Trying to search for the best barbecue restaurants in Austin? Here are the best this side of Texas, where not only the tastiest grilled and barbequed dishes are offered, but the most exciting dining ambiance as well. Let it be said – if BBQ is your craving, dine only at some of Austin’s finest.

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q

Stubb’s is an Austin restaurant where meat lovers can enjoy a night of fulfilling eats while having music on the side. It is a hangout of popular musical icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Johnny Case, John Lee Hooker, Robert Cray, and Willie Nelson. In fact, it is not a typical BBQ restaurant, but more of a music venue. Specialties are cooked using top-quality meat like beef, sausage, smoked brisket, chicken, and ribs. Stubb’s is an Austin barbeque pit that shouldn’t be missed out. (512-480-8341)

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que is a restaurant where meat is ordered by the pound, and where you have the choice of the best beef brisket, BBQ ribs, pork chop, chicken and sausages. They have sides that are the best to complement your main meal, like coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob. All barbecuing stuff are done outside the restaurant, and can be watched if you decide to get an outdoor table. (325-247-5713, 877-533-5553)

Sam’s Bar-B-Cue

Sam’s Bar-B-Cue is a major player in Austin’s BBQ market, which has been made possible because of its long dining hours and fantastically cooked meat. People from all walks of life enjoy the restaurant’s fares. Stevie Ray Vaughan, for instance, is a fan and has been a regular patron ever since. At Sam’s, you must try its specialty, which is a mixed platter of various meat. Popular choices are sausages, beef brisket, ribs, and chicken. It was awarded the best barbecue by local guests in the Austin Chronicle. (512-478-0378)

Kreuz Market

The deliciousness of Austin barbecue can be savored at Kreuz Market. In fact, you only have to rely on the intrinsic taste of the meat – absolutely, no sauce is necessary to bring out its flavor. So delectable is the Kreuz’s barbecue that BBQ connoisseurs agree in saying that the restaurant is one of the best places to go to in Austin. (512-398-2361)

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit at Burnet Road is always a busy place, being one of the most frequented BBQ restaurants this part of town. Started its first store in Texas, the business quickly grew and now boasts of many franchises throughout the country. You must order any of its three plate options, all at 14 dollars each. Barbeque meats are solidly-cooked and available in varieties, from which you can have two choices for your plate. A combo order includes rolls and pickles. Free ice cream is served upon request. (512-266-7859)

Iron Works BBQ

Started to serve way back in 1978, Iron Works is now a major Austin BBQ hit. The place occupies the building where Weigl Iron Works was located. The restaurant boasts of a patio where BBQs and beer can be had while spending long hours with friends. Meats are tasty and high quality, and complemented by sides that are equally delicious. Vegetarians can have their fill by dropping by at the salad bar. (512-478-4855, 800-669-3602)

Ruby’s

The restaurant is proud of its endless list of meat options for barbecue. Not only that, it also has a number of delicious side dishes that are perfect complements, like the potato salad, fries, baked beans, Cole slaw, mash, and tossed salads. Mouth-watering tacos and Cajun dishes are offered as well. It’s no wonder many Austin locals find themselves dining at this BBQ joint even during ordinary nights. (512-477-1651, 512-477-2529)

Salt Lick

Just outside Austin proper is Salt Lick, one of the most popular barbeque joints in the Texas State. Apart from serving fine meat choices, it also boasts of a homey laidback ambience that make BBQ dining more enjoyable. Specialties of the house are beef brisket, sausages, chicken, cobblers, and ribs. Cash, by the way, is necessary as credit card option is not available. (512-858-4959)

County Line Barbecue

No matter where you are at Austin, you’ll definitely pass by a Country Line Barbecue restaurant, which have about 10 locations all throughout. And like any other restaurants, expect to satisfy your hunger big time with its large servings – Texan style. It is advisable to go for the plate of combo, where quality meats can be enjoyed – chicken, brisket, and sausages. They all taste great because of the restaurant’s perfected smoking method. (512-327-1742)

Louie Mueller Barbecue

Despite many miles from the Austin proper, people still troop to Louie Mueller Barbecue for its smoked briskets, ribs, and jalapeno sausages. Just about everything is cooked perfectly over a pit. Large quantities are prepared throughout the day, with everything sold even before the store is closed. While the dining area is not exactly pristine, brought about by the years of smoking meats, it can be compensated by the most delicious dishes. In fact, in terms of BBQ quality, Louie Mueller belongs to the elite list of the world’s top 25. (512-352-6206)