If there’s one thing Texas is known for, it’s BBQ. Nestled in the heart of the Lone Star State, San Antonio showcases the best of Texas BBQ with that Alamo City flare you won’t find anywhere else.
In this ultimate guide to San Antonio’s BBQ scene, we’ll take you on a journey through the city’s culinary delights, showcasing the top BBQ restaurants that will leave your taste buds sizzling.
With a history that runs deep and flavors that can’t be duplicated, San Antonio’s BBQ scene is one you won’t want to miss.
The San Antonio BBQ Tradition
Honoring the city’s ranching history, San Antonio BBQ is all about the perfect blend of smoke, spice and time. Meats like brisket, pork ribs and chicken are slow-cooked over a wood fire until they’re tender and bursting with flavor.
Fun Fact: The most common woods used in San Antonio BBQ are mesquite, oak and pecan, each lending a unique flavor to the meat.
Exploring the San Antonio BBQ scene takes you to a world of communal dining, where food isn’t about sustenance but an experience shared amongst friends and family, and each bite is an adventure.
BBQ in San Antonio is as much about the community as it is about the food. We recommend taking the time to chat with the pitmasters to learn about their smoking techniques—a delicious meal with a side of culinary technique!
Unlike any other BBQ joint in San Antonio, Curry Boys BBQ is a collaborative culinary experience where Southeast Asian curry meets smoked Texas BBQ.
Smoke Show Bowl
Brisket Smoke
Green Curry
An up-and-coming local favorite, 2M Smokehouse exemplifies the very best of San Antonio BBQ.
Brisket
Pork Ribs
Beef Ribs
Everything at Pinkerton’s Barbecue is made daily from scratch, with every ingredient carefully selected to serve up the best San Antonio BBQ experience possible.
Beef Ribs
Pork Ribs
Boudin
Located in a former filling station, The Barbecue Station is a family-owned eatery serving up classic wood-smoked Texas BBQ.
Brisket
Baby Back Ribs
Pork Loin
South BBQ & Kitchen serves up old-school Texas BBQ smoked in oak and mesquite wood, showcasing the flavor and culture of classic South Texas BBQ.
Tater Tot Casserole
Creamed Elote
Brisket
Meeting the high demand for quality BBQ in San Antonio, Smoke Shack serves it straight out of the smoker right to your table.
Brisket
Ribs
Pulled Pork
Blanco BBQ has it all, with substantial portions, a beautiful rustic building and even a drive-thru for when you need to satisfy your BBQ cravings on-the-go.
Brisket
The Mixed Platter
Chicken Tenders
Casual and classic, The Big Bib BBQ has some of the best smoked meats that San Antonio has to offer.
1 lb. Pulled Pork
1 lb. Rib Tips
1 lb. Baby Back Ribs
At Two Bros. BBQ Market, meats are smoked “low and slow” in their custom-made smoke pits with a secret flavorful dry rub and rich “smoke bath,” which results in a hearty charred edge and robust flavor.
Cherry Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Smoked Turkey Breast
Chicken Thighs
A San Antonio staple for more than four decades, Old Smokehouse smokes all their meats in mesquite woods from start to finish, resulting in a unique and incomparable flavor.
Pork Libs
Brisket Sandwich
Lamb Ribs
CharterUP: Your Ticket to the Ultimate San Antonio BBQ Tour
Traveling throughout San Antonio in search of the best BBQ restaurants? CharterUP has got you covered. Our professional operating partners know San Antonio inside and out, efficiently navigating the city so you can spend less time on the road and more time savoring mouth-watering smoked meats.
Our variety of charter bus options are designed to suit every group size and every itinerary. From quick day trips to multi-day culinary tours, a San Antonio charter bus rental ensures your travel experience is unforgettable from start to finish.
Embark on a culinary journey like no other with a charter bus rental from CharterUP.
