When it comes to BBQ in San Antonio, locals know that there is one place everyone has to go at least once. The Barbecue Station is a local gem that you won’t hear much about outside of SA and it should be your first stop on any BBQ tour. They have a reputation for the most delicious BBQ in town and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more authentic and friendly neighborhood BBQ joint. Their brisket melts in your mouth and the pork ribs have an incredible flavor with a great crust, and their beans are rich and hearty. Their mac n cheese is also fantastic and the pickles are some of the best in town.
Another local favorite is 2M Smokehouse. Located on the far north side of town, this classic pit BBQ has been a mainstay in the community for years and is regularly found on best San Antonio bbq lists. The brisket has a perfect amount of moisture and the rub is perfectly balanced with spice and pepper. Their smoked chicken and sausage are moist with just enough snap and their mac n cheese is deliciously decadent. The sides are just as good as their meat and include street corn, a solid bean soup and some of the best pickles in town.
If you want to go big for your BBQ meal, Two Bros BBQ Market is a fantastic option. This Luling and Lockhart-inspired, market-style BBQ restaurant is popular with chefs Jason Dady (of Range, Tre Trattoria and Jardin) and his brother Jake, who have a passion for high quality ingredients and unique flavors. The menu is rooted in traditional Texas cuisine but incorporates bolder flavors as well with dishes like their cherry-glazed baby back ribs and their barbecue beans that feature juicy peaches and crisp bacon. Their fried strawberry tres leches and the one-of-a-kind bourbon lemon pie are some of the best desserts in town.
Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ is a San Antonio legend that serves up “Real Texas Barbecue” in a family style atmosphere. The line at lunch or dinner time can go out the door, but the staff moves it fast and they offer samples while you wait. They have a large menu featuring Texas brisket, St Louis ribs, smoked turkey and chicken as well as fantastic fixin’s like their decadent creamed corn and potato salad.
If you have a larger group, this is a great choice for a BBQ lunch because the portions are generous and they will let you order by the pound. Their brisket is mouthwateringly tender and falls off the bone, their smoked sausage has a great snap, and their smoked turkey has a nice flavor with just the right amount of smoke. They are also known for their fantastic sauces and sides like their poblano mac n’ cheese and okra.