Known for its vibrant music scene, Austin, Texas is probably already on your bucket list if you’re a live music lover. But that’s not the only reason you should visit Austin – it’s also a great place to go if you’re a fan of the bold and smoky flavors of BBQ and Tex-Mex. 

Austin is literally filled to the brim with amazing BBQ and Tex-Mex joints. If you’re wondering which ones are worth checking out, keep reading for a list of some of our personal favorites.    

Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering
Austin, Texas

If you’re looking for “some of the best BBQ in Austin,” you really can’t afford to miss out on Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering. Yes, the name might give you pause for a second (named after pitmaster Tom Micklethwait, the eatery’s website points out that the ‘th’ is silent…), but, trust us, you’ll forget all about it after you take one bite of meat. “Delicious,” “so tender,” and “amazing,” Micklethwait’s BBQ is renowned in the area and loved by both locals and visitors alike.

Some patron favorites include the special taco (“unreal”), jalapeño grits and beet salad (“terrific”), banana pudding (“the perfect ending”), brisket, pork ribs, and pulled lamb (“each so good I can’t even rank them.”) The food is so good, there might be a bit of a wait, but you can grab a drink or snack while you wait next door – they sell sweet tea and hibiscus mint tea (free refills), nice and refreshing and cool during a hot summer day.

On top of all that, the staff is incredibly nice and prices are really reasonable. You can get two meat plates (with two sides) for only $17 and the rumor is that sometimes they give discounts to big families, so don’t forget to ask!

Check out Micklethwait Craft Meats BBQ & Catering’s menu in Austin, Texas here.

Tex Mex Joe’s
Austin, Texas

Time for a little Tex-Mex! Wondering how it differs from regular Mexican food? The prevalent use of beef instead of pork, which is what is typically used in authentic Mexican cuisine. And with that little tidbit of knowledge out of the way, let’s dive in and learn more about Tex Mex Joe’s in Austin, shall we?

Family-owned and more intimate than some of the bigger restaurants in the area, this is where you go when you want a cozy, inviting spot. And folks simply love the food, particularly the hot salsa (“like fire hot.”) They praise the tasty margaritas, nachos, breakfast tacos, pozole, mole, and more. So get going to Tex Mex Joe’s in Austin, sit on the patio with a drink in hand, relax, and enjoy some exceptional Tex-Mex – don’t wait!

View Tex Max Joe’s menu in Austin, Texas here.

Stiles Switch BBQ
Austin, Texas

In the mood for some amazing BBQ in an equally amazing atmosphere? Then Stiles Switch BBQ in Austin will be right up your alley. You’ll feel so welcomed the minute you walk into Stiles. The staff is “fast and friendly,” and the environment is often described as warm, fun, and lively. 

But we can’t forget the BBQ, now can we? One reviewer really sums it up when he says, “Wow!!!! Life changing. The $30 beef rib fell off the bone, came apart like shredded meat, and dissolved in my mouth. I can’t go anywhere else and ever be happy again. The brisket was incredible, beyond tender and tasteful, and the sides perfect. The oreo pudding cup for dessert was the best ending to the best BBQ meal I’ve ever had.” So there you have it! 

Stiles’s beer and cider selection is also known to be really solid, and people simply rave about the “nontraditional” sides, including the corn casserole (“like cornbread and sweet corn had a baby”) and brussel sprouts (“spot on!”) I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to sink my teeth into Stiles Switch BBQ’s tender, peppery, smoky brisket!

Find Stiles Switch BBQ’s menu in Austin, Texas here.

Papa Joe’s Tex-Mex
Austin, Texas  

Curious what Papa Joe’s Tex-Mex in Austin is like? Here you go: it’s grandma’s kitchen with some extra seating. Step through the doors and you’re back in grandma’s kitchen, complete with a sweet staff, a Mexican vibe, and authentic, home-cooked Tex-Mex comfort food. 

Check the hours before you make the drive, but no matter the time of day, you’re guaranteed delicious breakfast tacos and fast, friendly service. So stop on into Papa Joe’s Tex-Mex sometime soon for a quick bite of “simple, crispy” migas – we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Explore Papa Joe’s Tex-Mex’s menu in Austin, Texas here.

Rollin Smoke BBQ
Austin, Texas

This place has a million five-star reviews. Why? Let’s just say that Rollin Smoke BBQ’s moist and tender brisket, pulled pork, “flavorful” tacos, banana pudding, sausage, “absolutely delicious” smoked mac and cheese, and spicy slaw are mentioned many, many times in a very favorable way. The food at Rollin’s is simply out of this world. We’re talking mouth-watering meat and sides that adoring customers say are “impressive,” “perfect,” and “unique.” They even claim that the BBQ food truck might just be the “best kept Texas BBQ secret in Austin” – seeing all the pictures of meat slathered in BBQ sauce has us believing it might be true!

So let’s all hop in our cars and give Rollin Smoke BBQ a couple minutes of our time. We’re seriously only a drive away from some smoked barbacoa tacos served on a crispy tortilla with cheese and green salsa – what are we waiting for?!

Find Rollin Smoke BBQ’s menu in Austin, Texas here.