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Top picks in San Antonio

Mexican food and BBQ

You want the best of both worlds and you need a Mexican food spot that also masters the art of barbecue.

Based on 776 Opinions
+773
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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.

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.

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."

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

Brisket and sauce stand out as terrific and authentic Texas barbecue. Multiple visits confirm consistently excellent BBQ that many consider among the best in Texas, often chosen for catering events.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the authentic Texas Barbecue here."

"I found the brisket to be tender and flavorful."

"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.

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.

Barbecue here stands out for its delicious flavor and strong reputation. Claims of being the best barbecue in Texas hold up well.

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 BBQ 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.

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.

Outstanding barbecue stands out here, especially the tamales. The barbecue earns a perfect rating for flavor and quality.

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 fell in love with the outstanding BBQ here."

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.

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.

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."

"The barbacoa here melts in your mouth with fresh corn tortillas."

"Their barbacoa and tamales are excellent Mexican food."

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.

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.

Generous portions of authentic barbecue come with awesome sides. The BBQ is over the top and served with friendly, home-style service in a clean setting.

People are saying

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

"The brisket BBQ 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.

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.

Barbecue stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with menudo and tamales. The menu also includes BBQ tacos, pork rinds, and traditional sides like corn and flour tortillas and charro beans.

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
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.

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.

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 had the best breakfast taco Iโ€™ve 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.

09
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.

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

Barbecue flavors come through strong in the BBQ Mac and barbecue-flavored bites. The sampler offers four scratch-made "chicken" bites with two buffalo and two barbecue styles.

People are saying

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

"I plan to return; this vegan BBQ is awesome."

"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.

10
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.

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.

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."

"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.

11
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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

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.

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.

Barbecue stands out with its good flavor and solid quality. Serving it by itself highlights its simplicity and taste.

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
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.

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.

BBQ here features a BBQ Rib burrito that stands out for its flavor. The barbecue sauce could be warmer to enhance the dish. Overall, the spot offers amazing barbecue with a family-friendly vibe.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the BBQ here was really good."

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.

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.

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.

Delicious barbecue stands out with amazing chopped sandwiches and notably tender turkey. The BBQ consistently impresses with rich flavors and satisfying portions.

People are saying

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

"These ribs are outstanding and fall right off the bone."

"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.

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

Country-style BBQ features a mix of barbecue and breakfast with an excellent buffet catered by Smoke Shack. Seating options include both indoor and outdoor bars.

People are saying

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

"The staff here is super friendly and attentive."

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

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.

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.

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."

"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
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.

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.

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."

"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.

18
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.

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.

Barbecue meat tastes delicious and has a good balance of flavor without being too salty. Regular purchases show consistent quality over time.

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 BBQ 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.

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.

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

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

People are saying

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

"The outdoor seating is great for watching sports on the big screen."

"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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

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San Antonio, Texas

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