13 Texas BBQ Buffets Where October Feasts Taste Like Home
October in Texas brings cooler breezes, golden skies, and an appetite for hearty meals that warm both body and spirit. Few things capture that feeling better than true Texas barbecue, especially when it’s served buffet-style.
Here, the brisket is smoky, the ribs fall off the bone, and the sides are tangy, creamy, or just the right amount of spicy. It’s the kind of food meant to be shared, with plates piled high and plenty of seconds waiting.
These BBQ buffets deliver that homestyle comfort that turns a simple meal into a celebration of the season.
1. Salt Lick BBQ, Driftwood TX
Family-style serving has made this Hill Country legend famous since 1967. The open pit smoking creates an unforgettable aroma that greets visitors before they even park.
October crowds flock here for the all-you-can-eat experience featuring tender brisket and spicy sausage. Their signature sauce recipe remains a closely guarded family secret passed down through generations.
Weekend waits can stretch long, but watching pitmasters work their magic makes time fly by quickly.
2. The County Line On The Hill, Austin TX
Perched above Lake Austin, this spot combines spectacular views with serious barbecue credentials. The buffet spreads across multiple stations, each showcasing different smoked meats and homemade sides.
October sunsets create the perfect backdrop for outdoor dining on their expansive deck. Families gather here for Sunday suppers that stretch well into the evening hours.
Their cornbread recipe has won local contests for three consecutive years running.
3. The State Line, El Paso TX
Border town flavors meet traditional Texas smoking techniques at this unique establishment. Their buffet incorporates subtle southwestern spices that complement rather than overpower the meat.
October brings their special chile-rubbed ribs that disappear faster than tumbleweeds in a windstorm. Local ranchers and city folks alike gather around communal tables sharing stories and seconds.
The salsa bar alone features twelve different varieties made fresh each morning.
4. Riscky’s Barbeque, Fort Worth Stockyards TX
Cowboy culture lives on at this Stockyards institution where the buffet runs deeper than most ranch wells. Since 1927, four generations have perfected their smoking process using native mesquite wood.
October rodeo season brings hungry crowds seeking authentic chchuck wagon-style dining. The atmosphere buzzes with boot-stomping energy and the clink of horseshoes from nearby games.
Their famous burnt ends often sell out before evening crowds arrive.
5. Brothers In Law’s Bar-B-Que, Houston TX
Two brothers married two sisters and created this family barbecue empire that spans multiple Houston locations. Their buffet philosophy centers on generous portions and grandmother-approved recipes.
October brings their special sweet potato casserole that tastes exactly like childhood memories. The mac and cheese recipe came from the original matriarch who insisted on real butter and sharp cheddar.
Weekday lunch crowds include construction workers and business executives sharing the same tables.
6. Chisholm’s Restaurant, Godley TX
Small town charm meets big city appetites at this hidden gem located between Dallas and Fort Worth. The buffet stretches along one entire wall, showcasing meats that smoke for up to sixteen hours.
October football season brings high school teams celebrating victories with post-game feasts. Local farmers and their families treat this place like their personal dining room every weekend.
The peach cobbler recipe has remained unchanged since the restaurant opened in 1985.
7. La Hacienda Restaurant & Catering, Brownsville TX
Rio Grande Valley traditions blend seamlessly with Texas barbecue at this border establishment. Their buffet features unique items like barbacoa alongside traditional brisket and ribs.
October celebrations often include whole families spanning three generations gathering for weekend reunions. The fusion of Mexican and American smoking techniques creates flavors found nowhere else in Texas.
Fresh tortillas are made hourly throughout the day, disappearing almost as quickly as they appear.
8. RibCrib, Wichita Falls TX
Chain restaurant quality meets local hospitality at this northern Texas location that feels more like a neighborhood joint. Their buffet focuses on consistent excellence rather than experimental flavors.
October brings their famous pumpkin spice cornbread that somehow works perfectly with smoky meats. College students from nearby universities mix with oil field workers creating an eclectic dining atmosphere.
The chocolate cake dessert station has caused more than one patron to skip the main course entirely.
9. Texas D Willie’s Smokehouse, China Grove TX
Population 1,200 never tasted so good thanks to this smokehouse that draws visitors from San Antonio and beyond. The buffet operates on weekends only, making it feel like a special occasion every time.
Last October, I drove forty minutes just for their pulled pork and wasn’t disappointed when the line stretched around the building. Local church groups often cater their events here, creating a community gathering atmosphere.
The banana pudding disappears faster than common sense at a county fair.
10. Red River BBQ & Grill, League City TX
Gulf Coast influences sneak into traditional Texas barbecue at this Houston suburb favorite. Their buffet includes unexpected items like smoked shrimp alongside classic beef and pork options.
October brings cooler temperatures that make their covered patio the perfect spot for extended family meals. Refinery workers and suburban families create an interesting mix of conversations and perspectives.
The loaded baked potato bar features toppings that would make Idaho jealous of Texas creativity.
11. The Switch, Dripping Springs TX
Hill Country meets modern dining at this establishment that switches between lunch buffet and evening fine dining. The transformation happens so smoothly that regular customers barely notice the changeover.
October wildflowers create a stunning backdrop for their outdoor seating area that overlooks rolling hills. Local musicians often perform acoustic sets during weekend buffet hours, adding soundtrack to the scenery.
Their smoked turkey has converted more than one lifelong beef enthusiast to poultry appreciation.
12. Cousins Bar-B-Q, Fort Worth TX
Family recipes spanning four generations create the foundation for this neighborhood institution that treats every customer like kinfolk. The buffet operates on trust, with regulars often serving themselves and leaving payment on the counter.
October homecoming celebrations bring former residents back to their old stomping grounds for familiar flavors. The walls display decades of family photos, creating a living museum of Fort Worth barbecue history.
Their secret weapon remains the dry rub recipe that grandfather refused to write down anywhere.
13. Sullivan Old Town BBQ, Lewisville TX
Historic downtown charm meets modern appetites at this restored building that once housed the town’s general store. The buffet setup utilizes original fixtures, creating dining atmosphere that spans multiple decades.
October ghost tours often end here, with hungry paranormal investigators swearing the only spirits present are high spirits from satisfied customers. Antique smoking equipment doubles as restaurant decor, telling the story of barbecue evolution.
The chess pie recipe came from the previous building owner’s grandmother’s personal collection.