Plumbers' Favorite Austin BBQ: Top Picks for Best BBQ

In Austin, barbecue is more than just a meal; it’s a shared experience built around smoky pits, slow cooking, and flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re grabbing a quick sandwich between errands or making an afternoon out of it with friends, the city has options for every kind of BBQ lover. The best recommendations often come from people who know Austin’s neighborhoods inside and out, and our Roto-Rooter plumbing technicians have sampled just about every style of BBQ Austin has to offer, and they’ve got a list of favorites you’ll want to try next.

1. Franklin Barbecue: The brisket benchmark for Austin tradespeople

This legendary spot has earned its reputation through Aaron Franklin's meticulous approach to smoking meat, creating brisket that is very tender. "The brisket is so perfectly cooked that it just melts in your mouth," says Ryan Rupp, General Manager of Roto-Rooter Austin.

Southern Living has recognized Franklin Barbecue as one of the best barbecue joints in Texas, a distinction that resonates strongly with local professionals who appreciate quality craftsmanship in both their work and their meals.

• Address: 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
• Hours: Tue–Sun 11 AM–3 PM (or until sold out)
• Phone: (512) 653‑1187

2. Micklethwait Craft Meats: Hidden BBQ gem with pitmaster-approved flavors

Micklethwait Craft Meats isn't your typical roadside BBQ joint. It's housed in a beautifully converted church and has been serving exceptional smoked meats since 2012. "Every bite of the brisket is absolutely incredible," says Jose Luis Rodriguez, Licensed Master Plumber at Roto-Rooter Austin.

What sets Micklethwait apart is its commitment to variety, offering everything from perfectly crusted brisket to more adventurous options like Tex-Czech sausage and lamb that you won't find at most BBQ spots. The staff also knows how to move quickly without sacrificing quality, which matters when you've got another service call waiting.

• Address: 4602 Tanney St, Austin, TX 78721
• Hours: Thu–Sun 11 AM–4 PM (or until sold out)
• Phone: (512) 791‑5961

3. Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew: Family-friendly BBQ with a local touch

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew's menu hits all the right notes for hungry family members and hardworking professionals alike. Many customers rave about the moist and flavorful ribs as a standout dish, and plumbers appreciate that the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

This spot also features an Off The Pit Room for private parties, making it a go-to choice when plumbing crews want to celebrate a big project completion or host a gathering with their loved ones.

• Address: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
• Hours: Sun, Tue–Thu 11 AM–8 PM; Fri–Sat 11 AM–8:30 PM
• Phone: (512) 380‑9199

4. La Barbecue: Where Austin plumbers eat after a long day

When plumbers wrap up a challenging day of fixing burst or leaking pipes or water heaters, they need a meal that matches their work ethic: hearty, satisfying, and straightforward. La Barbecue delivers exactly that with its reputation for bold flavors and generous portions that fuel hardworking professionals.

The restaurant has earned a loyal following among Austin's tradespeople who appreciate quality food without the fuss, making it a go-to destination where Austin plumbers eat after a long day on the job.

• Address: 2401 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78702
• Hours: Wed–Sun 11 AM–6 PM
• Phone: (512) 605-9696

5. Terry Black's Barbecue: Classic comfort and consistency

When Austin plumbers need a reliable meal that won't disappoint, Terry Black's Barbecue delivers exactly what they're looking for. This highly rated establishment has built its reputation on consistent quality brisket and ribs that satisfy even the heartiest appetites after a demanding day of pipe repairs and drain cleaning.

• Address: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
• Hours: Sun–Thu 10:30 AM–9:30 PM; Fri–Sat 10:30 AM–10 PM
• Phone: (512) 394‑5899

6. Leroy and Lewis Barbecue: Innovative BBQ for adventurous eaters

When Austin plumbers want to step outside the traditional BBQ box, they head to Leroy and Lewis Barbecue. This isn't your typical brisket-and-ribs joint. Here, you'll find inventive smoked meats like beef cheeks, jalapeno cheese chorizo, and other cuts that showcase true pitmaster creativity.

The restaurant is recognized for its creative BBQ dishes that push boundaries while respecting Texas traditions. Local tradespeople who've spent years sampling Austin's BBQ scene appreciate having a spot that surprises them with something new.

• Address: 5621 Emerald Forest Dr., Austin, TX 78745
• Hours: Sunday–Monday & Wednesday–Thursday: 11 AM–9 PM | Friday–Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM | Tuesday: Closed
• Phone: (512) 962-7805

7. Brown's Bar-B-Que: No-frills BBQ that gets the job done right

Sometimes Austin's hardworking professionals just want straightforward, honest barbecue without any pretense, and Brown's Bar-B-Que delivers exactly that. This family-owned establishment has been serving up consistently solid brisket, ribs, and sausage since 1969, earning a loyal following among locals who value reliability in both their tools and their lunch spots. The portions are generous enough to fuel afternoon work sessions, and the prices won't break the budget.

• Address: 1901 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78704
• Hours: Tue–Sat 11 AM–7 PM; Sun 11 AM–5 PM

8. Ironworks Barbecue: Where meat meets metal in perfect harmony

Housed in a former metalworking shop, Ironworks Barbecue celebrates Austin's industrial heritage while serving up some of the city's most consistently excellent smoked meats. The restaurant has earned praise from Food Network for maintaining authentic pit-smoking methods in custom-built steel smokers that any fabricator would admire for their craftsmanship.

Locals gravitate toward Ironworks because the owners understand the connection between skilled work and quality food; both require patience, precision, and respect for traditional methods. The generous portions and competitive prices make it a practical choice.

• Address: 100 Red River, Austin, TX
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11 AM–9 PM; Sun 11 AM–8 PM
• Phone: (512) 478-4855

9. Interstellar BBQ: Michelin-starred excellence meets humble Austin roots

Interstellar BBQ proves that world-class barbecue doesn't need pretentious presentation, just exceptional execution and unwavering commitment to quality. This Michelin-starred establishment, ranked #2 in Texas Monthly's 2021 list of the state's best BBQ joints, operates out of a Northwest Austin strip mall where pitmaster John Bates creates some of the most innovative and consistently excellent barbecue in Texas.

Locals appreciate that despite the accolades, Interstellar remains focused on fundamentals: prime beef brisket with perfect salt-pepper-garlic seasoning, peach tea-glazed pork belly, and beer-brined "tipsy turkey" that delivers the substance needed after demanding workdays. The elevated sides, like smoked scalloped potatoes and poblano creamed corn, are also worth trying.

• Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N, Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750
• Hours: Wed–Sun 11 AM–4 PM (or until sold out)
• Phone: (512) 382-6248

10. Jim's Smokehouse: Award-winning food truck serving authentic Texas tradition

Jim's Smokehouse consistently earns top honors because owner Jim understands what hardworking Austinites need: honest, high-quality barbecue served without fuss or fanfare. This family-owned food truck, ranked #2 on Yelp's Top Food Trucks in the USA, has built a devoted following among those who value consistency and authenticity over trendy gimmicks.

The slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and turkey are prepared using traditional Texas methods with post oak, creating the kind of substantial, flavorful meals that fuel you all day long. You’ll love Jim's reliable hours and generous portions, plus the fact that you can grab excellent BBQ without the long waits associated with some of Austin's more famous spots. The jicama slaw and other thoughtful sides show attention to detail that resonates with professionals who take pride in their work.

• Address: 6900 Ranch Rd 620 N, Austin, TX 78732
• Hours: Daily 11 AM–8 PM
• Phone: (512) 783-4577

Pro tip: Keep your kitchen running smoothly after a BBQ feast

Bringing home BBQ takeout or storing leftover brisket and ribs is part of the fun after visiting Austin’s top smokehouses. But those same leftovers, especially the sauces and cooking grease, can cause trouble for your kitchen plumbing if you’re not careful. Rich drippings, oily marinades, and scraps can build up in drains and disposals, leading to clogs that turn a great meal into an expensive repair.

• Avoid pouring BBQ grease down the drain: Grease solidifies as it cools, sticking to your pipes and restricting water flow. Let it cool, then throw it in the trash.
• Schedule routine drain cleaning: Brisket drippings and sauce residue can accumulate over time, so regular maintenance helps keep your system clear.
• Treat your garbage disposal with care: Heavy BBQ scraps can overwork the motor. Run cold water while grinding, and consider using a garbage disposal service to handle increased use.
• Know what not to put down the disposal: Fibrous husks, bones, and large meat scraps can jam the blades and clog your pipes.
• Keep a drain auger handy: This simple tool can clear small post-BBQ clogs before they escalate.

If a clog proves too stubborn or your disposal stops working altogether, it’s best to call in the professionals. Roto-Rooter’s Austin plumbers are available 24/7, 365 days a year, with the expertise and tools to get your kitchen back in top shape fast.