The Ultimate Barbecue Guide

Updated: May 19, 2008

From backyard BBQ parties to smoky feasts in the Hill Country, we've got your ultimate guide to grilling and chilling in Austin this summer.

On this page:Set the Stage, Get the Goods, Easy Alternatives.

Set the Stage

  1. 1 Lowe's
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    5510 S I H 35, Austin, TX 78745 (map)

    This ubiquitous mega-mart offers a wide selection of Jenn-Air, Weber, PerfectFlame and Blue Rhino grills, plus self-service propane refills and cooking supplies.

  2. 2 2 Star Rating: Below Average Barbeques Galore
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    5601 Brodie Ln Ste 1200, Sunset Valley, TX 78745 (map)

    The national chain of all things barbecue stocks charcoal and gas grills, fryers, smokers, accessories and even BBQ cookbooks.

  3. 3 3 Star Rating: Average Premiere Party Central
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    11810 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748 (map)

    Covers the party spectrum with rentals, supplies and gifts for small gatherings, weddings and other special events where barbecue is often served.

  4. 4 3 Star Rating: Average Pinata Party Palace
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    2023 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702 (map)

    If you're serving Corona and Dos Equis at your BBQ fiesta, consider a pinata from this family-owned store on the East Side.

  5. 5 4 Star Rating: Recommended Party City Of Austin Inc
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    9333 Research Blvd Ste 100, Austin, TX 78759 (map)

    This party-planning emporium helps you decorate for a special occasion with themed paper plates, Mylar message balloons and other festive doodads and trinkets.

  6. 6 Home Depot
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    7900 N Fm 620, Austin, TX 78726 (map)

    Find grills, grill covers and accessories by Charmglow, Char-Broil, Weber and Blue Ember. Don't get caught short; take in your empty propane tank for a full one.

Get the Goods

  1. 7 3 Star Rating: Average Quality Seafood Market
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    5621 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751 (map)

    Wanna try flounder, blue crabs or shrimp on the barbie? Find grill-ready fresh seafood at this budget-friendly market.

  2. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Central Market
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    4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756 (map)

    Talk one-on-one with the butcher to select the cuts of meat you want, plus find veggies, supplies, drinks and more.

  3. 9 2 Star Rating: Below Average Whole Foods Market
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    525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703 (map)

    The country's first national certified organic market offers high-end meats, side dishes and other BBQ necessities.

  4. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Faraday's Kitchen Store
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    1501 Ranch Rd 620 N, Lakeway, TX 78734 (map)

    Find professional-grade cookware, BBQ tools, cutlery and kitchen gadgets. If you really want to impress your guests, register for a BBQ cooking class to perfect your skills.

  5. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended PN Liquor Store
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    3311 N. Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78705 (map)

    Family-owned and operated for nearly 50 years, this convenient shop offers beer, wine and champagne plus sodas and juices for mixers.

  6. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Whip In Beer & Wine
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    1950 S IH 35, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

    Find a great selection of beers to complement your food options, plus pick up last-minute groceries, cigars and other supplies you might need to satisfy your guests.

  7. 13 Farm To Market Grocery
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    1718 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704 (map)

    Think global and shop local at this specialty store offering gourmet goodies from local growers and producers.

  8. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Portabla
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    1200 W Sixth St, Austin, TX 78703 (map)

    Pick up food-to-go, scrumptious sides and other fixin's to turn your barbecue picnic into a gourmet feast.

  9. 15 4 Star Rating: Recommended GrapeVine Market
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    7938 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX 78757 (map)

    Shop for summer wines, imported beers, fancy side dishes and ready-to-eat meals at this gourmet wine and food store.

Easy Alternatives

  1. 16 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Eat Out In Delivery, Catering, & Event Planning
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    4131 Spicewood Springs, Austin, TX 78759 (map)

    Want to host a party but not up for the mess? This catering service delivers BBQ meals from County Line, Green Mesquite, Threadgill's and Texas Rib King.

  2. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended Iron Works Barbeque
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    100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

    This downtown meat purveyor specializes in tender smoked brisket that's Dubya-approved (he was a regular when he lived in Austin).

  3. 18 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended The County Line on the Lake
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    5204 FM 2222, Austin, TX 78731 (map)

    Texas-sized barbecue platters please the pickiest of brisket seekers at this classic Austin favorite on Lake Austin.

  4. 19 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Black's Barbecue
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    215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644 (map)

  5. 20 3.5 Star Rating: Average Lambert's Downtown BBQ
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    401 W Second St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

    Lou Lambert adds an upscale touch to BBQ with this fancy eatery in the bustling Second Street District. Live music on the weekends.

  6. 21 4 Star Rating: Recommended Stubb's Jr. - Indoor Stage
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    801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (map)

    Come to this Austin staple for melt-in-your-mouth brisket coupled with local and touring live music acts.

  7. 22 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended J Kellys Bar B Que
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    900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702 (map)

    Order rich, smoky pork ribs at the counter in this tiny white building on the corner of East 11th. It's perfect for a quick pick-up on your way to the park.

  8. 23 4 Star Rating: Recommended Salt Lick Bbq
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    18300 FM Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619 (map)

    It's worth the drive to Driftwood for amazing all-you-can-eat BBQ. Remember--it's BYOB, so don't feel shy about walking in with your cooler.

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