10 Legendary Retro BBQ Spots In Texas Serving Endless Platters

Texas barbecue stands as a mouthwatering cultural landmark that draws meat lovers from around the globe.

Across the Lone Star State, several old-school BBQ joints have earned legendary status by serving up all-you-can-eat platters of perfectly smoked meats.

These time-honored establishments combine decades of barbecue tradition with the Texan spirit of generous hospitality.

1. Black’s Barbecue – Lockhart

Family-owned since 1932, Black’s holds the crown as Texas’ oldest BBQ restaurant continuously operated by a single family.

Meat lovers flock to their buffet-style service featuring legendary brisket smoked over post oak. The walls display decades of Texas history while hungry patrons load plates with juicy sausage links and fall-off-the-bone ribs.

2. Louie Mueller Barbecue – Taylor

Smoke-stained walls tell the story of this Taylor institution dating back to 1949.

Visitors instantly notice the intoxicating aroma of post oak smoke permeating every corner of this former basketball gymnasium. Giant trays overflow with pepper-crusted brisket bearing Mueller’s signature thick bark, while regulars rave about dinosaur-sized beef ribs that have earned national acclaim.

3. The Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood

Nestled among oak trees on a gorgeous ranch, Salt Lick’s circular stone pit has been smoking meats since 1967.

Flames dance beneath hanging sausages and ribs while the BYOB policy encourages leisurely feasting. Countless visitors have made pilgrimages to experience their family-style service, where servers continuously bring platters until guests surrender by turning their paper place mats upside down.

4. The Salt Lick BBQ – Round Rock

Bringing Driftwood’s magic closer to Austin, this location maintains the original’s rustic charm with modern amenities.

Weekend warriors pack the spacious dining hall for all-you-can-eat feasts featuring the same recipe that’s delighted generations. Kids marvel at the replica of the famous circular pit while parents enjoy unlimited brisket, sausage, ribs, and sides served on metal trays lined with butcher paper.

5. The County Line On The Hill – Austin

Perched on a bluff overlooking Austin’s hill country, this converted speakeasy delivers spectacular views with its legendary BBQ.

Stone walls and wooden beams frame the rustic dining rooms where platters of ribs arrive stacked like cordwood. Regulars know to save room for the endless beef ribs, which hang off both sides of the plate and pair perfectly with their famous bread served in flowerpots.

6. The County Line On The Lake – Austin

Right on Lake Austin’s shores, this log cabin hideaway combines waterfront dining with Texas-sized portions.

Boaters dock directly at the restaurant before diving into all-you-can-eat specials featuring their famous dinosaur beef ribs. Sunsets create a magical backdrop as servers hustle between tables with never-ending platters of perfectly smoked meats and their signature sweet-and-tangy sauce served in mason jars.

7. Riscky’s Barbeque (Stockyards) – Fort Worth

Located in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards district, Riscky’s has satisfied hungry cowboys and tourists since 1927.

Rough-hewn wooden booths fill the saloon-style interior where servers deliver their famous all-you-can-eat beef ribs special. Old cattle brands decorate the walls while the aroma of slow-smoked meats mingles with the sounds of country music playing softly in the background.

8. Goode Company Barbecue – Houston

Since 1977, this Houston institution has combined Texan and Cajun influences into a unique BBQ experience.

Vintage neon signs glow above the ordering counter where patrons select from endless combination platters. Wood-paneled walls display mounted wildlife and antique farm tools while picnic tables fill with hungry guests enjoying mesquite-smoked meats and their famous jalapeno cheese bread.

9. Demeris Bar-B-Q – Houston

Serving Houston since 1964, this family-owned gem maintains its retro charm while offering generous all-you-can-eat options.

Red-checkered tablecloths cover long tables where generations of regulars have feasted on hickory-smoked meats. Memorabilia from decades past adorns the walls as friendly servers continually refill plates with tender brisket, homemade sausage, and fall-apart ribs slathered in their secret-recipe sauce.

10. Red River BBQ & Grill – League City

Founded by firefighters who perfected their recipes during station-house cookouts, Red River brings small-town hospitality to League City.

Vintage fire department gear decorates the rustic interior where families gather around tables loaded with generous portions. Weekend warriors challenge their appetites with the all-you-can-eat special featuring slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and homemade sausage with unlimited sides and banana pudding.