I'd been wanting to try Sam's BBQ for quite some time, and I finally made my way over! Unfortunately, Sam wasn't there (he was at a wedding ), but his brother was holding things down. He was super friendly and welcoming, which I definitely appreciated. I ordered the 2-meat plate with ribs & brisket, mac & cheese, and yams, plus a sausage sandwich. The brisket was nice and tender, but I asked for a moist/loose cut, and I don't think that request translated. It still had good texture, just wasn't quite what I was hoping for. The ribs were good, but nothing really stood out to me. I think I'm just used to a different style of BBQ. The yams definitely tasted like they came from a can, and the mac & cheese... let's just say it could use a little more love. I also grabbed the sausage sandwich. It was okay, but I'm used to homemade links with a deeper smoky flavor, and this one just didn't have that barbecue smoke profile I was looking for. To be fair, maybe I just caught them on an off day. I was literally the only customer there, and at first I honestly thought they were closed. Now... being from Houston, it's hard not to compare BBQ. We have some seriously incredible barbecue spots. Dare I say... some of the best in Texas... maybe even the world! I'd still be willing to give Sam's another try when Sam himself is there, because everyone has an off day. Hopefully next time I'll get to experience what so many people have been talking about! read more

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Sam's BBQ is the kind of spot that reminds you why Austin is famous for barbecue. The brisket was smoky and tender with just the right amount of bark, while the ribs had that perfect fall-off-the-bone texture and a deep, savory flavor. The sides held their own too -- sweet yams that balanced the richness of the meat, and green beans cooked simply but full of flavor. Together, it felt like a hearty, soulful meal that hit all the right notes. The vibe is no-frills and laid-back, which makes the food shine even more. If you're craving classic Texas BBQ with sides that feel homemade, Sam's is a solid choice. Tip: bring cash as the cc machine was down. Always good to have handy. read more

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Delicious bbq with beef ribs that melt in your mouth and great sides. The business is family owned and operated; it's really cool to see the modern additions to what feels like a slice of old Austin. I'd recommend it to anyone! read more

It was such a pleasure meeting the owner of Sam's. The restaurant felt very nostalgic- family photos and the warmth. It was great knowing he's been open for business more than 50 years! The brisket sandwich was delicious! Tender, flavorful and paired well with the white bread. "You don't need no teeth to eat my beef". will return! read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - BBQ Brisket Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Sam's Bar-B-Que is an ATX staple. The importance of Sam's Bar-B-Que to its neighborhood is unquestioned. This place has stood the test of time through fires, gentrification, economic downturns... you name it. However as time has gone and ATX changed a great deal, yet Sam's stayed the same. Each meal, whether its take-out or for dine-in is served in a styrofoam container with various meats like brisket, sausage, and chicken, along with sides of potato salad, macaroni and cheese or baked beans, and "greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb, rams, hogs" -Shirley Ceaser (not really, but there is a variety) and a customers choice of canned sodas in a small ice chest nearby, similar to what you would have at yo cousin and dem house or if you are feeling like a daiquiri, have one next door with your meal as this spot is connected to the Austin Daiquiri Factory. On my last visit to this local gem, my partner and I purchased two brisket sandwiches with sides. While waiting for the food to be prepared, locals can be seen chatting about all the comings and goings in the area. The smokeness of the meat in the sandwich really comes through which is surely accredited to the combination of smoke, heat, and the maillard reaction when preparing meat. This meat doesn't require any sauce as adding it would only ruin the dish. Further, the portion of meat served is filling and leaves nothing to be desired. The service here is similar to being in someones home as opposed to a restaurant, which is really what small business is all about. If in the area, step into this spot to gain a sense of ATX history and be treated to a home style meal. #supportlocal #supportblackowned read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - BBQ Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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! read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - 1 lb. Brisket, Chicken Quarter, 1 lb. Mutton, 1 lb. Sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This was a GEM!! We had a couple recommendations that all had crazy lines so we passed on them. I'd seen a news segment about Sam's but couldn't remember the name of it but I knew we'd found the spot when we pulled up. It's truly an unpretentious BBQ joint. Felt like home as soon as we walked in. Just a few tables, all kinds of memorabilia in the walls. We even got to chat with Sam himself. I'm sure he has stories for days! He's such an entertaining and pleasant man. The food was absolutely delicious. We split a 2 meat 2 side plate and it was enough food but it was so good I wanted more! We didn't get daiquiri's because we were getting on the road home. I wish we'd found them sooner for sure. This'll be an early go to next time we're in Austin. read more

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 read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Sam's Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Desert - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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. read more

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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! read more

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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 read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Sam's BBQ An Austin Icon - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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

This place is the TRUTH All meats 25$ a lb Brisket was very tender but dry Ribs, lamb, and sausage were amazing. I'd put the lamb up against a lot of the Franklin stuff Top 3 ribs I've had as well. BBQ sauce was amazing read more

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. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Yams. Pasta. Beef jerky. - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Wow I just had their bar-b-Que sandwich, and it was seriously the best thing I've had in Austin. I visit the city often and have not found a gem like this until now! Please support this local landmark and their service, it's truly the best bang for your buck and out of this world. Wish I could have taken a picture, but I ate it too fast lol. Highly recommend ‍ read more

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. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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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. read more

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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. read more

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

I love this place! It is my first stop every time I have returned to Austin over the last ten years. I have eaten at all of the big name BBQ spots in Austin and nothing beats Sam's ribs that are smoked to tender perfection. The Mac and Cheese was also a standout. Chef David took me on a tour of the smoking pit last visit and the sense of a friendly neighborhood place made me feel right at home and far from the long lines at places like Franklins. There is a great air of authenticity and pride over the long history of serving great food. read more

Sam disappointed me. I came here as a second stop on an impromptu bar-b-que tour through the city. The restaurant was homely and felt warm. I like that kind of old world (circa my grandma's house in the 90s) charm. The welcoming crew hanging out inside were very chill. Not cold, not particularly friendly, they were just there occupying the space and I couldn't tell if they were working, on break, or didn't actually work there at all...unclear. Important things to note: 1) speak up, Sam's hearing isn't the best, no problem 2) know everything that you want fully before you start talking; he doesn't seem to like hesitation once he gets started preparing to plate (box) your order 3) don't expect any particular courtesy or enthusiasm, whether you give it in return or not. On to the food...the brisket was bland af, have to say it. I'm not the best judge of brisket in the first place, but having just left a bbq spot 45 minutes before arriving at this one, this wasn't it. The chicken was good. The sausage was slightly above awful. The macaroni and cheese was good. The green beans were good but too damn salty. I think my partner had the baked beans (not my jam) and she liked them but also had similar feedback of it being salty as well. Maybe this was an off day, but I don't know that I can take another food L here. read more

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We picked up a large order for a get together at our AirBnB. We usually eat at Black's, Franklin's, or la Barbecue when in Austin. Since Sam's was right near our AirBnB, we decided to give it a shot. Sam's is a local, hole-in-the-wall without the frills that some of the other popular BBQ restaurants in the area. We tried the sausage, brisket, and ribs. Everything was excellent (although I do think you need teeth to eat their beef). The meats all had great flavor, but the brisket was slightly chewy to us. Again, we did take-out which might have played a factor. The green beans and baked beans were delicious and had an authentic home cooked flavor. The only thing I might say is that the barbecue sauce was different than we are used to. It had a sweet & tangy tomato flavor. I think some people would love this sauce, but it wasn't personally our style. All in all, I would absolutely eat at Sam's again and I do think it holds up against the other BBQ joints in the area. There was no line when we went, which cannot be said about a lot of the other places. I would recommend Sam's to anyone that wants to support a local Austin business. They have been open since the 1950s, which is truly remarkable. I hope they are able to keep thriving. read more

The true definition of an authentic, mom and pop, hole in the wall! No matter where I am, I always make it a point to patronize a Black owned business, and I was told that while I was in Austin, barbecue was a must. So we found ourselves at Sam's barbecue for lunch. I don't eat barbecue often, so I don't have much to compare it to, but I enjoyed the food. He wasn't lying when he said you don't need teeth to eat it lol The brisket was so tender! The yams weren't my favorite but I did like the baked beans (which I usually don't eat). The owner himself was there and he was so friendly. Service was great. I felt like I was talking with my uncles while chatting with them lol Overall, it was a great experience! Glad to have been able to support. read more

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The vibe is very homey and family owned. The service was great and everyone was super friendly. The food wasn't for me. The meat was drenched in sauce and tough and the sides were mass produced and mushy. read more

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You will drive right past this place cause it looks like a shabby little shack on the side of the ride, but baby you will be missing out! Sam's is the real deal. My mouth was watering as I was watching the hot juices sliding down the glistening brisket... The sign outside says 'You don't need no teeth to eat my beef'. Everything was so fresh and the meat tender and JUICY and so much flavor. You can tell the food is made with heart and soul. Sam made us feel like family and really got us set for our flight home. We were originally going to go to Franklin's cause my mom saw it on TV, but the line was so darn long - I looked like it a Disney ride line (crazy - no lie). Our Lyft driver (Thanks Freddie) recommended Sam's and we're so glad. Apparently LOTS of celebs know about this hidden gem. There is also a Daiquiri spot connected next door - which reminds me of the LA spots . Sam's will be a place we go every time we visit Austin. Thanks for taking hood care of us!! read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - 2 Meat plate: Brisket, sausage, potato salad and baked beans - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

You already know that Sam's Bar-B-Que is legendary. All of that is true. They are known for their mutton ribs. I like the mutton ribs. They are known for their super tender brisket. I love the brisket. The official slogan is 'Don't need no teef to eat my beef'. You do need teeth. This brisket ain't baby food. But Sam's brisket is absolutely positively the most tender brisket in Austin. The underlying flavor is subtle . But it grows on you over the course of the meal. It is at its finest when you are walking back to the car, and you get a mild memory of all the wonderful meat you have just eaten. * * * Having said all this, there are two things that move Sam's easily on to the "Best in Austin" list. a) The sausage. Sam's has the best sausage in Central Texas. Period. Stop. The End. The City of Elgin can go take a walk. b) The BBQ Sauce. Sam's has the best BBQ Sauce in Central Texas. They even beat Micklethwaite's BBQ sauce - which is damm hard to do. Only Stiles Switch's Seasonal Easter Sauce can compete ... and Stiles Switch's Easter sauce only shows up for a week or so a year. * * * You also probably already know that Sam's is the pre-eminent black BBQ in Austin. I would say Sam's is easily in the top 3 or 4 BBQ's in Austin - and that includes Black, White, Mexican, Jewish, Chinese and Nouveau Wacko. However, here is what you don't know about Sam's BBQ. a) It is by far the FRIENDLIEST BBQ in Central Texas. Sam (real name: Brian Mays) and his family and friends want you to become their family and friends. The neighbors and the regulars love the family and they love the neighbors and the regulars back. Since the neighborhood is in transition - the "locals" are half African-American and half-Yuppie. EVERYONE is at home at Sam's - both old-school original residents and the new-school just-moved-in-with-tech-salaries. Everyone just gets along. b) Studying the walls is how you get a proper education. There are all sorts of artifacts both on U.S. general entertainment history and On the culture and historical personalities of Austin's traditional East Side. There are pictures of all sorts of famous people whom you ought to learn more about. c) They have an elaborate daiquiri bar if you like interesting drinks with your BBQ. Many of the family are dedicated, committed Christians who advertise this fact on their t-shirts. Soft Drinks or Daiquiris: You can have your BBQ with heaven or hell. Or if you like you can just do both and have fun on both sides of the aisle. d) Sam himself is an actual bona fide character actor with real deal IMDB credits. Got a script? He will be happy to read for it. e) Sam also built the BBQ pit thirty years ago with his own two hands. He will be happy to show it to you. It is impressive. Real impressive. f) Sam's is a friendly place, and people get loud. If they have opinions, they will say them loud. If they disagree, they will disagree loud. When they make up, they will make up loud. We weren't watching any sports events on TV that anyone cared about. But I have no doubt that if the right team scores or fumbles on Football Saturday that that will get good and loud too. * * * Good people, good food, good place. It's like everything got dipped in Sam's BBQ sauce and it all came out better. Gee - I wonder if we can use Sam's BBQ sauce on a couple of politicians I know. read more

This has to be one the best BBQ places I've ever ate at . The food has been perfect everytime I've ate here. And the service is first rate , the food is so good that they were closed last I went there because they sold out. How places can say that ?? I do like the improvements to place since I was here last, the daiquiri bar, and the new coat of paint has really added to the ambience of the real barbecue of Texas. I'll be back next year hopefully you'll be open. If not save me plate read more

Yummy!!!! We heard this place was good and had to try it as we wanted some great bbq! We came here on a Monday for lunch and ate so much we could barley move. Everything was delish but I really loves the yams. Just perfect!!! The max and cheese was so good and the ribs were amazing. The restaurant is small and has outside seating which is awesome on a lovely day in Austin. The owner is super friendly and welcoming. I will definitely return the next time I'm in Austin!! read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Everything was great. Loved the sausage, brisket, mac n cheese, and yams the most. The barbecue sauce was good. Hope to come back one day. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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

Couldn't do the line at Franklin's. Hour wait at Terry Black's... too long. Driving to Sahara Lounge and spotted Sam's. Couldn't even tell that it served brisket. Went for the atmosphere, charmed by the food. Excellent brisket plus some excellent sausage. No wait, courteous service, friendly folks. Don't miss it. "Very cool" my wife just said. I concur. PS Visiting New Yorker in serendipity mode. Ask for Sam. read more

Food was so Fresh and Meat was so Tender! The Service was amazing, the Owner/ Manager was so welcoming! My only regret was that I wish the side dishes were more plentiful, cup was really small. But otherwise, everything was Delicious and Food was Great!! read more

Best BBQ in all of Texas!!! My wife still remembers our visit from 2017. I gotta go back!!!!! read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - I have teeth but I didn't need it for the beef! - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love the idea of this place but the food leaves something to be desired. I had the brisket and chicken plate with green beans and mac n cheese. Chicken and sides were flavorless, didn't even try the brisket, nothing but fat. I do not recommend. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Brisket, chicken, green beans, mac n cheese. - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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

Last December 2020, I was at Sam's and noticed the application to sell and consume alcoholic beverages in the window. I was told they were going to start serving daiquiris beginning in January which I welcomed wholeheartedly. Recently I went to Sam's to order a sliced Beef Brisket sandwich and also to try one of the daiquiris. I was told that I had to order the daiquiri on the screened-in patio where Austin Daiquiri Factory is housed. After ordering and paying for my Long Island Daiquiri, I returned to the main dining room to pick up my sandwich. I also noticed that Sam's is expanding the screened-in porch with an addition of a deck. Can't wait for Spring and Summer in order to sip on daiquiris whilst savoring Sam's BBQ however, I'm not going to wait that long, I'll be back for some mutton to see how that pairs with the daiquiris very soon. read more

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