Austin Barbecue in November 2025: Ultimate Guide to Franklin, La Barbecue, LeRoy & Lewis, Festivals, and Can't-Miss Smoke

If you're in Austin this November, you've arrived during peak smoke season. The pit rooms are humming, the festival calendar is stacked, and—as of today—it’s 91°F and sunny, which is perfect brisket-and-picnic weather along the river. From legendary lines to new-school creativity, here’s your comprehensive guide to Austin barbecue in November 2025, designed for both first-time visitors and seasoned locals chasing their next perfect slice of fatty brisket.

Pro Tip

For a smoother November trip, anchor one or two big festivals, then fill gaps with early weekday barbecue runs—lines are usually shortest late mornings, especially after major event weekends.

What's Hot Right Now: Festivals and Big Moments

  • Austin Food & Wine Festival (Nov 7–9, Auditorium Shores)

    • A marquee weekend for tasting across top chefs, pitmasters, and beverage pros. Expect barbecue showcases, live-fire demos, and plenty of bites that marry classic Texas smoke with chef-y technique; you can also browse a festival preview, lineup details, and ticket info via The Local Palate’s event overview.

  • 3rd Annual Austin BBQ Cook Off (Nov 8)

    • A local competition with categories, teams, and sponsors on display; check the official site for rules and judging info, and grab passes directly through the Eventbrite ticket page.

  • Veteran BBQ Fest (Nov 15)

    • A community-focused festival at VFW Post 4443 that pairs smoked meats with fundraising and live music—great if you’re looking for something a bit more under-the-radar and local-feeling.

  • BBQ Austin at the Long Center (later in November)

    • A smoke-filled celebration on the city’s most scenic terrace, overlooking downtown and Lady Bird Lake. Think teams, tastings, and a social backyard vibe with the skyline as your backdrop.

  • Texas Monthly BBQ Fest (Lockhart, Nov 1–2)

  • Rankings & Recognition in 2025

If you’re building a bigger itinerary, check the Austin official tourism site for venue maps, weather, and more November happenings, and dive into their dedicated barbecue and culinary events page to track new pop-ups, Quesoff, and the Texas Craft Brewers Festival.

Pro Tip

On festival weekends, book transport and lodging first, then lock in any pre-orders or reservation-style barbecue experiences. Treat everything else as flexible so you can chase last-minute pop-ups or guest pitmaster events.

Pro tip: Festival weeks spike demand citywide. If a spot offers online ordering or limited pre-orders, jump on it early. Otherwise, lean into off-peak hours (late morning / early afternoon) to minimize wait times.

Essential Austin Barbecue: The Can't-Miss Shortlist

Franklin Barbecue (900 E. 11th St.)

The name that launched a thousand pilgrimages. Aaron Franklin is a James Beard Award winner whose oak-smoked brisket defines the craft: glossy bark, rendered fat, and that peppery Central Texas profile. Expect a line; pack sunscreen and bring patience. The payoff is roast-beef-soft brisket, soulful turkey, and ribs that balance smoke and sweetness.

Pro Tip

If you care most about brisket, aim to be in line well before opening, bring water and sun protection, and designate one person to do coffee runs while the rest hold your spot.

What to try:

  • Sliced brisket (ask for fatty / point if that’s your style)
  • Pork ribs
  • House pickles and onions to cut the richness

Line smart:

  • Arrive early; the line is part of the rite.
  • Weekdays and post-festival Mondays can be slightly kinder.

La Barbecue (East Cesar Chavez)

Michelin-starred and powered by Ali Clem and the late LeAnn Mueller’s legacy, la Barbecue delivers a pepper-forward bark and intensely juicy brisket, plus deeply savory sausage links. The East Austin energy is electric—music, dogs, and picnic tables under the trees.

What to try:

  • Brisket and spare ribs
  • House sausages
  • Tangy slaw and pickled sides for balance

LeRoy & Lewis Barbecue (5621 Emerald Forest Dr.)

A standard-bearer for “new-school” barbecue and a 2025 Texas Monthly top-10 pick. Expect heritage meats, creative specials, and a sides program that gets as much love as the proteins; the pit crew also shows up frequently at the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest in Lockhart. It’s a must for eaters who already know the classics and want something genre-bending.

What to try:

  • Whatever’s on the board that day—this crew thrives on seasonal specials
  • Sausages and alternative cuts
  • Rotating sides that showcase vegetables and grains

Micklethwait Craft Meats (East Austin)

Old-school trailer charm with serious craft. On Southern Living’s list for good reason: balanced smoke, thoughtful sauces, and scratch-made sides that punch well above “barbecue standard” (think fresh breads, creative salads, and sweets). Bring friends so you can order wide.

What to try:

  • Brisket and ribs
  • Sausage links
  • Housemade sides and desserts

Terry Black's Barbecue (Barton Springs Rd.)

A reliable and centrally located stop with broad appeal—perfect for groups, families, or anyone hungry post–Barton Springs Pool dip. Big dining rooms, brisk service, and a menu that hits all the classics make it an easy add to your itinerary.

What to try:

  • Brisket, beef rib (shareable, caveman-size treat)
  • Mac and cheese, creamed corn
  • Banana pudding to close the loop