7 Texas BBQ Buffets That’ll Hook You From the First Plate
Nothing says Texas quite like the rich, smoky aroma of brisket slowly cooking over fragrant post oak, curling into the air and promising something unforgettable.
When I moved to the Lone Star State five years ago, I set myself a mission worthy of a true carnivore—finding the best all-you-can-eat BBQ spots where unbeatable flavor meets undeniable value. The search took me from small-town smokehouses to bustling city buffets, each with its own take on this proud tradition.
These seven magnificent barbecue feasts showcase everything that makes Texas BBQ legendary—tender meats with perfect smoke rings, comforting homestyle sides, and an atmosphere as genuine as the recipes themselves.
1. The Salt Lick BBQ – Driftwood
Family recipes dating back to the 1800s make this Hill Country icon my weekend sanctuary. The moment you walk in, that massive open pit with flames licking the hanging meats stops you in your tracks.
I still remember my first visit – three plates later and surrounded by pecan trees, I knew I’d found BBQ heaven. Their unlimited family-style service brings endless brisket, sausage, and pork ribs to your table.
Pro tip: The blackberry cobbler is non-negotiable, even when you swear you can’t eat another bite. Cash only, but they’ve got an ATM on site for the unprepared.
2. Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que – Llano
Cowboys, ranchers, and city slickers stand shoulder-to-shoulder at Cooper’s, picking their cuts straight from the pit. My buddy Jake dragged me here after a hunting trip, and now I make the pilgrimage quarterly.
What sets Cooper’s apart is their direct-heat method – meat cooked over mesquite coals rather than traditional slow smoking. The result? A perfect char outside with juicy tenderness inside. Their all-you-can-eat option isn’t advertised but ask nicely and prepare for meat sweats.
The pork chops are legendary – two inches thick and pink in the middle. Worth every mile of the drive.
3. Parker’s BBQ Buffet – Austin
Tucked away from Austin’s hipster haunts stands Parker’s – where locals outnumber tourists ten-to-one. The buffet line stretches with gleaming metal trays of post-oak smoked treasures that would make any pitmaster proud.
My cardiologist probably winces when I visit, but some pleasures transcend medical advice. Their burnt ends – those twice-smoked brisket pieces with extra bark – disappear fastest, so hit the line early. The sides deserve equal billing: jalapeño creamed corn, mustard potato salad, and pinto beans with brisket scraps.
Grandma Parker still makes the banana pudding daily at 83 years young.
4. Billy’s Pit BBQ – Bastrop
Lightning struck twice at Billy’s – first when the original location burned down in ’97, then when they rebuilt better than ever. The Saturday lunch buffet became my recovery ritual after moving to Texas post-divorce.
Owner Billy Thompson still trims every brisket himself after 40 years in business. The buffet features rotating specialties like smoked turkey on odd-numbered days and beef ribs on even ones. Their tangy house sauce contains 23 ingredients – I’ve tried guessing them all and failed miserably.
Come hungry and wear stretchy pants. The all-you-can-eat price includes homemade ice cream that changes flavors weekly.
5. Spring Creek Barbeque – Multiple Locations
Warm rolls appear magically at your table the moment you sit down at Spring Creek. Last Thanksgiving, I skipped turkey entirely and brought my visiting northern relatives here instead – they finally understood Texas pride.
While chain restaurants often sacrifice quality, Spring Creek defies expectations with consistent smoke flavor across all locations. Their buffet lets you sample everything without commitment – smart move since choosing between their baby back ribs and smoked chicken feels like selecting a favorite child.
The sweet tea flows freely, served in mason jars bigger than my forearm. Those rolls though – hot, buttery, and unlimited – are worth the trip alone.
6. Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q – Multiple Locations
Gas station BBQ sounds suspicious until you’ve experienced Rudy’s. My first Texas business meeting happened here – nothing builds client relationships faster than sharing paper-towel rolls instead of napkins while sauce drips down your arms.
Their cafeteria-style service creates a build-your-own buffet experience. Pay by weight, but return trips are encouraged and inevitable. The moist brisket (their term for fatty cuts) converts even dedicated health nuts to the dark side.
Breakfast tacos start at 6am for early risers. The creamed corn deserves its own fan club, and I’ve contemplated drinking their sauce straight from the bottle during moments of weakness.
7. Riscky’s Barbeque – Fort Worth
History seeps from the walls at Riscky’s like their sweet-smoky sauce from fall-apart ribs. Established in 1927, they’ve perfected the all-you-can-eat beef rib special that tested my stomach capacity last Independence Day.
The Fort Worth Stockyards location puts you right in cattle country – fitting as you consume your weight in beef. While tourists snap photos outside, locals pack the dining room for the buffet that’s expanded over 90 years without losing its soul.
Order the burnt ends beans as your side. Rumor has it the recipe came from a cattle drive cook who refused to write it down, passing it verbally through three generations of Riscky pitmaster apprentices.