Overall Rating and is it worth a visit: 8.75 to 9/10 and Yes. We rolled in later in the afternoon around 2:30, and we could tell from the weathered sign as we entered the parking lot, that they have been doing this for awhile. They have also been on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 list multiple years, including in 2025’s rankings, so we had some high expectations for the stop. When we walked up, there was a nice pleasant smell of smoke as we stepped inside the main doors. Once inside. we lined up along the right wall and ordered cafeteria style, with the food then being served on steel trays and butcher paper in traditional fashion. As far as customer service goes, the staff was friendly when we ordered and watched them slice up our spread, but then once you sit down you are on your own, so just a heads up. In terms of the meal itself, it was solid BBQ and had a good high floor across the board with its offerings, but no specific meat wowed as the best of the best or demanded a return visit if not a local or in the area when a craving hits. That said, this was quality BBQ with great laid back overall vibes and super family friendly environment that comes without the waits of other places, making them worth a visit if you are in the area and want a quick taste of authentic Texas BBQ at a reasonable price. Originally, this place was not on our BBQ tour list, but after hearing from several locals that it was worth a stop, as well as getting Daniel Vaughn’s recommendation in his book, The Prophets of Smoked Meat, albeit in 2013, I decided to add them in just a couple of days before we started our trip out of Denver. After eating there, I am extremely glad that I added them in, as they have clearly been doing this for years now without losing their touch and are now becoming one of Austin’s older institutions who have been doing this for decades plus. Great spot that offers no frills, standard right down the middle Texas BBQ, that is worth stopping at or picking up a to-go order for home or a tailgate
Date Visited: 5/13/2026
Address: 6610 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
Day of the Week: Wednesday
Time of Day: 2:25 PM. Open at 11:00 AM
Owner: Shane Stiles is the owner working with his Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick (worked with Bobby Mueller of Louie Mueller Barbecue)
Website: https://stilesswitchbbq.com/
Number of Years in Business: Opened in 2011
Number of People in Line: 4 ahead of us and 20 already sitting down. 10 more came in after us and a few to go orders picked up.
Regional Style of BBQ: Central Texas
Total Cost: Will add in once confirmed. Ordered the 3 Meat Platter with 2 sides. Went with the Texas Trinity with the brisket, ribs, jalapeno cheddar sausage foe the mains, and then got the serrano glazed Brussels sprouts and the coleslaw for sides and 3 beers
Type of Wood: Post Oak
Type of Smoker: Wood-fired offset smokers (Klose pits from Houston)
Type of Seasoning: Salt & pepper
Best Dish: Sausage
Best Sauce: House Sauce
Best Side: Brussels Sprouts
Interior Description: Exposed ceilings with the HVAC showing and concrete polished floors give it that industrial conversion feel to it. With Christmas lights hanging, beer signs and framed photos of Austin and its artists aligning the walls, all while light music was playing in the background, it creates a typical BBQ ambiance. For seating options, they had wood tables and chairs creating that smalltown neighborhood joint vibe, even while being in the middle of Austin. They also had a massive covered exterior picnic table area available four outdoor or overflow seating too. And for the non-beer drinkers, they had fountain drinks and sweet tea stations available inside
Pro Tip: Try the sauce, but get in the side and make sure to get the brussels sprouts. This is also the original of three locations, with the other being up in Cedar Park on the northwestern outskirts of Austin and the last one being a little drive west in Dripping Springs
Brisket
0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10
Seasoning: Salt & pepper
Description: The brisket had a good 1/2 to 3/4 inch smoke ring and was well trimmed with a nice bark to it too. The lean cut was juicy and pretty tender, with a mild smoke flavor and seasoning, but needed more of both. Really well cooked though and deserves an order, similar to all of their other meats, just not the best in Texas where the bar might be unfairly high when it comes to brisket. That said, this is one you can get without having to wait in long lines for and at a more affordable price than several of the other spots around. Traditional Texas brisket that’s worth ordering
St Louis Style Spare Ribs
0/10 Ranking: 8.75/10
Seasoning: Salt & pepper
Description: Well trimmed and cooked, with the meat coming off the bone easily, but could have also been a little more tender. It was lightly seasoned and smoked, and while it was a tasty and well cooked, it was not the best of the area. Still worth an order, but there are better ribs to be found around Austin. However, this is a solid Texas neighborhood rib and easy one to add to any stop or pick up order if you find your way here
Sausage – Jalapeno Cheddar
0/10 Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10
Description: Served sliced up, it had a taut snap left in the casing and a nice creamy and blended interior, with several pockets of cheddar and spice mixed in. Nice heat to it without being over the top, it could have used a little more smoke flavor and maybe a little more firmness to the meat blend, but a solid Texas sausage overall. Great sausage and would order again
Sauces – Didn’t review any, but they had some available on the table and some came in the middle of the plate for dipping as well
Sides – Serrano Glazed Brussels Sprouts
0/10 Ranking: 9 to 9.25/10
Description: Super juicy and flavorful sprouts with a nice tasty heat from the Serrano pepper. For the texture, soaked is the word that comes to mind in terms of the glaze/sauce they use, while somehow also still having some crunchy pieces mixed in too. Some of the best I’ve had in awhile, whether at a BBQ spot or a typical restaurant, and an easy must order for next time
Sides – Coleslaw
Ranking: 8.75 to 9/10
Description: Mostly white cabbage with a little bit of red and carrots mixed into this lightly mayo-based slaw. Nice light flavor while staying crunchy, it’s was a refreshing and enjoyably light slaw and would order again
Interior & Menu Photos:
The House of Salt & Smoke 