New Braunfels is and will always be the BBQ capital of Texas, thanks to nearly a century of bold, smoky history along the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. It doesn’t take much of an effort to stumble upon a classic New Braunfels BBQ joint as the city boasts nearly two dozen establishments, many of which lay claim to boasting the “best BBQ in town.” Luckily for you and your group, the team here at New Braunfels Escapes has taste-tested nearly every smoked meat within the city limits, including melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket, nine-inch ribs, and the world-famous “Big Chop.”

The Tastiest New Braunfels BBQ

For those without a trained “eye,” deciphering the best New Braunfels BBQ may be difficult. A lot of factors go into a quality BBQ experience, including but not limited to tenderness, exterior bark, smokiness, and juiciness. In many cases, the complementary sauce makes or breaks the flavor profile. After devouring a delectable rack of ribs or a half-pound of brisket, don’t forget to purchase a bottle (or a case) of homemade BBQ sauce for your own grilling adventures. Without further ado, here the three best New Braunfels BBQ pits.

The Original Black’s Barbecue

Black’s Barbecue, to many, is the crown jewel of the New Braunfels BBQ scene, primarily because of its unique blend of history, small-town ambiance, and, of course, those powerful flavors. The Blacks are a three-generation family of pitmasters, dating back to the early 1930s. They claim that patience (slow smoking) and simplicity are the keys to quality BBQ. Black’s is revered for its nine-inch-long ribs, which typically weigh around a pound per rack. The sandwiches, particularly the beef brisket, are also worth revisiting.

Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

Cooper’s is zeroing in on 60 years of excellence. A healthy portion of the best BBQ in New Braunfels lies in this classic, nostalgic eatery along the North Loop. Several years ago, President George W. Bush said that Cooper’s was his favorite Texas BBQ. That’s quite an endorsement from the former commander-in-chief. The tin siding, lengthy mess hall seating, and eclectic decor combine magnificently with the smoky aroma that wafts through the restaurant.

Coronado’s Sweet Heat BBQ

It’s not easy leaving Rudy’s Real Texas Bar-B-Q off of this list, but we want to show some love for our favorite local food truck: Coronado’s. Talk about tender, smoky, and juicy. Coronado’s offers something slightly different from most New Braunfels BBQ staples: a quick, open-air experience that’s undeniably memorable and priced just right. As its name suggests, this talented team combines classic Texas recipes with sweet yet hot California pizzazz. Get there early because they typically sell out of smoked meats well before “closing time.”

Riverside New Braunfels Rentals

Photo of a Comal River Patio Area, Just Minutes from Tasty New Braunfels BBQ.New Braunfels Escapes specializes in offering the very best Comal and Guadalupe River rentals, all of which feature affordable pricing, top-notch cleanliness, and supreme hospitality. There’s never been a more alluring time to escape San Antonio en route to historic New Braunfels and neighboring Gruene, where the water’s fine, the grub is tasty, and the old-world charm ushers in good feelings of a prior era. Please give us a call today at 830-632-5455 to book a long-overdue getaway from San Antonio or Austin. You can also book directly online by browsing through our many vacation rentals.