BBQ Road Trip: Between Austin and San Antonio

The drive from Austin to San Antonio takes you straight through the heart of Hill Country BBQ. In the small towns along the way, pitmasters fire up their smokers early and shut down as soon as the meat sells out.

A BBQ road trip between these two Texas cities will put a smile on your face and fill your belly. 

Here are our top recommended BBQ stops between Austin and San Antonio.

 

First Stop: Lockhart Texas BBQ Stops Worth the Drive

If you’re serious about Texas barbecue, you’ve got to put Lockhart on your list. This town’s earned its reputation over the years, and the BBQ never disappoints. Trust us—you don’t want to miss it.

Black’s BBQ – Lockhart, Texas

Address: 215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644

Black’s BBQ sits just north of the town square, where it’s been for generations. Black’s BBQ is one of the anchors of Central Texas barbecue.

At Black’s, the pits are out in the open. Brisket and ribs smoke low and slow over post oak until they’re ready, not rushed. The process hasn’t changed much because it doesn’t need to.

Order the brisket first. It comes sliced thick with a dark bark and a clean smoke flavor. The beef ribs are just as important here. They’re big, rich, and cooked until the meat pulls away easily.

Black’s is a strong road trip stop because it’s consistent. You know what you’re getting, and it delivers every time.

 

Second Stop: Luling Texas BBQ Worth the Detour

Luling is a small town with a big BBQ reputation. It’s slightly off the main route, but the drive is short and well worth it if you want to try something a little different.

City Market – Luling, Texas

Address: 633 E Davis St, Luling, TX 78648

City Market sits inside an old gas station, which adds to its charm. Once you step inside, the smell of smoke lets you know you’re in the right place.

Here, their pitmasters use mesquite instead of post oak, which gives the meat a stronger, more pronounced smoke flavor. It’s a nice contrast after the stop at Black’s BBQ in Lockhart.

The pork ribs here steal the show—smoky, perfectly seasoned, and tender without falling to pieces. The brisket holds its own too, especially if you’re into a stronger smoke flavor. 

City Market keeps it simple and real—it’s all about the food. Folks come for the flavor, not the spotlight.

 

Final Stop: San Antonio BBQ With Big Flavor

Finish the drive in San Antonio with a stop that feels relaxed, welcoming, and built around good food done right.

Big Bib BBQ – San Antonio, Texas

Address: 104 Lanark Dr, San Antonio, TX 78218

Big Bib BBQ is the kind of place you’re glad you saved for the end of the trip. It’s casual, friendly, and focused on serving solid barbecue without pretense.

The brisket is tender and well-smoked, with a straightforward flavor that holds up on its own. Sausage is another strong option here, especially if you want something a little lighter after a full day of eating.

Big Bib also gives you space to slow down. It’s a good spot to sit, talk through the day, and enjoy one last plate before calling the road trip complete.

Wrapping Up the Drive

By the time you roll into San Antonio, you’ll have plenty of miles behind you and a stomach full of incredible food. The best part of this trip is that every stop has its own unique personality—and that variety is precisely what makes it so special!

To make the most of it, try to head out early and don't be afraid to share your plates so you can taste a bit of everything. Want to do more planning? Check out the menus in advance and choose what you’ll eat. Want a bit more time between stops? Each town has plenty of places to visit, explore, and wander around.