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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in San Antonio

Authentic barbecue spots

A deep, smoky flavor profile is only satisfying when the barbecue is prepared with traditional methods.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Llaneros Grill Restaurant image 1
Llaneros Grill Restaurant image 2
Llaneros Grill Restaurant image 3
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Venezuelan restaurant

Open flame grilling sets a rustic tone with decor reflecting Venezuelan plains landscapes. Warm, welcoming atmosphere fills the space with cheerful energy and a sense of being at home. Tables often host families and friends, creating a lively, communal vibe.

Grilled picanha and ribs deliver a fresh, authentic flavor that tastes homemade. Venezuelan dishes come with outstanding, authentic flavors made with pride and care.

Carne en vara serves as the real BBQ here, offering tender BBQ meat with a fresh, delicious taste. Venezuelan style BBQ includes hand cheese and captures authentic flavors well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and perfectly cooked."

"I found the authentic Venezuelan food here to be amazing and flavorful."

"I tried the Venezuelan style Barbecue; it was the real deal."

Good to know

1

Expect a three-hour wait for the featured artist during busy events.

2

The restaurant hosts a Christmas Eve party in 2025.

3

Weekend evenings feature live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

02
La Monita Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, mom-and-pop Mexican spot offers authentic tamales and barbacoa with a clean, immaculate environment. Lines form early, especially on Sundays, but move quickly in this pickup-only setup. A lively vibe includes staff singing, adding a personal touch to the experience.

Homemade tamales stand out as the most authentic dish here. The Mexican food feels truly real and traditional, with service that supports the genuine experience.

Barbecue stands out with its rich flavor and tender texture. Tamales and chicharrones complement the meal, adding variety and crunch.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the tamales here; they're the best in town."

"These authentic tamales are homemade, soft, and full of filling."

"I thought the Barbecue here was the best."

Good to know

1

Expect a 45-minute to one-hour wait on Sundays due to high demand.

2

La Monita Tortilleria is a pickup-only place with no seating available.

3

Arrive early to avoid selling out of popular items.

03
RUSTY BUCKET JAWSMACKIN BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Industrial exterior opens to a small, cozy space filled with vintage Texas-themed decor and old-school country charm. The atmosphere feels authentic and family-oriented, with a smokey aroma that lingers inside and out. Large picnic tables encourage socializing, making it suitable for casual lunches and gatherings.

Generous portions deliver authentic Texas BBQ flavors with a smoky, delicious taste. The atmosphere feels genuine, packed with classic barbecue character.

Jaw-smacking BBQ delivers consistently with a delicious BBQ sauce and standout items like the Hogzilla pork BBQ. The BBQ sandwiches and overall flavors hold strong over many visits.

People are saying

"The food here is great, especially the sausage."

"I thought the barbecue here was the best I've had."

"I loved the authentic Texas BBQ flavors and tender brisket."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 7pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking is very limited, so arrive early or consider alternative options.

3

Prices for BBQ plates start around $20, excluding drinks.

04
YUMMY KITCHEN image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a cool, modernized atmosphere with elegant decor featuring slate walls and neon signs. The vibe stays calm yet energetic with a variety of music and self-service meat buffet that sets it apart from typical dining spots. Spacious seating includes big, comfortable seats enhancing the overall experience.

Every roll tastes fresh and authentic. Soup bases, especially the Szechuan Spicy, capture true flavors.

All-you-can-eat barbecue includes fresh meat served directly from the fridge, avoiding wait times. The Korean BBQ offers great portions with a nice variety of options alongside sushi.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very flavorful."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat barbecue with great portions."

"The soup bases and rolls here are so fresh and authentic."

Good to know

1

YUMMY KITCHEN runs a happy hour from 2-5 PM every day.

2

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30 per person during lunch.

3

You can pick your own meat and veggies from the self-service buffet.

05
Yippon Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers modern decor with warm colors and wood accents, creating a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes private spots, booths, and bar seating by a sushi station, accommodating groups and families. Music is smooth and chill, enhancing the clean and inviting environment.

Sushi and ramen show fresh and authentic flavors with a solid selection of ramen. The restaurant looks authentic but lacks options for noodle firmness or thickness and does not offer authentic seasonings or oils.

BBQ pork buns stand out as a flavorful appetizer. Other notable items include BBQ little sandwich and shrimp roll, all served fresh and packed with flavor.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, flavorful, and truly the soul of the dish."

"I found the ramen here to be so fresh and authentic."

"You have to try the BBQ pork buns; they're a definite appetizer recommendation."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

2

Prices for ramen dishes are generally under $20 per person.

3

Takeout orders are available with neat packaging to keep food warm.

06
Maui's on Main image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with island aesthetic and outdoor patio creates a welcoming, friendly atmosphere that feels like a Hawaiian vacation. Live Hawaiian music and good tunes add to the pleasant vibe. Seating includes indoor tables and picnic tables with fans and umbrellas for comfort.

Food here offers authentic Hawaiian flavors with fresh ingredients served in large portions. The menu includes local island dishes prepared with a genuine touch.

Hawaiian BBQ features boneless chicken served in a rice bowl and on a Sunday BBQ plate. The barbecue lunch plate offers a satisfying meal with authentic flavors.

People are saying

"These burgers are onolicious and broke my mouth with flavor."

"I found the authentic Hawaiian food here flavorful and fresh."

"I had the barbecue lunch plate and it exceeded my expectations."

Good to know

1

Poke is served only on Saturdays.

2

Parking is available in a small, cramped lot with poor paving.

3

They provide a military discount.

07
Kimโ€˜s Galbi image 1
Korean restaurant

Cozy Korean restaurant with authentic barbecue grills at each table creates an interactive dining experience. Low lighting and tasteful decor set a quiet, intimate atmosphere suitable for small groups or dates. Fresh, well-seasoned meats and in-house kimchi highlight the menu's genuine flavors.

Kim's Galbi serves authentic Korean BBQ with a delicious and genuine taste. The atmosphere feels like a traditional Korean restaurant with a slight American twist, and dishes like jajangmyeon come without any unpleasant odor.

All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue comes with six different sides like kimchi and Gochugaru cucumbers. Large two-portion grills serve enough for at least four people, paired with classic fixings such as romaine, garlic, and jalapeรฑos.

People are saying

"The food here tastes authentic and reminds me of home."

"The Korean BBQ here tastes so authentic and flavorful."

"The all-you-can-eat Korean Barbecue here is amazing."

Good to know

1

Lunch menu offers a large selection for just $13 from Tuesday to Friday, 11 am to 2:30 pm.

2

Expect to pay around $65 for a meal for three, excluding drinks.

3

An 18% tip is automatically added for parties of more than five.

08
Noodles and Dumplings image 1
Chinese restaurant

Open kitchen with glass wall showcases handmade noodles and dumplings, creating a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. The vibe is friendly and positive, with occasional loudness during busy hours and no background music. Kids often engage with dough samples, adding a unique interactive element.

Flavors capture authentic Asian cuisine reminiscent of Hawaii. Noodles and dumplings deliver high-quality, flavorful dishes that feel genuine and well-crafted.

Sweet and savory flavors stand out in the BBQ pork bao and crab Rangoon. The menu also features soup dumplings and chicken fried rice alongside the BBQ bao.

People are saying

"I found the colorful dumplings to be magnificent."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

"The Barbecue bao buns are soft, pillowy, and insanely good."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait time of about 20 minutes.

2

Hosts request payment through Cash App or Zelle at checkout.

3

All dumplings and noodles are made fresh in-house daily.

09
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Bright, inviting space with Islander reggae music sets a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. Dining area feels cozy yet roomy, often busy during lunch hours. Offers a slice of Hawaii through authentic flavors and generous portions.

Dishes deliver authentic Hawaiian flavors with a focus on traditional tastes. The Moco Loco with spam stands out as a flavorful example of genuine Hawaiian cuisine.

Barbecue options include beef, chicken, and short rib with a mix that feeds two people. The BBQ kalbi blends Hawaiian and Korean flavors, and the BBQ chicken and pork chop stand out in the Big Mix Plate.

People are saying

"The BBQ chicken plate was fantastic, especially with the Marconi salad."

"The BBQ beef and chicken plates were delicious and flavorful."

"I found the Hawaiian food here to be flavorful and authentic."

Good to know

1

Expect a long wait during lunch hours, especially on weekdays.

2

The restaurant has a significant issue with flies inside the dining area.

3

Food portions are smaller than they used to be, despite high prices.

10
One Pocha image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant offers private karaoke rooms with YouTube-connected screens and direct food and drink service. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and calming in dining areas to vibrant and lively in karaoke spaces. Small, sometimes cramped space fills with groups enjoying Korean BBQ and soju during busy nights.

Offers very authentic Korean BBQ with a fantastic taste. Features one of the most authentic Asian karaoke environments seen in the US.

Offers authentic Korean BBQ with all you can eat options. Combines barbecue and karaoke for a lively experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, and the karaoke is great."

"I found the Korean Barbecue here to be so delicious and addicting."

"I thought the Korean BBQ here was very authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is available for private groups, making it a fun spot for celebrations.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The buffet prices are $13.99 and $19.99, depending on the selection.

11
Texan Sizzle image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hole-in-the-wall diner with a cozy atmosphere and pleasant background music. The space fills quickly, featuring a handful of small tables inside and some outdoor seating. The vibe is friendly and homey, focusing on quality food rather than elaborate decor.

Homemade dishes deliver authentic Tex Mex flavors with genuine warmth. Meals feel non-touristy and support a small business at a great price.

Barbecue here features greasy Texas style with a spicy barbecue sauce. Brisket tacos blend barbecue flavor and heat while the Texas Bacon BBQ Melt arrives quickly.

People are saying

"This sandwich was delicious, with tasty and juicy meat."

"The brisket tacos are the best barbecue tacos I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be authentic and homemade."

Good to know

1

There is no parking available, so visitors will need to walk.

2

The location is small, with only a couple of indoor tables and very limited street parking.

3

The breakfast portions are unexpectedly large.

12
Ilsong Garden image 1
Korean restaurant

Korean restaurant with an old school Korean and mom and pop atmosphere offers a quiet, peaceful vibe with K-pop music subtly playing in the background. Unlimited self-serve banchan station complements clean, pleasant dining tables. The space feels homely with beautiful plants and occasional big screen TVs.

Food offers authentic Korean flavors with a good level of spiciness. Barbecue dishes stand out as close to what you'd find in Korea.

Offers authentic Korean barbecue with an all-you-can-eat option. The barbecue pork belly stands out as better than most in the area. Also serves Chinese barbecue that is decent for the region.

People are saying

"The Korean food banchan here is amazing, especially the cucumber kimchi."

"I found the food here to be authentic and spicy enough."

"I loved the all-you-can-eat Korean Barbecue here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 1:30 a.m. on weekends.

2

A service fee applies for groups larger than six.

3

Free banchan is included with every entrรฉe ordered.

13
JPOT image 1
Asian restaurant

Open flame grill and spacious booths create a modern, comfortable setting with Japanese decor. Sauce bar and music curated by management add interactive and lively touches. Atmosphere feels fun and inviting, suitable for various occasions.

Rice here is truly authentic Japanese style. The whole spot gives off very authentic vibes and feels genuine throughout.

Offers a fantastic variety of options for both hot pot and Korean BBQ. Includes appetizers and desserts alongside the main dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

"The barbecue grill was so cold, it took ages to cook anything."

"The service here is attentive and warm."

Good to know

1

Kids under 7 eat for free during certain visits.

2

The restaurant offers a limited-time free kids' meal deal.

3

The 2 for 1 Happy Hour is available at JPOT.

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San Antonio, Texas

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