Lena RiveraSan Antonio is an absolute paradise for any food lover seeking a smoky feast. The city is packed with incredible pits turning out juicy brisket, snappy sausages, and sticky ribs that melt on the tongue.
I’ve spent countless weekends exploring local joints with friends and family to hunt down the true heavyweights of the scene. Both hardcore meat enthusiasts and casual tourists will find that choosing the right dining spot changes everything.
After eating my weight in pulled pork and sides, I’ve narrowed down the undisputed champions of the best BBQ San Antonio serves up today.
How much does BBQ cost in San Antonio?
Most people spend about $15 to $35 per person for a barbecue meal in San Antonio, depending on what you order and how much meat you want on the tray.
| Item | Cost |
| Per Person Meal | $15 – $35 |
| Smoked Brisket (Per Pound) | $20 – $35 |
| Ribs and Sausages | Usually less than brisket |
| Family / Value Packs | $50 – $150 |
1. Pinkerton’s Barbecue
Website: https://www.pinkertonsbarbecue.com/
Address: 107 W. Houston Street
Contact: (210) 983-0088 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday, Closed; Tuesday-Wednesday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Thursday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pinkerton’s Barbecue is the kind of downtown stop that works when you want classic Texas barbecue without giving up a lively setting.
Sitting at Legacy Park, it has a more memorable backdrop than the usual smokehouse, and eating outdoors with city views felt like part of the draw when I went with friends.
It’s also close to the River Walk and fully ADA-compliant, which helps if convenience matters.
The meat stays true to the Texas style, but the duck and sausage jambalaya is what stuck with me. It gave the meal a different rhythm from the usual sides and made the tray feel less predictable.
The catch is the crowd. This place pulls long lunch and dinner lines, so it’s better when you’re not in a rush.
Customer Reviews
Patience and Pride
Had my first-ever Texas BBQ here — and it turned out to be the best meal of the entire trip. From the moment the tray hit the table, the smoky aroma said it all. The brisket was perfectly tender, the bark packed with flavor, and every bite tasted like it had been slow-cooked with real patience and pride. For a first Texas BBQ experience, this place set the bar impossibly high.
- Hovering Allen | Google Review
Juicy and Tender
I was excited to be able to get brisket even at our late arrival time around 8pm! Brisket was juicy and tender, should’ve asked for double pickles, both bbq sauces were equally delish, potato salad was excellent (mustardy), slaw and mac n cheese were standard fare. Both banana pudding and bread pudding were delish as well. Waited quite a while in line, but worth it.
- Jennifer Zimmerer | Google Review
2. Smoke Shack BBQ
Website: https://www.smokeshacksa.com/
Address: 3714 Broadway
Contact: (210) 957-1430
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Smoke Shack BBQ feels like a comfortable neighborhood hangout that still works well for visitors.
I appreciate that it grew from a food truck into a full spot across from the Witte Museum, but it still keeps that easygoing picnic-table energy that makes barbecue feel casual.
The menu has enough personality to stand out too. Their brisket mac and cheese is the kind of side that can steal attention from the meat. The catering setup also makes sense for bigger family meals or events.
What keeps it from being the easiest visit is parking. Broadway gets tight fast, and circling the block during lunch can get old. Still, once you settle in, the laid-back setup and solid smoky flavors make it an easy place to return to.
It also sits near some fantastic Japanese restaurants in San Antonio if you want to change gears later in the day.
Customer Reviews
Excellent Service
Awesome bbq! So delicious, sweet sauce, and cream corn here is a must. Big dog gives you a taste of a good variety of what they have here. But everything is great here. Excellent service as well.
- Devin Trejos | Google Review
Another Level
Yummy BBQ with unique sides. I had the plate with 2 meats (brisket and sausage) and 2 sides: spicy cream corn and Mac and cheese. Mac and cheese actually has shredded brisket in it which just takes it to another level! Definitely on of the best places I’ve been to
- Denalyn Quevado | Google Review
3. Curry Boys BBQ
Website: https://www.curryboysbbq.com/
Address: 536 E Courtland Pl.
Contact: (210) 560-2763
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (or until sold out)
Curry Boys BBQ stands apart because it mixes Texas barbecue with Southeast Asian curry in a way that actually works. That concept could have felt gimmicky, but the green curry bowl made complete sense once I tasted it.
The oak-smoked meat holds its own against the bold spices, so the dish still feels grounded in barbecue instead of drifting too far from it. That balance helps explain why the place earned a James Beard Award nomination.
The restaurant itself is colorful, welcoming, and easy to settle into, with outdoor seating, free parking, and full ADA compliance. The only real downside is the sold-out issue. If you show up later in the day, the meat people come for most may already be gone.
Customer Reviews
Interesting Place
If you’re looking for good food or an interesting place to try go to Curry Boys BBQ already. I’ve been three times in the last two weeks that’s how much I like it. Their curry bowls are fantastic
- Max Tollefsen | Google Review
Wildly Good Quality
Lights out flavor. Wildly good quality and great prices. We really lucked out finding this gem and would most highly recommend. The flavors were unique mixing Thai curry and BBQ such as pork belly and brisket.
- Nico | Google Review
4. Reese Bros Barbecue
Website: https://www.reesebrosbbq.com/
Address: 906 Hoefgen Ave
Contact: (512) 925-9205
Hours: Thursday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – Sold Out
Reese Bros Barbecue feels a little more crafted than the average smokehouse, but not in a stuffy way. I can see why it works as a pre-game stop near the Alamodome.
The open-air setup keeps things casual, and the open kitchen lets you watch the team work while you wait for your tray.
The Central Texas meats are the main attraction, yet the Mexican influence gives the menu more personality through handmade tortillas and sides like poblano mac and cheese.
That said, it is not the easiest place to catch on a whim. They only open from Thursday to Sunday and serve until sold out, so timing matters more here than at most barbecue spots.
If you miss your window, there are nearby wine tasting spots in San Antonio that can still save the rest of the outing.
Customer Reviews
Off The Hook Good
Dang, that’s good food. It’s some kind of BBQ Mexican fusion action. My wife and I got something called torta brisket and one turkey. It was off the hook good. Their herb cole slaw was really good. I mean I brought home food and it was a good price. Best BBQ place I’ve been to in a long time. It’s good i dont live in San Antonio, or I’d be eating here everyday day its open.
· David | Google Review
Smoked Perfectly
This is probably the best BBQ I’ve ever eaten. The pozole was amazing, you HAVE to order that. The brisket and pulled pork were smoked perfectly and had so much flavor.
I love the atmosphere of the restaurant as well.
The price is definitely on the higher side but well worth it. I’ll be back for sure
· Nick Nicholson | Google Review
5. Blanco BBQ
Website: https://blancobbq.com/
Address: 13259 Blanco Road
Contact: (210) 251-2602 | [email protected]
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Blanco BBQ is the place I would keep in mind for family meals or big appetites.
The portions are generous, and the menu gives you more than just the standard brisket plate, with value packs, stuffed sandwiches, daily tacos, kids’ meals, and a long dessert list.
Their Black Angus brisket, smoked over Texas oak and pecan wood, gives the place that classic backyard-meets-smokehouse feel.
Being close to Hardberger Park also makes it a convenient stop if you want to eat after a long afternoon outside.
The tradeoff is the atmosphere during rush periods. Because it draws big groups, the dining room can get loud and a little overwhelming when it’s packed.
Still, if you want broad menu options and enough food to satisfy a crowd, Blanco BBQ makes a strong case for itself.
Customer Reviews
Food Is Pretty Solid
Not for the faint of heart. This BBQ place is huge and can be over stimulating if it’s your first time and especially if it’s packed.
The food is pretty solid though, the BBQ is more peppery and savory VS sweet and vinegary. Still good though, lots of drinks and sides. There’s a playground out back and plenty of parking. Apparently there’s live music on the weekends.
- Corbin Dallas | Google Review
Fast Service
Great atmosphere and fast service! Stopped in for lunch and grabbed a chef salad with BBQ chicken and sweet tea. Food was ready in less than 10 minutes during lunch rush hour. Kudos to their staff! Tables were turned over quick and very clean for the next person to eat. Salad was huge with and fresh. Always a great visit!
- Bryan Long | Google Review
