It looks like a shack. I turned around several times but glad I didn't. The food was awesome!

From the moment we pulled into the already crowded parking lot, to the last bite, Donn's blew past our expectations, and served up some of the best barbeque us Texans have had in a minute. My husband and I stopped in at Donn's on a whim while trying to kill some time, before heading to the airport. Arriving just as the breakfast crowd was trickling out, we were greeted with the delicious smell of slow cooked meat. The expansive menu board boasted a wide selection of plates, sandwiches, sides and more. We both had sliced brisket sandwiches, with a side of onion rings, and sweet tea. The brisket was so tender it was falling apart, and a very generous portion on our sandwiches. Served on the side, the barbeque sauce was warmed, tangy, and the perfect balance between thick and thin in consistency. Almost more food than we could eat, we moved on to the onion rings; which were crispy, and didn't turn into a greasy mush while they were ignored momentarily, as we shoveled brisket into our mouths. My only very slight complaint was that the sandwich was served on generic store bought sandwich bread...and there were no toothpicks. Overall we left with very full stomachs, and with just enough time to get to the airport. Next time we're in Austin we will be sure to stop by again. read more

I just wanted to thank Donn's for making my employee Christmas Party great! We ordered a lot of food and it was ready, hot, packaged well (except for the barbecue sauce, you gotta figure out a better way to secure that..lol) There was plenty of food and everyone enjoyed it. The staff was friendly and helped me carry the heavy bags to my car. We got everything we ordered, which almost never happens these days and there was tons of left overs that my family has been enjoying this weekend. Great Job Donn's! read more

I've been going to Don's for years but ever since this Covid-19 has come to town..lol..the tacos have gotten much smaller and greasy and sometimes they for get to correctly make my order so I leave paying for something I didnt get. Please fatten the tacos up and PLEASE get peoples order right. I still think you guys have great food but I think you guys are loosing your touch. read more

I was a bit disappointed with this place when I had been told that they had excellent BBQ. When i called to place the order, the person answering the phone was very short with me and kept cutting me off when I was trying to finish with my order. We had the BBQ and the brisket had so much fat on it that we could hardly eat it, they didn't send ANY BBQ sauce with our BBQ like it says. I would personally not recommend their BBQ, BUT, they do have pretty good cheeseburgers! We heard that their burgers were good so decided to give them a try and they really were!! Would recommend them for a burger place but not BBQ. Also, the 2nd time ordering on the phone, was about the same as the 1st. They need better customer service FOR SURE! read more

cold breakfast tacos, then I called to pointed out. I wasn't offered a remedy. in fact, I said some thing about having to order next time hot food instead of selling for cold food and the lady on the phone said no problem I responded well yes there is a problem I got cold food and then she hung up on me. I called back, talk to the manager and again he went on and on and on and again I was it offered to come back and get a replacement but anyway, I guess I'll find another taco stand near me. I don't appreciate being treated like a second class citizen if that's when I walked in the lady semi-ignored me and then I guess her friends came in and she started up a conversation with him and said waiting on me I don't appreciate it read more

It's ok. Not the best, not the worst. They have over cooked meats such as chicken goes. Sometimes they are nice, sometimes not so nice. They are average to say the least. But ok is you want some bbq I guess. Sigh* read more

We placed an order via Grubhub for a different location by accident and when we showed up to this location for pickup, we were met with hostility from the employee. One of the employees tried to help but the other lady spoke over her and told us to go to the I-35 location. When we asked where that was she told us to figure it out and closed the window. read more

This place is suck! Wanna to order food on phone and have nervous to tell me to call tmr? Know what fuck this place read more

I went to Don's on 969 got the catfish special on Friday got home the fish and french fries both was fried hard or refried very nasty I will not be visiting this place again very poor quality catfish bike please check your plate before you leave this place read more

All of the yes. This is a local, family-run spot where one can get BOTH BBQ brisket AND breakfast tacos before 10am. They open super early, the food is incredibly affordable, and the tacos are the perfect size to order at least three. I had the potato, egg and chorizo, the brisket breakfast taco, and a third breakfast taco with cooked cactus. All three were delicious, but that brisket- I honestly wanted to stay long enough to order lunch to go, but I had to make a flight. It's not near downtown Austin, but it's worth the short ride, if you have the time. Go for breakfast, but order lunch to go so you can try all of their barbecue options. read more

Very consistent bbq Joint. Fairly safe seasoning but worth a taste. Ribs and Brisket are top notch and the Catfish plate has become a staple. Call in ordering helps as the line moves pretty slowly. Not much to look at or see inside but the atmosphere is fun. East Austin is in need of more restaurant selection past 183 on 969...So, this may also be one the few choices you have in this area. I should mention that you CAN get a burger at this bbq joint. read more

The service was good, but the food was awful. I've never had more bland barbecue. Ordered pork ribs, and Mac & Cheese both had no taste whatsoever. I think it might be worst BBQ I've ever had. read more

I will say this is not worse BBQ but they definitely need to work on their skills!! The ribs were tasteless and the brisket was dry!! The chicken was not even good and that is saying something because I love smoked chicken. The prices definitely were ridiculous. They raise the prices for the ROT rally which tells me that they are overpricing out of towners as well. Sorry but definitely will be my last time eating here!! read more

First time going and I was not impressed. Cashier is not very friendly. Repeatedly returned to the counter because they forgot this or that only to be left standing there as if I were invisible. Needless to say I won't be returning. read more

I drive passed this place just about every day on 969. When I saw that they do door-dash I decided to give it a try. The food was ready promptly and it was delivered to my house in good condition. I had the two meat combo and a peach cobbler. The ribs and brisket tasted great! The peach cobbler on the other hand was sub par. My issue with this place came late last night when I woke up with an upset stomach. Long story short, the food made me sick. Not sure if this was an issue with the quality of the food served to me or maybe a weird one-off with my stomach, but I will say I haven't had food poisoning in years and do not get it easily. I will also say that immediately after my body got rid of the food I felt better and haven't had any further problems. Bummer, because the food really did taste good but I won't be going back as I don't exactly trust what's being served. read more

The bbq is ok, most of the time, but it honestly depends on the day. There are days where Donn's is great and others not so much. Once Donn's gets its consistency on track it will be a great place to go to any time or any day! read more

the best bbq in texas all their food is so good and seasoned and well smoked

This is more in service than food. I was working in the area and pulled up in Yelp that I need a location nearby with free wifi. I called the place and was told rudely that they don't. I was also told that they don't have anything in Yelp or on the internet. I said I pulled them up in Yelp and it showed a website which I looked at and it said free wifi. She told my I was wrong and basically hung up on me. read more

I am a fan of Donn's. Its been here since my forever in Oak Hill (20+ years). They have really expanded the menu for lunch. They have been serving a pretty decent breakfast menu for over a year. The service is fine. Really, no complaints. I have never had a bad meal. The brisket here has never been my favorite but it beats many places in town and considering the consistency and options, this is the best BBQ place in the area. I usually get the chopped BBQ which is always satisfying and I really love Don's homemade hot sauce. Its a hard parking lot to navigate when its busy.....park in the street to save some frustration. read more

Service was great but food was terrible!!! Borscht was bland and bbq sauce was disgusting. Mac and cheese tasted like it was from a can with no flavor. My husband got mashed potatoes that tasted like "hungry man potatoes". Absolutely the worst BBQ I've ever had read more

The BEST migas in town! I especially love it when my neighbor (one of the cooks there) makes them, they're even better! Good price and good food. I have to say, this is one of the few places in town I go to regularly. =) read more

One of my to go places for bbq after work. I don't have the time to wait in line for the franklins or other places. I'm from California. Average bbq here is good enough for me. I used to crap bbq so this place is good coming from where I used to live. read more

Hearing all these reviews for their breakfast tacos makes me want to head that way in the early morning hours. I mean, I can be a b*tch when my morning routine gets messed up. It sounds like this Juanita lady knows how I like to roll. Gimme what I had yesterday, last week or last month. No more, no less. So, yeah, I'm gonna check it out. Anyways, my coworkers and I just finished having lunch there. I had the brisket plate. Let me say this...not the best brisket I've ever had. You kind of have to have BBQ sauce to make it moist enough. That being said, the Mexican Rice was awesome and in general the brisket was not at all inedible. (I cleaned my plate) It's family-style seating, which I am always a fan of. I think the problem with our culture is that we have become afraid of our neighbors or we want to distance ourselves from them. Family style eating makes you interact with other people - which I am a fan of. That said, I will definitely make a trek back to this Southeast Austin eatery. read more

UNPROFESSIONAL!!! I called in advanced to have bbq catered for my sons party. After receiving a quote, I told them I wanted to move forward in the catering process w/ few changes. NO EMAIL BACK FOR DAYS. I call Denise, who's in charge of catering and she specifically said "can i send you the new quote tomorrow morning?" Being patient I said yes- this was Monday. It is now a week later and i've heard nothing back. Gave Denise another call today and straight to voicemail. My event is this weekend and I've been planning to get Donns catered for 3 weeks. due to the unprofessionalism we are going with another choice last minute smh. read more

Best breakfast tacos around. This place isn't much for ambience but the food is so good you won't care. I'm ashamed to admit that for awhile I was there so often that the always-smiling Juanita would see my car pull up, yell to the cooks my usual order, and it would be waiting for me, all bagged up and ready to go, by the time I got inside. Sometimes I stop by in the evenings on my way home and I've never had anything that wasn't tasty. I rarely, if ever, eat my meals there but as "takeout" goes it's a winner - cheap, too! read more

1st time Patron ...BBQ @Donn's was great. Comfortable, friendly and not over crowded with pretentious (_Y_). I dropped in for some lunch the other day. I didn't know what to expect but I knew I didn't want to go to Jim's across the street. Small parking lot but there were only 3 other sets of customers when I walked in. I ordered two brisket taco plate Borracho beans and mashed potatoes with brown gravy. Sides of onions and pickles, sweet tea, and I inquired about the pecan pie. The gentlemen at the registered informed me that they were made by and different company. After I paid and walked towards my seat. He told me that the pies were still really good. X games was on the TV. I was watching and really enjoying the food. The beans were great. Brisket, very tasty. Sauce, very complimentary to the meat. I only used what I needed. The Potatoes were very good with the brown gravy. I'll try the white next time. Didn't want to leave when I finished. Still watching games and thoroughly enjoyed my meal so I got a piece of the coconut cream pie. Didn't want to risk such a good meal ending with a bad pecan pie experience. Almost lost a 1/2 star for the pies not being homemade, however the coconut cream pie was pretty good. By the time I was ready to walk outside, the place had at least 7 sets of guests and several take out orders had passed through. I am not a critic, I am a customer. Spent $10 with drink..., plus dessert & tip Dan """{{Respect one another & do no harm}}""" read more

I came here a few times many years ago with coworkers and have fond memories of Donn's BBQ. They're pretty cheap for Austin barbeque restaurants and have a nice variety of meat, side dishes, and desserts. They have the usual BBQ meats: sausages, brisket, chicken, etc... The combo plates I ordered ran less than $7. After you order, you go to an area to fill up your plate with bread and pickles. I loved the atmosphere--eat at plain, old, wooden indoor tables with brown paper towels for napkins, styrofoam cups, unassuming typical roughneck Western ambience, park-your-car-where-you-see-space-like-in-between-two-big-trucks parking lot, etc... The line moves fast--there was little wait for lunch. I'd take out-of-towners here for a down-to-earth and authentic Texas BBQ experience. Donn's BBQ is located on the south side of 969/far east MLK. read more

The boss and I went here today for lunch and neither of us had BBQ. He raved about his chicken fried steak, which also looked great to me. I ended up getting a burger and fries. The burger and fries were about as good as any burger place in Austin, including some of the classic places that we all rave about. This was an old-fashioned greasy Texas cheeseburger cooked on a griddle with a well toasted bun. Trust me, none of the current crop of trendy burger chains can compete with this excellent specimen of Texas burger perfection. In short, I'm realizing that Donn's is as much a small town Texas cafe as it is a destination for great BBQ. I need to try their breakfast next. read more

This is based solely on take out- my workplace went and picked this up for everybody today. Unfortunately, I'm less than satisfied. I reallllly, really, wanted to like this place, but it fell short in every category. We had the sausage, chicken, brisket, and sides of macaroni, beans, fries, and mashed potatoes. The brisket was very dry and lacking in flavor. Even the ends (which are normally the best part for me) were dry and semi tasteless. The chicken was moist, but seriously lacked in flavor. And the sausage? Well, I'm not a big sausage fan to their credit, but it was not good whatsoever. The sides were less than stellar, which normally wouldn't matter, but with the meat falling far short of my expectations, I was hoping for at least one side to salvage my meal. The one thing that was all right was the mashed potatoes, but seriously, who makes bad mashed potatoes? Too many BBQ choices to try this place again. read more

My girlfriend & I live in the Nine Sixty Nine development area and are always trying to find new places near home (Austin's East Side). We use to travel to Houston rather often and thanks to the opening of the I30/45 (toll road) we would be able to just head east on MLK/969 from our house to the toll road and get to Hwy 71 to Houston instead of having to get on 183 and go by the airport. Well on our many road trips to Houston we would pass by Donn's BBQ and always see vehicles parked there. So finally this past weekend we decided that we are going to have to try this Donn's BBQ for breakfast to see what the big deal is. Parking is minimal in front but plenty on the side & back, soon as you walk in there is plenty of seating inside with cold a/c blowing. You walk up to the counter to place your order in which there is a wide variety of things to pick from. I ended up getting the Mexican plate (scrambled eggs with onions, jalapenos and tomatoes along with refried beans, potatoes and fresh tortillas), my girlfriend ordered a breakfast sandwich & we had to order the biscuits & gravy to try out. We tried everything we ordered but couldn't finish it all and everything was so good. We will definitely be going back for breakfast (I'm going to have to try the menduo next time as everyone kept ordering it) and going to have to try their lunch/dinner bbq plates as we saw a big piece of brisket they took out towards the end of our meal & my mouth watered from the look of it. read more

Mediocre BBQ, soggy sides. I make a point to visit as many barbecue joints as I can in the Central Texas area. This was my first and last time at Donn's. Life is too short and there are so many better places... read more

No frills, just good BBQ. If you're looking for a fancy dine in spot, this is not the place. If you are looking to get in and out and eat great food for a great price, this is a good spot. Don't be fooled by the outside appearance. It's a great spot to eat BBQ. read more

Stopped in here for a quick bite. Had a chopped beef with sides of coleslaw and potatoe salad. Chopped beef sandwich was big and plate was very reasonably priced. Sides were good but nothing award winning. Ice cold Big Red on the side, worth every penny. This place will do if you just want some pretty good BBQ. I will defiantly be back. read more

This is for the location at 10003 FM 969, Austin, TX just east of Austin and about 7 minutes from the YMCA East Communities. BBQ - next best BBQ to Franklins on I35 at Concordia. Franklins is more flavorful but this place does not have the wait and there is plenty of seating inside and out. Service is very fast and the place is CLEAN! I have been here at least a half a dozen times and have never been disappointed. I have tried the chopped beef sandwich. Huge! Cut it in half for a regular serving and have the other half for dinner! I have had the 2 meat plate. I normally do not like to spend over $10 for lunch but again this makes 2 meals! Today it was pork loin and sausage. The pork was a little dry but the smokey flavor was tasty. The sausage is the way I like it dry and not dripping with grease when you bite into it. The banana pudding is pretty good - next best thing would be if you made it home yourself and from scratch. Next time I am going for the brisket which a lot of the ladies have and love. So in the end...good value for money. Very clean establishment (inside and out). Delicious bbq! read more

I come here for tacos every time i'm in Austin. I can never complain. Simply delicous! read more

Donn's is OK. I've had the whirlwind tour of the menu, which is to say I've had most of the BBQ and sides they offer. I have never had great BBQ here. Good, yes. But never great. I've had sour beans here. I've had several bones in my chopped chicken sandwich. I've had killer fried okra and wonderful potato salad here too. My advice is to go to lunch and order from the lunch special menu. It is by far the best way to get the most bang for your buck. The tipping point between 2 and 3 stars is the cleanliness of the place. It is an older building, but it is always very clean. Also, the staff is very nice and accommodating. read more

3 paws for this bbq joint! If I could, I would put 3 and a half.. not a 4 though. The dry rub of the pork ribs was sensationally well seasoned! And the bbq chicken wasnt dry! That surprised me quite a bit. Alot of places dry out the chicken. I WAS dissapointed on their potato salad. Was a bit bland and had way too much relish in it. I didnt like their bbq sauce (but Im super picky with bbq sauce) And the price.. I felt it was a bit too pricey. So I dont think I will go back. read more

Donn's is what Texas is all about. Solid BBQ on every corner of town. It's not that "institution" you read about in the guidebooks. Not even a "rough guide". And this corner happens to be way east on MLK, where you won't be seeing UT grads with their parents. Behind the counter, manning the knives, are a bunch of friendly dudes ready to slice whatever it is you want. I have a bunch of friends who ask for extra black stuff from the top of the brisket. Every time. I guess that means that the rub or sauce or smoke they use is darn special. Texas special (Brisket and Sausage) with jalapeno sausage is my personal lunchtime choice and is very popular. The sauce is very tasty: Sweet and tangy. Maybe a bit tangier than you get at many places. It works really well over their potato salad too! I can imagine this place as a roadhouse for the truckers servicing the Austin-Houston route....but for most other folks this is a bit out of the way. It's just never occurred to me to go here on a weekend evening. But if you did and had a good time, I wouldn't be surprised either. read more

Easily the best, easily accessible, BBQ in the area. They also have amazing tacos. You won't go wrong ordering either from here.