Austin BBQ Review: Our Top Picks and Flavor Highlights Across 5 Days
Nothing says Austin quite like BBQ, and over five days, we hit up four of the city’s most iconic BBQ joints to taste their best offerings. From tender brisket to unique sides, here’s an honest breakdown of each place, our favorite dishes, and where each BBQ spot shines.
Day 1: Terry Black’s BBQ
Tried:
- 1 lb Brisket & Burnt Ends
- 1/2 lb Turkey, 2 Ribs
- Sides: Creamed Corn, Potato Salad, Banana Crème Pie
What We Loved:
Terry Black's BBQ was our starting point, and their turkey stood out immediately. It was incredibly tender, with just the right amount of smoke, and easily cut with a plastic fork—no small feat! The brisket had good seasoning but was slightly tough compared to the burnt ends, which were more flavorful. The ribs were cooked to perfection, with a smoky, well-seasoned crust that balanced beautifully with the meat.
Room for Improvement:
The sides were hit or miss. The creamed corn had an unusual spice that didn’t quite work, and it was overly liquid. On the other hand, the potato salad was creamy and flavorful. The banana cream pie was good, but the wafers were a bit soggy. Overall, the turkey was the standout here.
Day 2: Franklin Barbecue
Tried:
- 2 lbs Brisket, 1 lb Turkey, 1 lb Ribs, Jalapeño Cheese Sausage, Regular Sausages
- Sides: BBQ Sauce Assortment, White Bread, Onions, Dill Pickles, and Two Pies (To Be Determined)
What We Loved:
Franklin’s BBQ delivered a near-perfect brisket experience. It was juicy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft—definitely the best brisket so far. The ribs were also outstanding, with a pepper-forward rub and fall-off-the-bone texture. The turkey, though not quite as tender as Terry Black's, was flavorful and juicy, ranking high on our list. The jalapeño cheese sausage brought a great heat, and though the casing was thick, the smoked flavor was worth it. The regular sausage was milder in spice but still satisfying, allowing the smoke flavor to shine.
Room for Improvement:
The traditional raw onions and dill pickles were nice but felt a bit out of place. We did enjoy the BBQ sauce variety, from a thick, sweet sauce to an espresso-flavored one with a hint of coffee. The bread felt like an afterthought but added to the classic Texas BBQ vibe.
Day 4: The Salt Lick
Tried:
- Turkey, Burnt Ends, Sausage, Pulled Pork, Brisket
- Sides: Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Beans
What We Loved:
Salt Lick's brisket offered a smoky, wood-forward flavor that was more subtle with the spices, and although not as moist as Franklin’s, it was a step up from Terry Black’s. The turkey here was also a highlight—super moist, more so than Franklin’s, but not quite as flavorful as Terry Black’s. However, the sausage truly shined: it was the best we’d had yet, with balanced seasoning, rich smoke flavor, and a delicate casing.
Room for Improvement:
The pulled pork was a bit dry and didn’t have the depth of flavor we were hoping for. On the side, the potato salad stood out as a unique take, mashed and seasoned more like mashed potatoes. The coleslaw was refreshingly light, with no mayo, which was just the way we like it.
Day 5: LeRoy & Lewis BBQ
Tried:
- Beef Cheek, Flat Iron Steak, Brisket, Pulled Pork
- Sides: Kale Slaw, Frito Pie
What We Loved:
LeRoy & Lewis took a different approach to BBQ, offering inventive cuts and sides. The beef cheek was incredibly tender and rich—our top pick of the day. The flat iron steak came in a close second, followed by their well-prepared brisket and flavorful pulled pork. The kale slaw was a fresh take on a BBQ staple, and the Frito pie was a fun, comforting addition.
Final Rankings (Best to Last):
- Beef Cheek
- Flat Iron Steak
- Brisket
- Pulled Pork
For Sides:
- Kale Slaw
- Frito Pie
Wrap-Up: Our Austin BBQ Recommendations
After tasting our way through these iconic Austin spots, here are our recommendations:
- Best Brisket: Franklin’s BBQ—fall-apart tender and full of smoky goodness.
- Top Turkey: Terry Black’s—perfectly smoked and fork-tender.
- Best Sausage: The Salt Lick—ideal seasoning and delicate casing.
- Most Unique Options: LeRoy & Lewis—for a modern BBQ twist.
For an authentic Austin BBQ experience, each spot brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re in it for the brisket, sausage, or unique sides, Austin’s BBQ scene has it all. We can’t wait to go back and try them again!