an early dinner with the kids or to avoid the sellouts.
McIntyre’s Southtown
$$ | (210) 957-1385 | WEBSITE
So, you’ve probably heard about how McIntyre’s Southtown is, like, the hottest BBQ spot in San Antonio. You might be wondering if a food truck and some local brews are really worthy of your attention (and the parking hassle). We are here to tell you that the answer is yes and yes. This place is truly fantastic. We suggest you do something fun with one of those game days you don’t have plans until evening and come to McIntyre’s (plus, the crowd’s way less crazy on weeknights).
La Ideal Molino
$ | (210) 734-2296 | WEBSITE
And while you’re already exploring San Antonio’s barbecue scene, you might as well stick around for lunch. Especially if it’s lunch at La Ideal Molino, an excellent Mexican spot. The setup is order-at-the-counter-and-compete-for-a-seat, so it’s best if you don’t have ten people with you.
Smokey Mo’s BBQ
$ | (210) 481-3835 | WEBSITE
Are you from San Antonio? Is barbecue the real true love of your life? Then get yourself to Smokey Mo’s, which is easily some of the city’s very best BBQ and sneakily a great place for a satisfying meal. Come with a group and go family-style—your delivery bags might remind you of takeout, but your food couldn’t be farther from it.
Smith’s BBQ
$ | (210) 502-7961 | WEBSITE
Texas’ greatest invention – and one of the all-time greatest food inventions – is without a doubt authentic barbecue. And Smith’s BBQ is without a doubt the best place to find it in San Antonio. Don’t leave without also adding a side of their incredibly addictive Peach Cobbler to your order.