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Sam's BBQ is a beloved institution in Austin, Texas, renowned for its mouth-watering slow-smoked meats and genuine hospitality. The restaurant's commitment to traditional Texas-style BBQ is evident in its menu, which features an array of delicious options including brisket, ribs, sausage, and classic sides like mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato salad. The top dish, according to reviewers, is the brisket - soft, moist, and highly recommended. With a focus on quality and customer service, Sam's BBQ has earned a stellar reputation, boasting a 4.3-star rating and over 700 reviews.

The atmosphere at Sam's BBQ is just as impressive as the food, with a chill and welcoming vibe that makes customers feel like they're dining at home. The sound of live music fills the air, adding to the relaxed ambiance and making it the perfect spot to unwind with friends and family. Reviewers rave about the impeccable service, citing the friendly and welcoming staff as a major highlight of their dining experience. Whether you're a local or just visiting Austin, Sam's BBQ is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to indulge in authentic, slow-smoked BBQ.

As a highly-regarded BBQ joint in Austin, Sam's BBQ has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim. Its presence on social media platforms, including Facebook, allows customers to stay up-to-date on the latest news, promotions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the kitchen. With its rich history, dedication to quality, and genuine love for customer service, Sam's BBQ has solidified its position as one of the best BBQ restaurants in Austin. Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a delicious meal in a welcoming atmosphere, Sam's BBQ is an absolute must-visit destination.

Reviews

5 Comments

Overall Rating ★★★★★ 3.6

Chuck Phillips (Google)

★★★★★

Food is okay. Had brisket and ribs, and potato salad. Brisket was yummy, although they were down to 1/2 lb so I didn't get my whole order. Ribs were a bit too salty for us. Potato salad is more like mashed potatoes, no chunks and it tastes very different. I think they use sweet pickles? If you like atmosphere, this is not your place. The inside is a wreck, I like atmosphere but not run down and the smoke smell inside is intense.

Khari Parker (Google)

★★★★★

Sam's BBQ is pure Art. To properly review this spot you'll need to appreciate the beauty that comes from a long standing business that has remained true to history, not only in decor but also in service. In a world where artificial "customer service" is the norm, Sam's has managed to maintain the true and genuine love that typically only comes from family and friends. I felt as if I were visiting my cousins house. Music playing and a nice chill atmosphere. No frills and down home.I encourage anyone in the Austin area to stop by and appreciate the beauty of this historical location.There's a parking lot, an attached daiquiri spot, I ordered BBQ & Brisket, with sides of baked beans and yams and it was all very delicious.All in all if you're in town and want an authentic experience, put Sam's on your list. Happy I came.

Nicole Perry (Google)

★★★★★

Where the smoke never sleeps and the flavor is unforgettable—Sam's BBQ is more than a meal, it's an Austin institution. Whether you're craving melt-in-your-mouth brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, or juicy sausage links—they've got all the slow-smoked classics. Dine inside, grab it to go, or just post up at one of the picnic tables outside and let the smoky magic work its way into your soul. Serving the east side since 1957, this spot is old-school Austin—no gimmicks, just greatness. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a midnight meat run. And yes... you can smell it from the street.

Faith Darnell (Google)

★★★★★

I came cause of all the good reviews I seen on TikTok but was highly disappointed when I started to eat the food. Me and my husband came at 10:18am (opened at 10:00AM), however, the meat tasted very old & and was not fresh at all. It was the driest , nastiest meat I've ever tasted in my life. It was so much lighter fluid on the sausage that it gave my husband a headache. The green beans were canned, yams had too much cinnamon & the bbq sauce tasted like tomato sauce with sugar. Beans tasted canned as well but they were good. Spent close to $80 on 2 plates & a pound of brisket & I'm HIGHLY disappointed and sad. They literally gave us yesterday's bbq.

Wrangler Wells (Google)

★★★★★

I wanted to try this place out because I had seen a video about it on social media. I can't remember the amount of years but the restaurant has been around for a long time, I believe about 50 years.They sell meat by the pound and sides a la carte; but they also do a plate called the "Sam's Special", which is what we got, plus some extra sides. We got brisket and sausage, and tried almost every side lol, potato salad, Mac and cheese, green beans, and baked beans.The meats were excellent, the brisket is so soft and moist, I definitely recommend. The sausage was good as well.The sides were pretty basic, nothing to write home about, but they get the job done.The service here was impeccable though,the workers were so welcoming and just good vibes in general.There is also a daiquiri spot connected to the bbq restaurant, I believe the video said it's owned by the daughter of the owner of Sam's.They also gave me these great stickers