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In my Texas barbecue journey, I've been trying to make more trips to Houston to get to places like Pinkerton's that are on the Top 50 list. That has yet to happen, but luckily there's a secondary location in San Antonio that I got a chance to try this past weekend. Pinkerton's is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, just a few blocks off the River Walk and right next to the Frost Bank Tower. As I parked in a lot off Travis Street (they validate two hours' worth of parking btw), I met up with my dad inside, who was drooling at the possibility of getting a beef rib. That's really the only thing I haven't explored deeply in the barbecue journey, but I wasn't gonna stop his desires. Inside, Pinkerton's has plenty of space, with tons of wooden tables and benches, and a full bar. They operate from 11 am to 9 pm most days, so they have enough meat to last them well into the evening. We got there about 1 pm, and though there was no immediate line, it was busy. The line kinda came in waves. It seemed like multiple groups would all show up at once and wrap around the building every 15 minutes or so. I'll list everything we had and my thoughts: Brisket: One thing about Pinkerton's that is different than elsewhere is how peppery all of their meats are. It's different than everything else I've had on my journey, but I'm a fan. The brisket was pretty good. Nothing extraordinary, but quite solid. Pork Ribs: The glaze they throw on top of the pork ribs makes it special. They are sweet and super flavorful. It's just a good, classic pork rib altogether. Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage: Pinkerton's has like six different sausage options, which is far too many in my opinion. Sausage peaks at three. Regular, jalapeño, and one special, if even. This was the only "bad" thing that I had here. It was just unmemorable and tasted bland. Beef Ribs: I've never had a beef rib, so I don't know what I should've expected, but good God almighty, that thing is truly a delight to the senses. The peppery bark and the savory beef are incredible. I've been missing out. South Texas Beans: Their beans are sensational. I don't know if I've had beans as good as the beans here at Pinkerton's. There was such a savory flavor to them that my dad and I couldn't quite put our finger on, but they felt familiar and comforting. Jalapeño Cheese Rice: Kinda tasted like a baked potato casserole, just lacking the starchiness, obviously. The rice mushing and sticking together gave it a very similar texture and flavor though. Ultimately, this is a great spot. It doesn't hit the highs of the true Texas Monthly spots here in San Antonio, but it's still a worthy establishment. This was a great feast for my dad and me to celebrate his birthday a bit early. RIYL: Barbecue with a little bit of a kick
Pinkerton's Barbecue is definitely worth the wait! We knew there would probably be a line, but honestly, good Texas BBQ is worth waiting for! We ordered a little bit of everything because, of course, I wanted to try as much as possible. The staff recommended the pulled pork, and I'm SO glad they did because it ended up being my favorite. It was tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. I actually think I enjoyed it even more than the sausage and brisket. Don't get me wrong, the sausage and brisket were also REALLY good, but the pulled pork was definitely the winner for me. And don't skip the sides; they were all really good, definitely not just an afterthought to the BBQ. Then came dessert... the blueberry cobbler was soooooo good! Warm, sweet, and the perfect way to finish such a delicious BBQ feast. I could have easily gone back for another serving! Yes, you may have to wait, but this place is proof that sometimes the best things really are worth waiting for. Come hungry, order a little bit of everything, and definitely listen to the staff recommendations. And whatever you do, get the pulled pork and blueberry cobbler!
It was a bit of a hoof to walk here from our hotel, but it was our last night and even though we were not hungry, we had to go since this was one of the best barbecue places. I wasn't hungry, but still managed to eat some of the ribs, pimento cheese, and brisket, all of which were very good. The potato salad looked like deviled egg, potato salad. The pimento cheese was so good. I wish I had gotten a larger size than a small to take to go. It was definitely worth going to and we took our food to go for the plane the next day. The guys behind the counter were funny and helpful. Given the late hour, there was no line and we walked straight in.
Pinkerton's is so good I'll go as far as saying it's easily one of the top five barbecue spots in San Antonio. If you're downtown, skip the tourist traps and come here. As a local, this is one of my go-to places for taking out-of-town guests. The brisket is my favorite, with the pulled pork coming in a close second. All the sides are great, but do not skip the mac and cheese. It's easily one of the creamiest mac and cheese sides I've ever had. Honestly, everything is good, so get a little bit of everything, add a sweet tea, and you will not be disappointed. The atmosphere makes the experience even better. Pinkerton's is inside a beautifully restored historic house, and the entire place has that relaxed, old-Texas charm. Great barbecue, great setting, and absolutely worth the visit.
Visiting San Antonio. Read reviews, got here at 4:45pm. Only about six people in line. Food line starts with cold sides - ordered potato salad. Next hot sides - Mac & Cheese and Texas BBQ Beans. Lastly, 1/2lb brisket and a jalapeño cheddar sausage. Find an indoor picnic table and dive in. Beans are like a chili, smoky, thick with slight heat and salty. Next Mac & Cheese, very cheddar, sticky and hot. Potato salad, dill and mustard forefront flavors. Potato's were a little mashed. Brisket, soft, moist, smoke ring about 1/8" deep. Great smoky flavor. Jalapeño cheddar sausage, unreal. Bursting with cheddar with a jalapeño kick in chaser. Great meal! Family friendly atmosphere and at 5:10pm line is out the door! Get here early!
Ordered brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, the spiciest sausage they had, For the sides, ordered the Mac & cheese, grant's potatoes salad, duck & sausage jambalaya. They ran out of beef ribs by the time we went for dinner. My favorite meats were either the pork ribs or brisket. The meats were a perfect texture and taste and not too drug. My favorite side was the jambalaya. For dessert, ordered Aunt Ruby's blueberry cobbler. The top crust is crunchy. This is one of the best bbq places I've been so. There's a line when we went at 6:30pm so go early if you want the beef brisket. Bread was included. Ambiance: it's similar to the other bbq places in Texas, where it's kind of a cafeteria line and you pay by the pound at the end.
Party of 2, dined Tuesday 1730 and Wednesday 1230. OVERALL Great service, phenomenal food, good ambiance. SERVICE Cafeteria style. Well organized. Very kind employees. Expect a confirmation of the meat cuts to your satisfaction. BEEF RIB Acquired the middle cut. Beautiful bark (thin), juicy, tender, flavorful, smoky, beefy, digestible, fall off the bone. A single rib is great for 2 people to share. BRISKET Delicious bark, thick cut, juicy, tender, smoky, flavorful. So easy to eat. PORK RIB Fal off the bone. Juice, tender, smoky, and clean pork flavor. Glazed added a subtle sweetness that complimented the savory flavor and fat. Cartilage was tender and smoky. BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH Great smoky flavor. Not dry but moisture content was lower than expected. Very lean. Perfect texture to make a sliced chicken sandwich from. BACON MAC AND CHEESE Full bodied cheese sauce. Elbow macaroni. Bacon flavor was not overwhelming and complemented the Mac and cheese very well. GRANT'S POTATO SALAD Very flavorful! Such a balanced flavor of tang from mustard and pickles, herbs, and pepper. Well texture. Flavor went really well with the beef rib. TANGY COLESLAW Suble tang, not sour at all. Great cabbage texture, seasoned well, and not runny or thick. Great, refreshing complement to the smoky and fatty meats. Very fresh. PIMENTO CHEESE & CRACKERS Savory, hefty texture, and freshly made. Lights sweet flavor of Pimentos definetaly tasted. SMOKED BREAD PUDDING Must try! Freshly prepared upon ordering. Bread Pudding is full bodied. Sauces are not too sweet at all and add a balance of spice and savory. BANANA PUDDING More sweet flavor than banana. Nila cookies are soft. There is a buttery flavor and cinnamon is noticed! Good texture, not runny or too thick. BIG RED SODA Tastes like a sweet cream soda. Goes well against the smoky, savory, and fatty flavors of the meats and sides. AMBIANCE Cafeteria style, open seating. Cooling is just right that it does not alter the meats. Can get loud during busier times. The line that just reached to the street during lunch took about 45 minutes to get through. Line that just reached the end of the patio too about 30 minutes to get through.
The line to this place was something in itself. It took about 40 minutes to get in the restaurant, but I'd do it again for this barbecue. The brisket was so soft and flavorful and the pulled pork was amazing. It's a no frills place and the hunting heads are a little inordinate but they're on theme. Can't wait to have more before I head back home.
Omg this place was so good! It was packed at 8pm! The line was outside! Under the trees! People were scared cause the birds were popping on people. They should add some covered area where the line is from the birds & weather. So glad we got in for waiting like 20/30 mins in line. They ran out of the jalapeño cheese sausage. We got a pint of Mac and cheese, so good! Got the rice it was okay, also got the potato salad, it was good. Got the old school sausage and it was spicy. Also the ribs were fantastic. The pulled pork and brisket was yummy too! Everything was amazing! Also love that you can order by the slice! Every place should do that!
Second time here but this time I was excited to be able to bring two more f my older kids. Sad to say the visit kind of had the Wally World effect. We went there about an hour before closing and the line was still out the door. We got to the door and they notified us they were out of sliced brisket...and saw that they already had most of menu already crossed out. We had the chopped brisket and pork ribs. Both solid but if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't glaze it. Lost a little bit of its Texas as it sweetened the ribs. Mac and cheese had a prominent Rosemary-ish aftertaste. Previous experience was still great. I had sliced brisket, ribs, and jalapeño sausage. One thing always consistent is their customer service. No matter what, they are always friendly, welcoming and engaging. Cheers to that.
In San Antonio for my nephew's graduation from Army Combat Medic training graduation, for Family Day, we opted to "cater" our meal. We ordered take out and enjoyed awesome BBQ from Pinkerton at our hotel room. Why Pinkerton? We check reviews and asked locals, it was a great choice. We ordered ribs (dry rub + wet), sliced and chopped brisket, plus the fixing - the meat was truly outstanding - moist, tender, and the meat, not the rub or sauce was emphasized. The only downside to takeout? The beef ribs, which I called "Flintstone ribs" are only available on site...so it I will have to dine in the restaurant the next time I'm in San Antonio. And based on the line which was forming before it opened, it's a popular place for a reason. Texas BBQ + Shiner Boke, it's a combination which cannot be beat, check it out. I definitely will when I visit San Antonio again so I can try the beef ribs BBQ and re-assess my review.
Be prepared to wait in line... but the wait is well worth it. One of the easiest 5 stars I've given out. Best BBQ I've eaten anywhere! Brisket and glazed pork ribs are the stars. Got the bacon mac and cheese, potato salad, and bbq beans too. Mac is a must-order. Very friendly staff, too. Must visit if looking for BBQ in San Antonio. PS - Definitely get the pickled onions!
2 days ago
Very good, holding out for 5 stars until I'm blown away, but Pinkertons was up there and definitely worth trying. I got the brisket, my piece was a tad on the dry side but also low on fat which I wanted, still very tender, 8/10. Pork ribs were amazing, a bit on the sweet side, but great flavor and just fell off the bone, 9/10. For sides I got the Mac and cheese, not too unique and very heavy of course, but good and no regrets, 8/10. Also got the beans, they were amazing, quite peppery which I really liked, giving them a 10/10. Lastly, got the bread pudding. I was so fall, and had major guilt anxiety kicking in (ate too much), but it was solid, 7/10, Friendly staff. Good seating. Nice setting. I would recommend! read more
Was looking for a BBQ place near enough to walk to from our hotel and Pinkerton's came up while searching. Some say it is marketed for tourists, but I thought the food was pretty good, as did the others I dined with. Meals here are a la carte, picking out meat and sides separately. I got turkey and wanted to try both the potato salad and cheesy rice. Word to the wise, even small sides give you plenty, so unless you're sharing or saving for later, a small is plenty. I loved the turkey and the sauce was fantastic. They also had Big Red in a bottle! I know it's probably not that big of a deal to those who have this all the time, but I rarely get Big Red at all, much less in a bottle, where I'm from The seating space was nice, I like the kitsch of the picnic table style. It also gave our group of 5 plenty of space to sit together. I would definitely recommend a stop by Pinkerton's in San Antonio. read more
10 days ago
In my Texas barbecue journey, I've been trying to make more trips to Houston to get to places like Pinkerton's that are on the Top 50 list. That has yet to happen, but luckily there's a secondary location in San Antonio that I got a chance to try this past weekend. Pinkerton's is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, just a few blocks off the River Walk and right next to the Frost Bank Tower. As I parked in a lot off Travis Street (they validate two hours' worth of parking btw), I met up with my dad inside, who was drooling at the possibility of getting a beef rib. That's really the only thing I haven't explored deeply in the barbecue journey, but I wasn't gonna stop his desires. Inside, Pinkerton's has plenty of space, with tons of wooden tables and benches, and a full bar. They operate from 11 am to 9 pm most days, so they have enough meat to last them well into the evening. We got there about 1 pm, and though there was no immediate line, it was busy. The line kinda came in waves. It seemed like multiple groups would all show up at once and wrap around the building every 15 minutes or so. I'll list everything we had and my thoughts: Brisket: One thing about Pinkerton's that is different than elsewhere is how peppery all of their meats are. It's different than everything else I've had on my journey, but I'm a fan. The brisket was pretty good. Nothing extraordinary, but quite solid. Pork Ribs: The glaze they throw on top of the pork ribs makes it special. They are sweet and super flavorful. It's just a good, classic pork rib altogether. Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage: Pinkerton's has like six different sausage options, which is far too many in my opinion. Sausage peaks at three. Regular, jalapeño, and one special, if even. This was the only "bad" thing that I had here. It was just unmemorable and tasted bland. Beef Ribs: I've never had a beef rib, so I don't know what I should've expected, but good God almighty, that thing is truly a delight to the senses. The peppery bark and the savory beef are incredible. I've been missing out. South Texas Beans: Their beans are sensational. I don't know if I've had beans as good as the beans here at Pinkerton's. There was such a savory flavor to them that my dad and I couldn't quite put our finger on, but they felt familiar and comforting. Jalapeño Cheese Rice: Kinda tasted like a baked potato casserole, just lacking the starchiness, obviously. The rice mushing and sticking together gave it a very similar texture and flavor though. Ultimately, this is a great spot. It doesn't hit the highs of the true Texas Monthly spots here in San Antonio, but it's still a worthy establishment. This was a great feast for my dad and me to celebrate his birthday a bit early. RIYL: Barbecue with a little bit of a kick read more
Pinkerton's Barbecue is definitely worth the wait! We knew there would probably be a line, but honestly, good Texas BBQ is worth waiting for! We ordered a little bit of everything because, of course, I wanted to try as much as possible. The staff recommended the pulled pork, and I'm SO glad they did because it ended up being my favorite. It was tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor. I actually think I enjoyed it even more than the sausage and brisket. Don't get me wrong, the sausage and brisket were also REALLY good, but the pulled pork was definitely the winner for me. And don't skip the sides; they were all really good, definitely not just an afterthought to the BBQ. Then came dessert... the blueberry cobbler was soooooo good! Warm, sweet, and the perfect way to finish such a delicious BBQ feast. I could have easily gone back for another serving! Yes, you may have to wait, but this place is proof that sometimes the best things really are worth waiting for. Come hungry, order a little bit of everything, and definitely listen to the staff recommendations. And whatever you do, get the pulled pork and blueberry cobbler! read more
It was a bit of a hoof to walk here from our hotel, but it was our last night and even though we were not hungry, we had to go since this was one of the best barbecue places. I wasn't hungry, but still managed to eat some of the ribs, pimento cheese, and brisket, all of which were very good. The potato salad looked like deviled egg, potato salad. The pimento cheese was so good. I wish I had gotten a larger size than a small to take to go. It was definitely worth going to and we took our food to go for the plane the next day. The guys behind the counter were funny and helpful. Given the late hour, there was no line and we walked straight in. read more
Pinkerton's is so good I'll go as far as saying it's easily one of the top five barbecue spots in San Antonio. If you're downtown, skip the tourist traps and come here. As a local, this is one of my go-to places for taking out-of-town guests. The brisket is my favorite, with the pulled pork coming in a close second. All the sides are great, but do not skip the mac and cheese. It's easily one of the creamiest mac and cheese sides I've ever had. Honestly, everything is good, so get a little bit of everything, add a sweet tea, and you will not be disappointed. The atmosphere makes the experience even better. Pinkerton's is inside a beautifully restored historic house, and the entire place has that relaxed, old-Texas charm. Great barbecue, great setting, and absolutely worth the visit. read more
Visiting San Antonio. Read reviews, got here at 4:45pm. Only about six people in line. Food line starts with cold sides - ordered potato salad. Next hot sides - Mac & Cheese and Texas BBQ Beans. Lastly, 1/2lb brisket and a jalapeño cheddar sausage. Find an indoor picnic table and dive in. Beans are like a chili, smoky, thick with slight heat and salty. Next Mac & Cheese, very cheddar, sticky and hot. Potato salad, dill and mustard forefront flavors. Potato's were a little mashed. Brisket, soft, moist, smoke ring about 1/8" deep. Great smoky flavor. Jalapeño cheddar sausage, unreal. Bursting with cheddar with a jalapeño kick in chaser. Great meal! Family friendly atmosphere and at 5:10pm line is out the door! Get here early! read more
2 months ago
Ordered brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, the spiciest sausage they had, For the sides, ordered the Mac & cheese, grant's potatoes salad, duck & sausage jambalaya. They ran out of beef ribs by the time we went for dinner. My favorite meats were either the pork ribs or brisket. The meats were a perfect texture and taste and not too drug. My favorite side was the jambalaya. For dessert, ordered Aunt Ruby's blueberry cobbler. The top crust is crunchy. This is one of the best bbq places I've been so. There's a line when we went at 6:30pm so go early if you want the beef brisket. Bread was included. Ambiance: it's similar to the other bbq places in Texas, where it's kind of a cafeteria line and you pay by the pound at the end. read more
15 days ago
Party of 2, dined Tuesday 1730 and Wednesday 1230. OVERALL Great service, phenomenal food, good ambiance. SERVICE Cafeteria style. Well organized. Very kind employees. Expect a confirmation of the meat cuts to your satisfaction. BEEF RIB Acquired the middle cut. Beautiful bark (thin), juicy, tender, flavorful, smoky, beefy, digestible, fall off the bone. A single rib is great for 2 people to share. BRISKET Delicious bark, thick cut, juicy, tender, smoky, flavorful. So easy to eat. PORK RIB Fal off the bone. Juice, tender, smoky, and clean pork flavor. Glazed added a subtle sweetness that complimented the savory flavor and fat. Cartilage was tender and smoky. BONELESS CHICKEN THIGH Great smoky flavor. Not dry but moisture content was lower than expected. Very lean. Perfect texture to make a sliced chicken sandwich from. BACON MAC AND CHEESE Full bodied cheese sauce. Elbow macaroni. Bacon flavor was not overwhelming and complemented the Mac and cheese very well. GRANT'S POTATO SALAD Very flavorful! Such a balanced flavor of tang from mustard and pickles, herbs, and pepper. Well texture. Flavor went really well with the beef rib. TANGY COLESLAW Suble tang, not sour at all. Great cabbage texture, seasoned well, and not runny or thick. Great, refreshing complement to the smoky and fatty meats. Very fresh. PIMENTO CHEESE & CRACKERS Savory, hefty texture, and freshly made. Lights sweet flavor of Pimentos definetaly tasted. SMOKED BREAD PUDDING Must try! Freshly prepared upon ordering. Bread Pudding is full bodied. Sauces are not too sweet at all and add a balance of spice and savory. BANANA PUDDING More sweet flavor than banana. Nila cookies are soft. There is a buttery flavor and cinnamon is noticed! Good texture, not runny or too thick. BIG RED SODA Tastes like a sweet cream soda. Goes well against the smoky, savory, and fatty flavors of the meats and sides. AMBIANCE Cafeteria style, open seating. Cooling is just right that it does not alter the meats. Can get loud during busier times. The line that just reached to the street during lunch took about 45 minutes to get through. Line that just reached the end of the patio too about 30 minutes to get through. read more
The line to this place was something in itself. It took about 40 minutes to get in the restaurant, but I'd do it again for this barbecue. The brisket was so soft and flavorful and the pulled pork was amazing. It's a no frills place and the hunting heads are a little inordinate but they're on theme. Can't wait to have more before I head back home. read more
2 months ago
Omg this place was so good! It was packed at 8pm! The line was outside! Under the trees! People were scared cause the birds were popping on people. They should add some covered area where the line is from the birds & weather. So glad we got in for waiting like 20/30 mins in line. They ran out of the jalapeño cheese sausage. We got a pint of Mac and cheese, so good! Got the rice it was okay, also got the potato salad, it was good. Got the old school sausage and it was spicy. Also the ribs were fantastic. The pulled pork and brisket was yummy too! Everything was amazing! Also love that you can order by the slice! Every place should do that! read more
Second time here but this time I was excited to be able to bring two more f my older kids. Sad to say the visit kind of had the Wally World effect. We went there about an hour before closing and the line was still out the door. We got to the door and they notified us they were out of sliced brisket...and saw that they already had most of menu already crossed out. We had the chopped brisket and pork ribs. Both solid but if I had to do it all over again I wouldn't glaze it. Lost a little bit of its Texas as it sweetened the ribs. Mac and cheese had a prominent Rosemary-ish aftertaste. Previous experience was still great. I had sliced brisket, ribs, and jalapeño sausage. One thing always consistent is their customer service. No matter what, they are always friendly, welcoming and engaging. Cheers to that. read more
13 hours ago
First time in San Antonio TX and the BBQ did not disappoint! Really spacious and good service! read more
In San Antonio for my nephew's graduation from Army Combat Medic training graduation, for Family Day, we opted to "cater" our meal. We ordered take out and enjoyed awesome BBQ from Pinkerton at our hotel room. Why Pinkerton? We check reviews and asked locals, it was a great choice. We ordered ribs (dry rub + wet), sliced and chopped brisket, plus the fixing - the meat was truly outstanding - moist, tender, and the meat, not the rub or sauce was emphasized. The only downside to takeout? The beef ribs, which I called "Flintstone ribs" are only available on site...so it I will have to dine in the restaurant the next time I'm in San Antonio. And based on the line which was forming before it opened, it's a popular place for a reason. Texas BBQ + Shiner Boke, it's a combination which cannot be beat, check it out. I definitely will when I visit San Antonio again so I can try the beef ribs BBQ and re-assess my review. read more
11 days ago
Be prepared to wait in line... but the wait is well worth it. One of the easiest 5 stars I've given out. Best BBQ I've eaten anywhere! Brisket and glazed pork ribs are the stars. Got the bacon mac and cheese, potato salad, and bbq beans too. Mac is a must-order. Very friendly staff, too. Must visit if looking for BBQ in San Antonio. PS - Definitely get the pickled onions! read more
25 days ago
This is BBQ! My daughter took me here today as I'm visiting San Antonio. At first I saw the line and was like, it's over 100° out here and we're going to stand in this line for barbecue? We may be smoked before we get in! But with a line like this, it's got to be good! Pinkerton's did not disappoint! So worth the wait even in the heat! I had to try a little bit of everything and I must say I was very satisfied! Took plenty home! I got the dry rub rib, it was well smoked and savory seasoned to perfection! Then a glazed rib, the hint of sweet in the glaze coupled with the smoke and seasoning was outstanding! Tender moist and both pulled from the bone with ease! Then a slice of heaven, I mean moist brisket! The marbled beef was moist, smokey, excellently seasoned NEEDS NO SAUCE. If you sauce this you're a sinner! Hands down best brisket I've ever eaten and I have eaten many different briskets across the USA! Phenomenal Brisket!!!! Had a tad of the pulled pork and wished I had gotten more to carry home! If you want juicy, tender, smokey delectable pork shoulder git over her and get it! The smoked turkey slice, good breast piece peppery, smokey, moist and tender. I'm usually not a dark meat chicken gal but the chicken thigh here is A1!!!! Absolutely would get this again and order extra for sandwiches at home! The pimento cheese is delicious! Best I've had. The Baller macaroni and cheese with chopped brisket, should never be overlooked as a side on this menu! This is a must-have anytime you go!!! Perfectly cooked noodles, incredible cheese sauce topped with chopped brisket and the extra cheese sauce topping it off!!!! Good God Almighty hands down no one compares! I would literally come just for this! Also had the Bananas Foster banana pudding which was outstanding! This is next level!!! The only thing that I didn't care for was the potato salad because it's more on the vinegar and dill side and I'm used to a sweeter potato salad that uses a sweet relish and not a dill pickle. It was good, just not what I prefer. 10 out of 10 highly recommend if you want great barbecue go here! Don't question it, just go eat it! IT'S WORTH THE WAIT IN 100° HEAT!!! YEP THAT GOOD! read more
IMMACULATE. My grandma and sister picked up my girlfriend and I from the airport and pulled up here right after on 4th July weekend. We arrived around 5pm on a Thursday and got in queue which was out the door and wrapping around the front porch. Their host/doorman was kind, he offered the line water on many occasions and made pleasantries with almost all guests as the line moved. It was a hot day so those waters were clutch. By the time we made it to the front of order line maybe 40 minutes had passed. But ladies and gents the wait is worth it. When we plated our trays on the table my family all had heart eyes, and had equally loved our first bites. Their brisket is extremely tender. It's beautifully sliced and made for an amazing welcome back to the South taste for me. I was in heaven. I particularly enjoyed having the fresh pickled red onion for fresh, zesty cuts through the abundance of other saltier elements on the plate. Their menu is slammin! Their sides, and sausages all had crafty ingredients. I enjoyed their spicy link options and their macaroni was delightful. Their BBQ sauce was a nice 4/5 but certainly did the job. As a native Texan who's had their fair share, this was easily some of the best barbecue I've ever had. Top 5 top 5 top 5. I'm of course coming back and looking forward for more banana cream pudding especially. They were small, slightly sweet, and had great balance with the vanilla wafer ratio. That whip cream on top too had me hooked. I couldn't have asked for a better welcome back meal for the bold Texas cuisine, hospitality, and novelty animal and cowboy decor. read more
Decided to have this for lunch and wanted to try some things I didn't order last time except for the brisket since it's my favorite! So glad the line wasn't as long since their line is usually always long. I ended up ordering the jalapeno cheese rice, 2 slices of brisket and jalapeno cheese sausage. Everything was delicious! Everyone there have been pretty nice and helpful and place is nice and clean. Highly recommend this place if you love bbq! read more
This restaurant had approximately a 30 mins wait time due to waiting in linThe food was great here. Everything taste fresh with great portions. The pork ribs were very good. Overall the experience was great and will be returning. read more
This place is BUSY, arrive early, which we did because of reviews! So the ordering is fast and furious lol, all by weight and designed to be a feed all no matter if 1 or 10 in party. So if you have multiple people, first find out what type of sides/meat everybody wants before ordering that way when you get up there you're gonna say six people are eating potato salad /chicken. Five people are eating slaw/brisket. Two people are eating beans /sausage, etc. because it will all go on 2 trays. First ALL your sides and desserts then ALL meat!! Everyone was super nice food was tasty, really liked the potato salad and the chicken, so good. I did think all of the meat options were good, but really could taste the smoke the best in the chicken. Their baked beans, really tasted like chili so I think that would be good to just throw some brisket or barbecue in it and eat it as its own meal. Did not get any food pics read more
4 months ago
My family and I recently visited Pinkerton's Barbecue, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The employees were incredibly friendly and went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Great customer service like that really makes a difference. The food was absolutely delicious. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was a 10/10--full of flavor with a nice spicy kick that wasn't overwhelming. The regular sausage was also a 10/10 and just as impressive. The brisket was juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor in every bite. For sides, we tried the macaroni and cheese with bacon, and it was phenomenal. Rich, creamy, and easily one of the best sides I've had. The jalapeño rice was something I've never had before, and it was surprisingly unique and incredibly good. Overall, Pinkerton's Barbecue delivered amazing food and exceptional service. I'll definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for great barbecue. read more
I'm a backyard BBQ guy. I know what to look for and what goes into making great brisket and ribs. Pinkerton's BBQ is the real deal. First of all-- they have a parking lot down the street with a gate which they provide free parking. Otherwise parking can be pretty pricey around the area. If you get there before 4:30 like we did, you can avoid the lines. It's cafeteria style where you order first and get the food at the end when you pay. I ordered 1/4lbs each of brisket, ribs and pulled pork. While I still believe that mine are close or slightly better, I can truly say you won't be disappointed with this Texas BBQ. There was a group of 8 of us and we were able to get a nice picnic table for ourselves. The sides were as good as the BBQ. My brisket, ribs, pulled pork, beans and a beer were all I needed. read more
21 days ago
2 months ago
Completely blow away! Amazing Texas BBQ. When we arrive there was a line going to the end of the street, don't let that discourage you. The line goes quickly, and there is plenty of seating. Restaurant is clean and staff is friendly. Definitely will be returning! read more
Coming from a girl from Los Angeles, this is honestly my favorite barbecue spot I've been to so far! I haven't tried a ton of BBQ places yet, but this one completely impressed me. The pork ribs were so flavorful and tender, and the brisket was absolutely delicious ; definitely the stars of the meal for me. Everything tasted fresh, smoky, and cooked perfectly. The service was amazing too. The staff were incredibly nice, welcoming, and super helpful with recommendations, which made the whole experience even better. You can really tell they care about the food and the customers. Just a little heads up for anyone visiting: if you want to try their most popular items, definitely come earlier! We got there around 7 PM and they were already sold out of quite a few things, which honestly says a lot about how popular this place is. Even with some items gone, the food we did get was amazing and totally worth it. I'd 100% come back next time I'm in town! read more
Ribs and briskets are amazing! Sides are good. We got Mac and cheese, jalapeño rice, coleslaw and beans. The jalapeño rice looked like mashed bread other than rice. Service is friendly and courteous. They patiently waited for your order, that's probably why the line was moving so slowly. We waited about 1 hour before we got to the front line. Bread is complimentary, you can ask for 1, 2, 3, or whatever is reasonable to you. There is always seats since it took so long to get your food so most likely people are done eating. The busboys were attentive, the moment someone left the table, they cleaned and wipe them. The area seems very clean. You can find parking on W Travis, and Pinkerton will validate for 1 hour. read more
5 months ago
A MUST have if you're in San Antonio. 1 of the best BBQ meats I've ever had - right up there along with Phil's BBQ at San Diego. Yes, Pinkerton's is THAT good! (IYKYK) Best BBQ in Texas is what I've heard and that's precisely what I experienced. Parking lots are nearby at a price ($28 for 2.5 hrs), unless you get lucky with street parking. Took us 30 min in the line, 10 min to order, and 1 hr to eat - plenty of time left on the parking meter which we prefer rather than cutting it close and getting a ticket. 2.5 hrs for parking felt rather safe for us, if you're wondering. Indoor and outdoor seating is available with plenty of tables. TVs inside for game days to indulge in 2 loves at the same time - food and sports. Ambience is warm, welcoming, and simply chill. Line up, be patient, and order to your liking. Ordering process - request for bread, ordered cold items first (potato salad), moved forward to order hot items (beans, Mac and cheese), grabbed a blueberry cobbler on the counter, and moved forward again to order precisely what we came for... the MEATS! Paid our dues, got fountain drinks, and found an open table to accommodate our party of 4. Open seating! TIP 1: They open at 11 AM, we got there at 3 PM, and they were out of beef ribs already. So keep that in mind if you're there specifically for that. TIP 2: They have 2 sauces from what I could tell - Original and Sweet Sauce. Sweet Sauce was my favorite, but just make sure both are on your table to try out. Live dangerously and mix them! Sooo good... THE TRINITY is what we ordered - or at least, that's what the server told us. The Trinity = Pork ribs, Brisket, and jalapeno cheese link. Omg... every single bite sent us to Heaven and back. Jalapeno cheese link was packed with jalapeno flavor and as if it was soaked in cheese yet didn't look like it. The brisket was the best I've EVER had - thick, juicy, savory, and now set the bar high for all future briskets. Pork ribs - 2 lbs and glazed. Oh man.. just thinking about it makes me depressed like a long lost distant relationship I know won't work out (we live in Nor Cal). Melted off the bone, juicy, smoked and cooked perfectly to... perfection. Slather your favorite BBQ sauces however you'd like and enjoy Nirvana throughout your time at Pinkerton's! read more
BIG fan of Pinkerton's! The line is always long but definitely worth the wait. We got: Hot sides - bacon mac n cheese & jalapeño cheese rice Meats - brisket, pulled pork, & pork ribs Desserts - blueberry cobbler & bananas foster pudding Loved that they also had a few games on the tvs while you eat. read more
Food: 5/5 Service: 4.5/5 Ambiance: 4.5/5 Value: 4/5 Great bbq! Food was delicious, every dish I ordered was great. Beef rib was juicy, brisket was moist, sides were on point. They even have blueberry cobbler as one of their desserts on offer, and it was really great. I liked how every dish was executed well, similar to Franklin bbq in Austin. Some places are known for one or two items and then kind of rest on their laurels for the other items, but not here. Servers were friendly and the space is nice. High ceilings, plenty of seats and tables. They play country music and have taxidermy on the walls. It is very expensive though, as I paid $140 for my meal. The beef rib is $38/lb and brisket is $35/lb. Hopefully the Iran war ends soon and fertilizer costs and feed costs can come down so that beef prices won't be so insane in the future. read more
Wow! My first experience with Texas barbecue was definitely not a disappointment. Pinkerton's was everything I hoped it would be. There appears to always be a line. During the 1-1/4 hours we were on line and as we left after eating, we never saw it get any shorter. This was a Sunday afternoon. The wait was definitely worth it. Everything is setup pretty efficiently, with different stations for each part of your meal; cold sides, hot sides, meats, and then the bar. The staff is incredibly friendly and ready to offer suggestions. They're also generous; I got a extra piece of brisket for free just because. Meats are sold by the pound, but you can mix and match whatever you want. Two of us got the glazed pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and smoked sausage. For sides we got Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, and Duck Sausage Jambalaya. All were incredible! Unfortunately, they had run out of Beef Ribs while we were on line. Note that the sides are big, even for two people. They have a nice selection of beers on tap and everything is reasonably priced (drinks and food). We gave it our best try, but couldn't finish everything, and left very full and very satisfied. read more
Friday evening during Fiesta- definitely a popular place! Wait was about 30 min in line from outside to inside to order to sitting down! But they did have it under a good control. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming with big smiles! The restaurant is big enough to hold plenty of crowd and there is some outdoor space to sit as well! The food was so tasty- brisket was meaty, Mac and cheese was delicious! Potato salad was creamy and good taste of green onions in it too! Sausage was not greasy! Overall worth the wait! Coming back soon read more
If you are ok with risking being popped on by 1,000,000,001 birds, standing in line for almost 2 hours, getting a leg cramp and having your spouse mad at you for leg cramp then this will work. We met people that could stick out the wait some said it was worth the wait and some who went for a drink to help with the wait. So obviously we stuck it out. The staff greets you at the door to regulate the flow of people going in. Some stopped to ask questions about what's good to get. How they smoke thier meats. He also let's you know if they ran out of something before you head in. Once inside you start with a cold option I got potato salad (to me tasted like a deviled egg potato salad and it was good). Then your hot sides i got the Mac and cheese with bacon ( this was really good and cheesey). Now choose your meats. Right before we got to that part the announcement was made no more sliced brisket but they still had chopped. So we got that and ribs the meat is order by the pound. Now what you to know was it worth the 2 hour wait in line. Hmm I will let you decide. But I will say the food was good. Meat was seasoned and ribs were falling off the bone. This a family style restaurant so they encourage you to order and sit in that way. read more
I've heard good things about Pinkerton's so we decided to bring some out of town family here for dinner. There was a line out the door! No one likes to wait, but it was an indicator that the food must be worth it. The staff was very friendly when we said it was our first time and explained the process. We got the brisket, pork ribs, potato salad and bacon mac and cheese. For dessert, we got some banana foster pudding too! I thought the brisket was going to outshine the pork ribs, but it was actually the other way around. It leaned on the dry side, or this would have actually been a 5 star review. Still had great flavor though! The pork ribs were very tender and had a great glaze. The sides were good as well! The banana foster pudding is great if you have a huge sweet tooth. The place was casual and had plenty of seating in the dining area. It would have been great to have a bigger line area though, so that you don't have to spend most of it outside in the weather! read more
6 months ago
Be ready to wait in a line. Got in line at 4 pm and didn't make it to the door until 20 minutes later. You order in one line and receive your food when you pay. No grabbing a number and waiting for them to bring it to you. Make sure to ask the person working the door if anything is sold out for the day. On the day I was here (Thursday), the beef ribs were gone by 4 pm You order the cold sides first, then hot sides and finally meat. If you want an alcoholic beverage, you can order it at the bar (end). The bar is around the corner after paying for your food. The meat is ordered by weight. I ordered one slice of brisket and two pork ribs. Pay attention to the sample portion sizes on the counter so you know how much to get. The glazed pork ribs were the hit of the dinner. The brisket was decent. I've had better and worse. I need to make a mental note that I don't like Texas style beans. This was the third time I ordered Texas style beans in my lifetime and I discovered yet again that I don't like them. They taste too much like chili beans. Not for me. I like thick sweet beans with brown sugar. This is not what I ordered. The Mac n cheese was not overly cheesy. I barely tasted the bacon. It was fine. Nothing outstanding. They need a corn dish. I love eating corn with ribs especially if it is off the cob. Why don't they have cornbread?!?! Once you got inside there was plenty of seating. Getting through the line to order your food was the challenge. Rough estimate that 90 could be seated inside. Great if you have a larger party. I sat at the bar and ordered a cocktail while watching March madness. Big tourist place! Would I recommend -- not sure. read more
6 months ago
Get there early or be prepared to wait! It was a Tuesday night and thought "it won't be bad" I WAS WRONG! I waited 2 hours and it was worth it! All the meats and sides I tried were yummy. Everyone is so happy to be there and they work hard to make it a great experience. I was so sad they were out of Mac and cheese so the server hooked me up with cheesy rice which was also yummy! Lots of great seating for big and small groups. read more
2 days ago
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Ask the Community - Pinkerton's Barbecue
Is it too late to be there by 7 p? Thank you
if you go on sunday, tuesday or wednesday you're pushing it with time but if you're going thursday, friday or saturday then you're perfectly fine in my opinion. it just depends on what's happening in the city when you go. we went during the NBA…
Is there a drive thru?
No, must wait in line with everyone else but, take out is available & portions are exactly the same! Yum!!
Do they only sell by the pound? Or can you buy 1/2 pound of meats?
You can buy in whatever quantity you wish.
Hey y'all! Are any of the meats and/or sides gluten free friendly?
The menu says all meats are prepared gluten-free. I'm gluten intolerant (not celiac) and had the Potato Salad with no issues! Just be sure to tell them right away that you can't eat gluten because the default is to throw some white bread on your…
Is your patio dog friendly?
Actually, while I was there, there were multiple people with their dogs on leashes since its outdoors. I'm sure as long as your dog is well behaved, it wouldn't be such a big deal to have your dog with you.
Hi y'all, was wondering does their mac and cheese have bacon in it? Is it possible to get it without the bacon? Thanks!
Hello, Kiran! To answer your question, YES, the mac and cheese does have bacon in it. I was wondering if I could get it without bacon, too because the mac and cheese looks really good! My best bet is that they don't make mac and cheese without bacon…
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Pinkerton's Barbecue - bbq - Updated October 2026
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