Terry Black's Barbecue is a barbecue restaurant in Austin, TX. Open: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM; Fri–Sat 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM. Phone: (512) 394-5899. Average rating is 4.7 stars from 25,843 reviews. Website: https://terryblacksbbq.com/austin.
Terry Black's Barbecue
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Interior view of barbecue pits at Terry Black's Barbecue.
4.7 25,843 reviews Today 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM

Legendary Austin BBQ, Smoked Low and Slow

Central Texas pit-smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage on Barton Springs Road, open every day.

About Us

Exterior view of Terry Black's Barbecue with neon signage.
Exterior view of Terry Black's Barbecue with neon signage.

On Barton Springs Road, steps from Zilker Park, Terry Black's Barbecue runs a pit program that has earned more than 25,000 five-star reviews and counting. The Black family brought their Central Texas craft to Austin knowing that real barbecue can't be rushed. Post oak burns through the night so that by 10:30 every morning, the brisket is ready, the ribs are pulling clean, and the sausage is snapping with each slice.

Visit on the right day and Pitmaster Alex might walk you through the pit room personally, explaining why bark color matters and how smoke ring depth tells you everything about a cook. That kind of access is rare at a restaurant doing this volume, and it's exactly why first-time visitors become regulars. Curt and the carving crew make sure every tray lands with the right balance of brisket, ribs, and sausage so nothing goes to waste and nothing goes cold.

This is not the kind of place that shortcuts the process for lunch-rush convenience. Every pound of meat served here represents hours of attentive fire management, and the dining room energy reflects that commitment. People drive from across Texas and fly in from across the country. The 4.7-star rating across tens of thousands of reviews is not an accident.

What We Offer

Terry Black's serves classic Central Texas barbecue by the pound, sliced to order at the counter. The anchor of every tray is the brisket, a long-cut prime grade beef cooked until the fat renders completely into the meat. Ribs run both pork spare and beef depending on the day, and the house-made sausage links are a must-order alongside any plate.

Beyond the smoked meats, the kitchen turns out scratch sides that hold their own: creamy jalapeño cheese grits, tangy coleslaw, pinto beans cooked down with smoked meat trimmings, and fresh-baked bread to soak up every bit of juice on the tray. Seasonal specials rotate through, so regulars always have a reason to see what's new at the pit.

The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:30 AM, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights until 10:00 PM. Catering and large-group orders are available through the website at terryblacksbbq.com/austin. Whether you're feeding a backyard crowd or planning a corporate lunch, the same pit-smoked quality comes with every order.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"Loved the food here. We had a friend showing us the cool spots in Austin an this was our first stop. When we walked up we got a personal tour with the Pitmaster Alex. Such a cool dude. Talked about the whole smoking process and how they do it at Terry Blacks. The food was fantastic. There wasn't a single thing on that we got that I didn't like. We were a group of 6 so we just got one of each of the sides, some brisket, a beef rib, a couple of jalepeno sausages, and some turkey. All were great! It was the first time I had a beef rib at a BBQ joint too, I loved it. People compare it to a brisket but I found the taste to be a lot richer and deeper. And if you have a sweet tooth, get the peach cobbler. Oh yeah and the margarita/slushes they make are hella good too. This is definitely the best BBQ I've had. Its a chill/family environment. Great for a casual hang."
— Daniel Dobrenz
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"PERFECTO !!! Absolutely outstanding barbecue! Everything we tried was delicious. The quality of the meat, the flavor, and the overall experience were exactly what you would hope for when visiting one of Austin’s most famous BBQ spots. My favorite was the pork ribs. The meat was tender, juicy, and the seasoning had penetrated deeply, making every bite incredibly flavorful. The brisket was also cooked to perfection—smoky, moist, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. Despite the long line, the wait moved surprisingly quickly and was very well organized. The staff kept things running efficiently, so it never felt frustrating. Another pleasant surprise was the value. Considering the quality of the food and the generous portions, the prices were very reasonable. If you’re visiting Austin and want to experience authentic Texas barbecue at its best, Terry Black’s Barbecue is a must-visit. Every item we tried was excellent, and I would gladly come back again. Highly recommended!"
— Venus
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 weeks ago
"Shoutout to Curt for the tasty recommendations and the skillful meat carving. Curt hooked it up with some sausage, ribs and brisket. A little bit of everything. And a lotta bit of deliciousness. The sides are all made from scratch and are a perfect complement to the meats. I tried the famous pinto beans and cream corn. Both great. I went on a scorching hot 88 degree day and those guys were still tending those smokers. I could feel the heat just emanating out. Credit to their dedication and skills. Big shoutout to the pitmasters at Terry Black’s! This place is legendary for central Texas BBQ and I was so glad to have been able to make the pilgrimage while in Austin."
— Chai A
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
a month ago
"We visited Terry Black’s BBQ in Austin on a Sunday and arrived around 10:30 a.m. We found a parking spot easily and didn’t have to wait long in line, which was a great start. We ordered brisket, turkey, and jalapeño cheddar sausage, along with green beans and creamed corn for sides. One of the staff members suggested we try the beef rib as well—and wow, what a fantastic recommendation that was! Everything was incredibly delicious. Every type of meat had its own unique flavor. In Hungarian, we would say it was “isteni finom”—divinely delicious—and that is no exaggeration. The beef rib was absolutely amazing, easily the highlight of the meal and probably the best BBQ item I have ever tasted. The restaurant itself is very nice, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. But the best part of our visit was when one of the pitmasters took the time to show us how they smoke the meat. I’m actually a little embarrassed that I forgot to ask his name because he was incredibly kind and welcoming. He explained when they start smoking the meat, showed us the wood they use, described what the fire should look like when it’s just right, and even gave us a glimpse of the meat that was cooking at the time. It was fascinating and made the whole experience even more special. Thank you very much to the entire team for the amazing food and hospitality. We had a wonderful time and will definitely be back if we are ever in Austin again!"
— Balázs Illés
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5 months ago
"We came to Texas all the way from Korea to experience the authentic taste of Texas barbecue. However, due to a winter storm warning and extreme cold alerts, we were stuck in Dallas for two days. In the end, we had only three days in Texas. Fortunately, on our last day, we were able to rent a car and drive four hours to Austin. We came for one reason only: barbecue. This restaurant is a truly authentic place with a long history, even in Austin—the city of barbecue itself. We ordered brisket, beef ribs, and sausage. Texas barbecue was on a completely different level from what I had tasted before in Washington. It was the taste of heaven. The staff were incredibly kind, and in particular, the pitmaster, Matt H, was already a well-known figure to me through YouTube. I was deeply moved. He kindly explained everything to us and even gave us a gift at the end. In that moment, I truly felt and experienced what “Texas hospitality” means. As we drove back to Dallas for another four hours, I remained happy the entire way. The eight-hour round trip was absolutely worth it. The two days in Dallas were just okay, but because of this moment in Austin, Texas has become a shining star in my heart."
— Oscar Hong

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Terry Black's Barbecue hours in Austin?

The Austin location is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM. They are open every day of the week.

Do I need a reservation to eat at Terry Black's?

No reservations are taken. Terry Black's operates counter service, so you walk in, order at the counter, and find a seat. Arriving early is recommended on weekends, as popular cuts like brisket can sell out.

What should I order on my first visit?

The brisket is the centerpiece and a must-order. Add a link of house-made sausage and a rack of ribs to round out the tray. The counter staff, including regulars like Curt, are happy to guide you through the menu and suggest portions.

Does Terry Black's offer catering or large-group orders?

Yes. Catering and large-group orders can be arranged through the website at terryblacksbbq.com/austin. The same pit-smoked meats available in the restaurant are offered for off-site events.

Where exactly is Terry Black's Barbecue located in Austin?

The restaurant is at 1003 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704, near Zilker Park in South Austin. It's easy to pair with a walk along Barton Creek or a visit to Barton Springs Pool.

Is Terry Black's family-friendly?

Absolutely. The counter-service format, picnic-style seating, and communal atmosphere make it comfortable for families, groups, and solo diners alike. Kids are welcome and the menu has something for everyone.

What makes Terry Black's different from other Austin barbecue spots?

The combination of a deep family pit tradition, a hands-on pitmaster team, and consistently high volume without sacrificing quality sets Terry Black's apart. The 25,000-plus reviews and the pit access offered to guests on any given day reflect a level of transparency and craft that is hard to find anywhere else.

Hours of Operation

Open Now · Closes at 10:00 PM
Monday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday Today 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
86° Cloudy Austin
Sat 87° 76°
Sun 96° 76°
Mon 98° 73°
Tue 75° 73°
Wed 76° 71°
Thu 89° 71°
Fri 91° 74°

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