News Summary
San Antonio has been ranked as the second best city for BBQ in the U.S. according to Yelp’s 2025 report. The city showcases a vibrant BBQ scene with a mix of classic and innovative dining options, contributing to its culinary reputation. Following Austin, San Antonio boasts diverse offerings, including popular spots like Curry Boys BBQ and Smoke Shack. While it faced criticism for its previous absence in Yelp’s rankings, this year’s data highlights its high consumer interest and culinary diversity.
San Antonio Ranks Second in Yelp’s 2025 Top 10 BBQ Cities in the U.S.
San Antonio has been named the second best city for BBQ in the United States, according to a recent ranking released by Yelp on May 7, 2025. The results are based on an extensive analysis of data collected from various BBQ restaurants across the nation.
This ranking places San Antonio right behind Austin, which secured the top spot, making it the only Texas city to outrank San Antonio in this list. The annual report highlights cities known for their unique flavors and expertly cooked meats, emphasizing the vibrant BBQ culture present across the country.
BBQ Offerings in San Antonio
San Antonio is recognized for its diverse range of BBQ offerings, which includes both classic establishments and innovative fusion-inspired restaurants. The food scene is notably vibrant, with emphasis placed on the city’s growing food truck culture contributing significantly to its high ranking. Yelp reviews showcase a multitude of exceptional BBQ spots in San Antonio, including Curry Boys BBQ, Smoke Shack, Garcia Barbecue, and Reese Bros Barbecue.
Top 10 BBQ Cities in the U.S.
Along with San Antonio and Austin, other cities that made it into the top 10 list include Kansas City, Memphis, Charleston, Greenville, Honolulu, Tulsa, Durham, and Nashville. These cities are celebrated for their delectable barbecue selections and the overall appeal of their culinary offerings.
Background and Previous Rankings
San Antonio had previously faced criticism for its absence in Yelp’s Top 100 BBQ Spots list released in May 2024, even though it had received accolades from prestigious sources such as the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Awards. This gap highlighted a disconnect between popular and critically acclaimed BBQ joints, with prominent establishments failing to be included in Yelp’s earlier reports.
For its 2025 ranking, Yelp employed several criteria, considering factors like consumer interest in BBQ, the total number of BBQ establishments, and the average business ratings. To ensure geographic diversity, the report only included two cities from each state, allowing for a broad representation of the BBQ scene across different locales in the country.
The report also notes popular dishes that are highly favored among Yelp users in both San Antonio and Austin, including tender brisket and flavorful ribs. These dishes not only represent the traditional BBQ offerings but also highlight the evolving culinary landscape in Texas and beyond.
As San Antonio celebrates its achievement as the second-best BBQ city, it recognizes the evolving tastes and preferences of BBQ aficionados and continues to embrace its rich culinary heritage.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Google Search: San Antonio BBQ
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Scholar: Texas BBQ
- The Commercial Appeal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis BBQ
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google News: Bill Millers Bar -BQ
