Chief's BBQ & Grill
7811 S. First, 512/444-2333
If Mom's barbecue sauce doesn't bring you back, Joe Bob's Beans will. You'll also feast on ribs, brisket, sausage, turkey, ham, and even barbecued bologna.
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.
2617 I-35, 512/382-6720
Stop by for melt-in-your-mouth ribs. Warm up with an order of Rattlesnake Bites. Hire a driver.
9300-F S. I-35, 512/282-7427
Valentina's serves two of Austin's great loves out of one truck: Tex-Mex and barbecue. That means you can have smoked brisket in a sandwich with mesquite barbecue sauce, or lovingly wrapped in a hand-rolled tortilla with tomato serrano salsa. (Just get both.) Don't sleep on the breakfast tacos, served until 11am.
11500 Menchaca Rd., 512/221-4248