The aroma of smoked brisket and sizzling ribs drifts across Corpus Christi, drawing barbecue lovers to every corner of the city. With old-school classics, family-run institutions, and smoky newcomers each vying for your attention, it’s never been easier—or more delicious—to hunt down unforgettable barbecue here.
Let’s get to it.
Bill Miller BBQ
Stepping into Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, you can tell this place has been perfecting its craft since 1953. Their brisket smokes for 18 to 20 hours in massive pits, and the result feels like what a Texas barbecue dream should taste like. The smoke ring and tender texture speak for themselves.
They also bake daily. Homemade bread and tortillas arrive fresh. Desserts roll out of the bakery in generous slices. It’s the kind of setup most Texas grandmas would envy.
On the side, you’ll find potato salad, pinto beans, Spanish rice, and plenty of fried options just waiting to be devoured. Each portion arrives big enough to satisfy even the hungriest gatherings.
Families love the casual vibe. You can dine in, grab takeout, or use the drive-thru. Prices stay friendly and the portions won’t leave you wanting. With four generations at the wheel of this family-owned business, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q still feels local, even if you bring a crowd. See the Corpus Christi spot for yourself.
BO BBQ- Korean Grill & Bar
Over on South Padre Island Drive, BO BBQ- Korean Grill & Bar makes every meal interactive. They offer all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue for just $18.99 at lunch. You get tongs in hand and a tabletop grill loaded with Prime Rib, Wagyu, marinated short ribs, chicken, pork, and seafood.
The banchan arrive in small dishes… kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned sprouts never run low. You can also sample Japchae, corn and cheese, macaroni salad, and more. Each side brings a different flavor to the table.
The dining area stays clean, with staff topping up your plates and drinks. Beer flows freely for those who want to pair it with their grilling session. Kids pay a reduced price, making it a budget-friendly family treat.
Whether you’re with friends or chasing a solo feast, the vibe is relaxed and social. BO BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a shared experience where you control the pace, the flavor, and the heat, all at your table. Try out their grill-side menu.
Bottomless Pit BBQ & Catering
At Bottomless Pit BBQ & Catering in Corpus Christi, the name tells you everything. This family-owned spot has been serving Texas-style barbecue since 2001. Their brisket, pork spare ribs, chicken, and pork shoulder have built a loyal local following.
Sides like beans, rice, and cornbread round out each plate. No Texas barbecue meal feels complete without them. Portions arrive generous, and prices stay reasonable. That combo keeps people coming back through the drive-through, dining room, or takeout window.
Need catering? They’ll bring smoked meats and sides for events of 50 to 500 guests. The pitmaster shows up loaded with equipment and enough food to feed a small army.
Open Tuesday through Friday at lunchtime, this place makes the most of that busy midday rush. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere—friendly servers, the aroma of smoke in the air, and the sense that every guest matters. Bottomless Pit is one of those local treasures where community spirit is as important as the smoke ring. See why locals keep coming back for seconds.
Full Send Barbecue
Full Send Barbecue cannonballed into Corpus Christi’s barbecue scene in 2020. What began as a pop-up by Andrew Pena and Desirae Hill now brings an Austin-style spirit to downtown. Mesquite logs fuel the smoke that flavors their brisket, ribs, sausage, and barbacoa.
If you prefer duck or turkey, you won’t be disappointed. They take each protein seriously. The menu also showcases creative sides. Mac and cheese bubbles with cheese sauce. Beer-bacon collard greens add a crunchy element. Potato salads pull double duty as both creamy and tangy.
A hint of Southern-meets-Puerto Rican flair pops up here and there. Their house-made spicy barbecue sauce proves that nothing store-bought could handle that level of swagger. On weekends, they offer free beer while supplies last.
Live music spills from the patio on select nights. Trophies and local awards pepper the walls, a reminder that Full Send has exceeded its hype. Between the warm welcome and bold flavors, this spot feels like a celebration of Texas barbecue reinvented. Grab a spot at the pitmaster’s table.
Garrett’s Barbecue
Garrett’s Barbecue feels like a masterclass in low-and-slow cooking. Here, their brisket spends nearly 24 hours in a smoker fueled by post oak and mesquite woods. The result delivers a tender cut with a flawless smoke ring.
Their ribs arrive coated in a balanced house-made rub that commands attention. Sausage links offer a snap and spice that contrast beautifully with the other cuts. Sides include classic potato salad and smoked pinto beans, rounding out your plate.
The atmosphere is laid-back. You’ll see folks in boots or flip-flops grabbing lunch or settling in for dinner. Friendly service makes you feel right at home. Portions come generous enough to prompt a post-meal siesta.
Garrett’s made the Corpus Christi BBQ Trail, a local nod befitting its reputation. Whether you stay to eat or pack up to go, you’ll find flavors and value that reward the wait. For anyone serious about Texas barbecue, Garrett’s delivers. See what’s smokin’ at Garrett’s Barbecue.
Hoegemeyer’s Barbeque Barn
The smell of South Texas mesquite smoke permeates every corner of this 90-year-old warehouse in Corpus Christi’s port-industrial district. You won’t find flashy décor here, just a rustic dining room where lunch-only crowds grab plates of tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, chicken and sausage smoked the authentic Texas way. Open weekdays from 11 to 3, they’re known to sell out before the clock strikes three.
Family-owned since 2013, Hoegemeyer’s serves hearty sides like Texas potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and green beans. Save room for their peach cobbler, a sweet finish that keeps regulars coming back.
They also cater and host private parties, bringing that deep, smoky flavor to your next gathering. Local beer on tap adds a crisp counterpoint to the bold barbecue.
Lunchtime here feels like a nod to tradition—a place where character is on the menu alongside well-smoked meat. Scope out Hoegemeyer’s menu here.
Howards BBQ & Catering
For lovers of down-home barbecue and genuine family heritage, Howard’s BBQ & Catering delivers a satisfying experience. Since firing up its first smoker in Corpus Christi back in 1949, this counter-service spot has stuck to time-honored Texas techniques and mesquite wood for that signature smokiness.
Their brisket and pork ribs earn serious accolades, while cherrywood-smoked chicken provides a surprising twist. Every plate arrives piled with from-scratch sauces and house rubs that highlight the meat without overpowering it.
Classic sides such as apple-flecked coleslaw, creamy potato salad and those dangerously fluffy cornbread muffins round out the meal. Portions are generous enough to tempt even the heartiest appetite.
Casual seating, a few TVs and a sunny patio offer a relaxed lunch hour. They’re open Monday through Friday, and the line moves fast—just the way Texas barbecue should. Browse the menu and see what’s smoking.
Julian’s BBQ
Julian’s BBQ takes Central Texas–style smoking to a new level with an open flame that’s never been extinguished since day one. This Corpus Christi pit spot focuses on tradition, using live oak and post oak to coax out deep, wood-fired flavors.
Their brisket and pork ribs are local favorites, and the monster beef short rib demands a table of friends ready for serious meat. House-made sauces range from subtly sweet to boldly spicy, satisfying every palate.
Counter-service keeps things straightforward while generous portions and classic sides—mac and cheese, potato salad—make it easy to skip dinner plans.
They also handle catering, bringing that smokey authenticity to events. No frills, just high-quality barbecue done right. See what’s cooking at Julian’s BBQ.
Mac’s Barbecue #Fore!
Since 1974, Mac’s Barbecue #Fore! has been a family-run institution in Corpus Christi. Known for its slow-cooked Texas-style classics, the menu features brisket, pork ribs, turkey breast, sausage and hearty beef ribs. Chicken rounds out the lineup for those seeking variety.
Sides read like a Southern potluck: pinto beans, mac & cheese, coleslaw and the famous bacon-tators. For something different, try the chicken & sausage gumbo or sample the Gordo Taco and Par Three specials that add a playful twist.
Counter-service keeps the vibe friendly and unpretentious. Whether you dine in, take out or grab a cold beer, Mac’s delivers big Texas portions and warm hospitality. Check out everything Mac’s is smoking up right here.
Mike Cotten’s Barbecue
Few places make home grilling look so amateurish as Mike Cotten’s Barbecue. Three generations of slow-smoking expertise fill this Corpus Christi favorite with that unmistakable mesquite aroma.
The menu spans brisket, pork ribs, sausage, pulled pork and chicken, each cut smoked to tender perfection. Their house side of cheese and crackers has earned near–cult status for its addictive simplicity.
Portions are generous and prices fair, tempting customers to consider second helpings. Service feels like catching up with old friends—warm, genuine and family-friendly.
It’s BYOB, so you can pair your barbecue haul with your own drink of choice. Don’t skip the mac and cheese, a creamy companion that underscores why this spot consistently earns 4.5-star nods from regulars. Dig into that Texas-style authenticity right here.
Miller’s Bar-B-Q
When you step inside Miller’s Bar-B-Q, the aroma of mesquite and hickory sets the tone. Family-owned since 1974, this third-generation spot has Sean Miller at the pit, coaxing out that Texas brisket bark and smoking sausage until it earns serious respect. The menu features brisket, ribs, chicken, ham, turkey, and hickory-smoked sausage, so there’s always a new delight waiting.
Sides here feel as essential as the meat. Choose from twelve options, including creamy potato salad and the coleslaw that regulars swear by, pinto beans stand ready to partner with whatever you select.
The dining area is all counter service, casual and friendly with zero pretension. Free self-serve ice cream is on offer for dine-in guests, and the warm cobbler dessert is impossible to resist, even if you think you’re full.
Portions are generous and prices hit a sweet spot. Beer and wine are available to round out the meal. Miller’s delivers straightforward Texas barbecue with a dose of nostalgia, taking care to honor every detail of a tradition that’s been fueling appetites for nearly fifty years. Check out their Texas barbecue classics.
Nueces Brewing and Barbecuing
In downtown Corpus Christi, Nueces Brewing and Barbecuing has combined a mesquite-scented smokehouse with a local brewery for five years of Best Barbecue and Best Brewery honors. Every cut of meat, from brisket and ribs to pulled pork and sausage, is smoked on site and served with authentic Texas style.
Classic sides support the main event: creamy mac and cheese, elote corn cup, potato salad, and pinto beans complete the spread. A few patrons have mentioned smaller side portions, but that seems intentional…the meats take center stage here.
The atmosphere stays relaxed, offering both indoor tables and a pet-friendly patio. Local artwork decorates the walls, creating a laid-back gallery vibe. Families and groups will find plenty of menu specials like Taco Tuesday, and the house-brewed ales pair perfectly with anything pulled from the smoker.
Service is warm and attentive without being over the top. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for an evening brew session, this place hits a sweet spot between brewery cheers and barbecue comfort. Check out the menu before you even get hungry.
Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q
At Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q in Corpus Christi, oak smoke rules the roost. Founded in 1989 in Leon Springs, this Texas-born chain brings a laid-back country store vibe to every dining room. Brisket, pulled pork, jalapeño sausage, and half chicken all soak up that oak heat, then get dusted with Rudy’s signature dry spice blend and their uniquely spelled “Sause.”
Sides make their own case. Creamed corn arrives rich enough to steal the show, while green chile stew packs a punch worth belly room. You’ll also find classics like potato salad and pinto beans ready to fill any gaps.
Seating stays informal, with both dine-in tables and takeout options for simpler nights. The moderate prices help you stick around longer, and catering is available if you want to bring the flavor to a larger gathering.
This spot offers a straightforward approach: smoke it right, season it well, and serve it up without fuss. For anyone seeking that authentic Texas brisket edge, Rudy’s delivers every time. Take a look at Rudy’s Corpus Christi menu.
Silverado Smokehouse
Since 2005, Silverado Smokehouse has been filling Corpus Christi with hickory-scented smoke and a reputation for consistency. Locals have named it “Best Bar-B-Que” nearly every year, and the menu covers all the Texas essentials: brisket, beef ribs, pulled pork, sausage, plus turkey and pork loin for the indecisive.
Their beef ribs have earned a minor cult following thanks to a tender bite that makes forks optional. Sides arrive cafeteria-style, starting with fluffy mashed potatoes and creamy mac and cheese. Pinto beans and generous slices of cornbread round out the plate.
Families will appreciate the spacious setup, where you can load up on generous portions without worrying about price tags. A soft-serve ice cream machine stands ready to turn any meal into dessert. Whether you choose to dine in, grab takeout, or arrange pick-up catering, Silverado keeps things simple and reliable.
This is a BBQ joint you trust to deliver the classics every time, with no frills and plenty of flavor. It’s proof that steady quality can steal the show just as well as the flashiest smoke rings. See what’s smokin’ at Silverado Smokehouse.
Smokey Rooster bar and grill
Tucked away on Kostoryz Road, Smokey Rooster Bar and Grill invites you to loosen your belt before the menu even arrives. This Corpus Christi spot doesn’t stray far from the familiar, offering a mix of American classics and Tex-Mex favorites with a barbecue focus. You’ll find rib combos and rooster ribs alongside fried okra, roasted corn, and an assortment of beans.
The interior feels welcoming, with TVs lining the walls for game-day viewing and live music on weekends. Service moves briskly, whether you’re wrangling a table of kids or catching up with friends over dinner. Portions tend toward the generous side, so prepare to bring home a to-go box.
Turn up for a cold beer and a plate piled high, maybe time your visit with a music night for extra fun. The atmosphere stays relaxed, making it easy to spend an entire Saturday rooting for your team and sampling all the roasted, grilled, and smoked offerings this cozy joint has to offer. see what all the cluck’s about here.
The Bar-B-Q Man Restaurant & Catering
Generations of flavor mark The Bar-B-Q Man Restaurant & Catering. Since 1977, three generations of DeShields have mastered Texas barbecue with slow-smoked meats, done right, and irresistible if you drive anywhere near I-37 in Corpus Christi. Casual as your favorite jeans, the menu features brisket, pork ribs, and sausages including a jalapeño option for spice seekers. Ham, chicken, and smoked turkey round out the lineup for anyone who can’t decide.
All meats are smoked low and slow according to tradition and every Texas uncle’s advice. Homemade sides join the feast with baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and seasoned green beans that hold their own on any plate.
Desserts deserve a mention too: Aunt Aggie De’s Pralines and creamy banana pudding could convince you to skip that extra rib. You can dine inside, relax on the shaded patio when the Corpus sun allows, or swing by for takeout if you’re feeding a crowd. Catering service handles up to 2,000 guests…enough for your family and a few extra. Dig into genuine Texas barbecue, no invitation required.
TOPSY KRETT BBQ & Catering
No one minds a little finger-licking at TOPSY KRETT BBQ & Catering. This family-run spot in Corpus Christi serves Texas barbecue at its best. The brisket packs serious flavor, the ribs are juicy enough to text your mother about, and the pulled pork melts apart with every bite.
They don’t just drown their meats in sauce. Every cut gets a signature rub, then smokes over wood like hickory, oak, or mesquite until the smokehouse aroma clings to your shirt. On the side, creamy mac and cheese, sweet cornbread, and tangy coleslaw provide perfect balance.
Service runs via counter but you can dine inside under simple lighting or grab takeout for home. The walls display local awards and barbecue contest trophies that hint at this team’s reputation. Prices stay friendly while portion sizes might just inspire a nap afterward.
If you’re catering an event they’ll handle it with the enthusiasm of a pitmaster who skipped breakfast. Large orders feel personal and down-to-earth, just like the barbecue here. check out their smoky masterpieces here.
