La Barbecue
“The Cesar Chavez trailer that grew into an institution”
La Barbecue started as a trailer on Cesar Chavez and grew into one of Austin's essential barbecue destinations without losing the relaxed, unpretentious spirit that defined the early days. Pitmaster John Lewis, who honed his craft at Franklin, brought a meticulous hand to every cut, and the result is a menu that competes at the very top of a fiercely competitive city. The beef ribs are the reason to build a pilgrimage — a masterclass in restraint, just salt, pepper, and smoke, cooked until the bone pulls clean and the fat surrenders. Brisket carries a deep smoke ring and a bark with real backbone, and the jalapeño cheddar sausage is one of the city's best links, snappy and spiced. The atmosphere stays quintessentially East Austin: welcoming, laid-back, and entirely confident in what it puts on the paper.
Know Before You Go
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 11am until sold out
- Closed
- Monday and Tuesday
- Price
- Mid-range ($$)
- Don't miss
- Beef Ribs, Brisket, and Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage
What to Order
Why It Stands Out
**Beef ribs among the best in Texas.** La Barbecue's are a masterclass in restraint — salt, pepper, smoke, cooked until the bone pulls clean — backed by deep-ring brisket and one of the city's best jalapeño cheddar links.
Quick Facts
- Address
- 2401 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
- Phone
- (512) 605-9696
- Hours
- Wed–Sun 11am until sold out
- Website
- labarbecue.com
- Price Range
- $$
- Established
- 2012
Ratings Breakdown
6 dimensions, each scored 0-10
La Barbecue — Frequently Asked Questions
What should I order at La Barbecue?
Regulars point to Beef Ribs, Brisket, and Jalapeño Cheddar Sausage.
What are La Barbecue's hours?
Wed–Sun 11am until sold out
What days is La Barbecue closed?
La Barbecue is closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours can change on holidays, so it's worth confirming before a trip.
Is La Barbecue expensive?
La Barbecue is mid-range ($$).
What kind of barbecue does La Barbecue serve?
La Barbecue serves Central Texas Style barbecue — Central Texas BBQ is defined by its simplicity: salt-and-pepper rub, post oak wood, low and slow in an offset smoker. The meat is the star — no sauce needed. This is the style that put Texas BBQ on the world map.
When did La Barbecue open?
La Barbecue has been serving Austin barbecue since 2012.