The Ultimate Barbecue Guide

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.

Updated: May 19, 2008

Set the Stage

For the optimum effect, mow the lawn one or two days before the party and decorate the yard with colored lights and tiki torches. Don't forget to borrow chairs from your neighbors and stock up on bug spray and other items you may not have on-hand.


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Lowe's

5510 S Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78745

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.


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Barbeques Galore

5601 Brodie Ln Ste 1200, Sunset Valley, TX 78745

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


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Home Depot

7900 N Fm 620, Austin, TX 78726

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.


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Pinata Party Palace

2023 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

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


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Party City Of Austin Inc

9333 Research Blvd Ste 100, Austin, TX 78759

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


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Premiere Party Central

11810 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78748

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


Get the Goods

Great BBQ starts with quality ingredients. Buy your meat, veggies and other supplies the day of your party to ensure freshness and buy a range of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) so everyone will find something they like.


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Quality Seafood Market

5621 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

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


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Central Market Cafe

4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

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


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Whole Foods Market

525 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703

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


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Faraday's Kitchen Store

1501 Ranch Road 620 N, Austin, TX 78734

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.


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GrapeVine Market

7938 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX 78757

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


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Whip In Beer & Wine

1950 S Ih 35, Austin, TX 78704

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.


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Farm To Market Grocery

1718 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

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


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Portabla

1200 W Sixth St, Austin, TX 78703

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


Easy Alternatives

Central Texas has some of the best BBQ restaurants in the country, so there's no shame in letting the pros do the cooking for you. To-go orders are convenient for picnics and trips to the lake.


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Eat Out In

11673 Jollyville Rd Ste 102, Austin, TX 78759

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.


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Iron Works Barbeque

100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

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


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The County Line on the Lake

5204 Fm 2222, Austin, TX 78731

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


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The Salt Lick

18300 FM Rd 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619

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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Lambert's Downtown Barbeque

401 W Second St, Austin, TX 78701

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


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Stubb's Jr. - Indoor Stage

801 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

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


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J Kellys Bar B Que

900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702

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.


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Black's Barbecue

215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644