San Antonio is known as one of the barbecue capitals of Texas, with its mix of Texas-style barbecue and Mexican influences. There are many excellent barbecue joints scattered throughout the city, making it hard to definitively name the “best.” However, after extensive research and personal experience, we’ve narrowed it down to our top picks for the best barbecue in San Antonio.
2M Smokehouse
2M Smokehouse is consistently ranked as one of the best barbecue spots in San Antonio. They serve up tender brisket, ribs, sausage and more from an all-wood-fired pit. The bark on the brisket is peppery and flavorful. The ribs are juicy and fall-off-the-bone. Their sides like the jalapeño cheese grits and cornbread are also must-tries. The wait can be long, but it’s worth it for some of the best Texas-style barbecue in town.
The Granary
The Granary has quickly made a name for itself since opening in 2019. Their central Texas-style barbecue shines through in the perfectly smoked brisket, ribs, sausage and pulled pork. The brisket has a textbook smoke ring and melts in your mouth. They also offer unique options like turkey breast and pork belly burnt ends. Sides like the green chile mac and cheese bring a creative twist. The Granary is a can’t-miss new addition to San Antonio’s barbecue lineup.
Smoke Shack BBQ
For those craving barbecue with more of a local, San Antonio flair, Smoke Shack BBQ is a top choice. Their signature item is the brisket taco, with sliced brisket, onions, cilantro and salsa wrapped in a flour tortilla. The BIG Bib is another standout – brisket, sausage and ribs piled high on butcher paper. They also serve up tender pork ribs, juicy sausage, pulled chicken and turkey. The smoked shrimp queso is a popular appetizer.
Texas Pride Barbecue
Texas Pride Barbecue is an old-school joint that’s been around since 1946. Located on the west side of town, it’s a low-key spot churning out consistently good barbecue. The fatty brisket has a thick bark that packs a peppery punch. Ribs, sausage and chicken are also smoked to tender perfection in their pit room. Don’t skip the sides like the potato salad and charro beans either.
Big Bib BBQ
Big Bib BBQ is located in the historic Pearl district and offers barbecue favorites like brisket, sausage, ribs and pulled pork. But they also put their own unique spin on things with menu items like the brisket bibimbap bowl and bulgogi quesadilla with kimchi. Sides range from typical options like coleslaw and beans to Korean-inspired dishes like banchan and kimchi fried rice. It’s a great spot if you want some Texas barbecue flavored with international influences.
Barbecue Station
For those who like abundant meat options, Barbecue Station is a top contender with their “Six Meat Plate Special.” It includes sliced brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, ham, sausage and turkey breast – Texas barbecue overload! They slow smoke everything over post oak wood. Beyond the six meats, they also have excellent sides and desserts like their cornbread casserole and banana pudding.
Greenberg Smoked Turkey
While most Texas barbecue joints focus on brisket and ribs, Greenberg Smoked Turkey has specialized in smoked turkey since the 1930s. Their signature item is the moist smoked turkey breast sandwich served on white bread. The turkey has a subtle smoky flavor and tender, pull-apart meat. If you want to change things up from the classic brisket and sausage, Greenberg’s turkey is a tasty alternative.
B & D Ice House
For delicious barbecue in a historic setting, head to B & D Ice House which opened in 1966. It’s located south of downtown in a charming old Texas ice house. Their specialty is high-quality smoked sausages made from old family recipes. The sausages have a nice snap when you bite in. Brisket, ribs and pulled pork round out the rest of their smoked meat offerings. An outdoor patio area makes it a great place to take in the atmosphere.
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q
No list of San Antonio’s best barbecue joints would be complete without mentioning local fast-food chain Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. It’s not gourmet barbecue, but the convenience and consistency has made it a local favorite. Their brisket sandwich piled high with sliced meat, pickles and onions is a go-to order. Breakfast tacos on fresh flour tortillas are also popular. With numerous locations around town, Bill Miller’s is often praised for its quick barbecue fix.
Honorable Mentions:
A few other excellent barbecue spots in San Antonio worth mentioning include Pinkerton’s Barbecue, Smoke BBQ and Catering, Southside Market, Bobby J’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers and Bar-B-Q, Burnwood ’68 at the food hall Bottling Department, and Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q chain.
Conclusion
San Antonio has no shortage of amazing barbecue restaurants to choose from. The best barbecue in San Antonio can be found at places like 2M Smokehouse, The Granary, Smoke Shack and Texas Pride Barbecue. These spots excel at brisket, ribs, sausage and other Texas-style barbecue classics. However, San Antonio also has creative eateries putting unique local spins on barbecue like Big Bib BBQ and B&D Ice House. With this wide range of excellent barbecue, it’s no wonder San Antonio earns a spot as one of the best barbecue cities in Texas and the nation. So start planning your barbecue tour of San Antonio today!