Terry Black's Barbecue
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Absolutely one of my favorite BBQ spots in Austin. I bring all my family and friends here when they're in town. There's no need to wait hours in line for BBQ like at some other places. Terry Black's is extremely efficient, so the line moves quickly. I usually order a bit of everything, but my favorites are the brisket moist, pork ribs, mac 'n' cheese, and corn.
After landing in Austin, my son and I were on the hunt for a late lunch and some authentic Texas BBQ. A friend who moved to Austin about 10 years ago recommended Terry Black's, and since it was conveniently located between the airport and our resort, we figured it was the perfect first stop! It was immediately obvious this place is a popular destination! Ubers were constantly pulling up to drop off and pick up groups, and even at 2:30 in the afternoon, the parking lot was pretty tight. Thankfully, there's plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. I'll admit, the cafeteria-style ordering process was a little overwhelming for this first-timer! I'm used to BBQ places where you pick a meat or two and a couple of sides. Here, the possibilities seemed endless, and suddenly I wanted EVERYTHING. Naturally, we went a little overboard on the sides: Mexican rice, mac and cheese, pinto beans, plus the complimentary pickles, onions, and white bread. My advice? Scope out the sides BEFORE grabbing a tray because once you're standing there, it's awfully hard to say no! Then came the meats. Oh. My. Goodness. Watching them slice into those gorgeous, smoky slabs of meat, complete with that beautiful pink smoke ring, was an experience in itself! Our clear favorites were the chopped beef and jalapeño cheddar sausage. Both were absolutely delicious! The brisket was good, although I could have done without the generous layer of fat. The pork ribs were a bit disappointing, with what seemed like more fat than actual meat. Looking back, I wish I had gone with beef ribs instead. A few side notes (literally!): I really appreciated that the pinto beans were savory rather than the overly sweet beans you sometimes find at BBQ restaurants. We also discovered that adding a little of their table BBQ sauce to both the beans and Mexican rice made them even better! Our total came to about $90 for the two of us, so this definitely wasn't a budget-friendly lunch. Granted, we ordered more food than we needed, but we certainly satisfied our Texas BBQ cravings! Would I return? Absolutely! Next time, I'd be a little more strategic with my ordering, skip the pork ribs, and focus on the meats and sides we loved most.
Finally made it to the infamous Terry Black's BBQ in Austin! We stopped in on a Wednesday right around opening time for lunch, and although the place was already buzzing, there were surprisingly no lines, and ordering moved pretty quickly! You start by grabbing a tray and choosing your sides before moving over to one of three meat-cutting stations. We went with mac and cheese, pinto beans, two servings of creamed corn, four slices of brisket, and one MASSIVE beef rib! The sides were delicious! The mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy, the pinto beans were nicely seasoned, and that creamed corn had just the right touch of sweetness. Both meats had a beautiful smoky, seasoned bark on the outside. The brisket was ok, I've definitely had better. But LISTEN, THAT BEEF RIB! Can we say Juicy!?! Can we say tender?!? Practically falling off the bone, and absolutely packed with flavor! It was enormous, too! We shared everything, but I honestly wish we'd ordered more ribs and less brisket. Those ribs alone were worth the visit! You'll also find three barbecue sauces at the tables: Original, Spicy, and Sweet & Tangy, so you can add a little extra flavor to your meats. And if you want to bring some of that Texas BBQ goodness home, they also sell their signature sauces and dry rubs! There's plenty of seating indoors and a spacious outdoor dining area, which would be my pick on a beautiful Austin day. Overall, Terry Black's definitely delivered, and next time, I'm coming straight for those beef ribs!
Fantastic mouth watering BBQ that you can eat! There is all kinds of meat! It's a meat lovers paradise! Heads up, shop with your wallet not eyes. I shopped with my eyes, 3 ribs and two sides 2 drinks ended up costing 70 due to the size of the meat. I loved all the meat! Will be back and ordering less next time!
I like to consider this my tailgating; it's the best BBQ in the state of Texas. We all know Black's has the best ribs, brisket, sausages, turkey, chopped beef, and the trimmings are to scream about! The mac and cheese is a must, and the green beans are seasoned to perfection. The peach cobbler crust is to pass out for. But let's talk about the atmosphere. This is right after the Longhorns lost to the Gators. Well, look at the crowd still smiling and, believe it or not, talking to the Gators' fans. That's because of the camaraderie that the Black family brings. One Gator fan told me he'd been coming to Terry Black's for years. He said he met Aaron Franklin, who introduced him to the Black brothers. So, on this trip, he brought some friends so they could get the experience of Terry Black's Barbecue! I can tell you his friends enjoyed every bite. Parking: don't worry, there's plenty of parking in the area. Also, people are leaving all the time.
When we arrived at Terry Black's it was at the heart of lunchtime on a weekday, so we couldn't find any parking on the premises. We drove around and found street parking a little over a block up Dawson. Despite the parking situation, there wasn't a line when we got into the restaurant. First up was the sides counter. We ordered a small Mac & Cheese and a small Green Beans. The server got a tray and portioned out or sides into small paper boats. Second up was the meat counter. The smallest order for meats was 1/3 lb, so we got 1/3 lb of brisket. We also got a beef rib. The meat server carved up two medium slices of brisket and cut off a beef rib and added it to our tray. When she rang us up, the bill was over $100. I was a little bit sticker-shocked, but later figured out the beef rib was over 2 lbs. The beef rib was really good. It's a monstrous size and if the two of us just split that, it probably would have been enough. It's got a really good salty bark (maybe a little bit too salty), tender but not completely fall apart meat, and then some gelatinous and chewy parts closer to the bone. A ton of beef flavor. It's also hilariously big, so definitely a good opportunity for a photo. Brisket was solid, but I preferred the beef rib. Sides were good, no complaints. Green Beans were well prepared (not overcooked and had great color and texture). Mac & Cheese had a pleasant and thinner cheesy sauce. I liked all three sauces - original, sweet, and spicy. I don't know if I would do sweet on its own, but we mixed and matched and it was great that way. If you're curious about the Family Meals, I did the math on the Small Family Pack and I think it makes more sense to get everything a la carte. It's only a deal if you want to get 3 lbs of brisket (the most expensive meat) and my guess is most people will want a little variety. Overall, slightly higher prices than expected, but I think it was justified by the food quality. The restaurant is huge as well, so you won't have to wait a really long time to get food.
This was my first time visiting Terry Black's BBQ after hearing so many great things, and it definitely lived up to the hype! The line was very long, as expected, but everything was so well organized. I was through the line in about 10 minutes, and the staff was super friendly and did a great job directing everyone where to go and keeping things moving. I went with the brisket sandwich combo and a side of mac and cheese, and both were delicious. The mac and cheese was incredibly creamy and flavorful, and the brisket was so juicy and tender. I usually go for pulled pork at BBQ spots, but since brisket is what Terry Black's is known for, I had to give it a try. I'm so glad I did! Between the great food and the well-run service, this place definitely lived up to its reputation. I highly recommend Terry Black's to anyone visiting Austin looking for great Texas BBQ. I'd absolutely come back!
Some of the popular BBQ places have lines in the morning and are sold out by 11am! You can come to Terry's till 10pm on a Saturday night and enjoy some incredible BBQ! We got pork ribs, jalapeño sauce and brisket - along with corn bread, coleslaw and creamed corn. Everything was very tasty - the meat was very tender and the spice rubs were incredible. The BBQ sauces on the table were original, sweet and spicy. Lots of places to grab a seat, after you have picked up your meat. I checked off my BBQ for this trip and am super satisfied!
This is one of the most popular barbecue restaurants in Austin. They have a very unique system of making order through the counter. then paying. then taking a table in a seating area. They have both indoor and outdoor seats. When we came to the place, it was almost full. But the staff members were really nice to find us a table as we had a handicapped guest with us. For the side, we picked rice, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and corn. They were available in three different sizes. All the sides were really delicious. Especially loved the coleslaw. From the butcher station, we picked beef brisket, pork ribs, and chopped beef. They were sold by the pound and were very expensive. The brisket and pork ribs were excellent, but the chopped beef wasn't as good as the other two. The indoor dining space is a bit cramped. There were two soda machines, but each time we had to wait in line to get to refill or get water. By the time we were done, the line was out through the door. I also noticed the big furnace shed they had outside, where they were cooking all the meats. Hats off to the employees who were working in that super hot room. Overall a really fantastic spot to enjoy bbq.
I'm telling you. Locals tell me this place is overrated. It's that way for a reason. Been here a few times and it's consistent every time. I tried about other popular spots in Austin and I swear by Terry blacks. Top pick. Brisket and Beef Rib. It's a must. Sausages are amazing too. Good heat. Consistent tenderness and flavor is what I come back too. Friendly service and efficient is the cherry on top. Plenty of seating. I can't say enough about the quality meat. Creamed corn,, green beans, corn bread are my pick for sides. I could do without Mac n cheese, potato salad & coleslaw which is unfortunate because those are my go to. Other than that. It's always Terry Blacks for the win
Somewhat chaotic inside when you get the food and try to find a table. When we got there, the line was out of the door. You can only get a table after you get your food. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I really like the beef ribs. It's soft and tender. Great flavor. Brisket and pork ribs are ok. Brisket is dry for me. The corn with cheese is so good. Mexican rice is fluffy. mac&cheese are nicely made, cheesy and cooked properly. They sell the drinks while you are on the line waiting (cotton candy soda and beer). You don't need to get it. More options when you get to the final pay counter, such as fountain soda. Right next to the pay counter is the drink machine and all the utensils. Very crowded at the area cuz everyone trying to get a drink. Very tight between tables. Women Bathroom has 2 or 3 stalls. You can see the grill outside. It's super hot. Parking lot on site but it's very crazy, go early to get a spot.
Anytime I fly into Austin, one thing is certain, we're going to Terry Black's Barbecue. The line may look long, it likely will be, but it actually moves through pretty quick. Amazing Texas bbq and people don't talk about the sides enough. Always grab some of the beans, Mac n cheese, and green beans. This time around the wife and I split 1lb of sliced brisket, cheddar and jalapeño sausage, and a beef rib. Brisket and beef rib were cooked to perfection. Enough cook for it to be fall off the bone soft but enough chew to pull from. Big patio and dining hall to get a seat. People tend to come with friends/family but they also move generally quick, just keep your eyes out after you pay for your food. Staff is super friendly, they also will help guide you to possible areas to sit,
Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 4.5/5 Terry Black's always leaves me speechless every time I eat there. Which is a grand total of two times, but that's really saying something, especially since the second time was during a long-overdue homecoming to Austin. There's a lot of competition as to what BBQ joint is the best in Austin, let alone Texas, and Terry Black's is a strong contender. There's always a long line winding out of the door onto their porch, and but it moves fast - you'll get your fix in no time, and when you do, you'll know the wait was worth it. This time around, I got a beef rib - huge, tender, beautifully seasoned, and all mine. Accompanied with some sausage and brisket (because I can't come to a BBQ place and not get either), plus some amazing cornbread, cream corn, and mac and cheese, I was feasting like a king. The first time I went here, I had many leftovers... this time, there were practically none. I'm a firm believer and supporter of Terry Black's, and this was a solid reminder of what I left when I moved out of Texas. If you get the lucky chance to dine here - take it. You won't regret the money you spend here.
7 months ago
We did the Open Table tour of Terry Blacks - all the history, methods and an over-the-top tasting. Our tour guide was Kirt and our BBQ chef guide was Matt. both did an incredible job and made our first visit and experience of true Texas BBQ a memorable time. read more
Terry Black's is the best all-around traditional bbq place in Austin. The food is good, of course. Our favorites are the smoked turkey and mac and cheese. They're conveniently centrally located and have good hours. The downsides are the difficulty finding parking and how expensive they have become, but they're still worth it when you want a satisfying top-tier bbq meal. read more
9 months ago
8 months ago
Came here with my son and his wife a couple of weeks ago and what an experience. This place received a lot of hype and deservedly so. The smokehouse alone was huge and I got to peek inside and look at the types of wood they were using and the smoker units themselves. There were a couple of Pitmasters present, who were busy the whole time. We entered the restaurant and it was packed at noon time. We were still able to find a table that we shared with some nice folks and once we got the lay of the land, we ordered our entrées. You first order your sides, and then move over to the meat counter. We got brisket, beef, rib, pork ribs, and some sausage. For dessert we had the banana pudding and it was incredible. I can't say enough about the brisket it was moist and flavorful, and perfectly cooked with just the right amount of fat. The beef rib was enormous and was so tender. It just fell right off the bone. Pork ribs were much the same and all the meat had a beautiful red smoke ring around the perimeter. I have dreamed about barbecue like this, and I'm very happy to report that this was everything I'd hoped it would be and then some. I highly recommend this place. read more
1 year ago
It's been a few months since my visit to Austin where we experienced first hand just how special the beef ribs and brisket are. We were in Austin 3 days and we had dinner at Terry Black's twice. We ordered the same thing, just couldn't get enough of it. Varies a bit on the sides. Nothing stood out about the sides. On the expensive side, I thought. Good experience and something I will want to do again. read more
The jalepeno cheddar sausage was incredible, it was my favorite. Then, it was the brisket and the pork ribs with the sweet bbq sauce on top. The sides were great too, the creamed corn was especially interesting because it tasted a whole lot like cinnamon! It went well with the meat, the bread, coleslaw and pickles for a sandwich. I'd highly recommend coming here to try out the famous bbq. read more
8 months ago
Andres was great!!!!! Food was awesome and he provided great customer service. Super nice guy and made sure everything was great with us and it was! Thanks Andres! read more
The beef ribs were impressive in portion and amazingly tender and delicious. They were my favorite. The brisket did not disappoint at all. The sides were good but you get so much bbq that there's no more room. I had to force dessert in there just to get the full course experience. The service was great despite being one of the busiest days leading up to the UT Football and Formula One events. I highly recommend Terry Black's. They are more efficient at serving long lines than the other famous place in Austin. read more
8 months ago
Max is the best gave us a great explanation of how the meats arw cooked. Great hospitality and food read more
8 months ago
The best BBQ, Max is the best smoker hands down, have a look in the left and ask for him. Awesome service read more
1 year ago
Beat bbq I've had. And I've been all over !! I almost didn't make it here during my trip. Thank God I finally got there before I left read more
2 years ago
Third time here, can honestly say it's the best in Austin. I usually get the brisket and sausage and a side of green beans. Gabriella is great at keeping the line moving and making sure the available tables are cleaned off. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
FOOD 10/10. Service 20/10 Stephanie and Erick took good care of my family that came from California. Very attentive and charismatic. Will be back! read more
9 months ago
Great meal today and to top it off we got to tour the smokers. Matt H and Jairo were amazing. Can't wait to go back. read more
9 months ago
10 months ago
1 month ago
All the good things about BBQ. Top quality meat, well smoked, beautiful crust and perfect seasoning. We love bringing guests here for the combo of great experience and great BBQ. Casual inside and out cafeteria style line. The line looks long but goes fast. The Mac and cheese is not to be missed and always save room for the banana pudding. read more
5 months ago
We ended up here after arriving at a couple of other spots too close to closing. We should have started here. It felt like a weekend on a Thursday evening as they were super busy. Liked their outdoor seating. We ordered takeout. Brisket was tender and perfectly smoked (the smoke ring was distinct.) Jalapeño and regular Sausage were tasty. For sides, it was Potato Salad and Green Beans and they were both enjoyed. They also had a great selection of sauces. Service was quick and friendly. Although we got all that we wanted, looks like they do run out of some of the offerings given their "What's Left" sign (so better to get here earlier.) Solid BBQ with a vibrant and busy atmosphere and one of the Top BBQ spots that lives up to the hype! read more
1 year ago
Of course had to come here as the first stop when coming to Austin. Such an authentic experience and taste exactly what I expected. Highly recco read more
4 months ago
Terry Black's Barbecue is located off Barton Springs Road between Dawson Rd and Bouldin Ave. Terry Black's is a MUST place to stop when you're in Austin. This place is soo good, words really won't so it justice. The food's so good they sell out daily. Everything they smoke is full flavored and oh so juicy! Just drop on and let me know what you think. read more
2 years ago
After visiting the Texas State Capitol, we wanted to grab lunch and found Terry Black's BBQ nearby - it's the original restaurant. When we arrived, many people were already waiting in line. The parking lot was quite small, so I dropped off my wife and kids to handle the order while I searched for a spot. No staff outside mentioned that the parking lot was full, so people were still driving in. Someone should really handle the parking. It was really hard to find a parking spot nearby. Finally, I got a place to park just a short 5-minute walk away. By the time I got back, my wife and kids were already digging into their meals. The line had moved quicker than expected. It was a little bit pricey, but the experience of savoring true Texas BBQ with family was absolutely worth it. read more
Had a great experience at Terry Black's. Triny and Tania did an excellent job of keeping the line moving. We had 1/3 lb of original and cheddar jalapeño sausages and 1/3 lb turkey. Loved all 3 meats. We tried the creamed corn (which came highly recommended but tasted like cake batter to me), green beans, & pinto beans (which was fav of the sides because they were meaty & creamy). You get your food and then grab a table either inside or outside. Typical BBQ restaurant ambiance with red checkered tablecloths and 3 kinds of sauce on the table. Friendly people, delicious BBQ...what else do you need? read more
1 year ago
Had a great time here! I was in town for business and managed to squeeze in a visit. The location is perfect--it's right next to a cycling shop, so I got to enjoy two of my favorite things in one trip. I'm already looking forward to going back to Terry Black's to try more of their barbecue. I went during the late lunch crowd, so it wasn't overly busy and finding a table was easy. I can see how after 5 p.m. this place could be packed with lines out the door. One note, the parking lot is on the smaller side, maybe enough for 20-30 cars, so plan accordingly. Terry Black's can earn the fifth star when I come back... But all good so far and expect that trend to continue read more
Terry's has been on my bucket list to try for quite some time! The only problem is location and planning around how to get there. An unexpected turn of events and I had an over night trip to Austin. Dreams so come true! I have heard about the wait lines but on this day we walked right in and only a few people ahead of us so the early arrival was a great idea. The food was really good and even though I rarely give a 5 star review unless I dine there twice I had to do it. Not sure when I'll make it back there again so Terry's in not only a 5 star but two thumbs up! I ordered the pulled pork and two ribs, & potato salad. Did not disappoint! I tried each of the BBQ sauces but really couldn't decide which one was the best. Looks like I will save that for another trip! read more
Yummy food buffet style!!! Line wasn't too crazy! Seating didn't take too long to pick. The vibe here was great. Not too loud either. We walked from downtown (20min) so didn't have to worry about the limited parking. We had a bit of everything. See picture. Everything was loved esp the creamed corn, the turkey (I like leaner cuts of meat) and the mac n cheese. And the potato salad haha. Oh the rice was garbage. Had some super weird red pepper gone wrong kick to it today. read more
3 years ago
Made it for some REAL Texas BBQ. We knew the brisket was going to be good. But, the jalapeño sausage really surprised us. And the green beans were the perfect side to balance the heaviness of the meat. The mac n cheese hit the spot, complemented by the acidic-sweet BBQ sauce. Ordered: brisket, pork ribs, jalapeño sausage, creamed corn, green beans, mac n cheese read more
9 months ago
Matt H from NC is the man! Thanks for the quick tour! Great beef rib! Great time. Get there early! read more
5 months ago
8 months ago
Fantastic food, hard to not order everything on the menu. Matt and Daniel were amazing, even showing us how they smoke the meats. 10/10 recommend! read more
2 years ago
Came here on a nice Sunday afternoon. At around 3:30pm, the wait was not long, approximately 20 minutes. There was plenty of space inside the restaurant to sit down and enjoy the meal. The sides were pretty tasty and the barbecue was very good! My favorite was of course the brisket, but I thought the pork ribs were delicious as well. read more
7 months ago
1 year ago
Just wanna give a shout out to DANNYA and the team over at Terry Blacks. Came into Austin for a conference and everyone recommended going to this spot. It 100% did not disappoint. Food was awesome and customer service was 100. Will be back for more brisket if I ever come back to Austin read more
11 months ago
10 months ago
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Ask the Community - Terry Black's Barbecue
Are their onions in the potato salad?
I've had their Potato Salad, but don't recall if there were onions. It was delicious.
Is the food here safe for someone with a Soy allergy?
Sorry , I don't know . Call them (512) 394-5899
If I order online for pick up, Do I need to fall in the regular long line like anybody else or do they have a separate line for pick up?
No, there is a separate line for pre order pickups.
Do you get your beef from creekstone?
You want it from Creekstone? They get it from CK. They get it so damn good from CK. Don't doubt.
Is it a dine in restaurant? If so can you handle a party of 8 on Wednesday evening? Thanks.
It is a dine in. Plenty of seating for groups of 8.
Anyone eat here on a Friday night around 5pm? Are there still food options around that time? How long is the wait time?
Lisa, I ate there on Friday around 4:00 pm with almost no wait time. Full selection of food options. Nothing sold out. Not sure if you're able to go a bit earlier then 5:00 pm. Beat the rush... Enjoy!
Hi, how long is the wait for Saturday afternoon now?
I would expect to wait at anytime but the line always moves quickly. Finding a seat to eat may be difficult depending on your group size.
What time should we get in line in the morning if we want to be amongst the first people in line?
When we visited, we waited in the parking lot just under an hour, but an actual line didn't start to form until about 15 minutes before!
After I wait in line, order and get my food, is it easy to find a seat? Are there lots of seats, inside or outside?
It is so easy to find a spot! People eat and move very fast, they don't stay too long
What's the wait time like on a Monday? Trying to gauge what time we should line up for lunch.
Roughly 20-30 minutes, it gets packed early. The lone moves pretty quick though and well worth the wait!
Do they take reservations?
No, you stand in line to order your food and then sit down. There is no wait staff. Line moves pretty fast and the food is worth your time
Are dogs allowed inside whiling eating and ordering?
Not inside but they can sit on the patio. I keep my dog in the car with the AC on and when I have my food and table then I bring him out of the car if I'm by myself
We have a layover between flights and would be in Austin between 2pm-6pm on a Friday. How long usually is the wait during during these times? Is it possible to come here, eat then get back to the airport?
by the time you get out of the airport, deal with Austin traffic to get over there, maybe wait 15 to 30 minutes in line, eat, get back to the airport, deal with TSA, be at the boarding area, sounds like more aggravation and stress than I would want.…
As of late, what has the wait time been?
Sometimes zero, sometimes 20 minutes depending on the crowd. Could be longer. If you go in middle of afternoon on a week day it's not that busy. Weekends can be longer as people with guests come by and line can be out the door. Nothing like…
What is in the Black Margarita? And can I buy the margarita mix somewhere?
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