Best BBQ in/near Austin?

Hey Tony,

All four of these places have differences that make them unique and attract their own loyal fan base, but all are great and worth trying! You should definitely check out: 

-Franklins BBQ (long lines, go early in the morning, closes when sold out)

-Salt Lick BBQ (in the middle of nowhere, but best BBQ sauce in my opinion, also a winery nearby, $20 all you can eat)

-Rudy's (biggest chain, make sure to get the extra moist brisket and creamed corn)

-The County Line (have great platters, great ribs and sausage)

All four have differences that make them unique and attract their own loyal fan base, but all are great and worth trying!

If you don't mind drive a little bit, you should surely go Lockhart, TX.  It's so called the BBQ capital in TX.  Make sure go this Black's Barbecue in Lockhart: http://www.blacksbbq.com

I went there last year, it's so awesome.

Franklins BBQ in Austin is by far the best.  He opens at 11am but people start lining up around 8-830 and he's usually starts running out of meats by 1045 (yes, before he even opens due to the long line). You can avoid the line by ordering large quantities (whole or half brisket, rack of ribs, etc) for pick up and this is a great idea if you have enough people to help you eat it.

The original Salt Lick BBQ location is nice for the location and atmosphere but the bbq is just decent.  

Smitty's Market, Black's Barbecue and Kreuz Market in Lockhart in that order are all good.  Some people rave about Rudy's but I'm not a big fan.

If you're up for the drive, check out Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ in Llano, Texas.

Austin's most popular is probably Franklins BBQ. Get there early because lines can get long.

For a more upscale take on BBQ try Lambert's Downtown Barbecue.

I think it is safe to say Franklins BBQ is the most popular in Austin proper, and a must for their brisket. If you want to travel a bit, hit City Market in Luling and Smitty's Market in Lockhart.

Here is a little run down on the meats.

Franklins BBQ. I've taken out-of-town friends, and most of them demur about the three hour wait. But every single one of them agree it was worth the wait once they bite into the (moist) brisket.

Franklin Barbecue has the best brisket in the world, but it is not the only great BBQ in Austin. La Barbecue Cuisine Texicana, Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, and  John Mueller Meat Company are all outstanding, and all three are better than the more popular Salt Lick or Lambert's.

There's a food trailer in the courtyard behind The Buzz Mill off of Riverside called Blue Ox BBQ Truck. Nothing fancy - food is served on paper plates (as it should be!), but it's yummm.

Hands down...go to the Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, a few miles outside of Austin. It's the most famous BBQ place around the area and has all kinds of awards. Be warned, they only take cash. 

Rudy's in the City is also very good and fairly inexpensive. 

Salt Lick BBQ - hands down. It's in Driftwood, TX - just outside of South Austin.  And it's got a vineyard and winery there as well.

Salt Lick and Franklins BBQ

Franklins BBQ

You definitely have to eat at Franklin Barbecue.  The food is amazing.  As far as great Texas BBQ with a truly unique experience, make the trip to The Salt Lick!

In Austin proper, the place to go is Franklins BBQ. Be prepared to go early and wait in a long line. But it's worth it. Alternatively, a drive to Lockhart, TX is also a good idea. It's the BBQ capital of Texas.

The Salt Lick BBQ (in driftwood)

You will be so close to so many great places.  Half the experience is heading out to these little wonderful places and deciding for yourself who might be the best.  This should help start you off:  http://www.tmbbq.com ; http://www.texasmonthly.com/eat-my-words/list-top-50-barbecue-joints  Have fun!