Willie's Bar-B-Q
4505 E. MLK, 512/926-9340
You'll find plastic tablecloths, a walk-up counter, a TV in the corner, and delectable barbecue. This is some of the moistest, heartiest brisket in town, and the chicken jumps off the bone. The smoked boudin sounds intriguing.
- 2007: Critics Most Underrated Brisket and Chicken (Willie's Bar-B-Que)
Bite down into some of the juiciest ribs, chicken, brisket, and tenderloin around at the closest family-style barbecue to the fairgrounds. This place also serves a mean breakfast.
10003 FM 969, 512/928-0229
Located in the former Lewis' BBQ, Ed's has begun its own tradition with pork roast, ribs (and tips), chicken, brisket, and all your favorite sides.
1814 Harvey, 512/236-0858
You'd better circle the wagons early if you want to snag some of Aaron Franklin's famous brisket. After an auspicious start as a trailer, this brick-and-mortar location is serving what's regularly called the best barbecue in Texas, if not the country. The Franklins are devoted to producing the best-tasting barbecue they possibly can, and they won’t sacrifice that quality to feed more customers. Best to get in line by 9:30am.
900 E. 11th, 512/653-1187