There’s no denying it: San Antonio is home to some pretty bangin’ barbecue. The city may not be the first one that comes to mind when imagining the self-proclaimed BBQ capital of America, but the Alamo City has its own unique take on smoked meats and succulent sides that will leave you licking your fingers. Whether you’re a local in search of a new favorite joint or are planning a trip to SA, this guide will help you find brisket heaven.
Founded in 2016 by two high school friends and business partners, 2M Smokehouse found the barbecue Goldilocks Zone with its combination of meaty and tender cuts, masterful technique, and dazzling sides. They’re so good that the duo has earned national recognition, including being named a James Beard Award semi-finalist. And the accolades are well deserved, with pitmasters Esaul Ramos and Joe Melig waving cords of oak like magic wands over brisket with museum-quality amber fat, candy-apple pork ribs, and a handmade sausage that stuffs serranos and Oaxaca cheese into one glorious casing.
The restaurant is a spacious and fun space that’s perfect for families, big groups, and people looking to kick back and relax. You can even watch the chefs at work behind the counter, which is a nice touch for those that want to see their food being prepared from scratch. But the best thing about Augie’s is the meat, which satisfies all your smoked meat cravings with its succulent and juicy beef brisket, pork butt, and chicken. It’s also a good idea to save room for their savory sides, which include their legendary Frito pie and a creamy potato salad with jalapeno cream corn.
When Anthony Bourdain visited the Alamo best bbq restaurants in San Antonio City, this spot was one of his first stops. It isn’t hard to understand why, with chef Jason Dady’s commitment to quality and excellence. The restaurant serves up classic Texas pit barbecue in a family atmosphere and is open for both dine-in and takeout, serving up brisket, chopped beef, pork butt, pork ribs, and chicken thighs.
It’s the kind of place that you could visit on a regular basis and never get bored, as their menu changes regularly to showcase seasonal specials and to keep their dishes fresh. Plus, the owners are super friendly and they’re committed to using sustainable practices whenever possible. If you’re a fan of pork, definitely check out their pulled pork sandwich or their Carolina-style pulled pork. And don’t forget to grab a pickle from their pickle bar. It will add just the right amount of crunch to your sandwich and give it a deliciously balanced flavor. A must-visit!