ATXGuide
Black-Owned Barbecue Spots In Austin
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
It’s no secret that Austin has some of the best barbecue in the state, the country, and maybe even the world (no bias here). Black-owned barbecue spots have played a pivotal role in shaping Austin’s smoked meat scene for decades—these are a few spots where you can get your fill of brisket, sausage, ribs, and mutton while also supporting the Black community.
And if you want a full list of all the Black-owned restaurants and bars in the Austin area, we’ve got a guide to that, too.
THE SPOTS
photo credit: Richard Casteel
The menu at Distant Relatives highlights the flavors and textures of the African diaspora in America. That means strong spice profiles, classic preservation methods, and a nose-to-tail approach that puts everything from spare ribs to hog jowl side by side on the menu. We also love that every meat comes paired with a different sauce—including the smoked chicken leg quarter with chili vinegar dip that just might be some of the best chicken we’ve ever had.
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
The longtime East Austin barbecue spot Sam’s first opened in 1957 and has been serving smoked meats ever since. They have all the classics like smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage, but our favorite thing to get here is the mutton. It’s also home to Austin Daiquiri Factory, where you can pick up frozen daiquiris by the cup or by the gallon (depending on what kind of night you’re having).
photo credit: Raphael Brion
We like a lot of the food at Brown’s, but we keep going back for the smoked chicken thighs, with dark meat that’s fattier and juicier than you’d ever think possible. Brown’s also makes a smoked cabbage side, with a vinegary, smoky, and sweet bite to it that made us rethink everything we thought we knew about cabbage (to be fair, it wasn’t a lot). It’s located at Corner Bar on South Lamar, and occasionally they’ll run a special where you can get a free plate of barbecue when you open a bar tab.
Davis Grocery has been serving barbecue in Taylor for nearly three decades and has managed to build its reputation in a town already known for great barbecue. The menu features most of the classic Central Texas-style meats, but you’ll also find mutton and pork shoulder steaks if you want a little variety.
photo credit: Slab BBQ
Slab has a few locations in Austin, and they all feature a loosely hip hop-themed menu—with names like the NOTORIOUS P.I.G. or the CHICKEN.W.A—that showcases barbecue styles from all across the country, mostly in sandwich form. Expect to find influences from Texas, South Carolina, Missouri, and Alabama in the sauces and preparations. We love the St. Louis-style pork ribs that get mopped in a sweet, spicy strawberry habanero glaze. And if you want a fun way to end your meal, make sure to order a banana pudding that comes topped with a sugar cookie in the shape of various hip hop artists.
The barbecue options are a little more limited at Rogers Boyz—with just brisket and sausage—but the possibilities are a little broader. Choose from a base of nachos, Fritos, or potatoes, then watch as it all gets topped with meat, cheese, and barbecue sauce. And if you’d rather get something that your friends can’t easily pick at, you can also get sandwiches.
photo credit: Crimson Creek Smokehouse
Crimson Creek is a barbecue trailer at the Deep Eddy Tasting Room out in Dripping Springs, and is probably most famous for its massive, smoked tomahawk steak. If you want one of those, you’ll need to place an order a day in advance, but the rest of the menu features mostly classic barbecue staples—like brisket, ribs, and sausage—and you can also get a whole smoked salmon filet and create your own surf-and-turf experience.
When the late-night craving for barbecue strikes, Dirty Glove is there to answer. It’s open from 10pm-2am, with a menu featuring Midwest-style barbecue and Coney dogs. Grab some smoked wings and loaded fries—topped with chopped meats and barbecue sauce—and make sure that no late-night craving goes unanswered.
photo credit: Nicolai McCrary
Located near 183 and Anderson Mill Road, Bigg Belly BBQ offers a variety of smoked meats in sandwich, wrap, quesadilla, and taco form, plus ribs and turkey legs. There are also smoked chicken over dirty rice and large-format family packs if you want to feed a bunch of people (or just yourself) for a few meals. We like a lot of things here, but our favorite is the rib sandwich—it’s peppery and tender, with some great bark that plays nice with a toasted bun.
Down South Texas BBQ is a barbecue trailer near I-35 and Howard Lane. On the menu, expect to find the classic brisket, pulled pork, and ribs, but you’ll also find occasional specials like smoked oxtails and rib tips. They currently operate every Saturday, with a menu posted on Facebook a few days before.
