Backwoods BBQ
Hill Country's go-to for authentic mesquite-pit BBQ. Famous for brisket & ribs in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
Highlights
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Backwoods BBQ
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hill Country's go-to for authentic mesquite-pit BBQ. Famous for brisket & ribs in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.
"This is one of the best BBQ joints! Absolutely delicious with soul-healing, finger-licking BBQ."
Arrive Early to Avoid Sell-Outs
Visit early, especially on weekends, as they can sell out of popular meats quickly.
Don't Miss Complimentary Beans
Enjoy the surprisingly delicious complimentary pinto beans offered to patrons.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American BBQ
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Mesquite-Smoked Brisket
Tender, juicy brisket with a smoky crust, praised as the best ever by many patrons.
Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs
Succulent beef and pork ribs so tender they practically melt off the bone, packed with flavor.
Cozy Atmosphere & Outdoor Seating
A rustic, family-friendly setting with charming outdoor seating surrounded by trees.
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early to Avoid Sell-Outs
Visit early, especially on weekends, as they can sell out of popular meats quickly.
Don't Miss Complimentary Beans
Enjoy the surprisingly delicious complimentary pinto beans offered to patrons.
Live Music Fridays
Enjoy live music every Friday after 5 pm to enhance your BBQ experience.
Ask for Bread
If you want bread with your meal, remember to specifically ask for it at checkout.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early to Avoid Sell-Outs
Visit early, especially on weekends, as they can sell out of popular meats quickly.
Don't Miss Complimentary Beans
Enjoy the surprisingly delicious complimentary pinto beans offered to patrons.
Live Music Fridays
Enjoy live music every Friday after 5 pm to enhance your BBQ experience.
Ask for Bread
If you want bread with your meal, remember to specifically ask for it at checkout.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Backwoods BBQ is widely celebrated for its exceptional mesquite-smoked brisket and fall-off-the-bone ribs, with many calling it the best they've ever had. Patrons also praise the friendly service and cozy atmosphere. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few have noted issues with dryness in certain meats like chicken or sausage, though sides like coleslaw and beans often receive high marks.
"I’ve had BBQ and smoked meats all over the world, this is one of the best!! Perfect smoke ring on the Brisket, pork ribs that were succulent, beef rib almost fell off the bone!!! As for flavor, they give you sauce on the side, didn’t even need it!!! Absolutely delicious!!! Traditional sides, all very tasty!!"
Larry Cox
"Truly delicious! We had the brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, and jalapeno sausage. Everything was wonderful, the jalapeno sausage is a showstopper. The place is very large, and the service was quick. We got ours to go."
Beau Heyman
"Let me just say this: Backwoods BBQ knows exactly what they’re doing. Like… soul-healing, finger-licking, don’t-talk-to-me-I’m-eating kind of BBQ.
The brisket? Tender. Juicy. Basically melts like butter if butter had a smoky, peppery crust.
The ribs? Fall-off-the-bone legends.
And the corn? Look, I don’t know what magic they sprinkled on it, but I’d drive back just for that golden, buttery goodness. Legit A-MAIZE-ING. 🌽✨
Service? Friendly doesn’t even cover it — everyone there treats you like you’ve been coming for years. It's that small-town “you’re family now” vibe that makes the food taste even better.
Seriously, everything was on point. No weak spots. No complaints. No crumbs left on the plate.
If you're rolling through Fredericksburg and skip Backwoods BBQ, you're doing Texas wrong."
Mason Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The brisket is legendary, often cited as the best ever. The ribs are also a highly recommended favorite for their tenderness.
Yes, reservations are recommended for large groups, and they have a back room available for events.
Yes, dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Visit early, especially on weekends, as popular meats can sell out quickly. Check their hours as they may close early.
Yes, they have live music every Friday after 5 pm.
While the focus is on BBQ, they offer several traditional sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.
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Highlights: reservations for large groups only, dog-friendly (outdoor seating only), catering availableThis family-owned and operated BBQ joint specializes in mesquite-cooked pit BBQ and steaks, including brisket, tri-tip, beef and pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Paired with their traditional sides such as potato salad, cole slaw, pasta salad, mac and cheese, creamed corn, green beans, pinto beans, and more, you’ll be coming back for more!. Take note that Backwoods BBQ may close early if they sell out of barbeque, so we recommend getting there when they open to ensure you get to enjoy their incredible smoked meats!
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Of course, you can’t make a list of places to enjoy lunch in Fredericksburg TX without including some good old Texas BBQ!. Backwoods BBQ has a selection of mouth-watering dishes that you are sure to love, including grilled chicken with their secret sauce, and their signature briskets, which are prepared daily with a salt and pepper rubbed and pit-cooked over mesquite coals. Round out your meal with classic sides, such as potato salad, cole slaw, green beans, and more for a dining experience you won’t soon forget!
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There is nothing more Texas than quality BBQ – and Backwoods BBQ is among Hill Country’s best. The culinary dream of owner-operator Michael Zavala, this family-owned restaurant lives for tender, seasoned brisket, chicken, and pork and beef ribs – and a rich selection of in-house desserts, all at a reasonable price. Come early, as Backwoods quickly sells out of their precious smoked meats.
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When in Texas Hill Country, you must eat Texas BBQ, and there is nothing better than Backwoods BBQ. It offers some of the best Mesquite-cooked pit BBQ from a generational wealth of experience. From brisket, beef, pork ribs, and chicken, you may want to eat here more than once during your stay in Fredericksburg or stay longer on a Friday night to enjoy their live music.
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It’s hard to go to Texas and not experience authentic Texas BBQ. Finding the perfect BBQ joint should be a bucketlist thing to do while visiting!. That’s why you must stop by Backwoods BBQ. Tender brisket, juicy ribs, and homemade pies are just some of the meals waiting at Backwoods BBQ. This family-owned restaurant specializes in mesquite-pit-cooked BBQ and steaks!
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This family-friendly restaurant features a rustic, cozy dining room and lots of space for large groups. The menu features traditional American barbecue dishes, including steak, beef brisket, chicken wings, and sausage. This locally owned diner features live music every Friday after dinner and a fantastic selection of homemade pies, cakes, beer, and wine.
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A family friendly venue with plenty of seating Backwoods BBQ is a locally-owned Hill Country BBQ restaurant specializing in mesquite-cooked pit BBQ and steaks. Enjoy Ribeye and New York Strip steaks, Brisket, Tri-Tip, Beef, chicken and sausage. They have live music on Fridays after 5 pm and are closed on Monday & Tuesday.
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A locally-owned barbeque restaurant that specializes in mesquite-cooked pit BBQ and steaks. They make delicious briskets, beef and pork ribs, chicken, and sausage. Dine in with them every Friday for live music to complement your experience.
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The Backwoods BBQ was a casual spot, with fast and efficient cafeteria-type service. The toughest part was trying not to hold up others more familiar with the luncheon menu while we selected our meat. So, we asked for a few samples.
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Central Texas is known for barbecue, and Backwoods BBQ is some of the best in town. The family-owned establishment specializes in mesquite-cooked pit BBQ and steaks. Visitors rave about the ribs, ribeye, and macaroni and cheese.
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While the sizzling schnitzels and sausages will tempt you, don’t overlook the good old-fashioned Texas barbecue you’ll get at spots like Backwoods BBQ or Läkenvelder BBQ, Bar, & Grill.
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Additional dinner recommendations include Der Lindenbaum for delicious German cuisine, Navajo Grill for Hill Country cuisine, and Backwoods BBQ or David’s Old Fashioned Pit BBQ.
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If you’re looking to satisfy your BBQ craving, try Backwoods BBQ or David’s Old Fashioned Pit BBQ. You can’t go wrong with BBQ in Texas!
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