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Guide to San Antonio

BBQ lunch spots

A midday barbecue plate that respects your lunch break without rushing the smoke.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Smith's BBQ image 1
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Barbecue restaurant

Food truck on a dirt lot with outdoor seating and a casual, cookout vibe filled with the smell of mesquite wood smoke. Atmosphere feels like a family gathering with games and welcoming music. The place operates on a cash-only basis and offers some of the best barbecue with standout ribs and brisket.

Mesquite smoked BBQ beans stand out as a rare find here. Ribs and brisket deliver a solid BBQ experience with flavors that set a new standard for barbecue.

People are saying

"I thought this was some of the best BBQ I've ever had."

"These ribs are so tender they just fall off the bone."

"You have to try the competition ribs; they're 12/10."

Good to know

1

On Fridays and Saturdays, there's a snowcone truck and family-friendly events.

2

Smith's BBQ accepts only cash payments.

3

The prices at Smith's BBQ are very reasonable.

02
Reese Bros Barbecue image 1
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.

Barbecue quality stands out with some of the best smoked meats in Texas. The flavor and tenderness of the BBQ consistently impress, making it a go-to spot for authentic Texas-style barbecue.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the barbecue lunch spot was some of the best I've ever had."

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.

03
King Buffet image 1
Buffet restaurant

Large, spacious buffet with modern lighting and stylish decor creates a clean, peaceful atmosphere. Mongolian grill station offers custom stir-fries made to order, adding interactive dining. Environment feels upscale and well maintained, blending comfort with a touch of elegance.

Stir-fry and sushi bar offer great value during lunch. Staff provide exceptional service even in busy times.

Mongolian barbecue offers a varied selection where you pick your own ingredients for cooking. The BBQ features fresh ingredients and includes a unique salmon preparation that stands out.

People are saying

"The buffet has an amazing variety of food options."

"This lunch spot has a huge selection of delicious food."

"I loved the Mongolian BBQ because I could choose my own fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Crab legs are available on weekends at the buffet.

2

King Buffet offers lunch specials during the week.

3

They provide a free buffet for birthdays.

04
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.

Late lunches feature black garlic ramen, steamed pork buns, and dragon roll sushi. Friendly service and a family atmosphere make it suitable for work lunches.

BBQ pork buns stand out as a flavorful and fresh appetizer. Other BBQ items like the BBQ little sandwich and dishes paired with BBQ flavors complement the menu well.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot's food is amazing, with fantastic flavor and presentation."

"You have to try the BBQ pork buns; they're fantastic."

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.

05
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.

Lunch features brisket tacos and a chopped brisket sandwich rated highly. Sides include borracho beans.

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

People are saying

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

"The brisket BBQ here is so tender and moist."

"This Lunch Spot's brisket is juicy with a delicious bark."

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.

06
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.

Lunch offers superb meals with consistent quality. Frequent visits happen for both breakfast and lunch due to satisfying options.

Barbecue here features greasy Texas style with a spicy barbecue sauce. Brisket tacos and quesadillas combine barbecue flavor and heat well.

People are saying

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

"I thought the breakfast tacos were the best I'd ever had."

"You have to try the brisket tacos; they're the best BBQ tacos ever."

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.

07
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.

Lunch features Hawaiian plate lunches with options like kalua pork and fried chicken. The meals offer a solid, flavorful choice downtown.

Hawaiian BBQ features boneless chicken served over rice bowls and lunch plates. The Sunday BBQ plate offers a solid introduction to this style with flavorful portions that stand out.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the garlic shrimp; it's huge and delicious."

"The macaroni salad at this BBQ spot is the best part."

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.

08
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.

Tender sliced brisket sandwiches stand out for lunch here. The spot offers a great BBQ option with a quick, suitable atmosphere for midday meals.

Jaw-smacking BBQ delivers consistently with a focus on pork BBQ like the Hogzilla. The BBQ sauce stands out, and the BBQ sandwich is a highlight.

People are saying

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

"I thought the BBQ here was the best I've had in San Antonio."

"This lunch spot's brisket is super soft, juicy, and delicious."

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.

09
The Barbecue Station image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Renovated gas station with rustic decor and strong BBQ smoke fills the air. Casual, relaxed vibe with live bluegrass music and a Texas-themed atmosphere. Spacious dining area includes a kids' playground and a wood-fired oven outside.

Freshly barbecued meats stand out for lunch, especially the chopped brisket sandwich. The spot serves solid, straightforward BBQ lunches that work well for family gatherings and casual meals.

Freshly barbecued meats offer a solid example of Texas BBQ with great value for money. This spot stands out as a reliable choice for excellent barbecue in the area.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is so good, you won't want sauce."

"The brisket here is so moist and tender."

"I loved the tender, delicious barbecued meats at this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Prices at The Barbecue Station are very reasonable compared to other BBQ places.

2

Parking can be rough, so plan to arrive early.

3

Expect to know your order before getting in line to avoid delays.

10
B&B Smokehouse image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with cafeteria-style ordering and a cozy, lively atmosphere. Space feels cramped inside despite appearing spacious from outside, with a self-serve drink station for convenience. The vibe is family friendly and the decor is well decorated and cute.

Lunch features brisket poboy specials with generous portions and great taste. The spot handles busy lunch hours efficiently and offers affordable specials that make meals a good deal.

Brisket stands out with great flavor and tenderness. The barbecue overall is consistently high quality and considered superior to big name spots.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is tender, smoky, and full of flavor."

"The brisket food here is super flavorful and moist."

"The chicken and brisket lunch plate was excellent."

Good to know

1

They have daily lunch specials during the week.

2

Expect limited menu items near closing time on Sundays.

3

The BBQ sampler offers good value for the amount of food.

11
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.

Hot pot costs about $28 including tip for lunch. The spot works well for birthday lunches with a relaxed vibe.

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."

"Our server was so attentive and knowledgeable about the BBQ."

"The servers at this Lunch Spot are so great and always have a smile."

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.

12
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.

Sushi stands out as a great lunch option here. The spot offers a good happy hour that works well for a late afternoon meal.

All-you-can-eat BBQ includes fresh meat served directly from the fridge, avoiding wait times. The Korean BBQ offers great portions and pairs well with sushi options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and very flavorful."

"The all-you-can-eat BBQ here has a nice variety of options."

"This lunch spot has really fresh food and tasty sushi rolls."

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.

13
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.

Offers a lunch deal that feels like a steal. Provides great options for both lunch and dinner.

Offers all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ with large portion grill options fit for groups. Comes with six different sides like kimchi and Gochugaru cucumbers plus fresh fixings such as romaine, garlic, and jalapeรฑos.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Korean BBQ here was exceptionally good."

"This Lunch Spot's Korean BBQ and kimchi were delicious."

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.

14
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.

Lunch offers super flavorful dishes like the Dinnorito rib with portions that leave leftovers. Staff prepare non-alcoholic drinks to complement meals, fitting for work or casual dates.

Tender, juicy, and smoky meat stands out with every bite. Unique dishes like barbecue ribs inside a burrito add a creative twist to classic flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"This lunch spot's brisket was fall-off-the-bone tender and delicious."

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.

15
L&L Hawaiian Barbecue image 1
Hawaiian restaurant

Bright, clean space filled with local Hawaiian music and a laid-back, friendly vibe. Busy during lunch, it offers authentic Hawaiian dishes with plenty of seating and an outdoor dining area. The atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, often accompanied by live Hawaiian bands.

Quick plate lunches are available with options to order ahead for fast pickup. The spot serves as a reliable choice for a late lunch or when time is tight.

BBQ beef ribs and BBQ chicken stand out with rich flavors. Plates often include combos like the Katsu Chicken sandwich and BBQ mixes served with rice or fries.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and served in generous portions."

"I loved the BBQ chicken and beef; it was so delicious."

"This Lunch Spot's food is fresh, delicious, and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Expect higher in-store prices compared to online orders for the same food.

2

The restaurant can get very busy during lunch hours.

3

Aloha Friday features live music and a raffle every second Friday in summer.

16
True Texas BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant inside a supermarket offers authentic smoked barbecue with tender brisket and juicy ribs. The atmosphere stays quiet and casual, with a touchscreen ordering system replacing traditional service. Popular items often sell out near closing, reflecting high demand.

Weekend lunches feature True Texas BBQ with options to take dinner home. Kids enjoy the flaming bird and barbecue available at HEB for lunch.

Barbecue features authentic, mouthwatering flavors with fantastic brisket nachos and consistently high-quality meats. Friendly staff enhance the experience, making it a solid choice for classic Texas BBQ.

People are saying

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

"The brisket here is so tender and smoky."

"The brisket here is very good."

Good to know

1

The kiosk ordering system can lead to longer wait times for food.

2

Prices for combo meals can be misleading; check for additional charges.

3

True Texas BBQ offers specials on Tuesdays.

17
Big Lou's Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Interior combines sports bar vibe with family-friendly atmosphere, featuring numerous TVs showing various sports. Space suits large groups, often crowded with lively energy. Unique touch includes offering free photos to diners.

Close proximity to work makes it a convenient lunch spot. Pizza Wraps serve as a filling meal, with three wraps enough for lunch. Suitable for casual group lunches like going away gatherings.

Barbecue pizzas come with chicken and brisket halves and pickles on the side. Wings include BBQ and Garlic Parmesan flavors, and the Sweet Memphis BBQ adds a tasty touch to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be really good."

"The large pizzas here are a showstopper, especially for kids."

"You've never seen a pizza this massive; it's huge!"

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends after 5pm.

3

The restaurant charges a service fee for large groups.

18
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.

Super friendly service shapes the lunch experience here. Staff like Payton and Isaiah help pick out a great tasting lunch.

BBQ bao features BBQ pork filling and is steamed to a soft texture. It stands out as better than many found in Chinatown NYC.

People are saying

"I found the colorful dumplings to be magnificent."

"The dumplings and bao are delicious and made fresh."

"The BBQ bao buns were 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.

19
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.

Company lunches often feature BBQ catering from this spot. Options include a turkey leg truck and meals suitable for enjoying privately at an Airbnb.

Massive turkey legs with tender meat that falls off the bone stand out here. The BBQ includes flavorful options and tacos, making it a consistent choice for company lunches and repeat visits.

People are saying

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

"The loaded baked potato with brisket is mouthwatering and so yummy."

"This lunch spot's turkey leg is fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor."

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.

20
Gold Feather image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant offers outdoor porch seating with an open facade and plenty of big TVs for watching games. Atmosphere stays calm and inviting with a sports and man cave vibe. Music often features Paramore songs, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Full bar adds convenience for a working lunch. Good suggestions help with ordering. Great spot to watch a noon football game while eating.

BBQ nachos come with a Jalapeรฑo Ranch Dry Rub that adds a spicy kick. The sasqush BBQ is a standout, recommended by the server.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to attentive servers like Kay."

"I loved the Sasquatch BBQ, it was my favorite flavor."

"This lunch spot has great flavor and huge pieces of chicken."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 2 to 6 PM.

2

The happy hour offers $10 drinks and half-price appetizers.

3

Dine-in deals are available on Mondays.

21
Applebee's Grill + Bar image 1

Casual dining space with a laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly environment. Bar area livens up late with dollar margaritas and regulars who enjoy socializing. Food offerings include big, juicy burgers and flavorful ribs, complementing the relaxed vibe.

Chicken Fajita Rollup stands out as a lunch favorite here. Staff handle the lunch crowd smoothly, making it a solid spot for business lunches under $15.

Ribs come meaty and glazed with tangy, sticky BBQ sauce. Honey barbecue riblets offer a delicious sweet flavor with plenty of sauce.

People are saying

"I found the food to be delicious and a great value."

"The BBQ ribs here are so good, they fall right off the bone."

"This lunch spot has great food, especially the burger and fries."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers after 10pm.

2

Applebee's has all-day happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers.

3

The restaurant closes at 1am on weekdays.

22
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.

Lunch specials offer many options including a filling Bim Bim Bap. The spot suits a work lunch with a quiet atmosphere during midday.

Offers authentic Korean barbecue with an all-you-can-eat option featuring barbecue pork belly that stands out in the area. Also serves Chinese barbecue that is decent for the local scene.

People are saying

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

"The Korean BBQ here has spectacular, fresh meats that burst with flavor."

"The Lunch Spot's beef was flavorful and the banchan was fresh."

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.

23
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.

Extra driving happens for a quick lunch with light options available. The PoorBoy sandwich serves as a standard choice for a normal lunch break.

Barbecue here features hot, consistently good brisket and ribs served at a fairly inexpensive price. The menu includes potato salad and fried chicken, all delivered with reliable quality.

People are saying

"The food here is hot and delicious."

"This is a great spot for a quick lunch."

"The BBQ brisket here is so tender and smoky."

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.

24
H-E-B plus! image 1
Grocery store

Huge space with many distinct areas creates an inviting, home-like atmosphere. Separate curbside pickup reduces congestion and adds convenience. Fresh, locally sourced produce and a wide variety of unique foods, including an extensive cheese selection and fresh sushi, define the food experience.

Offers a wide range of hot food, sandwiches, salads, and sushi for lunch. Provides plenty of variety and options to grab a quick meal or take home.

BBQ features generous portions and tasty pulled pork with options like regular and spicy BBQ sauces. Staff members are helpful and friendly when assisting with BBQ orders.

People are saying

"This grocery store is special because Adrian is so kind and caring."

"I thought the BBQ here was really good and tasty."

"This place has a great selection of options for a lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Parking can be very difficult, especially during peak hours.

2

Some products, including meat, may be past their expiration date.

3

The pharmacy is reliable and offers a good selection of medications.

25
Myung Ga Won image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Small Korean barbecue restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with dark, peaceful lighting and friendly vibe. Tables feature built-in grills for interactive dining. Known for authentic Korean flavors and a hidden gem feel appreciated by those familiar with Korean cuisine.

Lunch offers large, filling portions with delicious meals that impress even after finishing. The menu includes cuisine from other cultures, making it a good spot to try something new.

Tables come equipped for barbecue at the table, offering a hands-on dining experience. The place serves first-rate Korean BBQ with outstanding barbecue quality.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Korean BBQ is first-rate and delicious."

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

"The Korean BBQ here is outstanding, especially the marinated pork."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a lunch special with decent portion sizes.

2

Only five banchen are served with the lunch menu.

3

The facility is clean and well-maintained.

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