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Austin’s known for its vibrant, Texas barbecue scene. The only hard part is choosing just one when you’re in town for the 2018 NEXT Conference (Monday to Wednesday, Sept. 24-26.)
We’ve highlighted a few of our favorite spots, to help you pick one that will suit your tastes for slow-cooked BBQ and the right atmosphere, from funky trailers to historic downtown dining rooms.
Franklin Barbecue — Some consider this the best barbecue in town, which leads to impressively long lines (there’s also a small dining room). Anthony Bourdain said it was the best brisket he’d ever had, and its pitmaster Aaron Franklin won the 2015 James Beard Foundation award for best chef in the Southwest. You can see more about Franklin on his PBS BBQ show here . Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 a.m. until they’re sold out. 800 East 11th Street
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue – Lamberts makes its bones on upscale (self-described “fancy”) slow-smoked BBQ and modern Texas fare. There are featured local beers as well as craft cocktails, and the upstairs bar and lounge has live music daily. The restaurant’s downtown location in an historic brick building is just a minute walk from the Moody Theater at ACL Live, home of the NEXT conference. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch, Monday through Saturday. Dinner Sunday to Wednesday 5-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Weekend brunch is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 401 W. Second Street
La Barbecue – This BBQ joint was a trailer in a previous life, but now shares space with the Quickie Pickie, a neighborhood market with craft beer on tap and wine by the glass. La Barbecue is known for its beef brisket, pork, turkey and sausages, which cook on a “custom fabricated smoker using local, perfectly seasoned post oak.” You’ll find indoor seating and a patio, as well as murals by local artist Xavier Schipani. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. If you’re in a hurry, you can preorder online. 2027 East Cesar Chavez.
Micklethwait Craft Meats – Run by former baker Tom Micklethwait, this trailer with outdoor picnic tables features Texas-style BBQ and homemade sausages, bread, pickles and moonpies. The joint opened in 2012, is known for shorter lines than Franklin’s, and has been named one of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. “until it’s gone.” 1309 Rosewood Avenue
Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew – Sip on local brews on tap while you sample beef and pork ribs, among other smoked delights, at this locals’ favorite. Named after an 1800s railroad stop — and a nod to owner Shane Stiles — the restaurant is located in a retro art deco shopping center that was featured in the 1990s slacker film “Dazed and Confused.” They’re open Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. And Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 6610 N. Lamar Boulevard
For more information on conference registration, air travel and what to do and see in Austin, check out the NEXT Conference website or get updates on social media.
