There’s really no doubt that barbecue is best served in the greatest place on Earth – the Texas Hill Country, of course!
It would take lots and lots of road trips to be able to sample some from every single restaurant serving up the smoky, juicy good stuff, but that’s a challenge I’d be willing to take!
Now, getting started on a quest to sample and savor the Hill Country’s finest in barbecue cuisine might seem a little daunting – which it is, what with hundreds of places to choose from!
I suggest coming up with a Barbecue Bucket List; one that’s probably a little bit tastier than your run-of-mill skydiving and mountain climbing list.
Following is a list that is a great start to the Barbecue Bucket List – a list that will take you through the Hill Country on a quest to sample what is arguably the best in the world.
Now, this is not a complete listing of ALL the barbecue places in the Hill Country – we’d be here all day! But it’ll get you rolling.
And now! To the good stuff!
• Opie’s Barbeque Restaurant
9504 Texas 71, Spicewood, TX 78669
830-693-8660
Opiesbarbecue.com
Family owned and operated, Opie’s Barbecue Restaurant has been serving some of the best barbecue in the state since 1999.
Opie’s, known for its brisket and ribs, has been named to the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ joints list three times – an honor not held by many.
People who frequent the out-of-the-way joint rave about the service, the meat and the sides.
They serve the usual – brisket, sausage, baby back ribs, pork ribs, pork chops, chicken and more. Their meats rival, and beat – according to visitors – any of the big name barbecue places in Texas.
Time and time again, people return for the big flavor and the great service.
Remember we said people rave about the sides? Opie’s is almost as revered for their Tator Tot Casserole as they are for their beef, and oh…the blackberry cobbler! It could very well be the best in the state!
Next time you find yourself on a weekend drive near Spicewood, you should probably pop in. Go early – due to their popularity, they sometimes run out in the evening.
Let us know what you think!
• Cranky Frank’s Barbecue
1679 US-87, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-2353
While Fredericksburg is well-known for its bustling downtown shops and restaurants, just a little less than two miles away is local – and visitor – favorite, Cranky Franks.
Opened in 2003, people make the trek to this Top 50 finalist of Texas Monthly’s famous list of great barbecue places in order to grub on juicy brisket, pork ribs, and chicken.
The sides are all-you-can-eat goodness, and include pinto beans, potato salad, green beans, whole-kernel corn, and coleslaw.
You’ll want to get there early; they are only open from 11am-3pm Tuesday through Sunday, and when the meats gone, the doors close.
Check out this Texan treat making waves in the popular German town of Fredericksburg. You won’t be disappointed!
• Ronnie’s Ice House Barbeque
211 US-281, Johnson City, Texas 78636
830-868-7553
Located in the hometown of our 36th President, Lyndon B Johnson, Ronnie’s has been serving up satisfying barbecue for as long as anyone can remember.
Located on Hwy 281, the site was once a convenience store, but has since transformed into one of the most popular eating spots in the area.
Every morning, Ronnie and his crew begin the process of preparing the pits and the meat for the day’s business.
Unlike a lot of barbecue places, Ronnie’s starts serving with breakfast at 6am. Food is available until they run out or 3pm. It’s recommended that you come early to make sure you get what you want, though.
The Day Tripper, Chet Garner, frequented the local hot spot on his trip to this popular little town, and you should too.
• Old 300 BBQ
318 4th Street, Blanco, Texas 78606
830-833-1227
While Old 300 is relatively new to the Hill Country – it opened its doors in 2013, the pitmaster, Ladd Pepper has been perfecting his barbecuing techniques for quite some time.
Pepper grew up in Blanco, but it was when he was away at Texas A&M that he began learning all about how to ‘do’ barbecue. Ever since, he’s had a burning passion for the trade.
That passion is evident in the barbecue currently being served up in the small restaurant on the square in the tiny town of Blanco.
Customers love the brisket and the ambiance of the eatery.
Like any good barbecue place worth its weight in ribs, you have to arrive early or else you could miss out on your favorites.
Plan a trip to this quiet small town just about an hour from both San Antonio and Austin and drop in and see what Ladd’s cooked up!
• Salt Lick BBQ
18300 Farm to Market Rd 1826, Driftwood, Texas 78619
512-858-4959
Saltlickbbq.com
Perhaps one of the most well-known places to get real Texas barbecue, The Salt Lick in Driftwood has been delivering the heavenly meat since 1967. On the cusp of their 50th Anniversary, the barbecue giant is still cranking out some the best tasting barbecue you’ll find.
Built on the family’s ranch, The Salt Lick was started by Thurman and Hisako Roberts, who were looking for a way to stay in Driftwood, where Thurman’s grandparents set up their home.
To this day, meat is still cooked over an open pit, built out of locally-quarried limestone. Over the years, the grounds have expanded to accommodate the thousands of patrons who come in droves to get a taste of the legendary barbecue.
Long wait times are to be expected, but are well worth it.
Unusual but good to know – it’s cash only and BYOB.
Make plans today to make the trek to Driftwood and become a part of the story of this historic and beloved family restaurant.
• Bill’s Bar-B-Que
1909 Junction Highway, Kerrville, Texas78028
830-895-5733
Billsbbq.net
For more than thirty years, Bill’s has been serving up authentic barbecue, and as the oldest barbecue joint in Kerrville, they are plenty seasoned.
Using fresh Texas meat, this family owned restaurant has amassed quite a following over the years, and dedicated fans are quick to rave over the atmosphere and most importantly, the simply great food.
Family friendly, generous portions, and not a bad choice on the menu make this one stop you have to schedule on your next day trip.
Save some room – they have homemade pie on the menu to round it all out.
• Cooper’s Pit Bar-B-Que
604 W Young St, Llano, Texas 78643
325-247-5713
Coopersbbqllano.com
Oh, the sweet, sweet smell of barbecue smoking away on old-school gigantic barbecue pits.
Waiting is the hardest part. Trying to decide which of the smorgasbord of meats to claim for dinner usually comes down to a split second decision made as you come face to face with the man who holds the knife and fork poised just above the bounty that will soon be yours.
There are no bad choices here. Cooper’s has made every ‘Best of’ barbecue list you can think of, including being named one of the best 50 every time Texas Monthly publishes the much-anticipated list.
Other locations have opened, including one in New Braunfels and most recently in Austin, but Llano offers the original ambiance.
Once you’ve selected your meat, make your way inside where they will slice your selection while you try and turn down the traditional tasty sides and glorious fruit cobblers – apple, peach or blackberry.
Beans are free and some of the best around.
By the time you’ve stuffed yourself silly and rolled out to your car to head home, you’ll be planning your next trip…already deciding what you’re going to try next.
• Laird’s Barbeque & Catering
1600 Ford Street, Llano, Texas 78643
325-247-5234
Open just three days a week, this small barbecue place is family owned and operated, and is the place where locals go to eat after church on Sunday.
In addition to great barbecue and excellent sauce, Laird’s serves the best steak in town.
Eating at Laird’s is like coming home. Run out of a former home, family meals are not rushed, and the food is meant to be savored.
Ken Laird, owner and pit master, has been perfecting his technique for years.
You definitely don’t want to miss trying out this gem. It’s one of the best.
• Hart’s Firehouse BBQ
1799 US-281, Lampasas, TX 76550
512-556-8787
Located in the beautiful town of Lampasas, Hart’s Firehouse BBQ has been cooking up dee-licious barbecue since 1947.
Located where US Hwy 281 meets US Hwy 190, this tasty venue is close enough to drop in for a lunch of ribs and brisket.
Lots of chatter about the fantastic portion sizes and perfectly-done brisket! People also love their ribs and sausage. Make sure and save a little room! They have peach cobbler that is to die for! Seriously folks. There’s not much else that goes as good with real Texas barbecue as peach cobbler a la mode!
Come visit the folks at Hart’s – enjoy seating both indoors and out, fill your belly, and enjoy the scenery.
• Holy Smokes BBQ
2704 Commerce St, Marble Falls, TX 78654
830-201-4145
Holysmokesbbqandcateringtx.com
There’s a place serving up meat so tender, that their slogan is ‘No Teeth Required’. Folks. That’s a pretty bold statement to make, but in this case, it’s pretty accurate.
A local favorite, Holy Smokes has been mastering their techniques for over twenty-five years, slow-cooking barbecue to perfection.
With something for everyone on the menu, there’s really no way to go wrong – but make sure you get there early! Good meat goes fast!
• Sid’s Main Street BBQ
702 Main Street, Bandera, TX 78003
830-796-4227
Sidsmainstreetbbq.com
Situated in an old service station, Sid’s Main Street BBQ has been bringing traditional, great tasting barbecue to Bandera for over five years. Owners Sidney Gibson and his son Brick aren’t new to the culinary world; they also own Brick’s River Café, a Bandera staple since 2006.
The duo offers up barbecue that is lean and moist and sides that are made up from scratch every day. The only debate among those who frequent this establishment is what the favorite meat and side is!
They’ve been voted best barbecue in Bandera for a reason; they offer up some of the et chopped brisket, pulled pork and baby back ribs you’ll find.
Be prepared to make several trips; there’s no way you can try all the goodness that is offered in just one!
• Fritze’s BBQ & Catering
926 N Main Street, Boerne, TX 78006
830-331-9903
Fritzesbbq.com
This local favorite offers tender, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, so it’s no wonder that locals love it.
Almost ten years ago, David Fritze opened his dream restaurant, and began sharing his love of food with everyone. Fritze perfected his techniques over the course of his thirty-years in the culinary world.
Fritze’s combines the tradition of Texas barbecue with down home favorites for a dining experience that rivals any barbecue joint.
One thing Fritze’s does that is unique is offer the ‘Lunch Box’, their way of offering the option of a healthy lunch for businesses in the area. With nine ‘boxes’ to choose from, there is definitely something for everyone.
Stop in and experience this truly Texan eatery the next time you’re in Boerne!
