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Sam's Bar-B-Que

3.8 (298 reviews)
ModerateBarbeque
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SAM'S BAR-B-QUE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Divey
Moderate noise
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - Sam's Bar-B-Que

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1 lb. Brisket, Chicken Quarter, 1 lb. Mutton, 1 lb. Sausage
Amy G.

Their sign on their wall that says "you don't need teeth to eat our beef" is literal! My husband and I are trying a lot of bbq lately while we're both doing a keto diet. This was so tender and smokey flavored! My husband especially liked that they offered smoked mutton, which is rare for most bbqs around here. The business is apparently all run by the owner out of a small old building in an area of the east side that has not yet beed gentrified. Even though it's close to downtown, there's plenty of parking. There are a few seats inside, and an expanded patio outside. They share the building with a daquari shop that didn't seem nearly as popular as the bbq. It's a genuine old southern experience. If you want no-frills good bbq, you have to try this!

Sam's Plate
Camille A.

Best Sunday meal I've had in a long time. Highly recommend Sam's on the east side if you're craving some good Texas BBQ. The Mac and Cheese is my fav side! Not too over seasoned..just right! The counter service is pretty simple and fast. Place your order then choose your seat inside or outside. This place has preserved black history in Austin and it's literally all over the walls. Take your time to check it out. Can't wait for my next Sunday meal at Sam's! Be ready to take a nap lol

Desert
David D.

I don't know if Sam cares about Yelp reviews. But I'm a former "Elite" Yelper who's moving to Austin this summer. While apartment shopping we stopped here, he popped out the front door, shook my hand, and he was one of the coolest humans I've ever met. The food was AMAZING and the daiquiri (I got a "dirty 6th" because I can.) was perfect. I got teeth, and didn't need 'em for this beef. Thank you, Sam.

Baked Beans, MacNCheese, Brisket and Sausage
Adam G.

Well... brisket was moist and soft, perfect texture... just didn't have much flavor. The sausage was just ok... Baked Beans were basic, from a can. The MacNCheese, was warm and not thick or creamy, not flavorful. Now if you're reading passed this please be warned. Me and my buddy both ate here today and we live in 1.5 hours away... we had to stop and use the restroom 2x and almost lost it as we walked into my house. I'm talking EXPLOSIVE SHITS!!! I wanted to boast about this place but I just can't. I'm sorry. I won't be back.

Karla D.

I can't believe I live on the same neighborhood as the legendary Sam's!!! It's dangerous I tell you because it's so good and I'd eat here every single day if I could. Down-to-earth service and ambiance. Literally the best and I mean the best bbq sausages in the world. Yep!

Stephan M.

One of my favorite low key bbq spots to eat at here in austin the ribs and sausage and brisket is always my go to with the baked beans and potato salad sooooooooo good and such a chill vibe

Inside
Morgan W.

Wanted to try this place out for lunch on a rainy Saturday. The rainy kept a lot of ppl in their homes but the patio of the daiquiri shack which is also family owned connected to Sam's was rather packed. There were a few food trucks in the lot. They could really build on this idea. I digress the parking lot is unpaved if you care about that sort of thing. I lived in Austin for years and never knew about this place.we had brisket sandwiches. There was a choice of white or wheat bread slices. Pickles and onions. The brisket was very soft and the bbq sauce was surprisingly good even though it was so runny. I needed the onions to give it more texture. Two sandwiches cost about $17. Loved the down home flare. I took off a star for the lack of menu, gloves in preparing food, service was very friendly but also rushed for new customers.

Sam's BBQ An Austin Icon
Corey D.

Sam's Barbecue on 12th street in East Austin has been in the same location and the same extended family for 65 years. "You don't need no teeth to eat my beef," the front of the building playfully proclaims. Around the corner, under a hand painted mural of Dr. Martin Luther King is a more thought-provoking quote from Dr. King stating, "We may have come in on different boats, but we're in the same one now." Owner Brian Mays has turned down several multi-million dollar offers for his property in recent years. In an interview with @texasmonthly back in October, 2018, Mays stated, "Barbecue has a special way of bringing people together." As one of Austin's oldest black-owned barbecue restaurants, and one of the best, period, I personally hope they are around at least another 65 years so that they can continue to unify their neighborhood through masterfully crafted barbecue. Without people like Brian Mays holding strong, it will be very difficult to stave off the unending wave of gentrification happening in East Austin. If you get the chance, stop by and show them some support. You won't regret it! Only bbq that serves the type of mutton they do, as far as I know.

Yams. Pasta. Beef jerky.
Sasha D.

Customer service was great but food wise.. not worth a $25 plate. Being from Texas.. I know good bbq. I looked forward to eating here on my Sunday off. I saw the rave online about this place and said why not. Sadly, I was pretty embarrassed that I invited company with me here. Probably the driest bbq I've had in my life, brisket ain't supposed to be like beef jerky. The yams wasn't great. The mac &cheese was like soup. Maybe Sam's bbq used to be good but definitely not anymore.

ows the side of the building
Desiree D.

love the authenticity and history of this place. you can tell there's alotta love here and people have been coming back for years. the card machines were down and we didnt have cash, but the person working the counter gave me a plate on the house. how awesome is that? especially since this was my last spot in town before catching a flight. i did the BBQ chicken. i liked how juicy it was, but i wasnt a big fan of this style of BBQ. it was more like a bbq chicken stew. not a dry rub or wet sauce - in fact somewhere in the middle. potatoe salad was more mustard and sour based. mac was a nice serving.

Jojuane P.

Oh no! You can't serve food like this. Everything about this meal was bad. I literally tasted a piece of the sausage, ate 1/2 of a rib and just a piece of the brisket and discarded the entire plate. Plate was $22 and I tipped $5. This had to be the worst bbq I've had. How this place has made it, is beyond me. I think the pic says it all why it warrants its rating of 1 star.

Ortencia A.

You really don't need teeth to eat this meat! It was the most tender brisket from the many I tried on my visit to Austin. Topped with the tastiest BBQ sauce ever! Sweet, tangy... special!! The green beans were to die for!!! Best green beans I've ever had. The potato salad is sweet, not what I'm used to, but good. It's a few miles out of downtown and it is family owned. Has been here for decades. Sam's is a must try for an experience of true Texas culture and tradition. Very different from all the other new BBQ places. The only reason I gave it a 4 star and not a five is because I would have liked the food to be served hotter. It was just warm. Then again I went in on a Monday for lunch when it was a downtime so maybe that played a factor.

Brisket, potato salad, beans
CJ G.

The brisket I received was mostly fat. It was tough and bland. I did not eat it. The potato salad was store bought and flavorless. The sausage was good. Very underwhelming, especially after driving 2.5 hours to try it. Do not recommend.

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6 months ago

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5 months ago

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10 months ago

Good bbq! I loved it, im from houston so i had to check out this famous bbq restaurant in austin and it did not disappoint! Highly recommend

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1 year ago

The Real Deal. Old school, the way it should be. If SRV & Double Trouble ate there, its good enough for me.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Great experience good food, loved the unique interior. Service was excellent, it was hot inside but bearable.

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

The best BBQ I've had since being in Texas! The taste takes me back home in granny's yard!!!!! Great service as well!

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Ask the Community - Sam's Bar-B-Que

Is this location still in business? the website does not work

Yes, Sam's BBQ is still in business and Brian Mays' daughter runs the Austin Daiquiri Factory that is an extension of Sam's BBQ

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Rollin Smoke BBQ - Brisket Taco Mac n cheese with pulled pork

Rollin Smoke BBQ

(432 reviews)

$$

East Austin

Review: Fierce Flavors at Austin's Top 100 BBQ Tucked into a…read morequintessential corner lot, this Austin food truck isn't just serving barbecue; it's serving a certified experience. As a recipient of the prestigious Texas Monthly Top 100 BBQ Award, the expectations were high--and for the most part, they were met. The venue itself provides a fantastic, relaxed vibe, complete with plenty of TVs and a music stage, making it the perfect spot for chilling out on a lazy afternoon or settling in for an evening hang. The Main Event: Pitmaster Excellence The true test of a Texas BBQ joint is the holy trinity, and here, they nailed the fundamentals: * Brisket: This was Texas BBQ as it should be. The brisket was super juicy, delivered a profound, deep flavor, and possessed a flawless, great bark that spoke to hours of skillful smoking * Spare Ribs: A study in contrast and texture. The ribs offered a satisfying "good pull"--firm enough to bite but still falling cleanly off the bone. The thick, peppery bark was beautifully balanced by a slight sweetness from a pepper jelly glaze, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor you don't always find. * Pork Belly Burnt Ends: These were pure decadence. Each bite provided a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a distinct and welcome hint of Fierce Whiskers bourbon woven into the smoky, fatty flavor. They are so rich and irresistible, you know you shouldn't eat too many, but good luck stopping. * Jalapeño and Cheese Sausage: This locally sourced link brought the heat with a good level of spice. The flavor was excellent, though the texture leaned slightly toward the processed side, which was the only minor drawback among the meats. The Supporting Cast: Sides A great plate of BBQ requires sides that stand up to the meat, and while two of these were stars, one needs a little work. * Mac & Cheese: An absolute winner. It was cheesy, creamy, and featured an excellent smoked flavor that permeated the dish. The slightly charred edges added a delightful textural counterpoint. * Hash Brown Casserole: This was a surprisingly strong contender, offering a nice assembly of savory flavors. The secret weapon was the corn flake topping, providing an unexpected but welcome crunch, complemented by a satisfying hint of bacon. * Creamed Corn: Unfortunately, this side was the weakest link. It tasted primarily bland, despite a slight peppery note. It desperately needs some fresh jalapeños mixed in to cut through the creaminess and add the essential Texas kick. Final Verdict The meat selection here is truly Top 100 worthy, excelling in technique, flavor, and execution (especially the Brisket and Burnt Ends). The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed gathering. While the Creamed Corn missed the mark, the stellar Hash Brown Casserole and Smoked Mac & Cheese prove that their side game is usually strong. Come for the high-quality, authentic Texas barbecue, stay for the great outdoor patio.

Rollin' Smoke is a bbq joint located inside Chalmers. We…read morewere there earlier today to get lunch at our beloved Discada. A friend is in town for work so we decided to grab bbq as well. We got the chopped beef sandwich and decided to share it between three people since we just wanted a taste. Gotta say it was darn good & I'll definitely go back to try more. The beef was so tender and juicy that it really did melt in our mouths. The bun was soft and fresh and held the sandwich together well.

Stubb's Bar-B-Q - Fried okra is delicious here

Stubb's Bar-B-Q

(1.6k reviews)

$$

Downtown

Good food, great vibe, big price. I wish this wasn't so much of a tourist trap but it is. The price…read moredoesn't match the food unfortunately. But the experience makes it worth it in most cases.

I had a lot of great BBQ while in Austin. Unfortunately, this wasn't included among it. Stubb's was…read morea name I recognized because I actually like their BBQ sauce a lot, and buy it at home to adorn all sorts of meats I make myself. This spot was close to my hotel, and on my departure day, I decided to have one last hit of Q. It's a big restaurant, and it appears to also be quite the music venue. When I went, a little on the early side for a Friday dinner, there was not a wait and I was sat immediately. My server was attentive, and got me in, fed, and back out in plenty of time to catch my already delayed flight. I ordered their 3 meat combo plate, which also came with two sides, and added on a piece of cornbread. I chose brisket of course, as well as turkey and sausage. The server recommended the serrano pepper spinach (like a creamed spinach) and onion rings, and I took those recs. The best of the three meats was the turkey. Not a good sign. It was moist and tender, though not particularly smokey. Even so, I enjoyed it more than the brisket and sausage, which I would have guessed the reverse when ordering. The brisket was on the dry side and kind of bland, it did not smack of being freshly carved. The Stubbs BBQ sauce helped me eat some of it... now I see why they are famous for their sauce. I had a couple bites of the sausage and pushed it aside, I didn't enjoy their recipe on that at all. It was cooked seemingly well, but the blend of spices and meat they use wasn't pleasant to me. The sides, the onion rings were very crispy which I like, but again... something in the batter. Maybe even the oil they were cooked in, I did not enjoy as much. The spinach was actually quite enjoyable, maybe even a little rich. I think if it were warmer, if might help milden out some of that. It was really thick. The cornbread wasn't worth the add-on. No sweetness or anything to make it memorable. Vessel for butter. The portion was massive, and I had leftover food, but did not take it... and that would have been the case even if I wasn't headed to the airport. I wouldn't recommend this spot.

Iron Works Barbecue - Sampler platter

Iron Works Barbecue

(1.3k reviews)

$$

Downtown

I came here for the beef ribs and they did not disappoint. Are they expensive? Most definitely, 2…read moreribs cost $54 (they weigh them so prices can vary). Were they 100% worth it? ABSOLUTELY. When I tell you these ribs were a religious experience I am not embellishing. Full disclosure: I do not currently live in the south so I don't consider myself a BBQ connoisseur, but I did spend 4 years in the south and have sampled many BBQ joints in the meantime. Take this review as someone who really enjoys BBQ (and any slow cooked meat for that matter) but who could not list more than 10 BBQ restaurants they have eaten at in the last 5 years. So the beef ribs. Great texture, tender meat but still had a bite to it. Expertly seasoned so they were not wet with sauce but still moist. I would consider 1 beef rib a snack, 2 a small meal. I also tried the chopped brisket (brisket and burnt ends sitting in a soup of BBQ sauce). That was also delicious (and more reasonably priced), but I could have done with slightly less sauce. It really was like a soup and while the sauce was tasty, there was too much of it. I went later in the afternoon (around 2/2:30pm) and got their last two beef ribs so going earlier is better. You order at the open kitchen and then pay at the counter when your food is ready. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, you can take your food and sit at any of their tables of which they have many (this place is pretty big). I cannot comment on how this place stacks up to other BBQ spots in Austin, but I very much enjoyed the beef ribs.

I really wanted to like this we wanted to try TX bbq and we could walk here from our hotel in…read moreAustin. This place has the country vibes, old school store front with bottled cokes in old ice coolers, walk up order, get food handed to you then head to the register to pay. Prices were high for bbq, side options were Mac n cheese, beans, coleslaw, potato salad. Etc. Our group had pork ribs (2) with sides of beans, potato salad, coleslaw & mac n cheese, and a pulled pork sandwich served with pickle and raw onion on the side. Plates came with a slice of white bread. Unfortunately the food was okay but not amazing for what we paid, We will be searching for a good quality bbq still!!!

Franklin Barbecue - Bbq platter

Franklin Barbecue

(6.4k reviews)

$$

East Austin

This place was really good. My partner and I arrived at 1:45pm and had waited around an hour to be…read moreseated. We are in the city visiting and did not know it closed at 3pm. This is why the line was not as long as it typically is. They were out of brisket, ribs, and sausage when we were able to order. One should go about an hour earlier if they want to get those. This place is so worth it. The turkey was 12/10. It was nothing like I have ever had. It had flavor and was juicy like chicken. The pulled pork was 10/10. The slaw was not much to my liking but the beans and potato salad were good. There were cups for free water. They had vinegar, normal, espresso, and spicy barbecue sauce. I do not normally like barbecue sauce but Franklins is great. The spicy one was perfect. Overall, I thought waiting an hour was great. With the food we were able to get I understood why people wait hours. I recommend bringing a water for the wait and comfortable shoes while you wait in line.

We arrived around 12:15 and the line was wrapped! By the time we got to the counter it was 1:35. We…read morewere the last ones to actually get pulled pork because they ran out. That is the longest weve ever waited for bbq, BUT SO WORTH IT! I do not ever order brisket because it's usually disappointing, dry and bland. However, this brisket was none of those things. It was everything a brisket should be!!! The other meats were delicious as well. The banana pie was incredible, the crust tasted almost like a cookie crumble. The potato salad is more of a mustard base, and cole slaw isn't too wet but I filled up on everything else and didn't eat much of it. After we finished eating, we even got a tour of the smokers! They are on a rotation, always smoking brisket and rotating staff to keep watch over it, and they use post oak wood. The staff were all so precious and friendly. My family thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would totally stand in line again :D

Gebby's BBQ & Catering - Absolutely delicious (just fyi, I brought the sauce)

Gebby's BBQ & Catering

(95 reviews)

$$

Amazing food! Ordered from here for a family gathering and…read morethe food and service was excellent!! Highly recommend!!

This order was delivered to us for a catering event. The ordering process was smooth and efficient…read morewhile also being delivered at the scheduled time. For fifteen people, the total cost was $425.69. This included delivery costs and taxes, but no tip. It consisted of three meats, two sides, and a dessert along with pickles, onions, bread, and BBQ sauce. There was also a set of utensils delivered, but plates were forgotten, but not a big deal. Brisket - This was definitely the best item eaten of the day. It was tender and juicy while adding the BBQ sauce giving that extra bite. The BBQ sauce was great regardless, a little bit of sweet and smoky flavor going on. Pulled Pork - This was another solid meat choice. I did not think it was as tender as the brisket, but it was still enjoyable especially with that BBQ sauce, which was key throughout the meal. Sausage - This was not bad. The snap on this threw me off a little, but it was not too bad. They were large links and had plenty of flavor. Gouda Mac & Cheese with Smoked Bacon - This was actually penne pasta with little pieces of the bacon. I actually preferred this pasta choice here. It really soaked up the cheese sauce. The sauce was not too over powerful and was just right. Beans with Smoked Bacon - These were not too bad. I thought they were a little liquidity, but the added bacon pieces definitely helped. Banana Pudding - This came in individual cups, which was nice. The pudding was thick with a little meringue or whipped cream present and a few wafer cookies on top. It was a satisfying ending to a very good meal. Will I go back? Yes.

Sam's Bar-B-Que - bbq - Updated May 2026

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