7 Places Where You Can Enjoy the Best BBQ in San Antonio

In San Antonio, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy some fine BBQ. There’s nothing better than sitting back and enjoying a platter of ribs or BBQ wings with a refreshing cup of lemonade on a fine summer day. One of the nice things about San Antonio is the wide range of BBQ restaurants the city has to offer. If you are looking for a new place to try out some delicious Texas BBQ, make sure you check out these 7 restaurants. 

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1. 2M Smokehouse

2msmokehouse.com

2731 S WW White Road, Lower Southeast Side

Classic BBQ Dishes Offered in a Laid Back Atmosphere

2M Smokehouse is the perfect destination for gathering with friends and family for a hearty and satisfying meal. Since 2016, San Antonio residents have praised 2M Smokehouse for its laid back atmosphere and hearty meals. All of the items are made in-house and can either be enjoyed inside 2M Smokehouse’s inviting restaurant or in the comfort of your own home. 

2M Smokehouse serves a variety of meats including smoked turkey breast, pulled pork, brisket, and barbacoa. Hearty pork and beef ribs are also featured on the menu. Each of these meats is sold by the pound. The housemade sausage such as the pork, serrano, and Oaxaca cheese sausage are sold by the link. Savory sandwiches and tacos like the sliced brisket sandwich and 2M tacos are also available for hungry guests. 

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“I enjoy smoking meats and barbecuing so I have a lot of respect for any barbecue restaurant, but the quality here is in a different league. I had leftover brisket from yesterday and took a bite of it cold, out of the fridge, and it was still incredibly tender. I don't know how they do it.” - Yelp Review

2. Jones Sausage & BBQ House

2827 Martin Luther King Dr, Eastside

Hearty BBQ Dishes Served in a Cozy Atmosphere

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Located to the east of St. Philip’s College, Jones Sausage & BBQ House offers a wide selection of delicious platters inside a cozy atmosphere. For people looking for an inexpensive, yet filling lunch, Jones Sausage is a top destination. Everything from the beans to the sausage is savory and satisfying. In fact, you are probably going to want to make several trips here so you can have the wonderful opportunity of tasting all of the restaurant’s hearty options.

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“The exterior looks like a little red house and the interior is very inviting. Reminds me of the mom & pop stores I grew around. Like others said, the staff treats you just like family. We enjoyed ribs, brisket, AND the sausage!” - Yelp Review

3. Big Lou’s Hamburgers & BBQ

biglousburgersbbq-satx.com

2014 S W W White, Eastside

Hearty Platters of BBQ Perfect for Your Next Meal Out

Big Lou’s Hamburgers & BBQ is a popular San Antonio destination thanks to its fast service and delicious meals. Whether you are looking for a sandwich filled with slow-cooked BBQ or a plate of onion rings to start off your night, Big Lou’s offers everything you could ever want and more. 

Not sure where to start? Order a 12-wing platter of Big Lou’s buffalo tossed wings with some friends. The chicken strip baskets, which feature hand-battered fresh chicken breast and seasoned fries, are also great for sharing. If you are in the mood for some smoked barbecue, try the beef brisket plate or the beef and sausage plate. All plates are served with two sides and a bottle of Big Lou’s signature homemade BBQ sauce. 

“The atmosphere here was laid back and chill. Great place to watch sports on the TV's or have a party. There are several rooms and an outside area as well. This is a place where you order your food before you sit down and they do have a good selection of beers.” - Yelp Review

4. True Texas BBQ

17238 Bulverde Road

Hearty, Warm Comfort Food Stop in San Antonio

True Texas BBQ is a top destination for enjoying Happy Hour and smoked BBQ on a night out with friends. At True Texas BBQ, guests have a wide selection of options to choose from. For an all-natural plate containing absolutely no hormones or artificial ingredients, try the Natural Smoked Chicken cooked over Post Oakwood. The Natural St. Louis Spare Ribs, which are rubbed with a sweet and spicy sauce, are also a top choice. 

Don’t forget to order a side to go along with your main dish. Southern Slaw, potato salad, mac and cheese, and creamed corn make great finishing touches to your meal. 

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“They serve big red at the fountain and that is a nice touch. The star of the menu is the turkey. It's moist and flavorful. Mac n cheese is definitely the good kind so don't miss that.” - Yelp Review

5. The Smoke Shack 

smokeshacksa.com

3714 Broadway, Mahncke Park

Bustling Restaurant Offering Savory and Filling BBQ Dishes

Savory, smoked BBQ meals and sandwiches await you at this bustling San Antonio BBQ joint. Make sure you come hungry, as their menu selections are sure to leave you feeling filled and satisfied. The brisket, pulled pork, sausage, and turkey are sold by the pound. The ribs are sold by the rack while the chicken is sold by the leg quarter. For a quick lunch, order the Chopped Brisket sandwich or some pulled pork sliders. The fried chicken tenders also make a delicious and satisfying meal. 

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“It was delicious. I ordered a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw on top. I also had the potato salad. The smoke shake is definitely on the top of my list for BBQ! If it hasn't made it on the Food Network it will in the near future.” - Yelp Review

6. The Big Bib BBQ

thebigbib.com

104 Lanark Drive, San Antonio

Popular San Antonio Restaurant Known for its Traditional BBQ and Slow Cooked Meat

Every day, The Big Bib slow-cooks its barbecue for up to 14 hours on aged oak and mesquite woods. In order to give their meat a nice smoke ring, the cooks take extra care throughout the slow-cooking process. Everything from the Rib Tips to the Jalapeno Sausage is made using this process. These delicious meats are then enjoyed by The Big Big’s hungry guests. 

Not sure what to try first? The Chopped Brisket sandwich is a favorite among customers. You can also try one of the meat platters, which include two sides of your choice. If you are still hungry enough to enjoy dessert, try the Pecan Cobbler or the Banana Pudding. 

“Home to some of the best BBQ in SA. If you've not tried Big Bib, you have not lived. They know their bar-b-que.  There's a line, but don't let this intimidate you; it is so organized that it goes pretty fast.  It's curbside, so you order when you drive-up.” - Yelp Review

7. Old Smokehouse

oldsmokehouse.net

5145 Fredericksburg Road, San Antonio

Popular Restaurant Known for its Smoked Meats and Juicy BBQ 

For over 35 years, Old Smokehouse has served as one of the best BBQ restaurants in San Antonio. All of their meats including their lamb ribs, pork shoulders, and sausages are 100% smoked by mesquite woods. Guests can also select one or two sides to go along with their main meal, such as a bowl of coleslaw or cream corn. Dining out with the family? Order a family or party back to share smoky BBQ dishes with the whole table. 

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“I went for the lamb ribs. I ordered a half pound of them with a jalapeno, two slices of bread, and BBQ sauce both on the ribs and on the side. Those ribs were the most tender and juicy lamb ribs I've ever had. The wonderful smokiness permeated every bite.” - Yelp Review

In San Antonio, you are sure to find a friendly and welcoming BBQ joint that serves some of the best plates in the city. Which BBQ restaurants have you tried so far? Let us know! We would love to hear about it.

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