Great BBQ Spot! Great quality food at fair prices. Great atmosphere and recommend to anybody visiting the area.

Off the beaten path and tucked onto a street I have missed for the last year, lies a jewel of a bbq joint. The staff might been friendlier, but I think I caught them at an off time. The inside is a classic old school style with wooden walls, old pictures, and exposed rafters. The price is what's expected for bbq these days, maybe a little on the high side. read more

Let me start with the good because Black's BBQ absolutely nails the experience side of things. The atmosphere is awesome - rustic, unique inside, and the kind of place that makes you excited to eat the second you walk in. Staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming, which honestly deserves 5 stars by itself. Unfortunately, you can't earn 5 stars just on atmosphere points. I ordered 1 lb of lean brisket, and "lean" apparently translated to "dehydrated museum artifact." Dry enough that I'm pretty sure it absorbed moisture from the table. We actually ended up tossing most of it, which physically hurts me to say about Texas BBQ. The mac and cheese? I mean this respectfully... maybe let that item retire with dignity. Before everyone grabs their pitchforks, the Baby Back Ribs were REALLY good. Tender, flavorful, and absolutely part of the meal. The cream corn was solid too. And then there was the potato salad... whoever made that deserves a raise. Dill flavor, red skin potatoes, little carrot pieces, dill pickle tang and easily one of the best potato salads I've had anywhere. I normally take two bites of potato salad out of obligation. This one I kept going back for like it owed me money. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Lean Brisket and Baby Back Ribs - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

The bbq wasn't as good as the last time I had it YEARS ago, but at a different location. The brisket isn't very smoky and was a bit dry. The pork ribs tasted re-heated. The only one bbq sauce offering wasnt a great bbq sauce, but used a lot of it to help with the dryness, mushyness and re-heated tastes. We visited on a Sunday, so I guess it's possible they cooked meats on Friday (I don't know their cook schedule). The ordering system is backwards from many other bbq. You order the sides first, none of which looked appetizing, but my husband got creamed corn (he said it less than room temperature). Then you order your meats, then pay the cashier. The cheddar sausage was my favorite of the meats we tried, but by no means the best sausage I have had. The texture was a bit mushy for my chew liking. The pluses are that they have lots of seating, they have a condiments bar with pickles, onions and white bread. They also have a full bar and a stage (assuming live music). read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Burrs - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Had a kid free day, so what better way to celebrate that then some Texas bbq. As soon and we walked in we were greeted and they explained how the ordering process worked. We wanted to try a little bit of almost Everything and that's exactly what we did. For sides we got, potato salad, mashed potatoes, creamed corn and macaroni. For meats we got, brisket (fatty pieces preferred) turkey, Jalapeño cheddar sausage and ribs. Everything was stellar, but the star of the show was the brisket! Probably some of the best brisket I've had in a long time. The bark was perfect and the fat had such a nice juicy flavor filled bite. Everything honestly was top notch so we were very pleased with our spread. Can't wait until they open the location in San Antonio. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Lovely spread of everything. - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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I got cream corn, beans, mac and cheese, moist brisket sandwich and pork ribs. EVERYTHING WAS BLAND. My "moist" brisket was dry plus the bread I tried to sauce it up still dry and no flavor! Ribs were okay. Cream corn bland salt and pepper didn't save it. The beans were very salty. The Mac and cheese was alright it was creamy. The workers were very nice and respectful and the ambiance was very nice. Will I ever come here again no this is my first and last time. I didn't even finish my food read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Food I didn't finish - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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You cannot be in San Marcos and not go to Black's, best BBQ around, the staff is friendly, and you get that TX smoked brisket with all your favorites, sausage, chicken, turkey, etc. their Mac & Cheese is delicious, and all their sides complement your choice of meats. It's a must if you're in town or a local craving that BBQ. read more

I first had Blacks BBQ at the Red Dirt Festival. Some of the best I've ever had! About 4 years ago, I went to the New Braunfels location and it was pretty dang good. This location, was unfortunately, absolutely mediocre and I'm terribly embarrassed the family from Nebraska at the table next to us thought this is "Texas BBQ". The meat was all dry, being pulled out of a warmer that was dehydrating it. Sausage was dry and chewy. The beef rib covered in gristle. And the pork rib almost crunchy due to being dry. The sides? Meh. No flavor, expect the Mac and cheese was ok, just a dry top like it was leftover and reheated. (Which she told us the green beans and pinto beans had to be thrown out, so does that mean they keep and reheat the other stuff?) No peppers available to eat with your meat, only pickles and lemons. And the banana pudding? Gritty substance from a generic box brand with burned cookies and no bananas or cream. I would NEVER recommend this location to anyone, and I hope the other locations have not fallen in their quality. I'm so embarrassed for folks from out of town visit here thinking this is good. read more

Great food with greater price! Very Texas BBQ experience. The collar green is the best I have ever had in any barbecue place. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Rustic vibe - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

OK, if you go to Texas, you gotta have BBQ. And if you happen to be near blacks... get ready for great service and amazing food! You can go outside for nice outdoor seating (there are a ton of cats out there though) and definitely get the cream corn! I definitely recommend going during the winter and yeah! Definitely try blacks! read more

Hidden gem here, In town visiting and saw the reviews for this place, had their brisket sandwich, been a long time since I've had BBQ as good as here. Rahul and Jason took care of me and even pointed out a nice place to take the lady for drinks after, would highly recommend. read more

This is one of the best barbecue brisket, restaurants in the state of Texas and this one did not disappoint. I usually get the chop brisket and may get the sliced brisket. It was Self service, but the people at the counter were nice and the ambience was what you would expect in the Texas barbecue. Lots of memorabilia in the wall. read more

The absolute best BBQ i've have in the area!!! the service was great and it was so neat watching them cut up and prepare your order right in front of you. everything was cooked to perfection and so well flavored. i highly recommend giving this place a try if you're in the area. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

I am unfortunately disappointed. This was one of the worst bbq I've had. The flavor profile just isn't my cup of tea. We got the brisket, pork spare ribs, masked potatoes w gravy, macaroni and cheese and cream corned. Creamed corn was the best but heads up it's pretty sweet... almost like a dessert but I enjoyed it 4.5/5 Mac and cheese was solid 4/5, was unique tasting with the flavor and cheese used. Brisket 3/5 solid daily average, we got the lean and it still was pretty fatty but tasty. I'm just not a fan of the bbq sauce so the brisket can only be elevated so far. Pork ribs 1.5/5 tiny, overly salty and had a weird flavor. Mashed potatoes 2/5 very salty even without the gravy. Service was nice and easy (first time I didn't wait in a line for bbq but maybe bc it's in the middle of nowhere). I liked how they had the bread,pickles and onions out for us but the onions definitely needed to be sliced thinner and smaller imo. read more

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Sliced beef was good not great. Beans average. Potato salad needed potatoes cooked more. The pecan cobbler looked good but again it was average. I guess my hopes were high. Sorry Blacks BBQ read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Our dinner. - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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Has been 14 years since eating at their original location in Lockhart, but given we were staying in the San Marcos area, we decided to give this outpost spot a try. It was as good as I'd remembered! Smoker onsite doing all the heavy lifting on those smoke-ringed tender meats. You order sides and meats at the counter then make your way to your own table after gathering serviceware, drinks, dill pickle chips, you know...the essentials. My wife, daughter and I split a big ol' platter of BBQ goodness: pork spare ribs, fatty brisket (is there any other way?!?!?), green beans, mashed potatoes and brown gravy and finally mac-n-cheese. It was truly a meal fit for a king! Add in some sweet tea and we were all in 'que heaven. Delicious bark on those slow-smoked ribs and brisket. Also loved the thick white bread slices perfect for sopping up any sauce that got left behind. We somehow rolled on out of there, to make our way back to the airport and our flights home. Loved that we were able to experience this great meal together! read more

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Excellent flavor of their bbq is worth the drive. The sides of green beans, cream corn and the Mac and cheese were enjoyable for all.

Passing through town and had to stop in to get some TX barbecue, this place didn't disappoint! Mache was very friendly and generous with the samples. The food was amazing! The brisket, pork belly, baby back ribs, turkey, and green beans were all fantastic! This was a memorable experience and I can't wait to stop here again next time I'm in town. Thank you, Mache, for your hospitality and sharing the restaurant history. I loved it! read more

This is not their best location. Last it wasn't terrible, but still has not ever been as good as the other blacks locations. This time though was awful. When I go, I like to get down on some meat. I ordered 2 pork ribs, 2 slices of lean brisket, and 1 jalepeno sausage. Sides were green beans and mashed potatoes with brown gravy. All the meat was so dry. Even with BBQ sauce, the meat could not be revived. The green beans were basically mushy, and the mashed potatoes and gravy tasted like boxed white people flavorless food. This hurt my feelings because I have been to almost all their other locations and they are all stellar. Unfortunately, I threw almost all of it out. I didn't bother to talk to management because the last two time I went, it wasn't much better and what are they going to do? Fire up some fresh meat? I won't be back to this location any time soon. The staff were very friendly though, which is why I'm doing 2 stars. read more

We were excited to try Black's BBQ, but unfortunately found it to be pretty forgettable and not worth recommending for Texas barbecue. We arrived around 1 p.m. Sunday for lunch and were disappointed to realize they were out of most of their sides, including the macaroni and cheese and mashed potatoes. We ordered the brisket and pulled pork with sides of creamed corn and green beans. The pulled pork ate greasy unfortunately and the brisket was below average, especially compared to the brisket I've had in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Tennessee. They sell many sauce options in store, but only had 1 provided at the tables, which was lacking flavor. The green beans were great and the creamed corn was alright, but a little on the soupy side. I am sure there are many other places, especially so close to Austin, that are more worthy of a stop if visiting the area. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Brisket and pulled pork with creamed corn and green beans - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

The original Black's opened in 1932 in Lockhart and this is it's twin location. We you've been opened just 7 years shy of 100 years, you know you're doing something right. More than something, I'm pretty sure everything is done right. The dining area is rustic, befitting of a place that opened its doors ages ago but the food is timeless. Brisket is what we do in Texas and I've eaten a lot but this, this is simply the best. Tender and flavorful, the smoke ring tells the story, low and slow. No need for sauce though it is tasty. Pork belly was predominantly meat and also tender and flavorful. They extend their magic to sides with green beans with a garlic dredge, three bean salad that packs a punch and creamed corn with flecks of meat. Food is selected at the counter with staff manning a sides table and another handling the meat. Both were extremely helpful and offered samples. These are the real deal. read more

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I have to say that as many times as I've been here, I still thoroughly enjoy their food. The moist brisket is delicious and has an overall great flavor that I prefer. I also enjoy that they serve pork belly here as it's a great porky addition to have. Add in that their sides are full of flavor and can be a difficult choice to choose between when ordering. The employees greet you as you walk in and are very friendly and helpful. read more

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Haven't been in about 4 years. Remembered loving it last we came. Came up from SA to float the river and decided to come here for dinner. Not too busy, nothing sold out. 3 adults 2 kids $120. Incredibly bleh food all around. Chicken and sausage was good. Didn't love the Mac and cheese, rather dry, beans meh, corn far too sweet, potato salad was the only side I liked. We got three sandwiches, whole chicken and sausage. The bread buns for the sandwiches was so so dry. My hubby and brother in law were hungry enough to eat them and drenched them in bbq sauce. I couldn't even finish mine with how dry it was. My kids just ate the pulled pork out of it. I remember being blown away by the chicken and sausage last time and it was just ok this time. Very disappointing all around. read more

I want to start off by saying Kent blacks beef ribs are the best item on the menu! We absolutely have to order these when we visit the area. We drive 8 hours just for beer ribs here! Brisket is delicious as well. Mac and cheese and beans were something we did not care for. However the cream of corn and mashed potatoes were delicious. The restaurant had lots of small flies and they did take forever to charge us. Not sure what was holding up the line . Other than that overall I'd rate food a 3 out of 5 and it's mainly for the beef ribs themselves. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

The workers were nice and helpful with ordering. The brisket was the most dry brisket I've ever had. The flavor wasn't very bad but it was so dry. The vibe inside is what you would expect with a bbq spot. Also the cats on the porch are cute and made my experience a bit better lol. read more

This is most definitely in my top 5 best BBQ ever!!! Free samples are always a plus Service was absolutely amazing and it was very peaceful and pleasant at 4pm! read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

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By far the best bbq we've had yet in Texas. The service was mediocre but they're really just there to dish up your choices, put it on the platter and hand it to you, then you get your own drink, condiments and seat. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Between our table we tried pretty much everything and we all agreed it was all very good! read more

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Pork ribs 5/5 very tender and delicious Beef brisket 2.5/5 super dry. I would not recommend. It was so uncomfortably dry that I had to chase some bites with water Mac and cheese 4/5 very solid Mac and cheese. Definitely a top tier Mac and cheese. Green beans 1/5 -incredibly salty. It has good potential as far as texture but it was so salty we couldn't even eat it. Banana pudding 1/5 clearly straight from a box. Super watery and not creamy or fluffy at all. No banana slices. Overall, a waste of money and wouldn't recommend read more

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Ordered carry out while we are here visiting for spring break. For $70 we were wildly disappointed. The ribs might as well have been jerky, the brisket was dry (ordered mixed) and crisp, the sausage was the only flavorful and really edible meat. The sides were okay; 3 bean salad, corn and green beans were good, the rest was average. For what we paid we wish we had gone down the street to Rudy's. Definitely does t compare to Terry Blacks (yes, I know they aren't the same but I did expect the same caliber) in Austin or even bbq back home. read more

Killer service! Walk in, pick your food, pay and eat! We're from Indiana and traveling the country in search of top notch brisket! Killer BBQ!!! read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - 1/2 LB Brisket, Mac N Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Best Barbecue in Texas! First time here and will be driving back from Houston! Also, great service!!!!! read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Great BBQ! Had the fatty brisket, turkey and ribs. We also had potato salad, mashed potatoes and beans. Didn't care for the pimentos in the potato salad but the mashed potatoes and beans were very flavorful! read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Ribs, brisket and turkey - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Stopped by Kent Black's on the way back to Austin from shopping in San Marcos, and so happy we did! Right off the bat, I was so pleased with the ample parking available. I'm used to no parking in BBQ spots in downtown Austin, so this was a huge plus. There was a bit of a line once we got inside, but it moved pretty quickly. We were able to order within 20 minutes of arriving. The way they had it set up, you had to order desserts first, then sides, then meat. They had plenty to go around, and so many options! We ordered peach cobbler and pecan cobbler for dessert, a pint of Mac n' Cheese as a side, and then 2/3 lb of BBQ baby back ribs, 1/2 lb brisket, and 1/2 lb of pulled pork. Everything was absolutely delicious! Plenty of seating both inside and outside, and everything was really clean and welcoming. Plenty of napkins and plastic utensil dispensers all around. The only thing I will say is that they were out of lids for to-go cups, which was a little strange, but hey - that just shows how popular they are! All in all, this place is a must if you are in the area! I will certainly be back! read more

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Great Texas BBQ! Came in here with a big group of coworkers after attending a conference. We ordered a bunch of meats and side dishes to share among three of us. The group before us took the last prime rib on the bone. So we did not have the chance to sample it. Great taste on all the meat selections. Cannot do anything wiring with your order, since they have great bbq! read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Ribs, brisket, sausage, coleslaw, okra, corns, beans, green beans and apple cobbler. - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Ah.. BBQ, the quintessential American staple yet source of much debate among many regions of this great nation. Fair warning, I'm a former chef from Charleston SC where BBQ originated (the Spanish brought the pig over and the Yemassee Indians incorporated it their techniques, smoking meats to keep flies off) lived in Kansas City for almost 20 years; where all BBQ cuts, meats and sauces are used in the most densely packed area of BBQ joints in the world and finally moved to Texas in 2021. Therefore, I like all cuts and sauces as I easily get bored with the same old same old. One of the names that consistently comes up as a great BBQ option in Texas is Blacks BBQ even among all the newer and more trendy options which continue to pop-up. I will start out by saying I love the location; unassuming and simple with plenty of parking. Outside it a very open area with a fence that doesn't serve any real purpose, several park benches and tables and there was even a friendly cat who seemed to be an unofficial mascot or employee. Open the doors and you know the joint has some roots through the decades. Old worn and wooden floors creek with the voice of nails from ages pasts, sheet metal has been repurposed for form walls, layered brick serve as the backstop of the pit area and so forth. The dining room reminds me of my "redneck upbringing" with picnic tables and the ugly white and red plastic "cloth" in a shed like atmosphere. Yes sir, this is a slower gear for the old bones. First off, the sweet tea was exactly as it should be, sweet enough to hold up a straw and a nice background note of tea. One point I would say, I was disappointed at the BBQ sauce options on the table as there's only one. More on that later. The mac & cheese was the best of the sides I ordered; cheesy with evenly cooked pasta and creamy. While the potato salad was cooked properly and chunky it lacked salt and had few other fine cut additions like onion or celery. Rather it was very basic with a red pepper here or there. The mashed spuds were uninspiring, with a bland gravy; at least they weren't gummy. The Pork baby ribs were easily the worst of the meats I ordered. I had an end piece that had little meat and dry. I still can't believe I was charged for it but at least the other piece was a smidge better. The spare ribs were a step up in quality and flavor. Perfectly cooked and tasty, but now I'll get into my bit of advice, pork and mustard BBQ sauce go together like "peas and carrots," Forest. That is why they need that sauce on the table. Otherwise this dish is missing a note like the spice girls missing... oh shucks I don't know the spice girls, but you get it. Next the sausage was ok. I found it a little dry but had a great snap and the flavor was on point with the pepper highlighting the experience. The BIG BEEF RIB was a site to behold... and eat. The meat was cooked close to perfection but didn't fall off the bone, thus could have used a longer cook time. It was flavorful and fatty but the membrane should have been cut off first. Still I enjoyed it with some good BBQ sauce. I saved the best for last, the pulled pork was DYNOMITE! It had flavor, was moist throughout was unctuous in the mouth but it would have been an 11 out of 10 if it had mustard BBQ sauce. The brisket was on point as well, possessing a flavorful S&P bark with a thin layer of fat, it barely held together until lightly pulled and the perfect amount of smoke. A divine experience! Overall this has been my best BBQ experience in the greater Austin area by far. The ambiance reminds me of my Charleston SC childhood, the food was tasty and filling, albeit expensive, the fellow patrons pleasant and it was a good way to spend my cool Saturday lunch time. While the sides were a little underwhelming everything else carried the experience, even the outstanding sweet tea. Please note they do have desserts but I don't have enough stomach for more food! My advice is run, don't walk on down to Blacks BBQ to enjoy real Texas BBQ! read more

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This place usually has the some of the best brisket. And they have half price sandwiches on Tuesday. It has a very cool BBQ shack vibe with a neat outdoor patio area and a bar in the back. The turkey is almost always very moist and delicious. Our friends from the UK loved the beef rib. And their pork belly is scrumptious. Plus they have a ton of sides and desserts to choose from! The staff was great and offered to let our friends try a spoon of any of the sides before they decided what to order. And they pulled every selection of meat from the pit so that they could see all of the options. Great place to go for good BBQ with great variety. read more

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Went on Tuesday the 20th of January. They have half price brisket sandwiches, damn good. I had two great sides, and ice-tea for under $ 20.00. I was extremely full when leaving. They also have a great special on Monday, you need to go and check it out. The service is great and it is nice looking inside. You are greeted at the door when arriving. read more

As you walk in you get the old country vibe from the atmosphere and decor. You enter the line to pick your sides first. They have a nice variety to pick from and different sizes as well. On this visit I tried the Mac and cheese which was really good. It had a great cheddar taste to it. Also had the beans that were just okay, nothing special about them. I originally thought they were baked beans but realized they were regular pinto beans. The last side was cream corn and it was SLAPPIN. Nothing else needs to be said about it. My proteins choices we're brisket and baby back ribs. The ribs were disappointing. I wouldn't be surprised if they were cooked in an oven with no seasoning. They only way they were edible was with barbecue sauce. The brisket was just okay. They texture was mushy as if it was over cooked. I don't plan on coming back here anytime soon. If I do it'll be for the sides and I'll bbq my own meat at home. read more

Black's Barbecue San Marcos - Barbeque Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

Independence Day wouldn't be complete without some good Texas barbecue. We found this place based on reviews. It was also featured on Good Tastes with Tanji Patton. If you're not familiar with her show, she does tours around Texas finding the best restaurants. I definitely agree with her recommendation for this place! We chose to share items so we could try multiple things. It's a walk up order type restaurant. You get your sides first then your meats like a cafeteria style. The service is friendly and helpful. They cut the meat right in front of you and ask if the cut looks good. I thought that was a nice touch. Brisket was tender and fell apart without the use of a knife. Great burnt edges held in that smoky flavor. The turkey was juicy. The spare ribs were fall off the bone delicious. The sausage links were plump and tasty. For our sides, we had coleslaw, mac & cheese, potato salad, and mashed potatoes. Everything was great, but that's the best coleslaw I've ever had hands-down! They have fountain drinks and tea, both sweet and unsweetened merch is available for purchase. The restaurant is clean and smells amazing. Go hungry. This place is good! You even get a souvenir cup! read more

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This place was AMAZING! I cut my brisket with a plastic fork. The staff was fantastic. I was in town for business and went twice in 4 days. Great food, great people! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! read more