House Park Bar-B-Que

Brisket is very delicious. Before you get to the door you can smell the smoke. These barbeque pits are the oldest in Austin. You cannot go wrong with any of the options.

Bob Pomeroy

I just finished the pork rib plate on special today, and lemme tell ya dems wuz some good ribs! Perfecto fall off the bone. Excellent sides too. Need No Teef to Eat My Beef! (Well, pork, really, this time. But you get my meaning.)

Nicole Perry

Austin Local Legends: House Park Bar-B-Que. No trends. No reinvention. Just classic Central Texas barbecue the way it has been done since 1943. “Need no teef to eat my beef.” Located on 12th Street in central Austin, just west of downtown with a view of the Austin skyline, House Park Bar-B-Que is the oldest barbecue pit in Austin, Texas and a true piece of the city’s history. I have been coming here since I was born, and that is what makes it a local legend. Long before social media and food trends, this was where Austinites came for authentic Texas BBQ, and they still do. If you are searching for historic Austin barbecue, old school Texas BBQ, or a true local barbecue landmark near downtown Austin, this place is not just a restaurant. It is part of Austin’s story. Go get you some!!

Reuben Reyes

Choice place for excellent BBQ! Got the brisket plate and my son got two meat plate with brisket and sausage. The sides we tried were beans, mac&cheese, potato salad, and coleslaw. Everything was spot on. Service was great and the inside was clean and well lit. We very much enjoyed dining here.

Julie Alexander

Y’all! They’re back 🍴❤️ after a fire a couple years ago they are back and they do not disappoint! Brisket was so tender and the ribs and sides were soooo good! They had Mac and cheese today so we got all four sides. Some of the best bbq in Austin!

Rob

Google is asking for an Atmosphere review, didn't come here for the atmosphere, came here for the meat. Had a mixed sausage and beef sandwiche, it was delicious. I will going back! (House Park Bar-B-Que is now open since the fire).

Gary F

I’ve been skeptical of going to a restaurant with a cheeky slogan of “don’t need no teef to eat my beef.” I only came here after one of the folks from LaBarbeque recommended it. If an authentic BBQ place needs to a bit rundown, the interior fits the bill. I was offered brisket and half chopped beef sandwich since I was undecided. Foolishly, I took a knife for the brisket. It would be impossible to find a more tender cut of brisket, and the chopped beef has an equally lovely flavor. Despite the owner needing a new rhyming dictionary, I’ll be taking a lot more walks along Shoal Creek around lunchtime, and I can leave my dentures at home.

Scott S

Awwwww..... It's back... and in glorious form! Days of old are back better than ever! I had the brisket platter, the meat was so moist it cut with a fork! Matt really has this place back to its old wonderful self!

VanTilburg Family

It was our first time back since the fire, and it was better than ever! We're so glad to have great brisket back in West Austin.

S Riverbend

Iconic food spots make a comeback!!! This place is on point!! Great Menue! Fresh atmosphere, and awesome food!! Matt and the gang does an amazing job 💪 😋

Elias Andrade

Brisket is very delicious. Before you get to the door you can smell the smoke. These barbeque pits are the oldest in Austin. You cannot go wrong with any of the options.

My first time going back to House Park since the fire. I'm glad they're back. They were good before and even better now. If you want good BBQ at reasonable prices then this is the place for you.

Other BBQ restaurants take note - THIS is what true Texas BBQ is all about. There's no gimmicks, no Michelin stars, no fusions. The only fusion here is the brisket and the oak smoke. To say this place is a hidden gem is a true understatement. The guys behind the counter were super nice, and sliced up what I can only call an early-2000s portion (before the Great Brisket Wars and the rise of the 3-slice 'sliced brisket sandwich'), especially for the price. I don't think there's anywhere else in Austin that will give you that much high-quality brisket on a good bun for less than $11. And speaking of the brisket, it's as perfect as I think I've had in a long time. These guys clearly care about the quality of the product that they make, and they're proud of it. The brisket isn't hiding its sins behind an overpowering pepper bark or gallon of sauce - it's pure smoke and quality meat. The fat was perfectly rendered, the brisket was juicy without being too fatty, and the smoke rings were beautiful. Frankly, I think these guys deserve more attention for the absolute brick-pit masterclass they're putting on. If you want pure, Austin BBQ, this is the place to come. And trust me, I don't say that lightly. The question isn't IF I'll be back, it'll be WHEN.

We were out walking and looking for a local place for lunch. We smelled the BBQ before we saw the restaurant. We were welcomed as soon as we stepped in. Very good food and great atmosphere inside and outside.

The brisket is amazing and the sides are really good too! Service with a smile and a short lines make this a way better choice than drive through fast food. I’m so glad this classic Austin BBQ spot is upgraded and open again. Plenty of shaded benches and fresh air for lunch outside close to downtown.

I got a brisket and jalapeño sausage sandwich. It was big and the best bbq sandwich I’ve had in a long time. I wish I took a photo. The brisket was moist. The bread was great and the sauce really complimented the meat without taking over the flavor. I’ll have to go back very soon to try more.

From the rich history to the passionate owner, everything about this BBQ place was magnificent! As someone from Kansas City, I have high expectations when it comes to barbecue, and this spot certainly delivered. The ribs were outstanding—the meat practically fell off the bone while still showcasing true competition BBQ style. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was a standout, bursting with flavor and cheesy goodness in every bite. And the brisket? Incredible! It maintained its structure and moisture, featuring a fantastic bark that so many Texas briskets lack, often relying on peppercorns instead. I barely used the sauce because the meat was so delicious on its own. The pricing is phenomenal as well, making it an even better experience. If you're looking for old-school Texas BBQ at its best, walk in and give them a try. You won't be disappointed!

Lunch there today. Had the brisket platter. It was smoky and moist. Excellent flavor. A generous serving of meat plus sides and a couple of pieces of white bread. Will recommend to friends and will return.

Great place, and very kind to us travellers. They had a nice mixed plate for $19 (I believe). Excellent BBQ'd turkey --

Josh Swope

This places houses the oldest barbecue pit in Austin. Old school pit style barbecue done excellent. Great food, people, and an atmosphere that takes you back in time. Friendly people hanging out eating and sharing conversations. This place is Nostalgic, it still somehow embodies the vibe of old school Austin. Generational, family run, not the new craft stuff you find at the TB's or Franklin types. This is the bbq of our parents and grandparents. It's really great to be able to find a place like this still thriving in the city.

Ryan Stankard

Other BBQ restaurants take note - THIS is what true Texas BBQ is all about. There's no gimmicks, no Michelin stars, no fusions. The only fusion here is the brisket and the oak smoke. To say this place is a hidden gem is a true understatement. The guys behind the counter were super nice, and sliced up what I can only call an early-2000s portion (before the Great Brisket Wars and the rise of the 3-slice 'sliced brisket sandwich'), especially for the price. I don't think there's anywhere else in Austin that will give you that much high-quality brisket on a good bun for less than $11. And speaking of the brisket, it's as perfect as I think I've had in a long time. These guys clearly care about the quality of the product that they make, and they're proud of it. The brisket isn't hiding its sins behind an overpowering pepper bark or gallon of sauce - it's pure smoke and quality meat. The fat was perfectly rendered, the brisket was juicy without being too fatty, and the smoke rings were beautiful. Frankly, I think these guys deserve more attention for the absolute brick-pit masterclass they're putting on. If you want pure, Austin BBQ, this is the place to come. And trust me, I don't say that lightly. The question isn't IF I'll be back, it'll be WHEN.

Travis Lowe

I got a brisket and jalapeño sausage sandwich. It was big and the best bbq sandwich I’ve had in a long time. I wish I took a photo. The brisket was moist. The bread was great and the sauce really complimented the meat without taking over the flavor. I’ll have to go back very soon to try more.

Gregory Stearman

The brisket is amazing and the sides are really good too! Service with a smile and a short lines make this a way better choice than drive through fast food. I’m so glad this classic Austin BBQ spot is upgraded and open again. Plenty of shaded benches and fresh air for lunch outside close to downtown.

Jason Wagner

Awesome place in downtown Austin for great BBQ at an affordable price. We had a group of 20 who had just finished a capital tour and found this place online. They had a great vibe, great food, and accommodated all of us quickly and comfortably. Everyone enjoyed their food and the atmosphere. Great job House Park!

Jim Corrigan

Lunch there today. Had the brisket platter. It was smoky and moist. Excellent flavor. A generous serving of meat plus sides and a couple of pieces of white bread. Will recommend to friends and will return.

Parker Whitney

From the rich history to the passionate owner, everything about this BBQ place was magnificent! As someone from Kansas City, I have high expectations when it comes to barbecue, and this spot certainly delivered. The ribs were outstanding—the meat practically fell off the bone while still showcasing true competition BBQ style. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was a standout, bursting with flavor and cheesy goodness in every bite. And the brisket? Incredible! It maintained its structure and moisture, featuring a fantastic bark that so many Texas briskets lack, often relying on peppercorns instead. I barely used the sauce because the meat was so delicious on its own. The pricing is phenomenal as well, making it an even better experience. If you're looking for old-school Texas BBQ at its best, walk in and give them a try. You won't be disappointed!

Justin Newsom

I ate here today for the first time in years. I eat BBQ all over the Austin and Central Texas scene to include the Michelin starred places. I loved the food and the old school atmosphere today. The Brisket was tender and flavorful. The jalapeño cheese sausage exceeded standards and is very well made. I had the beans and coleslaw for my sides, and they reminded me of my childhood. If you want a No Frills easy place to eat lunch in Austin, with free parking, no line, and great People serving you great food, then look no further.. As we lose more and more of old Austin, let’s please keep this place up and running.

Very traditional Texas style barbecue. They have a very cool brick and steel oven that they smoke all of their meat. This style of brick oven is the only one in the state of Texas and they have now been outlawed. The brisket and ribs that we had were pretty good but to me it was a little bit dry. Maybe that’s the Texas style of barbecue but it’s not what I prefer. The flavor was pretty good and the barbecue sauce. It was nice to be able to walk right in and order instead of having to wait in line like some of the other popular places in Texas.

Grill’n Millen

Very traditional Texas style barbecue. They have a very cool brick and steel oven that they smoke all of their meat. This style of brick oven is the only one in the state of Texas and they have now been outlawed. The brisket and ribs that we had were pretty good but to me it was a little bit dry. Maybe that’s the Texas style of barbecue but it’s not what I prefer. The flavor was pretty good and the barbecue sauce. It was nice to be able to walk right in and order instead of having to wait in line like some of the other popular places in Texas.

Jordan Tyler

Decor? Who cares. Plating? Get over yourself. Views? Go to heck. Good BBQ? Classic Texan barbecue. They have logs out back for grilling. You can smell it from a mile away. Will you find me there soon? Lord willing and the creek dont rise.