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Ribs and Mac and Cheese in Austin

You know that a rib plate is only as good as the mac and cheese served alongside it.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pedro’s BBQ image 1
Pedro’s BBQ image 2
Pedro’s BBQ image 3
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Restaurant

Food truck setup offers plenty of seating surrounded by other trucks and buildings. Atmosphere stays cool and chill with music at a comfortable volume for conversation. Known for tender smoked brisket and excellent BBQ dishes, it draws a crowd looking for quality barbecue in a relaxed setting.

Ribs come out tender and flavorful with consistent quality. They pair well with sides like mac & cheese and beans, making for a solid BBQ meal.

Brisket mac and cheese bowls stand out with rich brisket and very cheesy sauce. The BBQ mac and cheese bowl pairs well with ribs and offers a hearty, flavorful dish.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is insanely tender and moist."

"The Mac and Cheese was creamy and just the right amount of cheesy."

"You have to try the ribs; they're so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available near the food truck.

2

Pedro’s BBQ offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

3

Reservations are not required, but expect busy times during weekends.

02
Brown's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Trailer-style barbecue spot with casual picnic table seating and a garage-style bar featuring local artwork and live music. Atmosphere blends lively, easygoing vibes with street noise from nearby traffic. Known for exceptional brisket and a no-frills, authentic barbecue experience.

Ribs come out juicy and almost fall off the bone with a perfectly sweet and greasy finish. The pork spare ribs stand out for their good texture and tender quality.

Rich and creamy texture makes the mac and cheese stand out as a favorite side dish. It pairs well with sausage, pork ribs, and brisket, enhancing the overall meal experience.

People are saying

"This American food is the best BBQ I've ever had."

"The brisket here is super tender and fatty."

"These ribs had perfect pull and great smoke flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

Expect long wait times if you arrive during peak hours.

3

They often sell out of popular items like chicken and turkey by evening.

03
Two Goose image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Outdoor seating surrounds a vintage trailer, creating a laid-back, family-friendly vibe with sun and shade options. The atmosphere suits casual breakfast or lunch with a fun, cool energy. Large portions and phenomenal prices complement the inviting setup.

Pork ribs have perfect texture and well-balanced seasoning. Corn ribs stand out as a unique and flavorful option. Brisket and beef rib also deliver solid, delicious meat quality.

Mac and cheese features a smoky flavor paired with a creamy texture that leans slightly richer than expected. It often accompanies dishes like smoked turkey and breakfast burritos.

People are saying

"The brisket here is the best American food I've ever had."

"I found the brisket breakfast burrito to be exceptional."

"The Mac and Cheese here is phenomenal and a must-have."

Good to know

1

Portions are large, with most meals priced around $10 each.

2

Parking is limited onsite, but there are ample options nearby.

3

The breakfast burrito is a popular choice, costing only $8.

04
Parish Barbecue image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor space features long picnic tables and a turf area for kids in a quiet, garden-like setting. Live music and an open-mic create a playful, neighborhood vibe with dog-friendly seating. Food service comes from a food truck, emphasizing casual, authentic barbecue without long waits.

Ribs fall off the bone with a good bark and stay tender and juicy. Variations like candy ribs offer a sweet twist alongside classic smoky flavors.

Rich and creamy with a Louisiana twist, the pimento mac and cheese stands out as a group favorite. It pairs well with other sides like crawfish dressing and potato salad, which also impress.

People are saying

"I loved the Louisiana flare on their delicious BBQ."

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and flavorful."

"The ribs here were the best I've ever had, so tender."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on popular items that sell out quickly.

2

Parish Barbecue operates from a food truck, not a traditional restaurant.

3

Expect outdoor seating with picnic tables and a kid-friendly area.

05
Good BBQ Company image 1

Outdoor seating features covered picnic tables, turf, and a large projection screen showing sports, creating a chill, welcoming vibe. The space feels calm and comfortable, suited for groups and casual gatherings. Positive energy fills the clean, visually appealing food truck park setting.

Ribs come tender and lean, pulling off the bone with ease. They have a nice glaze and stand out as generous and impressive alongside brisket and pulled pork.

Bacon and sausage add a rich twist to the mac and cheese. Sides like coleslaw and creamed corn complement the dish well.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and delicious."

"I found the pork ribs to be amazing."

"I thought the bacon mac and cheese was top notch."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy at the BBQ location.

2

There are no outrageous wait times during peak hours.

3

The menu is simple and easy to choose from.

06
Churchrow Tejas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with visible smokers and a spacious outdoor patio featuring a playground for kids and a fenced dog area. Warm, lively atmosphere with upbeat music and multiple TVs inside and outside for sports. Families and groups gather here for a chill hangout with strong, well-balanced cocktails.

Ribs have a very good flavor with a different taste compared to other BBQ spots. They offer a perfect tug and stand out alongside excellent brisket and sausage.

Brisket mac and cheese offers rich, cheesy comfort with a creamy texture that is not too heavy. The queso mac and cheese stands out as a flavorful, well-made side.

People are saying

"The brisket here is smoky, tender, and juicy."

"These ribs are the best I've ever had."

"The brisket mac and cheese is rich, cheesy comfort food."

Good to know

1

Parking is available at a nearby preschool on weekends.

2

A sliced BBQ sandwich and fries cost $19.20.

3

The Holyfield menu item is only available on weekends.

07
JNL Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Modest trailer setup offers top-tier barbecue with standout items like Al Pastor ribs and homemade bacon. Atmosphere includes smoking allowed at tables, creating a strong scent in the air. Popular spot draws a crowd seeking lowkey, high-quality BBQ without long lines.

Ribs come with a unique Al Pastor rub that gives them a distinct twist and exceptional flavor. They stay tender and pack a lot of taste, standing out as a must-try with a genius approach to barbecue.

Creamy texture stands out without being too heavy. Mac and cheese pairs well with BBQ ribs and pulled pork on meat plates.

People are saying

"The brisket and pulled pork sandwiches here are amazing."

"This brisket is so tender and smoky, I'd go out of my way for it."

"I thought their mac and cheese was creamy without overdoing it."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends due to nearby popularity.

2

Visitors should arrive early as food may run out by mid-afternoon.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals costing less than $20.

08
True Texas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Spacious barbecue restaurant with big TVs and wall plugs at every table creates a relaxed, bar-like atmosphere. Clean, modern design with open windows and plenty of seating supports both casual dining and working. The vibe stays quiet and comfortable, making it easy to focus or catch up on sports.

Ribs come meaty, hot, and cooked well with great taste. They stand out as some of the best, rivaling those from Austin and family pitmasters.

Mac and cheese here ranges from amazing to just okay. Staff sometimes offer to replace it if unavailable or not to your liking.

People are saying

"The Barbecue staff, especially Chris, are so helpful and friendly."

"These ribs are meaty, hot, and taste great."

"I thought the mac and cheese here was excellent."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7pm with no entry fee.

2

Expect a wait time of 30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

Parking is limited; arrive early to secure a spot.

09
Rollin Smoke BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Open-air barbecue spot with shared benches and plenty of HD TVs creates a lively, social environment. Music plays very loud, giving a club-like energy that can make conversation difficult. Outdoor seating and a food truck park add to the casual, fun vibe favored for watching sports.

Ribs come out tender and juicy with a delicious rub that stands out. They often outshine other meats like brisket and pair well with burnt ends and pulled pork.

Smoked flavor blends perfectly with cheesiness in the mac and cheese. Brisket and pork burnt ends add rich, meaty depth to this comfort food.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is super juicy and flavorful."

"You have to try the banana pudding; it's a must-try."

"These ribs are even better than the brisket."

Good to know

1

They sold out of the brisket by 5:30 PM on a Sunday.

2

90% of the menu was unavailable when I visited.

3

The wait time was over an hour.

10
Five Four Restaurant & Drafthouse- S Austin image 1

Upscale restaurant combines rock 'n' roll memorabilia with spacious seating and multiple big TV screens for sports viewing. Patio offers fire pit and retractable ceiling, creating a versatile outdoor space. Atmosphere blends fresh, clean design with a lively, slightly formal vibe.

Ribs come tender and fall off the bone easily. Sauce is served on the side, letting the meat's flavor stand out.

Big daddy mac and cheese features real bacon chunks, flavorful chicken, and a well-made cheese sauce. The mac and cheese side is decent but not remarkable.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and hot."

"The ribs here are so tender they fall off the bone."

"The Mac and Cheese had real bacon chunks and flavorful chicken."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 9 PM to close with $5 beers and $6 long islands.

2

Parking can be difficult; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, primarily high barstools.

11
Sam's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small, aged building with old-timey decor and a chill, homey atmosphere. Music plays loudly, creating an electric vibe that feels like visiting an old family friend. Connected daiquiri spot adds a unique bonus to the experience.

Ribs here are fall off the bone tender and meaty, with very little bone left. The pork ribs melt in your mouth and the rib sandwich is amazingly flavorful.

Plates come with double mac and cheese or a single side of mac n cheese that holds up well for takeout. The mac and cheese pairs with meats like sausage, chicken, brisket, and ribs, and appears alongside sides like baked beans and candy yams.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is so tender, the brisket and ribs fall off the bone."

"These ribs just melt in your mouth and fall off the bone."

"The brisket and ribs here are so tender, they fall off the bone."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $22.50 per pound for barbecue.

2

Parking is plentiful and available near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant has a casual atmosphere; no dress code is enforced.

12
LongHorn Steakhouse image 1

Cowboy country decor sets a Texan-themed mood with warm, intimate lighting that suits family meals. Atmosphere stays pleasant and welcoming, often quiet enough for conversation even when busy. Steaks generally come cooked to perfection, with some dishes praised for seasoning and flavor.

Baby back ribs come with a half rack option and pair well with sides like loaded baked potato and Texas fried okra. The pork ribs are consistently delicious and highly praised for their flavor.

Steak House mac & cheese serves as a full meal option. The lobster mac & cheese offers a different take but is just OK. Overall, the mac and cheese dishes are solid and sometimes underrated.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and fresh."

"These pork ribs were amazing and delicious."

"I think the Mac N Cheese here is so good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted at this restaurant.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

The parking lot can get crowded, especially on weekends.

13
Iron Works Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Historic iron works building creates a rustic ambiance with vintage decor and outdoor creek views. Atmosphere feels authentic and old-timey, with moderate music and a hot, muggy environment. Seating is limited to picnic benches, blending casual comfort with a sense of history.

Beef ribs stand out as the star, perfectly cooked and well-seasoned. The sauce complements the ribs, making them a delicious and memorable part of the meal.

Mac and cheese offers a balanced flavor, not too cheesy or overpowering. It comes as a solid side often paired with coleslaw and sometimes served for free.

People are saying

"You have to try the beef ribs; they're huge and a perfect 10."

"The beef ribs here are huge and a perfect 10/10."

"The Mac and Cheese here is outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Iron Works Barbecue closes at 9 pm.

2

Parking is difficult; consider finding a lot nearby.

3

Get there early to avoid long lines.

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