Black's Barbecue San Marcos — Restaurant in San Marcos

Yesterday my family and I visited Black’s Barbecue in San Marcos. This was my third visit and before I even arrived I was already looking forward to ribs, brisket, green beans, macaroni and cheese and the creamed corn! We’ll talk about the desserts too!

We arrived around 2:30 pm, so we missed the lunch and dinner rush-hour. There was plenty of seating and plenty of parking. They have two parking lots to help handle the crowd. The exterior of the building is very much a barbecue restaurant looking building. Upon entrance to the restaurant, you walk into the main area where the line with form so you can order your food. The first stop is the sides station and you choose your sides and then you move on to the meat cutting station, and then the checkout. At the register, you tell them what you want to drink and they hand you a cup. It is self service drink refills. You also pick up your silverware and the condiments for your meal in this area.

After we had our food, we went and located a table and sat down and dug in! We ordered larger portions, so our family could serve the meal family style.

The food is incredible, with tender, flavorful brisket that melts in your mouth and ribs that are perfectly smoked. We tried the chicken this time as well. And it did not disappoint! We ordered mac and cheese green beans, and cream corn. We did not try the potato salad, but next time I will. All of the sides complement the main dishes perfectly.

For dessert we ordered the peach cobbler and pecan cobbler. They were out of banana pudding on this visit. But if you are a fan of banana pudding, you will definitely want to try it. The desserts were awesome. My family and I agreed that Black’s bbq did not disappoint! at the end of the meal, we were all full and ready to head home to relax!

What makes the experience even better is the staff. They’re friendly, welcoming, and efficient, always making sure you feel right at home. The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, and there's plenty of seating, whether you want to enjoy your meal inside or on the spacious outdoor patio. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with family or friends.

Overall, Black’s Barbecue in San Marcos delivers on every front—great food, excellent service, and a comfortable, inviting space. Highly recommend if you’re...

Black's Barbecue in San Marcos is a Texas institution that offers an unforgettable BBQ experience. Stepping into this family-owned gem feels like entering a time capsule of authentic, mouthwatering barbecue. Known for its rich history and consistently exceptional food, Black's delivers a classic Texan BBQ experience with a few modern touches.

The atmosphere inside is casual and welcoming, with the aroma of slow-cooked meats wafting through the air as soon as you walk in. The staff is friendly, and the service is fast—perfect for those eager to dig into their delicious plates of barbecue.

When it comes to the menu, Black's offers a variety of smoked meats, each more tempting than the last. The brisket is undoubtedly the star of the show—tender, juicy, and packed with that perfect smoky flavor. The fatty cuts melt in your mouth, while the lean brisket is equally impressive, offering the right balance of texture and richness. The ribs are another standout, cooked to perfection with a slight char on the outside, yet wonderfully tender and flavorful on the inside. Don’t miss the sausage, which is full of bold, spicy flavors that complement the other meats well.

Aside from the meats, Black's has a variety of classic sides that round out the meal. The mac and cheese is creamy and indulgent, while the potato salad and coleslaw offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meats. And if you're in the mood for something a little sweeter, their homemade banana pudding is the perfect finish to any meal.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Black's Barbecue in San Marcos is a must-try for anyone craving authentic, no-frills Texas BBQ. The combination of mouthwatering meats, satisfying sides, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for any BBQ lover. It’s a place where tradition meets taste, and every bite is a reminder of why Texas BBQ is...

This location was easy to find with GPS. After hearing about Black's on TV shows about BBQ over the years, I was excited to have a chance to experience it while in town.

The restaurant had the look and feel you would expect of a BBQ joint. Lots of wood and that oh-so-good smell of cooked meat. Staff were very friendly and helpful. They get 4 stars alone.

I picked a number of sides to try: green beans, smoked cabbage, coleslaw, and mac and cheese. (And pickles cuz I love pickles.) All were home made except maybe the pickles.

Smoked cabbage was okay. I could not taste the smoke. Had to salt and pepper it quite a bit. Green beans were good. Not total mush like you sometimes get, and I think I picked up a bit of cayenne? Just a hint.

The coleslaw was the kind I like - chopped up small and tiny. It was a bit heavy on the mayo and sugar, though. No zing from vinegar to offset the sweet. The mac and cheese was my second favorite. Cooked well texture-wise, but, again, no wow flavor.

Of the meats, I enjoyed the lean brisket far more than the chicken. I love it when brisket can be eaten on its own with no sauce. The chicken was truly smoked but not cooked all the way to the bone. The parts I could eat were wonderfully tender. But, like the cabbage, it was essentially flavorless. I picked up no smoke flavor. And the skin was very rubbery - probably because it was not done cooking?

All in all, it was a good outing in a new town. It could just be this location is not that great food-wise, but it did deliver on service...