Sebastian Hernandez Soihit, Amigo Walking Tours

We know you wanna place that order, and we can't blame you! But knowing a few things about Texas Barbecue before you order is a must. Not all BBQs are created equal: we are known today for its various styles of barbecue. How you prepare BBQ is critical to the end result, so here's what you gotta know:

• East Texas BBQ is all about being smoky, saucy, and incredibly tender—we’re talking fall-off-the-bone kind of tender.

• On the other hand, West Texas BBQ takes a different approach. They don’t slow-smoke their meat like in East Texas, but instead, they cook it faster over open mesquite wood fires for a bolder flavor.

• Meanwhile, South Texas BBQ brings something special with banana leaf-wrapped meats and spicier, more vibrant flavors. Expect juicy, rich cuts that reflect the deep influence of Mexican cuisine.

• Lastly we have the subject of this article: San Antonio Barbecue! which means we mostly talk classic, lightly seasoned Central Texas BBQ.

Texans have never been strangers to meats! Native Americans, Spanish settlers, and African Americans were pros at cooking meats over open flames. We owe it, however, to the Germans and Czechs who settled in the mid-19th century for our understanding of the art of simple seasoning and post-oak smoking.

Since refrigeration was not an option at the time, butchers would smoke unsold meat to preserve it longer without spoiling. As these leftovers became popular, meat markets began specializing in smoked meats—paving the way for the Texas BBQ scene we know and love today.

Here are some of our top picks.

Now that you know a little bit about what makes Texas BBQ, let's look at some of the stars of BBQ here in San Antonio!

Pinkerton BBQ: Grant Pinkerton discovered his passion for barbecue while hosting cookouts with friends during his college years at UT Austin. With no formal training, he proved that being self-taught can take you a long way!

Though his first restaurant opened in Houston, he later expanded to downtown San Antonio with a location on Houston Street. His meats are slow-smoked over a mix of Texas post oak and mesquite, creating a rich, bold flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Reese Bros: Just minutes from the Alamodome, you’ll find one of San Antonio’s most respected BBQ spots. Specializing in Central Texas-style barbecue with a Mexican twist, this family-owned gem offers an authentic, all-outdoor dining experience packed with bold flavors. Their focused menu makes ordering easy, so you can spend less time deciding and more time enjoying your meal.

Two Bros BBQ Market: If you’re craving top-tier barbecue, Two Bros. BBQ Market is the place to be. Founded in 2009 by the Dady brothers, this nationally recognized spot has built a reputation for its uniquely prepared, award-winning BBQ.

Be mindful of the unspoken golden rule- when it’s gone, it’s gone! That’s just how it works. So, do yourself a favor: come early, come hungry, and get ready to dig in. With a little bit of everything on the menu, you won’t leave disappointed.

2M Steakhouse: What happens when you pair up two high school friends with a love for BBQ and the ambition of building a business without any investors or big sponsors? You get a smokehouse built and conditioned for you by the hands of the owners! The only impressive thing about this place isn't its illustrious history but its selection of house sausages, brisket, and family entertainment options!

Blanco BBQ :Looking for a country setting, live music, and an outdoor playground for the kids? How about breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one spot? Blanco BBQ has it all! This spacious, barn-like restaurant, with its dim lighting and rustic charm, offers not only a stunning atmosphere but also an impressive selection of cuts and menu options that are sure to satisfy everyone.

Extras.

You know what the best part about small towns is? The food. These hidden gems may not be right in downtown San Antonio, but if you're exploring the surrounding areas, these are must-visit spots!:

Burnt Bean.Co: Located in Seguin, this place's bold mission when it opened its doors was pretty straightforward: to make the best BBQ in Texas. Renowned for its award-winning reputation, this place's flavors and reputation speak for themselves.

After all, a restaurant that can confidently serve a barbecue sandwich with concha bread absolutely knows what they are doing.

Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que: With its origins in the small town of Llano, this restaurant likes to keep things simple and season their cuts just enough for their natural flavors shine- but you will learn that for yourself: they serve you everything straight from the pit before your very eyes!

Once a small family-owned restaurant, this spot now features 5 different locations in Texas! Indeed Coopers' BBQ stands out for its warm hospitality, laid back atmosphere, and massive selection of delicious sides— both sweet and savory!

Harmon's BBQ: Located in Cibolo, this spot offers great food and a great story. Local BBQ enthusiast Ray Harmon started out with nothing but a truck and a roadside spot, serving up barbecue to anyone who stopped by.

With the support of his family, he would perfect his recipes right in his own kitchen before taking them on the road. Today, his dream has grown into a brick-and-mortar restaurant where every meal feels like home—whether you’re dining in or grabbing food to go, you’ll get a true Texas barbecue experience made with heart.

Takeaway: have napkins ready!

After indulging in some of the best barbecue San Antonio has to offer, why not walk it off while discovering more of what makes this city so special?

From historic landmarks to hidden local gems, a free walking tour with Amigo Walking Tours is the perfect way to round out your visit, check us out at our website!