Smokin’ Good Eats: Where to Find the Best BBQ in San Antonio for 2025

By Sara Branstetter | May 16, 2025

122 Shares

The San Antonio BBQ scene is straight-up legendary—and it even includes a heavyweight title of “America’s Best BBQ City,” beating out other big dogs like Austin and Kansas City. Locals have always known the truth: we take our smoked meats seriously. With national awards and accolades to back it up, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the city’s top barbecue joints.

From tender brisket to sides that could steal the show, these eight restaurants represent the best of the best. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just passing through, you owe it to yourself to taste why San Antonio wears the BBQ crown.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Branstetter has called San Antonio, TX home for the last 20 years. She’s a wife of a veteran, mom of four, and a cuddler of the world's best dog. The army brought her family to San Antonio years ago, and the city, its culture, and its food have kept her here.

San Antonio’s Best BBQ Spots

2M Smokehouse

If you can only hit one BBQ spot in San Antonio, make it 2M Smokehouse. Since opening in 2016, it’s earned national acclaim—including two James Beard Award semi-finalist nods—and lives up to every bit of the hype.

Their brisket, priced at $32/lb., is peppery, smoky, and melt-in-your-mouth tender—pitmaster Esaul Ramos Jr. clearly has a gift. Don’t sleep on the pork links with serrano peppers and Oaxaca cheese either, or the standout sides like chicharoni macaroni and Maria’s ranchero beans.

2M is open Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 4pm (or until sold out), and yes, the line is worth it—this is BBQ royalty.

*Breaking News* - 2M will soon be adding its talents to the Terminal B food concessions lineup at the San Antonio International Airport. Make sure and save a little time on your layover to grab some brisket. If you do, it will be the best layover you will ever have.

WEBSITE | 2731 S WW White Rd, San Antonio, TX 78222

Reese Bros Barbecue

Reese Bros Barbecue has quickly become a San Antonio BBQ star, earning a spot on Bon Appétit’s 2022 list of Best New Restaurants—and for good reason. Brothers Nick and Elliott Reese started with just a smoker and a tent and have grown into a beloved brick-and-mortar thanks to their next-level food.

Their oak-smoked brisket melts in your mouth, the queso fundido sausage packs a cheesy, spicy punch, and the poblano mac and cheese might just be the BEST Mac and cheese you’ve ever had.

Don’t skip the smoked turkey, okra, pinto beans, or homemade tortillas either—it’s all ridiculously good.

They’re open Thursday through Sunday from 11am until sellout, and lines start forming early, so plan ahead. Parking is across the street near the Ramos and Del Cueto law firm, or on nearby residential streets.

WEBSITE | 906 Hoefgen Ave, San Antonio, TX 78210

Curry Boys BBQ

Curry Boys BBQ is redefining San Antonio BBQ with a bold, flavorful twist that’s earned them a 2023 James Beard semi-finalist nod and features on Hulu’s BBQuest and PBS’s Planet BBQ.

Their genius lies in blending classic smoked meats with Southeast Asian flavors—think smoky brisket over jasmine rice, topped with crispy garlic and tangy chili sauce.

The result? Barbecue bowls that are anything but traditional and completely unforgettable. Standouts like the Brisket Smoke Show and Cold Chili Garlic Noodles are packed with flavor and prove why Curry Boys is a local favorite.

Curry Boys can now be enjoyed in two locations: on the St. Mary's strip in their bright pink building, or in their new location in Stone Oak.

WEBSITE | 536 E Courtland Place, San Antonio, TX 78212

Pinkerton’s Barbecue

Pinkerton’s BBQ brings its Houston-born, slow-smoked excellence to the downtown San Antonio BBQ scene, and it’s every bit as mouthwatering as the original.

The brisket is tender and boldly flavorful—you don’t need sauce, but their sweet-and-tangy house blend is worth trying. Don’t miss the glazed pork ribs or the jalapeño cheese sausage, stuffed with gooey, melty chunks of cheese.

Brisket at Pinkerton's BBQ in San Antonio

Classic sides like creamy potato salad, crunchy slaw, and the standout duck and sausage jambalaya round out the experience.

What really sets this spot apart is the cozy, country-style ambiance—set on the edge of Legacy Park, with a welcoming porch, Texas tunes, and a family-friendly vibe.

Parking is available nearby with validation, so check their website before you go.

WEBSITE | 107 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205

Garcia’s Mexican Food

Garcia’s Mexican Food may not be a traditional San Antonio BBQ joint, but their brisket tacos are legendary—and even earned a spot on The New York Times’ list of the best dishes in America for 2023.

Open since 1962, this family-run spot continues to serve up smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket in fresh, homemade flour tortillas, topped with creamy guacamole. The brisket is smoked in-house daily, and you can also get it in sandwich form or by the pound.

No sausage or mac and cheese here—but don’t skip the carne guisada with cheese, which is just as crave-worthy.

Garcia’s blends classic Tex-Mex with BBQ magic, making it a must-visit in the San Antonio’s food scene and one of the best restaurants in San Antonio overall.

WEBSITE | 842 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78201

Two Bros BBQ Market

BBQ plate at Two Bros BBQ in San Antonio

Two Bros BBQ Market has been a staple on San Antonio’s north side since 2009, thanks to chef Jason Dady and his brother Jake. With accolades like a spot on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in the World and a feature on Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations, it’s clear these guys know their ‘cue.

The cherry-glazed baby back ribs are a absolute standout—tender, salty, and kissed with a sweet-tart finish. The menu also includes brisket, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and sides like bacon-wrapped, cream cheese–stuffed jalapeños that are pure smoky indulgence.

Open seven days a week, Two Bros offers both indoor seating and a spacious, shaded patio with a playscape, making it a perfect family-friendly BBQ stop.

WEBSITE | 12656 West Ave, San Antonio, TX 78216

The Big Bib BBQ

The Big Bib BBQ started as a one-man operation in 2000 and has grown into a local favorite with a San Antonio location and a newer location in New Braunfels, thanks to its award-winning barbecue and friendly service.

Known for multiple WOAI Blue Plate Awards, The Big Bib serves up solid BBQ staples like sizzling brisket, juicy chicken, smoked turkey, and jalapeño sausage. Sides like sweet potato casserole and turkey meat collard greens round out the menu beautifully.

You can order meats by the pound or as a plate with two sides, depending on your appetite.

The main location is open Tuesday to Sunday, and lines form early—so arrive before opening or come after the lunch rush to skip the wait.

WEBSITE | 104 Lanark Dr, San Antonio, TX 78218

The Barbecue Station

The Barbecue Station, a beloved San Antonio BBQ staple since 1992, is the kind of place where regulars are known by name and orders often start before they're even spoken. And, as of 2024, it’s proudly a Michelin recommended restaurant, adding to its long list of Express News Reader’s Choice Awards.

Brisket and ribs at Barbecue Station in San Antonio

This friendly neighborhood joint offers a larger menu than typical BBQ spots, featuring meats by the pound, plates, combos, and sandwiches. For the best experience, try a combo plate with two meats and sides like creamed corn or jalapeño mac and cheese. Their brisket and pork ribs stand out—especially the marbled brisket, which is fattier and juicier.

Just note, the meats lean a bit salty, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your sodium.

WEBSITE | 1610 NE Interstate 410 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78209

Honorable Mention: The Smoke Shack

The Smoke Shack might not top our list of the best BBQ in San Antonio, but it’s a notable spot in the local scene with a loyal following. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, it’s famous for over-the-top dishes like “The Big Mac Daddy,” a massive plate piled high with brisket, ribs, sausage, and mac n cheese—perfect for your next Instagram reel.

While their meat just can't quite compare to the melt-in-your-mouth standards of SA BBQ giants like 2M or Reese Bros, the Smoke Shack shines with creative, photo-worthy dishes like their Frito pie, brisket grilled cheese, and loaded Mac n Cheese. Plus, they offer convenient catering. So, if you want classic BBQ meats dressed up with gooey, crunchy, and tangy toppings (and plenty of foodie pics), the Smoke Shack is worth a visit.

WEBSITE | 3714 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209