Very good BBQ! I just wanted to start off with that since my experience with Nelson's BBQ was a little bit different than expected. So my wife and I are in San Antonio for a few months and we decided to visit all the Yelp places in San Antonio that made the top 100 for Texas. There are seven of them, and Nelson's BBQ (#21) was the last one on the list for us. I call on Saturday after I get off of work to just ask him if he's still got food left and I find out that his hours are kind of non-standard. He typically takes orders and gets food ready as the orders come in but he's not at his food truck all the time. That was a little bit different for me but he was very accommodating and willing to make his schedule work with mine and get our order done as soon as he could. It did take about 2.5 weeks until it finally worked out but the food was delicious. The timing and communication could've been a little bit better but Mr. Nelson was working hard and really trying to get as much done as possible. Needless to say, the food was delicious. We tried the nasty Nate (our favorite), the Mac n cheese which was delicious, pulled pork (very good), sausage (thought it was going to be a little better), ribs (good), cornbread (very good). The best dish was the nasty Nate and the cornbread but the sausage was disappointing. Still, overall 5 stars for the meal. The wait was a little excessive I thought but I definitely recommend checking his place out if it works out for you because the food was really good! Overall: 4.5 stars read more

See all

Food is high quality! My only issue is I wish he had a store front and sold everyday, so I could eat it everyday. Brisket is moist and fantastic, sides are incredible. read more

If been busy the past couple of weeks since I went to Nelson's, but I have found time on my long ride to another destination to reminisce on the meal I had while in San Antonio that came out of a humble food truck. I had messaged Nate prior to coming to San Antonio, letting him know that my girlfriend and I were coming. We noticed that, with all of the pictures on yelp, his restaurant had the best lookin' BBQ around. Now, I'm just a Alabama boy who loves BBQ. Alabama doesn't necessarily have a BBQ identity, besides the White Sauce from Bob Gibson's BBQ, but I know how to eat, and I eat good food. Period. When I arrived at the food truck, Nate and his friendly helper (I believe it was his girlfriend) were busy. Very busy. People of all ages were standing in line. Kids, mothers with kids, teens, parents, etc. we're waiting on their food. I briefly talked with Nate and let him know that I was the one who messaged him. He promptly greeted me and my girlfriend with a piece of the most tender, moist brisket covered in fatty goodness. Absolutely amazing. Nate told me, "I got your order, don't worry about it." We exchanged some more small talk, but he needed to get back to it since the line for his truck was piling up, not because of poor service, but because the clientele knew how good his food was. Everyone we talked to stated that he was absolutely worth the wait. Once our food was ready, he called us over and said, "y'all got the last bit of brisket, and we are not known for our pulled pork, but this stuff right here, it's good." I'll spare you the details of how quickly and viciously I ate my food, but needless to say, I blacked out. Nate gave me 3 strips of brisket. The smoke ring was perfect. The bark was perfect. It was moist. It was perfect. The pulled pork, that he stated that they were not known for, was incredible. It melted in your mouth. He also had pork ribs that were to die for. He also threw in some of his home-made chicken sausage, and it was really good. The Mac and cheese was insane. I will probably have him ship some out to me for my wedding, if he's not already there in attendance. The sauce he has speaks for itself. He also made my girlfriend the biggest Nasty Nate. I was speechless after finding the smoked bacon. The picture I have provided doesn't do it justice. Obviously, you don't have to be as dramatic as I am about food, but if you are wanting good BBQ in the San Antonio area, from a guy who is nice and cares about his customers, come here. Oh yeah, did I mention he was in a food truck doing BBQ? That's insane. read more

Nelson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

So we were having a big event, our adoption party for our youngest, and wanted to find some really good bbq. I can not say enough about Nathaniel. He helped me calculate exactly what I would need and even delivered it to my house! The pulled pork is ridiculous, as was the brisket, Mac and cheese, well everything. I will definitely be back. He's super friendly and the food is delicious! Thanks, Nathaniel, for making our day tasty! read more

I'm visiting from out of town and wanted to find some proper barbecue. Was recommended by the neighboring food truck so I decided to give it a try. I had big expectations and they were so exceeded with such a great, authentic barbecue experience! Had the three meat box of moist brisket, barbecue rib, pulled pork, mac & cheese and beans. It was all so satisfying, what a fantastic meal I made a special point to return a second time before I left town. Nelson has such a cool personality and really offered up some sincere southern hospitality! Really enjoyed our conversation and I would like to wish him all the success in the future and hope y'all get a chance to try his amazing barbecue! Thanks so much Nelson, you rock... read more

See all

A one man operation here, but wow this place is amazing. Nate is a fantastic person, and a great BBQ-er if that's even a word. We visited San Antonio for the weekend and HAD to grab some BBQ. His is amazing. The prices are so reasonable (cheaper than most places), brisket is soft, ribs are delicious and fall off the bone, pulled pork is tender and fatty, mac n cheese is super cheesy and flavorful, and the corn bread is soft and falls apart beautifully. My group of friends and I fell silent as soon as we started eating. No words could even come out! Tip: do not go there on an empty stomach! You will have to wait a while (we waited 2 hours because he had problems with his grill), and you will be hangry! But the wait is so worth it. I'd recommend to meal prep the next few days with just a salad for the amount of food you'll feast on once you get your hands on his food. If I can ever go back, I will definitely go here even if it's completely out of the way. It's that good! read more

After reading the great reviews of this place, I decided to try it out. Ordered the Nasty Nate, a sandwich made with brisket, mac & cheese, in between two slices of Texas toast, and it was delicious. The sandwich alone was awesome and extremely flavorful, but eating it with the sauce that comes on the side made it even better. Needless to say, Nelson's did not disappoint & lived up to the hype. I'll definitely be back to try other items. read more

Nelson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Having been to all the great spots in Texas (Franklin's, Snows, Louis Mueller's, Micklethwait, Kreuz, Smitty's, etc.) I'll say that this is the only BBQ I've ever had in San Antonio that I feel could easily hold its own. I've waited a really really long time to say that. Before I talk about the food: Nelson's is a food truck. At least today, he was a one-man show so please adjust your mindset accordingly. It's not going to be fast. It might be a little disorganized. There's not an official place to wait or tables to sit at. All that being said, Nate was really friendly, made it a fun experience, and the food more than made up for any of the inconvenience. Now on to the food. My brisket today was incredible. The smoke and seasoning were subtle without overpowering the flavor of the meat. Unlike most San Antonio brisket, the fat was neatly trimmed and allowed us to enjoy the bark without chewing gobs of fat. The meat itself was tender and melted in my mouth. Really Franklins is the only comparison that comes to mind. Pulled pork was also good and I really enjoyed the sausage, which I believe was home made. We also tried the Mac and cheese and cornbread, which were both great. Everything I had today I would order again. I'm looking at my unopened cup of sauce and really feel that sums up how I feel about the BBQ. I think the saying comes from one of the Lockhart smoke houses: if you need sauce, they didn't do it right. I definitely didn't even think about sauce so Nelson did it right! Highly recommended!! read more

I been waiting a year to try Nelson's BBQ, finally got the chance today brisket was great, the beef Rib was the best I've had so tender. I also got to try the mac& cheese and the bbq sauce both were perfect. This man makes crazy good bbq. read more

Barely made it out of the parking lot after sampling this bbq!! It is so good!! He was headed out to a catering job but still sold us a plate and I'm sure I will be back for more! Definitely try it, you will not be disappointed! read more

Nelson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

The best BBQ in San Antonio, hands down. The ribs were so tender that I could barely pick it up without the meat trying to slide off the bone. The Mac and cheese, sweet baby Jesus, it was amazing. Like I can't even think of enough adjectives to describe it. It was everything and a half. The brisket literally melts in your mouth and it's so juicy and tender you could probably cut it with your thoughts. The owner was so nice and even gave us a sample. The only possible downside was that there is nowhere to sit outside but I understand why since the days and hours at this food truck are limited. I was happy as hell eating it in the car anyways. I had a spiritual moment eating this food. You gotta try it. read more

Nailed it! Damn good BBQ. Only complaint is to get a table out there so I don't have to get all the way home to eat and figure out I want seconds! Best in SA for sure! Don't pass up the pulled pork though. read more

This was nothing close than a religious experience of everything holy and everything Bar b Q in texas should be , Nelsons a small unsuspecting truck off of bandera and 1604 and has managaed to come up with some excellent bbq you know the kind you wait around for 4 hours or the places you tackle grandma for to get the last piece ... This truck right here is that good and should be enjoyed while you can becauae i gaurantee you this bbq spot will be getting busy very soon Two thumbs and two big toes Up amazing bbq ! Take a bow Nelsons read more

Nelson's BBQ - Montage to the saturday brisket dopeness we just expierenced , so good the first words will be a mmmmmmmm mmmmm and then mmmmmm . - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Proof the God loves us and Texas BBQ, especially Texas brisket... this may be the best ever and even better it is from a food truck. It may be recency but it just moved above Joels along I-10 in Schuelenberg and Coopers in New Braunsfels. It is melt in your mouth tender and served on Texas toast just the way it should be. Fairly priced for something unfairly scarce. Go! And Be Happy! read more

There is no such thing as secrets anymore. Years ago, before the Internet, places off the beaten track had to be discovered through word of mouth. Indeed, I can remember the days when Salt Lick in Driftwood was where people in Austin flocked, but those in the know would head on down to Kreuz Market and Black's in Lockhart, City Market in Luling, or up to Snow's in Lexington or Louis Mueller in Taylor. These days, even some of the smallest BBQ joints in places like Pecos (Pody's) or Hallettsville (Kolacny's) get statewide attention so there really aren't too many places that are off the radar for years despite their absolutely incredible product. I'd like to believe in secrets. And Nelson's BBQ makes me believe in them again. Perhaps the Nelson BBQ trailer hasn't been around long enough to be considered a bona fide secret, but it is beyond reasonable debate that this BBQ is among the best in San Antonio. The char on the brisket is enviable, the smoky taste emanates throughout the meat, and it is succulent and moist. It's not every day I try a piece of brisket and suddenly all my senses arouse and I wonder what in God's name just happened. Well, that definitely happened when I first tried Nelson's BBQ and it was a moment before I realized with great joy that there was plenty more of that BBQ headed in my direction. As incredible as the brisket is by itself, that isn't the secret. That is merely the foundation for the magical Nasty Nate sandwich, a behemoth served on nice buttery Texas toast and generously slathered with a mound of mac and cheese over ridiculously tender brisket. And since we are in Texas, stay away from the sauce, right? WRONG. Someone found out how to perfectly match a nice, smoky vinegary sauce with brisket and it is the proprietor of Nelson's BBQ. But the real trick is you want to dip the sandwich in this sauce. It's that amalgam of flavors that makes the Nasty Nate the best BBQ sandwich I've had in THE ENTIRE STATE OF TEXAS. Yes, the best brisket I've had in this city still can be found at 2M Smokehouse, but Nelson's BBQ supplants King's Hwy for that second spot. It is light years ahead of BBQ places like 2 Bros and the original Rudy's. I'd suggest downing this BBQ with some sweet tea or a beer and enjoying your Thursday or Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. I am happy to report that Nelson's BBQ quite easily surpassed my expectations, and I'm looking forward to many future visits. read more

I'm from out of town and so glad I looked a little further and didn't settle for a chain BBQ spot! If you want fast, go down the street otherwise come to this truck and enjoy good conversation while Nate takes your order and puts everything together himself. The meats were delicious and really didn't need any extra sauce, but that being said, the sauce did make it taste even better. Thanks for one of the best BBQ we've ever tasted! read more

Nelson's BBQ - 2 meat plate with brisket and ribs with double mac. - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

With all the great reviews I had to try for myself and i wasnt disappointed ...the food is delicious , seasoning was just right and the mac n cheese......heavenly.....I will definitely return to try other items.. read more

Nelson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

The Nasty Nate...if you love yourself you'll try this sandwich. It's a huge sandwich with juicy beef brisket and amazing homemade mac and cheese. If you get this you won't need any other sides! read more

3 words... The Nasty Nate. You'll thank me later. Definitely will be bringing my out of town friends here when they visit for some real Texas BBQ. Brisket is on point, baked beans and his mac'n'cheese are both real southern bbq, a little BBQ sauce on the side and you're good to go! read more

Nelson's BBQ - Hands down THE BEST BBQ sandwich everrr. - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

My boyfriend and I were told Nelson's BBQ was featured in Texas Monthly so we decided to go check it out. We arrived 15 minutes early to avoid lines and we were the first to order. Nate was easy going and friendly and made it a pleasant experience. My boyfriend ordered the "Nasty Nate" and I ordered a brisket plate with a side of baked beans and mac and cheese. All we can say is this is some of the best BBQ we have had in San Antonio. The brisket was moist and the sides were packed with flavor. We will definitely be going back for more. read more

See all

Nate was very nice and informative. He hooks you with the flavors - brisket has a great char and spice. Offering two BBQ sauces: original and spicy. You don't NEED the sauce; the flavor complements the sandwich, and you will WANT the sauce. The Nasty Nate is a generous serving on toasted bread, served with brisket and mac & cheese. The mac is NOT from a box - topped with more cheese and seasoning, the side could stand on Its own. Mixed into the sandwich, you have a great meal. Add corn bread, and you will need a nap. Very tasty and worth the wait! read more

Nelson's BBQ - The Nasty Nate (sand which $8.99) with a side of mac & cheese and cornbread. Nate told us it's a lot of work. You can taste the love. - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Some of the best brisket I have ever eaten. Moist, tender and full of flavor. The Mac & Cheese and baked beans provide a perfect side. The sauce is a bit sweet, but quite honestly it is not needed. read more

Nelson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Amazing service and delicious food. I appreciate the extra care the owner and chef took to meet us one evening and provide us with this award winning bbq. The brisket was lean, tender and tasty. The right amount of seasoning. Oh and the ribs, left me Speechless. Mac and cheese was cheesy and cooked to perfection. Please support this small business . read more

First time trying this BBQ, it was FABULOUS! Had the Nasty Nate- for a brief moment I thought I had died and gone to heaven! A perfect combination of juicy, scrumptious brisket topped with cheesy mac n cheese between 2 buttery, perfectly crisp slices of Texas toast. Definitely worth the trip and will surely return for more deliciousness!!! I will tell all my friends this place is a MUST TRY! read more

Nelson's BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

We loved our brisket, mac n cheese and cornbread! All 4 of us agreed we would definitely order again very soon.

Some of the best ribs and brisket in town. The homemade sausages are also excellent. Plus, Nate is a really nice and cool dude. This has become one of my go-to BBQ spots, as I can get exceptional food without dealing with the hassle of hyped up restaurants like 2M. read more

Some of the Best BBQ we have had. Nelson's Is consistent with their flavor and quality if the BBQ. I always try to stop by when we are in town. read more

Don't let the fact that this is a food truck fool you. This is Texas BBQ blessed by the BBQ Gods. Nathaniel doesn't have a menu, but is happy to speak to you about what he's got. You are going to receive the highest quality BBQ consistently and he makes most of his own product including the sausage and the Ridiculously addictive Bacon. The Nasty Nate sandwich is a tower of BBQ heaven, it comes on buttered TX Toast, piled with moist brisket, topped with heavenly Mac & Cheese and comes with sauce on the side. I add bacon to mine, because honestly, isn't everything better with bacon. The pulled pork has to be the biggest sleeper on the menu, but its so moist and flavorful that you would think you're in the Carolinas. read more

For any true Texas BBQ fans who want the real deal, you need to try this hidden gem on NW SA. I've tried many other BBQ joints in SA, including Rudy's and none compare to Nelsons BBQ. To get anything comparable to Nelson's brisket you gotta drive 60 miles north. All the meat he smokes speaks for itself...but if you want that extra kick, try either of his two original BBQ sauces, Mild and Spicy. The Nasty Nate is worth the drive no matter what side of town you're coming from. On top of that, the service is top notch too and Nathaniel (the owner) will be sure to take care of you and your friends and family hunger needs. Another good thing is he caters events too. San Antonio and visitors of San Antonio...if you get an opportunity, come try the Best BBQ in SA *hands down*. You will not be disappointed. read more

I absolutely love this food truck! The owner/chef is super friendly. Super nice guy! Will come back every time we visit.

This BBQ is OFF THE CHAIN!!!! & The Mac & Cheese will make you hurt yourself FACT!!!! Very impressive Sausage & Brisket too...Didn't try the ribs but you can bet thats Next!!!! read more

The brisket was awesome as was the pulled pork. Definitely worth the drive from San Diego!!!

I've been to many, many BBQ spots in San Antonio, and several have been really good. But when you put your priority on just the quality and taste of the Q, Nelson's truck delivers the best I've had in San Antonio. This was my first visit, and it took some effort to find (Nathaniel) Nelson's BBQ truck - it's located in a parking lot for Wicked Ways Tattoos off the Southbound Access Road for 1604, south of Babcock RD and just past Pizza Hut and Taco Bell on the right. Nathaniel only does this on Thursday and Friday evenings, and Saturdays from 11:00AM to 3:30PM so plan accordingly. While waiting for the truck to open for business, I talked to Ted, a regular customer who said that this was the only BBQ place that he goes to anymore. You need to be aware that there are no tables around, though there is a vacant lot next door, so everything is takeout. If you need to be waited on when you go out for BBQ, there are other places that are OK and provide that level of service (probably for a higher price, too), but takeout here is terrific. Not necessarily quick, since this is a one-man operation, but I had a good time talking to Nate, Ted and other regular customers, and since this was our first time, I got a lot of different things - lean brisket, moist brisket, spare ribs, smoked bacon, homemade sausage (regular or spicy), macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. (Cornbread is only on Saturday) All of this cost about $40. If I had bought the same stuff at 2 Bros BBQ on West Street (my previous favorite), it probably would have been well over $50! When I got home and opened the takeout boxes, we discovered that the lean brisket was NOT dry (a good thing), and both it and the moist brisket were wonderfully flavorful. Best we've had in town. But the real surprise was the spareribs! I've joked for years that I'd been out of the Navy for 4 years before I discovered that spareribs were supposed to have actual meat on them!!! In the Navy, they were bone, gristle and fat. Not these, though! These were wonderful, tender, meaty and flavorful, the best I've ever had. The bacon and sausage were great, too, and we'll have to try the pulled pork the next time we go to Nelson's for BBQ. I recommend trying the food here; you'll be very glad you did! Just don't eat it all when you go - save some for me! read more

The brisket is as good as it can get; moist, tender, juicy, and a perfect flavor. I'm never too impressed with Mac and cheese but his is real good. All the sides are good really. I can't wait to try the nasty Nate but I can only imagine the flavor! read more

Best brisket by far!!!! I've always passed this place on my way home and always saw people outside waiting. I decided to try it one day on my way home and I'm sooo glad I did!! The brisket was moist and delicious and the Mac n Cheese was incredible! If you have not tried this spot it is a must!!! I can't believe I've been missing out all this time!!! read more

The food is amazing. Full of flavor, generous portions, decent price. Get there early because they sell out fast.

Some of the best, if not THE best, barbecue in San Antonio. The Nasty Nate is a sandwich you must try and the barbecue sauce compliments the fatty deliciousness perfectly. Try the sausage, try the brisket, heck try everything. read more

First time trying Nelson's BBQ and loved it! Walked up and received friendly service. Ordered d the Nasty Nate and it was bomb.com. The sandwich had tender brisket and Mac n cheese a perfect combo! Would go back again! read more

Great brisket, very tender, moist. Had great flavor. Mac n cheese baked, very flavorful. Great customer service, very friendly. My new and only place to get great brisket in SA. read more

Best. BBQ. EVER!!! First bite I ever took, the ribs were so tender and juicy that the meat fell right off the bone and landed on my custom $200 supra's and I wasn't even mad because it tasted so good. The owners are amazing. They are so nice and so good at what they do. I will be coming here again and again. MUST TRY!!! WILL LOVE!!! read more