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Barbecue and Mexican food in San Antonio

A meal that balances authentic barbecue with Mexican staples without compromising the integrity of either.

Based on 838 Opinions
+835
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Updated May 2026
01
Reese Bros Barbecue image 1
Reese Bros Barbecue image 2
Reese Bros Barbecue image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Outdoor barbecue spot offers covered seating with a backyard patio vibe and friendly service. The atmosphere is clean and inviting, featuring TVs and a small bar with affordable Lone Star beers and flavorful margaritas. Conversations and music create a relaxed, social energy throughout the space.

Texas-style barbecue stands out with rich, smoky flavors and tender meats. Sides complement the authentic American barbecue experience, making it a solid choice for barbecue lovers.

Queso infused sausage and homemade tortillas stand out with their unique flavors and freshness. The brisket torta and orange salsa offer a tasty balance without too much spice.

People are saying

"This American food is some of the best barbecue I've ever had."

"I thought the Barbecue here was some of the best I've ever had."

"The brisket and carnitas in their Mexican Food fusion dishes are so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines; they often sell out by early afternoon.

2

Parking is available in a large dirt lot behind the restaurant.

3

All drinks are ordered at the bar, which can lead to long wait times.

02
Rock Quarry Bar-B-Que image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot with laid-back vibe and plenty of overhead cover offers generous portions at affordable prices. The setting feels like home on a busy street with tables and chairs ready for quick lunches or family dinners. The atmosphere stays relaxed while serving flavorful, expertly smoked meats.

Brisket stands out with its terrific flavor and authentic Texas style. The barbecue features excellent sauce and consistently delivers amazing taste that draws people from far away.

Brisket tacos come with a rich sauce and fresh pico de gallo. Their elote also stands out as very good.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the authentic Texas Barbecue here."

"The jalapeรฑo Mac and Cheese has a nice, spicy kick."

"The brisket tacos here are awesome with their sauce and pico de gallo."

Good to know

1

Every third Friday of the month, a food truck is at the Walmart parking lot off De Zavala and I-10.

2

The food truck offers a 2-meat plate with two sides for $12.

3

Prices for food are generally affordable, with good value for the quality.

03
Pepe's Barbacoa #4- Bandera Rd. (cash only) image 1

Barbacoa spot with cash-only policy and carry-out service features a simple setup with a screen door and a large fan inside. Loud borracha music plays outside, creating a lively atmosphere. Known for smoked barbacoa that is flavorful, lean, and highly sought after, often selling out early.

Barbecue here is delicious and often called the best in Texas. It stands out enough to be a go-to when other spots are closed.

Smoked barbacoa stands out with its rich flavor and minimal grease. It comes in regular and chunky options and is available on the first Sunday of each month.

People are saying

"I found the barbacoa here to be the best I've had in years."

"It's family owned and the staff is super friendly."

"I thought their Barbecue was the best in Texas."

Good to know

1

Pepe's Barbacoa only accepts cash; no credit cards or checks.

2

The place is carry-out only with no dine-in option.

3

Smoked barbacoa is available only on the first Sunday of each month.

04
Pepe's Barbacoa image 1
Tamale shop

Small take-out spot with a family-owned and homey atmosphere. Known for fresh barbacoa and tamales served with corn tortillas and hot sauce. Cash-only and accessible, it draws those seeking authentic flavors in modest portions.

Outstanding barbecue stands out with excellent tamales. The flavors rate a solid 10 out of 10.

Barbacoa and tamales stand out with rich, all-meat flavors served with corn tortillas and salsa. Friendly staff slice avocados and offer generous portions at reasonable prices.

People are saying

"I thought the barbacoa was the best Mexican food I'd had in years."

"The barbacoa, corn tortillas, and salsa were on point."

"I thought the barbecue here was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Pepe's Barbacoa accepts only cash; ATMs are available nearby.

2

They open as early as 6:50 AM on weekends.

3

The price is $10 for half a pound and $17.95 for 1 pound.

05
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.

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

Barbacoa stands out with its rich seasoning and authentic flavor. Tamales come highly recommended, consistently fresh and well-made. Chicharrones paired with guacamole add a crunchy, flavorful touch.

People are saying

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

"Their barbacoa and tamales are excellent Mexican food."

"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.

06
Luna's BBQ & More image 1

Brick building offers a spacious, clean dining area with picnic table seating and a family-run vibe. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, filled with the strong aroma of barbecue. The place stands out for its authentic Texas barbecue and homemade touches like tortillas and bread.

Generous portions of barbecue and sides come with every order. The barbecue is authentic and over the top, served in a clean and welcoming setting with friendly staff that make you feel at home.

Homemade flour tortillas and bread stand out with fresh, authentic taste. Dishes like beef fajitas, brisket and sausage tacos, and nachos offer solid variety in classic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is tender and packed with flavor."

"The brisket here is tender, well-smoked, and packed with flavor."

"The brisket and mac and cheese here are amazing."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available for visitors.

2

The restaurant is very clean and welcoming.

3

Expect great prices for brisket and side orders.

07
La Grande #5 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-run Mexican restaurant offers a calm, family-oriented atmosphere with huge portions and clean kitchen. It operates only on weekends and features best barbacoa and tamales in town. Few booths provide seating for a slow, relaxed meal.

Barbecue comes with menudo and tamales that stand out. The menu includes BBQ tacos, pork rinds, and sides like charro beans with corn and flour tortillas.

Barbacoa stands out with its excellent flavor and just enough grease to keep it moist without being greasy. Tamales come in thick portions and tacos are made fresh on order, offering a generous and fresh Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The barbacoa here is tender and delicious Mexican food."

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced."

"I thought the barbecue here was the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is only open on weekends.

2

Expect large portion sizes for all menu items.

3

Children receive small toys with their meals.

08
Go Vegan San Antonio image 1

Food truck with outdoor seating under heritage oak trees creates a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Well-lit and clean grounds invite diners to enjoy affordable, diverse vegan dishes that appeal to both vegans and non-vegans.

Barbecue flavors come through strong in the BBQ Mac and barbecue-flavored bites made from scratch. The sampler offers four vegan "chicken" bites with two buffalo and two barbecue styles, plus a tasty bbq melt.

Quesadillas stand out with rich flavor and great variety, including burger and chicken options that taste delicious.

People are saying

"The vegetarian food here is amazing and flavorful, even for non-vegans."

"The barbecue mac and cheese here is so delicious."

"I thought the quesadilla was the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Prices are very affordable compared to other places.

2

The place is pet friendly, allowing you to bring your dogs.

3

Expect small portion sizes for the meals.

09
DinoRito image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers tender smoked meats and large shareable burritos with unique flavors. Atmosphere suits all ages with family-friendly vibes and a kids' play area. Music adds to a lively yet comfortable setting downtown.

BBQ Rib burrito stands out as a signature item with rich, smoky flavors. The barbecue sauce could benefit from being warmed up to enhance the taste.

Burritos come packed with flavor and are often head-sized with creamy mac and cheese inside. The salsa is spicy and tasty, and the crispy cheese on the tortilla adds great texture.

People are saying

"The Dinorito burrito is huge and easily fed two people."

"I thought the BBQ here was the best I have ever had."

"This Mexican food is huge, easily feeding two people."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $87 for two people without drinks.

2

Many food items are large and shareable, perfect for groups.

3

Bring your own drinks as they may not be available.

10
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.

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.

Shrimp tacos stand out with tender, flavorful shrimp and a tasty sauce. Fish tacos arrive fresh and are consistently very good. Quesadillas come loaded with melted cheese and a yummy sauce.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are the best I've ever tasted."

"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.

11
South Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Exposed brick walls and cozy booths create a warm, inviting atmosphere with a down south southern comfort vibe. The space features beautifully remodeled interiors and a covered patio ideal for relaxed dining. The setting feels kid friendly and suits casual gatherings or dates.

Meats like ribs and pulled pork have a strong smoke flavor and meet true Texas BBQ standards. The BBQ sauce is rich and flavorful with a good spice kick, and sides taste fresher and healthier than typical barbecue spots.

Brisket tacos come with chopped brisket, guacamole, and jalapeรฑo tomatillo salsa. Tortillas hold up well and sides like potato salad and Spanish rice add variety.

People are saying

"The American Food brisket here is so tender and moist."

"The brisket barbecue here is incredibly tender and moist."

"You have to try the brisket taco; it's so good."

Good to know

1

South Barbecue is open from 11am to 10pm every day.

2

South Barbecue is BYOB.

3

Ordering to go is recommended due to the lack of air conditioning.

12
Rios Barbacoa #5 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers best barbacoa with homemade flour tortillas and flavorful salsa. Atmosphere stays clean but could use some beautification. Menu features tamales with good meat-to-masa ratio and menudo with large meat pieces.

Barbecue stands out with good flavor and a solid taste. Ordering it by itself highlights its simple, satisfying quality.

Barbacoa stands out with rich flavor and tender meat, often called the best around. Homemade flour tortillas come packed hot, and tamales offer a good meat to masa ratio despite being a bit dry.

People are saying

"I found the barbacoa here to be really good."

"I thought the barbecue here was the best."

"I thought the barbecue here was the best."

Good to know

1

The place is clean and well-maintained.

2

Expect to pay a bit more for the food.

3

The food quality justifies the higher prices.

13
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.

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.

Brisket tacos come loaded with juicy brisket and fill most people up. Breakfast options include chorizo, egg, and jalapeรฑo burritos plus a bacon and egg taco with thick-cut crispy bacon.

People are saying

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

"I had the best breakfast taco Iโ€™ve ever had."

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

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.

14
Zeke's BBQ SmokeHouse image 1

Simple, clean space with country music and a mom-and-pop vibe creates a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. Limited seating fills two indoor areas and an outdoor section, with jukebox tunes adding to the relaxed energy. The exterior shows wear, but the interior feels well-used and welcoming.

Barbecue here stands out for its delicious chopped sandwiches and notably tender turkey. The flavors are rich and the overall experience is consistently satisfying.

Brisket tacos stand out with their rich flavor. The 3 meat plate combines brisket, chicken, and sausage with sides like mac and cheese and Spanish rice.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is tender and flavorful, truly a hidden gem."

"The Barbecue here is tender and flavorful."

"This Mexican food is too die for; I felt like I was in heaven."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited to four per table.

2

The restaurant closes at 9:00 pm on Saturdays, but lights are turned off at 7:30 pm.

3

Parking is adequate for the size of the restaurant.

15
The Pigpen Neighborhood Bar image 1

Country-style BBQ bar offers rustic picnic tables and bench seating inside with large TVs for sports fans. Back patio stays cool with tree coverage and fans, featuring a playground where kids can play. Atmosphere stays laid back and family friendly, with live music on select nights.

Country-style BBQ features prominently with both indoor and outdoor seating options. A BBQ buffet catered by Smoke Shack offers excellent barbecue that pairs well with breakfast items.

Shrimp tacos and brisket tacos stand out with bold flavors. Grilled chicken wraps and tasty nachos add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The bar's brisket bloody marys are ridiculously good."

"The barbecue here is excellent, especially the brisket nachos."

"The staff here is super friendly and attentive."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with a fun host.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with great drink specials.

3

Sunday brunch features an all-you-can-eat breakfast starting at 10am.

16
Tx Front Yard BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue spot with limited outdoor seating and two tables with umbrellas creates a chill, friendly vibe where music blends with nearby sounds. Customers often eat in their cars due to dusty, hot conditions and scarce seating. Cool trucks parked upfront add to the casual, relaxed atmosphere.

Massive turkey legs with tender meat that falls off the bone stand out here. The barbecue includes flavorful options and tacos, making it a reliable spot for fall off the bone meat lovers.

Shrimp tacos stand out with large shrimp and good flavor, priced at $16 for three. Quesadillas are solid, while beef tacos come plain and well done. Pico de Gallo offers a fruity taste but no heat.

People are saying

"The BBQ turkey legs here are fall off the bone and flavorful."

"The barbecue turkey legs are fall-off-the-bone delicious."

"You have to try the shrimp tacos; they were my favorite."

Good to know

1

There is no outdoor seating available.

2

Limited parking is available.

3

Credit card payments incur a fee for any amount.

17
Tacos Lira San Antonio image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space offers a family vibe with a simple menu focused on authentic dishes. Barbacoa stands out as tender and flavorful, rivaling traditional Mexican styles. Menudo and lonche also draw attention for their rich, comforting qualities.

Barbecue features delicious meat with a good balance of flavor. It maintains a consistent quality that keeps people coming back.

Barbacoa stands out with perfectly tender meat and packed flavor, closely matching Mexico style. Menudo is rich and comforting, prepared so well it needs no lime or onion.

People are saying

"This Mexican food has the most delicious, tender barbacoa I've ever tasted."

"The barbacoa here is the best I've ever tasted."

"The barbecue meat here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect higher prices for authentic Barbacoa and menudo.

2

The menu is simple, focusing on a few key dishes.

3

Patience is needed during busy hours due to wait times.

18
BUSSIN' Q image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small family-owned barbecue spot offers a cozy atmosphere with spacious seating and a play area for kids. Music from a Friday night DJ adds to the welcoming vibe. The setting among food trucks in a neighborhood park creates a casual, comfortable experience.

Barbecue here is tender, juicy, and smoky, cooked to perfection with packed flavor. Unique options like barbecue ribs inside a burrito and bacon-wrapped Texas Twinkies add variety to the classic offerings.

Brisket shines in the mac burrito and nachos, packed with meat and rich flavor. The Rib burrito offers a unique barbecue ribs twist inside a burrito. Keto options swap tortillas for cheese, and kids enjoy the cheese quesadilla.

People are saying

"You have to try the dinoritto food; it's huge and feeds two or three."

"The barbecue here is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor."

"I thought the dinoritto was delicious and huge."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; use the lot a block away for easier access.

2

Expect to pay around $22 for a brisket sandwich and $6 for fries.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but bring cash for food trucks nearby.

19
High Horse Ice House image 1

Open space with large outdoor patio and two bars creates a lively, casual vibe. Old school Texas sports bar style blends with DJ music on patio and inside, making it fun for socializing and watching games. Pet-friendly atmosphere welcomes diverse crowds enjoying Texas BBQ and ice-cold beers.

Smoked barbecue stands out with authentic Texas BBQ flavors. The menu pairs well with ice-cold beers for a classic experience.

Barbacoa tacos bring bold, fiery flavor that stands out. Drinks include an $8 margarita that's good but leans slightly sweet without much kick.

People are saying

"I thought the BBQ here was awesome and yummy."

"I thought the barbecue here was awesome, not the same old stuff."

"The barbacoa here is FIYA, seriously bomb."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink prices.

2

Parking is limited, but there are a few areas around the building.

3

Outdoor seating is available, but indoor seating is preferred due to flies.

20
Bill Miller BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with cast open seating and a calm vibe. It serves hot, well-smoked meats like brisket and ribs, known for their tender texture and smoky flavor. The place maintains cleanliness and provides affordable prices, making it a staple for quick, satisfying meals.

Barbecue features hot, consistently good meat including beef brisket and ribs served at a fairly inexpensive price. Potato salad and fried chicken also complement the barbecue offerings.

Brisket tacos stand out with a morning freshness and solid flavor. Bean and cheese tacos offer a simple, tasty option, while breakfast tacos come with a variety including potato-filled choices.

People are saying

"The food here is hot and delicious."

"I found the tacos to be very good and delicious."

"This Barbecue brisket is tender with a good smokey flavor."

Good to know

1

Tea refills cost $0.75, up from $0.50.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes than average.

3

The restroom is clean and well-maintained.

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San Antonio, Texas

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