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    BBQLIFE

    4.4 (363 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order BBQLIFE Takeout or Delivery

    BBQLIFE Photos

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    BBQLIFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - BBQLIFE

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    Joyce K.

    Been seeing a lot of positive reviews about this bbq place. Decided to take the long drive to go check it out. The service was nice and friendly. Took the food to go check out another place in the area. I am not sure if from the short drive the food became cold. This is one thing I don't like anymore about eating bbq. I don't want to say I was disappointed but I was not impressed neither. I love ribs those were my favorite. Overall I would recommend it but I don't think I will purposely drive to it again

    2 meat plate with Mac salad and potato salad. I'd already started eating.
    Mary L.

    I stopped in a few days ago. Wow, was this bbq good! I even loved the Mac salad and potato salad!! I'll be going again. The bbq sauce is good too!

    Tina K.

    Best local BBQ spot! Small place, but the food is amazing. Brisket was juicy, ribs fell off the bone, and the sides are yummy too. Support this gem--you'll be glad you did! It's a small place with some open seating outside the restaurant, no shades tho, it's better to order take out and eat it in the car.

    Oh my goodness what a unique find. The barbecue life is in an old sonic drive-in location and this was my first visit. I went here because of the yelp reviews and they're all spot on absolutely the largest barbecue sliced brisket sandwich I've ever had! And, I eat a lot of barbecue and I'm a barbecue snob. I still cannot get over the serving size. I also had the smoked mac & cheese, which was very tasty. definitely coming back here again! It was worth the 20 minute wait.

    Andrew R.

    Food is unbelievable Service is awesome I retract my past review it's way better . The place was very clean but the smell from the parking all the way in is sooo addicting

    Pulled pork
    Ben S.

    BBQ Life's food is absolutely delicious! The building looks like it's a converted Sonic drive-in and the inside is small. The service was great and the staff were friendly. I picked up some sliced brisket, pulled pork, sweet beans, macaroni and cheese, and macaroni salad for me, my wife, and grandkids. As I was driving back to the house, the food smelled so good I wanted to pull over and dig in. The brisket was moist and flavorful, the pulled pork, macaroni and cheese and macaroni salad were great. My wife loves sweet beans and these were some of the best she's had. Don't forget extra bbq sauce. I highly recommend giving this place a try.

    Front door to BBQ restaurant.
    Isabel C.

    Very good smoked Bbq brisket. The sides were also delicious and fresh. The BBQ chucked was also very good

    Ribs, mac and cheese, potato salad
    Karelli G.

    Ribs were so hard and brisket had an overwhelming smoke flavor, like the liquid smoke they put in rubs. Not an enjoyable meat and the potato salad was too oniony. Mac was good tho

    Menu
    Eddie A.

    Excellent brisket, ribs and pulled pork, way better than Bill Miller BBQ. 85 characters needed to post, so repeating till there 85 charrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrractersssssss

    Brisket, pulled pork, and sausage
    Dave H.

    We were coming back from Pruski's Market in Adkins and looking for BBQ for lunch. I had heard good things about BBQLife by Chris so we gave it a try. It's really small and easy to miss on WW White close to 410. Look for an old drive in restaurant and you will find it. No indoor seating, but they do have a few seats outdoors. It looked like during the time we were there that most order to go. We ate at one of the tables outside because it was a nice cool, sunny day. We were greeted by an enthusiastic young man and asked a few questions about the menu. For this visit we got the brisket, pulled pork, sausage, potato salad, and green beans. - Brisket is lean, moist, and tender with a little smoke taste. Not much of a smoke ring here. I was left wanting for more bark. It's like I'm wondering if the pitmaster cut off the burnt ends for himself or thought the customers would not want them. - Pulled pork is tender and flavorful, but is also missing much bark. I learned to make Memphis style pulled pork from the pitmasters where they pull it from the large piece of meat and that helps preserve the bark and serve immediately to their customers. It seems most Texas restaurants pull it and put in in a steam table tray where it sits for hours losing that bark feature. - The sausage is from Yoakum, Texas and it was excellent. Flavorful and juicy. - I liked the potato salad, but the wife said it was too sweet. Potato salad is one of those sides that are made so many ways that you will never please everyone. - The BBQ sauce is good, a little sweet. - The green beans were just "okay." Canned green beans cooked with salt and pepper. I would challenge the chef to add bacon or some burnt ends from the brisket to give more flavor. My wife needed to use the restroom so they had to find the right key. She says it's only a restroom you use if you have to really go bad. I just realized after looking at photos from other reviewers that we did not get pickles and onions. In summary, BBQ LIfe is good, but not the best in San Antonio. With a little work they could be in the Top 5. I focus on the BBQ and don't deduct points if someone is a food truck or to go establishment.

    Courtney T.

    1/2 lb brisket = 5 slices 1/2 lb ribs = 4 bones Sausage = 2 links Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, & Corn -Brisket was moist but VERY salty-yikes!!! -Rib meat "fell off the bone"...that's always an indication that they were put in the oven after the grill-which I feel like that's cheating! -Sausage was good & I appreciate that the order included 2 links, not just 1. -Mac & Cheese was baked, which seems to be a lost art nowadays. -Green Beans seasoned with salt & pepper-thanks. -Corn was...corn. -The bbq sauce was better than most but thinner than my liking. *No desserts were available...which was interesting because it was only 2p when I ordered. The star of my first experience, without a doubt, was the young man taking my order. Working in customer service for over 20yrs, I've studied (and have attempted to master) how to serve others. I must say, "he got it!" Very attentive, didn't rush me, answered my questions with thorough explanations & a smile. I didn't get his name, but his service required mentioning! Overall, good for our first time & we'll definitely return because this plate was better than most of these "bbq" spots that I've tried here in S.A.

    This sausage was awesome!!
    Ivan J.

    I have never been soo confused by a place in my life. I honestly wanted to give it a two, but other items saved it. Judging by the reviews maybe we caught them on a bad day? This was the most dry, tasteless brisket I've almost ever had(heavy's in Hondo was worse). I mean a bbq place that came so highly recommended and with high reviews? The misses nor the kiddo could eat it on its own. They had to drown in it in sauce just to eat be able to eat it. Perplexing! Good brisket doesn't need sauce, tell me I'm wrong. Also, the service was um, a little less than welcoming. I mean I get it, not every place is going to be bubbly. Yet when you mention you've never been there, and they look at you like they are irritated, well yeah. You get it. The reason it was so confusing for us? Everything else was AMAZING! The sides were ridiculously and utterly amazing. The best potato salad I've had in years. The smoked macaroni would put any restaurant to shame. The macaroni salad was what I expect when I crave it! The chicken was seasoned to absolute perfection! The sausage was loved by all. Yet...I can't forgive the first two items. Let's be honest, you can forgive mediocre sides if all the bbq is great, but that brisket was just no.

    3 meat plate with and extra side
    Ara N.

    This is what food made with love tastes like. Today was my first visit - I ordered the 3 meat plate(brisket, sausage and ribs) and ordered an extra side (potato salad, Mac n cheese, and beans). Every single thing was delicious: it all had flavor and seasoned right. I waited maybe 5 minutes for my order to be ready. Delicious. The service is incredible -happy attitude all around. I need to go back and try it all. I was taking to some other customers that traveled from the airport area just to get the food, they said they make the trip all the time because the food is that good. Just do you know there is no inside dining. They do have a few seats outside or you can eat in your car cause the parking is set up almost like Sonic's. Eat in your car if you can't wait but I suggest sitting down and truly enjoying this food -so so good.

    One Meat Plate with ribs and green beans & ranch beans

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    1 year ago

    Best brisket in town, I'd put it up against any other bbq place in town, the sides are awesome, never go wrong with anything you get.

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    BBQLIFE Reviews in Other Languages

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    Pinkerton's Barbecue

    Pinkerton's Barbecue

    4.4
    (1.3k reviews)
    5.4 mi
    $$

    If I had to describe my experience at Pinkerton's Barbecue with four A's, it'd be this:…read more Authentic - Everything tasted like true Texas barbecue. The meat was smoky, tender, and packed with flavor without needing to hide behind sauce. Attentive - The staff was friendly, welcoming, and made us feel like they genuinely appreciated our business. Great service from start to finish. Addictive - Every bite made me want another. The food was so good that I was already thinking about my next visit before we even left. Amazing - From the quality of the food to the atmosphere and service, everything exceeded expectations. This was one of the best barbecue experiences I've had. Pinkerton's absolutely lived up to the hype. Fantastic food, outstanding service, and an all-around memorable experience. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Texas. Highly recommend!

    My family and I recently visited Pinkerton's Barbecue, and it was an outstanding experience from…read morestart to finish. The employees were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Great customer service like that really makes a difference. The food was absolutely delicious. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was a 10/10--full of flavor with a nice spicy kick that wasn't overwhelming. The regular sausage was also a 10/10 and just as impressive. The brisket was juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor in every bite. For sides, we tried the macaroni and cheese with bacon, and it was phenomenal. Rich, creamy, and easily one of the best sides I've had. The jalapeño rice was something I've never had before, and it was surprisingly unique and incredibly good. Overall, Pinkerton's Barbecue delivered amazing food and exceptional service. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for great barbecue.

    Photos
    Kitchen carving area
    Kitchen carving area
    IG: tonylameats | Sliced turkey, sliced brisket, pork rib, jalapeno sausage, mac n cheese, aunt may blueberry cobbler!
    IG: tonylameats | Sliced turkey, sliced brisket, pork rib, jalapeno sausage, mac n cheese, aunt may blueberry cobbler!
    Hot sides

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    Hot sides
    Four Brothers

    Four Brothers

    4.2
    (232 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $$$

    Another great meal! Our server Brahim provided the perfect service: attentive, thoughtful, kind…read more Really enhanced our meal. For a starter we shared the cornbread with another couple and it was plenty for 4 people. If you are from out of town and looking for some Texas-shaped vittles or just want something substantial to stretch your meal I recommend it! Very tasty and filling. For my main I had the scallops with creamed corn risotto. It was a dainty portion but the flavors were nice. My husband had the short rib tagliatelle which he loved. It was very rich and filling. We had the buttermilk pie again for dessert and this time it tasted sweeter than I remembered. It was good but we couldn't finish it. Idk if it was my tastebuds or if it was different. Anyways still a great meal overall and we will be back!

    We arrived in San Antonio after an 11+ hour road trip from New Orleans. By 7 pm hubs wanted dinner…read moreas soon as we checked into our hotel. Checked Yelp for dinner suggestions so Doc drove us to the paid lot next to where all the Cinderella lit up carriages drawn by horses were lined up. It seemed the boats going up and down the River portion of the Walk were busier. While we were walking I had my eyes open for a table with a view. We stopped at Four Brothers. The receptionist went over suggestions on the menu on her outdoor podium. Cornbread in the shape of Texas, shareable items like Dino ribs for $82, plus Pork Shank and ice tea completed our order. Everyone was very friendly. We had an exceptional view and we had more than enough food that we had to ask for take out boxes. My favorite was the Mac & cheese though I'm usually not a fan. This dish used cork screw shaped pasta and it was moist and not stuck together. I had to share a photo of it with Sweetie who is in Tokyo right now. Doc liked the pimento for the cornbread. As it was almost 9 pm we decided to pass on the boat ride but just walk on the other side with shops and more eateries. We're back on the road again tomorrow to Arizona.

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    Four Brothers
    Four Brothers
    Four Brothers

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    Boudro's, a Texas Bistro

    Boudro's, a Texas Bistro

    4.1
    (3.7k reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    I always feel very badly when I don't do a review of such an excellent restaurant and frankly…read moreBoudro's is an example of an exceptional restaurant. Firstly, the ambience is incredible. We were right on the river walk, but walked through the entire restaurant on our way to be seated and every bit of it is as lovely as where we ended up sitting. The Riverwalk, however, is a people watching place and so there really isn't any place in this particular restaurant which is not gonna be pleasant. Secondly, the service is exceptional. This is a very busy place. However, the waiter was simply incredible. Very attentive, very informative quite humorous. He was frankly part of the river walk entertainment. Extremely accommodating and instructive as well. You can't hope for much more from a server in Restaurant than this activity. The food is really quite good. How are the drinks. Extremely dependable and the portions are generous and equally wonderful. There are many places to dine in San Antonio. However, this is an experience not to be missed and I mean that quite sincerely. Kudos for a very, very well run well situated and well managed enjoyable place to dine on the river walk in San Antonio.

    This was the most disappointing meal I've had in years…read more We brought a group of kids and adults. There was a total mismatch between the price and quality was shocking. Every dish soulless. Lots of food left on the table. I had the crab tostada and I'm fairly certain it was microwaved. This is a tourist trap. In any location other than the Riverwalk, this food would struggle to justify half the cost. What an insulting experience. Two stars because the server was pleasant and we ate something. Never again.

    Photos
    Private dining space
    Private dining space
    Chicken enchiladas verdes
    Chicken enchiladas verdes
    Signature margarita

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    Signature margarita
    Q Kitchen | Bar

    Q Kitchen | Bar

    3.8
    (149 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$

    We stayed at the Hyatt for four nights and had breakfast here each day, so we got to try a ton!…read moreAlso, the atrium area of the hotel where Q kitchen is located is strikingly beautiful. Favorite item was the Alamo huevos rancheros. This was a rare treat to enjoy a dish with brisket, cheese, and salsa without some kind of heartburn afterwards. But this was lighter than expected and tasted amazing! Other dishes we tried: Egg white frittata: very good and a nice touch that it is served in a skillet! Texas waffle: was one of the best waffles either of us has had in a long time Blueberry pancakes: very good. I really enjoyed the stewed blueberry Chilaquiles: this we felt was the only miss. Didn't like that it was prepared with tortilla chips instead of fried tortillas Steak and eggs: ask for extra chimichurri sauce and maybe add some extra salt. Once you do that, this dish is fantastic Avocado toast: this definitely needs smoked salmon or other protein. Otherwise it isn't very substantial. I had it with smoked salmon and it really hit the spot. The service was polite and attentive. We're excited to return for our next visit

    Nice restaurant in Hyatt Agency downtown overlooking the Riverwalk. Beware, parking is expensive in…read morethe lot next door and they do not validate parking. My Ancho Chile Short Rib and my friend's Pasta with Chicken were both tasty and the chocolate dessert was delightful.

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    Dining Area
    Dining Area
    Huevos rancheros
    Huevos rancheros
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    Beer & Wine
    Carriqui

    Carriqui

    4.4
    (751 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$

    I uploaded the pictures of these restaurant last year but somehow didn't write a review. Wow …read more. So where do I begin. I still remember how tasteful everything was. It was probably our most favorite place that we ate while in San Antonio. The ambiance was great, beautifully decorated restaurant with great service. The cocktails were delicious so we had a few. The food was flavorful and unique. We had a wonderful dinner with my family at Carriqui.

    Great restaurant located near the Pearl and I love the fact that they have their own private…read moreparking lot. Y'know it's impossible to find street parking especially on the weekends normally. I had made reservations to meet some friends here for brunch/lunch 1145 am on a Sunday. This place is bigger than it looks! There's seating at the main building, plus a huge outdoor patio seating area, and an entire other building beautifully decorated. The hostess was welcoming and friendly and our server was excellent. We were seated in the other building near the windows. The menu wasn't huge, but just right with a few lunch and brunch items. After debating for a while of what to order, I decided on the Texas Gulf Shrimp plate. Agua Fresca of the day per our server was strawberry pineapple. Our server was able to water mine down slightly- since it was very sweet, but love knowing that it was freshly made. Complimentary chips and salsa always a plus, and we were able to order some spicy salsa to accompany at no charge. My shrimp plate was delicious! 2 skewers of nicely cooked and seasoned shrimp atop salsa with perfectly cooked cilantro rice and a fresh leaf salad. A half slices avocado accompanied my plate. Oh how I love avocados. I thoroughly enjoyed my plate. The chicken al carbon was also a good choice - half a chicken that was juicy, not dry. The avocado toast was beautiful and the pecan salsa was quite interesting. The female performers during our brunch in the room, made it very hard for all of us to have conversations. The volume echoed loudly in the room, so it was very hard to speak and understand each other. Although a great idea, maybe outdoor patio area might be more suitable. Beautiful space, great service, good food.

    Photos
    The interior atrium above the Carriqui Bar brings fills the space with natural sunlight.
    The interior atrium above the Carriqui Bar brings fills the space with natural sunlight.
    Carriqui's award winning margaritas are perfect for good times and great stories.
    Carriqui's award winning margaritas are perfect for good times and great stories.
    Guacamole - simple, fresh, and perfect for getting started.

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    Guacamole - simple, fresh, and perfect for getting started.
    Curry Boys BBQ

    Curry Boys BBQ

    4.6
    (482 reviews)
    5.5 mi
    $$

    Initially I wasn't sure what to think about mixing BBQ with curry, but I was quickly won over!…read more We are in Texas, so naturally I had to try the brisket. It is served over green curry, which also happens to be my favorite! The brisket is served on top of the curry bowl, so I first tried just the meat. It was fall apart tender, perfectly moist, and full of flavor! I would pick their brisket over most other BBQ joints in a heartbeat! Next up was the curry by itself. It was also delicious and filled with potatoes and carrots! I am used to green curry being pretty spicy, but this is definitely a milder green curry. When I mixed the brisket in it was the perfect combination! The smokey meat blended with the curry spices was a delight to the palette, and it was just the right amount of food for a big and hungry guy like me! I can't wait to go back to try some of the other dishes! Great food! Fair and reasonable price! Friendly service! Definitely worth checking out!

    I'm always a little scared when trying Asian fusion foods, but this place understood the…read moreassignment! I got the brisket smoke show, and the tender brisket paired really well with the green curry. The rice was soft, and all the flavors just melted in your mouth. I do wish that the curry was a little thicker, as the curry felt closer to a broth than the Thai curries I've had before. The service was great and the workers were really helpful in helping me decide what to get. You get to sit wherever you want and you just leave your dishes at the table. Restaurant was decorated in such a homey way. Good bbq and good flavors!

    Photos
    Decor
    Decor
    Thai Green Salad
    Thai Green Salad
    Decor

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    Decor

    BBQLIFE - bbq - Updated July 2026

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