Amelia, Veronica, and Jadyn were exceptional! The food, the smells, the tastes, it felt like…read morewalking into someone's hospitable home. The ambience outside had me as well. We will now plan trips through the area during their open hours as often as possible. Thank you for everything!

Fresh, REAL Texas BBQ! Tons of cold beer, atmosphere beef,…read morebarbecue sausage, ribs, and lots of sides, including banana pudding and peach cobbler. Non-smoking. & NO bar But do have cooler full of ice cold bottle beer. They also have cool merch for sale.

When it was insisted I make the drive to tiny Lockhart because "Black's is the Vatican of…read morebarbecue," I rolled my eyes so hard they practically needed chiropractic adjustment. But, I'm open-minded (by open-minded I mean I gravitate to places with at least four and a half stars on Google). Enter Blacks, which looks like an eccentric Heartland cousin's hunting lodge married a school cafeteria. This place would shock those who require microgreens so tiny you need a jeweler's loupe to appreciate them. Ah but, brisket happens. It's a melt-in-your-mouth revelation served on butcher paper like it's no big deal. I took one bite, and basically ascended into a realm of flavor nirvana where time slowed and the only thing that mattered was bark, and each smoky, delicate bite. Skip the "Texas-style" place in Brooklyn. Fly west. Black's in the capital of Texas BBQ. Not even Madison Avenue PR spin could craft a crown more convincingly.

We'd been to Black's previously to dine in, but this time we were passing through Lockhart so opted…read morefor carryout. We bought a couple of sides and a mix of lean and moist brisket. Then we had to deal with the wonderful smell for the hour-long ride home. Service was very fast, as there wasn't a line on Wednesday. Of course, everything was very tasty. However, IMO, everything was overpriced. Seriously, about $9 for maybe a pound of potato salad or slaw or beans and $34 a pound for the meat. Yes, I'm aware of yield... and that the price of beef has risen a lot. Whatever the market will bear, I guess, but this isn't something I'd do on a regular basis.

Iconic historical location. Large scale smoked meats from old pit style smokers. Best known for…read morebrisket , beef ribs (huge) and sausage. Plenty of indoor seating. Excellent sides we had sauerkraut and creamed corn.

Meh. We ordered brisket and a beef rib at the meat counter and then pickles, cheese, onions and…read moregreen beans at the sides counter. They did package up the meat nicely in the butcher paper but I was still underwhelmed by the whole process. The beef rib was the star of the show and quite good. The brisket was.....edible, barely. Another review mentioned how the brisket was both greasy and dry simultaneously and that's a good description. Honestly , I spat out a couple of bites of brisket because it was so dry and I don't waste calories on c*** food. The green beans were slightly better than canned with visible bacon bits, though they did not taste very "country cooked" at all. Prices were SUPER high, especially for the quality. Will not go back.

Had a kid free day, so what better way to celebrate that then some Texas bbq. As soon and we walked…read morein 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.

Let me start with the good because Black's BBQ absolutely nails the experience side of things. The…read moreatmosphere 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.

A Lockhart classic that's been around for ages as a true OG. While in town to visit Barb's B-Q, my…read morebuddy and I stepped out of line briefly for a quick trip to Smitty's. The firewood sits on the ground as you walk in as a part of their open-fire cooking style bringing smoke into the brick pits. These new school smokers don't do it like Smitty's. As we walked in at 10:30, there was no line. We asked for the simplest order. A single slice of brisket and a single slice of turkey. It was about $12 all in. As we sat down with one of the 4 pieces of butcher paper for 2 slices of meat, I noticed that there are no forks at Smitty's. Just knives. We got to work. The turkey was fantastic. Barbecue turkey is honestly an underrated concept and their turkey was juicy, soft, and would change any Thanksgiving meal to one for the history books. I was extremely disappointed in the slice of brisket though. It was extremely chewy like plastic. Decently seasoned but not tender at all. Probably a bit undercooked. It was worth visiting for the experience, especially to get a picture next to the fire pit, which one of the people on staff was nice enough to take for us. As we walked out, we noticed tons of their awards and recognitions. It's cool to give a classic originator of Texas barbecue a hat tip like we did. RIYL: The originators or fire on the floor

Ordering is a bit confusing unless the line(s) have formed up- one from the street and one from the…read moreparking lot out back. People seem to want to enter in the middle where you check out. Nope! Start at the scale on either end, exit the middle. Good brisket, cut to order, lots of bark. We had some lean and some fat. Liked the sauce they provide. Remember- no forks, so wash up first! We had a half link of the "spicy" sausage. Did t seem spicy, and the casing was tough, near impossible to bite it off or cut it with the plastic knives. I just pushed the meat out and ate it on a cracker. Nice to see a real, old time atmosphere, with old time smokers. Nice folks too.

There has been a lot of hype around Texas BBQ for a while, and I've been fortunate enough to try…read moremany of the well-known spots. I've also seen the rise and fall of some old and new famous BBQ places, whether from quality dropping, prices increasing, portions shrinking, or places simply not living up to the hype. Lockhart has many original and famous Texas BBQ spots, but I have to say, Barbs B Q truly stands out. I wouldn't even compare it directly with other more traditional Texas BBQ places. Yes, it is that good. Maybe because it's located in Lockhart instead of somewhere like Austin, it doesn't feel overly hyped yet, which honestly might be a good thing. This humble little shop operates with very limited hours but offers exceptional quality food. They open at 11 AM, and I arrived around 10:30 AM, but there was already a line. That tells you everything: you need to get there early. They did start letting people in a little early, which was nice. Like many great BBQ places, even if they say they close at 3 PM, there's a good chance the meat will sell out much earlier. The owner and pitmaster was super friendly and passionate. Even with a long line, she still greeted customers and had a quick conversation with each person, which was honestly impressive. As for the BBQ itself, I tried the ribs, brisket, lamb chops, sausage, green spaghetti, and pudding. Everything was perfection. Yes, I'll say it again: pure perfection, even the bread. When it was my turn, it was hard to find seating, so I ended up bringing the food home, but it was still incredibly delicious. This is BBQ on an entirely different level. My suggestion: come try this place before it goes viral and becomes a huge hype spot. I really love and cherish small local businesses like this, and I hope they keep doing things their way even after more success comes their way.

Our second visit to Barbs B Q somehow topped the first--which we didn't think was possible…read more Waiting in line turned into part of the experience. We ended up chatting with other second-timers, all of us swapping favorites and hyping up the meats like regulars. Even though Chuck wasn't out front slicing this time, the crew absolutely crushed it--things were buzzing along smoothly and the quality didn't miss a beat. We arrived at 11:30am Sunday and we got to the counter at 12:06. While in line, we found a Yeti stocked with ice-cold Lone Stars for the 21+ crowd. When we arrived at the counter, and they handed us bite-sized brisket samples while we waited. One look at that glossy, glistening brisket told you everything--you knew it was going to be insanely juicy, and it delivered. The lamb chops were a standout this time--perfectly cooked with a flavorful herbed crust and paired with a mustard-based BBQ sauce that really set them apart. We also tried the "experimental" herbalicious sausage, and wow--it needs to become permanent. Packed with flavor and totally unique. Portions were generous (again), and we walked away with plenty of leftovers--which is never a bad thing when it tastes this good.

Went on a whim with my friends who had already dined here a couple of times. The last time they…read morewaited in line for 1.5 hours after arriving 11:30am. We arrived 10:58am and waited for 2 hours. I've read of long waits but being with friends, chatting and anticipating wasn't that bad esp. watching the line move along and having awnings along the buildings provided much needed shade. Some window fronts had small ledges that one could sit if you wanted so we did in a couple of places. I brought a personal neck fan and a thermos with iced Coconut water so I was hydrated. If it was later in the summer, I'm not so sure how I'd fare? It's best to come early because some items were selling out by the time we ordered. The first was the Coleslaw and "The Blake" Brisket Taco that included the Coleslaw and BBQ Sauce. By the time I ordered the 1 lb of Beef Cheeks Pastrami to go, I was told that was the last of it. Lucky me! My friend wanted to order some but fini! I shared some with her and my other friend so they could taste it. It was so fork-tender, slightly smoky and cutting into it the color was a deep burgundy-red! We were fascinated by it. I love Pastrami and I know Beef Cheeks are tender when done right so I was intrigued on their take on it. I would order this again! I also ordered 1 lb of the Prime Brisket to go. It was a little drier, less smoky than the Beef Cheeks and I had to use BBQ Sauce for some moisture. The El Tejano Brisket Taco sounded well balanced with the Red Salsa, Avocado Crema, Pickled Onions and Queso Fresco. The Pickled Onions & sauces complimented the smoky, tender Brisket. I actually thought the Brisket in my Taco was more tender than the Prime Brisket I got to go. It was a generous 4-slice portion esp. for $8. I think the Flour Tortilla could be somehow toasted. I bet a Sonoran style Flour Tortilla would be great as it has those toasted brown spots and is flavorful! I have some at home so I'm going to use that tomorrow. The only side that was appealing to me was the Potato Salad. I wasn't sure how it would be prepared as some places drown the Potatoes in a mayonnaise overload. They prepared it with a light dressing with chopped Red Peppers, Pickles and I think some onions & something that made them yellowish so the Potatoes shined. I wanted to try the meats as is without BBQ Sauce so I could enjoy it for its purity. I was given 4 White Bread slices, a small plastic container with onions and sliced pickles, 2 Horseradish sauces & 3 BBQ sauces. I'll try the Horseradish another day. When you order and initially pay, they just take your order and you move down to the next station for sides and prepping your food. I didn't know about the "Garnishes Available" with Pickles, Okra, Onions, Jalapeños and Bread til I read the sign afterward. My friends both ordered the "Chinese Sticky Rib Plate" that came with a "Cucumber Smash Salad". The Ribs were a bit salty and mentioned that they weren't this salty the last time they came. They had me try it and after a few chews, I could see how the smokiness and salt could be a bit much after a while. The Cucumbers were cut in chunks in what reminded me of a Korean Chili Sauce type of preparation. I just showed my receipt for the clerk to put the styrofoam box full of goodies together. My friend got up later and asked for some Okra. The Okra had a masculine smell to it so I only ate one piece. Near the utensil station is an area where you could buy t-shirts and I think some frozen or refrigerated items/meat? I saw a SF 49er white plaque so I asked the employee if the chef was from the Bay Area but he said he's from Texas and is just a fan. I told him I'm from the Bay Area and am a fan too! The bathrooms are wide and use drying fans vs. paper towels. I prefer paper towels esp. if you're going to wash your hands w/BBQ Sauce or grease. We walked out in the back area where the smokers were located since we could cut thru to the back parking lot in the cross street. Happy to have tried this and happy they won 2 Michelin Bib Gourmand Accolades in 2024 & 2025 and won Texas Monthly's Best BBQ Restaurant in 2025!! It's exciting to see local restaurants being recognized esp. for their BBQ. When I first visited in 2007, there were only a handful of BBQ spots that people would recommend. Now they're elevating their game and critics are noticing and on the map!! Support local!! To note: While in line, we saw people walking out with bags of food to go. Best to go earlier as possible, otherwise later in the day would be fine if can't wait in line. It would help to highlight the directions on how to order & locate them near the Menu Boards.

We visited with family on a tour of Texas BBQ places. They spent yesterday in Austin, and me met…read moreup in Seguine for the Sunday brunch. What a treat! I had the Casanova, a monster breakfast on a crisp tortilla base with a slice of brisket, barbacoa, two eggs, and a green sauce that rocked. We shared a plate of the beef cheek pastrami, which is reason enough to visit all by itself, and breakfast tacos rounded out the orders. Portions were large, the cooking was superb, and I will definitely be back. Next time I'll bring a chair for the line.

Quick and courteous service, delicious food, cute place, and huge servings. The fried pickles were…read moreamazing!! Good bbq, nachos, grilled cheese and sides. No complaints.

We had the Sunday special enchiladas, they were not typical rolled enchiladas but stacked tortillas…read morewith seasoned beef in between. The special included rice and pinto beans all which were delicious. Many customers were eating the other Sunday special of chicken and dumplings which also looked and smelled wonderful. The serving size is for the large appetite and we all had take home. The service was fast and accurate. The restaurant is very clean with large tables and some colorful pictures. We will return for the catfish as it also looks delicious and others raves about that.

Hands-down, the best barbecue spot we've ever been to. We…read morehad the brisket, which was packed with flavor and perfectly juicy. At first, we weren't sure what to order since it was our first time, but the owner kindly offered us a rib sample--and wow, that sealed the deal. We ended up ordering the ribs, and they were absolutely phenomenal. We also tried the twice-baked potato, which quickly became my favorite. The potato salad and mac & cheese were both delicious as well--comfort food done right. Everyone was very nice! The atmosphere was great! I still can't get over how incredible those ribs were. Next time we're in San Marcos, there's no question--we'll be stopping by again.

Came here on a Sunday for lunch. This is completely outdoors only and they're technically a food…read moretruck. It was pretty empty when we got there but filled in as time went on. Nice thing about them was they gave us samples when we were curious about an item on their menu. Their brisket was excellent. It was seasoned just right, not too fatty (you can request to get the fat cut off too if you want) and tender. You can order pork ribs by number of ribs instead of weight strictly. Their hatch Mac n cheese was fire. They add jalapenos to it and it was very creamy. Their beans had bits and pieces of brisket in them as well. Overall, a great BBQ place. Was just a bit uncomfortable sitting outside to eat on a toasty summer day.

Texas is known as having the best barbecue in the country! We all hear about the big names that…read morestretch from Austin to Dallas to Houston. I've been to probably all of them. Well, there's another one called "City Market" that skipped right past me. Or, no one thought to tell me. It's one or the other because this place is pretty popular with lines out the door! So I heard about City Market BBQ, the same day I drove to Luling, Texas! It's an hour outside of Austin. City Market is in the downtown area, and parking was a breeze; the line I saw on the sidewalk coming from City Market, I must admit, was long, but it was a breeze, too. Now, this is on Wednesday, not the weekend. I hopped in line, the line moving fast. People are friendly, telling me that once I'm inside, there's another door I will go into to place my order. I like to call this the secret door with all the good smells of smoky barbecue. Check out my pictures of the secret door; you can't even see inside. I'm there, I made it inside, and there's 3 of the most friendly older gentlemen I will ever meet in my life. One of them caught on that I haven't been in a kitchen, never in my life, when he started asking if I wanted 1/4 of brisket. I whispered, "Give me three or four, because I'm not good at math either." Oh, we had a great laugh! I sat down, picked on a rib, and the meat slid from the bone! It was so tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The skin had the right burnt in the right spots. The meat was moist and easy to chew. I was like the Flintstones cleaning the bones before I bit into my sausage and brisket. The sausage was very good, and my brisket was smoky, like my ribs. I have to brag about the sauce. It came in a skinny bottle. It was a new flavor for me; it wasn't spicy, but it had a nice heat to it that I loved! I'm so happy I chose to ride down to Luling to visit City Market as soon as I heard about this BBQ place. I would have been so mad at myself if I had waited and forgotten!

City Market in Luling was established in either 1957 or 1958, depending on the source. The…read morerestaurant's own website says "Established in 1958," and most historical references use 1958. So as of 2026, the barbecue place is about 68 years old. It's considered one of the classic old-school Central Texas barbecue joints and still operates much like a traditional meat-market-style BBQ house. This is an older building, including bathrooms... One of which was not working. Was disappointed that their sides include potato salad, and beans only because when I go to barbecue, I love Colliard greens, potato salad, beet salad, etc. not available here. The brisket slice I had likely the best piece of brisket I've ever had in my life. Now... Don't go crazy. I don't eat brisket typically when I do barbecue. The rib that I had was decent. The sausage I had by comparison to other barbecue places was unfortunately the worst that I've ever had. I'm not sure what grind they use, but it seems like it was more beef and somewhat sweet to my pallet which I personally don't care for in sausage. Overall, if I just wanted brisket, I would return but next time I'm in Luling I likely will go to the place right next-door to them and try them.