This barbecue spot is definitely the best top three in the state of Texas/ the food is excellent/The service is spectacular./ it's a very clean down home Good spot to eat. read more

I've been coming to Luling City Market for atleast 35 years. It was always a must stop and always earned a top spot on any BBQ list. However, it has become such a disappointment. The BBQ is bland, overcooked and only a shadow of what was once the BBQ Mecca of Central Texas. Whoever seasons the meat must have quit, along with the cleaning crew. The ribs were dry, slick, unseasoned and honestly wouldn't feed them to my dog. The bathrooms are absolutely filthy and there wasn't even a handle on the men's door for a while. Just a hole with black grime. Sure, you could always hold it for Bucees, but that bathroom stinch has overpowered the whole restaurant too. Hopefully someone will buy this place and restore it to its former glory. read more

City Market - Dry, Seasonless BBQ - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

Small town Luling has a special place in my heart. The service is friendly and the BBQ is stuff that you'll dream about and crave later. Weekends are busy, but for the finger licking, eat off the butcher paper experience it's so worth it. read more

A good friend of mine recommended city market for me to try so I decided to take the fifty mile drive with my girlfriend to Luling for lunch and it was awesome! The bbq brisket was to die for! Best I have ever had. The pork ribs were great and the sausage was awesome. If you are looking for an upscale restaurant then city market is not the place. It's a fun bbq joint with great food and people. I highly recommend City Market!! It's really good! Will definitely come back. FYI.... It does get very busy and you will have to wait in line but it's well worth it! read more

City Market - The area where the bbq is made! - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

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I haven't been for a while but it was as good as ever! Same sausage, same sauce, same beef.... Be sure to bring cash, they don't accept credit cards! read more

Great local bbq. Place Bbq is good. Ribs and brisket were greAt Sauce is delish. Mustard based read more

Another one of TX monthly top 50 bbq spots so decided to stop by on my way to Houston the other day. Got there a bit after 10 AM and there was already a small line. I ordered the brisket, sausage, and pork ribs. Sausage (5/5): Probably one of the best sausage I've had at bbq places, and the other reviews definitely are not wrong when they mention these being special. Super nice snap with every bite, even as a leftover. Also very juicy. Would stick to ordering a bunch of this on road trips between SA and houston. Brisket (3.5/5): chewy in some parts and definitely not as tender as some of the better ones I've had. But still slightly above average and priced real well (~15 bucks a pound about). Ribs (4/5): Solid ribs. Smoky flavor and pretty tender although a bit thinner than other places. Would order these again. Overall a decent spot, but I would stick to the sausage and ribs. Pricewise, it's the cheapest bbq I've had in the top 50 and is definitely worth checking out. read more

City Market - Sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

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So it was the US Army's 244th birthday and my wife and I were looking at where to celebrate it after playing over 2 hours of pickleball in the morning. We heard so much about the Luling City Market so we figured a road trip for some yummy Texas BBQ would be in order. The town of Luling itself was charming enough, with a decent looking main street, although with highways 80 and 183 intersecting where the town is, there was some traffic congestion especially when the trains are going through town. There was ample parking along the street as well as on a lot across the street from City Market, so that wasn't much of an issue. We got there around 11:45 and there already was quite a line forming. From Yelp reviews, my wife and I decided to "divide and conquer" as I stayed on the line to get BBQ while she lined up to get drinks and sides and to snag a table. Orders for the BBQ in this CASH ONLY joint is though a door in the back...presumably the enclosed smoky area where the magic happens is closed off to the dining area to spare diners from having to inhale and "wear" the smoky smell all the way home. As soon as I walked through the door where BBQs are smoked, it felt like the thick smoke was choking me...but I guess that's what fuels the operation. I ordered a pound of brisket, half moist and half lean for my wife, a half pound of ribs (although I think they gave us a pound which I surmised while I was paying for it) and a hot sausage. I had some homemade pickles and six slices of bread to go with all that meat. I was able to score a booth as I beat a woman to it as I exited the smoky BBQ area. Impressions: Their briskets were OK...I can't tell which was moist and which ones were lean as they were all lean. Not a big fan of their brisket. The ribs were very good, tender, fall off the bone, and flavorful. The hot sausage was also very good with the firm case and moist interior. Their potato salad was also very good and their beans were decent...the pickles were outstanding. Oh yeah, lest I forget, their sauce was very good! All in all, we liked their BBQ although we doubt we'll drive all the way out to Luling just to eat here. We still prefer the more scenic drive out to Driftwood and BBQ at Salt Lick or even the BBQ in San Marcos. Lunch for 2 with plenty of meat left over to take home cost just over $38. Decent value for a good meal. read more

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Visiting from California, I highly recommend this spot for bbq. Staff is very friendly and helpful when it comes to ordering. Plenty of seating inside the dinning area. I had brisket lean and fatty and they were both delicious. I would definitely return 10/10. We even took some to take back home. read more

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Either the best or very close to the top of best barbecue I've had to date! Definitely order the sausage. Some of the best I've had and I don't normally order sausage at a barbecue restaurant. Also get the sauce because it's so different and so addicting. Beans and potato salad not my fav but good. We waited 45 minutes and it was worth it! read more

Always friendly and yummy. Worth the road trip! Don't forget to bring sauce home with your leftovers!!

Me and my family had a little barbecue tour today and our first stop was at the City Market! I wish I took pictures cause the smoke rings on that brisket were beautiful!!! Not only was it visually appealing it tasted so delicious!! It was funny when I got to the barbecue sauce that was served on the side and I questioned the color lollll but as soon as I fired it I died a million times over cause it was the best sauce I've ever tired! I will be so bold to say this is the best barbecue I've had in this entire state!!! I've tried a lot of places and was convinced that ppl were lying saying TX had good barbecue. Today I'm happy to think otherwise! I'm glad this place isn't too far from my house cause I'll be back hands down!! read more

Best sausage and ribs anywhere the brisket is pretty good too but the sausage steals the show.

This is by far the best bbq in all of Texas. No frills here. Cash only. The simple menu means that everything they make is purely excellent. My wife and I have been here a number of times and the line is always 20-40 people deep. Figure a 20 minute wait in line at least. My wife and I both have a pretty good appetite, and we order 1 pound of ribs and 1/2 pound of brisket and two dill pickles. Total: $24...anywhere else in Texas you'll pay at least $30+ for lesser quality bbq. I love that you seat yourself in one of two open dining areas. The food is so good that it brings tourists from all over. It's Texas...southern hospitality...expect to have a conversation with whoever is sitting next to you. Two hours from Houston...an hour from San Antonio or Austin. Make the trip...you'll be happy you did! read more

City Market - Ribs and brisket. It doesn't look like a lot, but the meat is sooo filling. - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

Amazing. Delicious. Loved it. Classic old school bbq place with lots of flavor. Great environment

Oh. My. Goodness. This might be the best barbecue I've tasted. The ribs were hands down my favorite. They're flavorful, moist, and tender. You don't need any sauce on them. The brisket was also fantastic. Again, flavorful, moist, and tender. It also wants overly fatty. I was sad they weren't open on Sunday when I was passing through again. The sausage was our least favorite. It was still good, but next time I'll fill up on more ribs and brisket! And look at the size of this giant dill pickle. read more

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Stopped for lunch - had the brisket and sausage with potato salad for our side! Absolutely amazing brisket with a great sauce! Very casual and comfortable place. The staff were super friendly and helpful - we will make City Market a for sure stop again soon! read more

Sausage was good. Casing was tender and had good flavor... brisket and ribs caused this review to only have 3 stars...

One of my favorite food places in all the world!! I say this for the beef brisket, sausage, and ribs. They smoke it all to perfection every time Seriously when you think of the definition of consistency, think of this place. They stay busy constantly and they continually produce delicious meat!! To be clear, you can eat all the meat with out sauce But they have their own signature mustard based bbq sauce that is to die for. If you know me, I'm not a mustard fan and put very little on my burgers. But this goes beyond my dislike for mustard. It is a necessary flavor to experience in your lifetime. Now, to be fair there are only a few sides ; pickles, onion, potato salad, and beans. Those are all edible but nothing super special. However, getting back to the drinks. They house my favorite Big Red Soda and Root Beer in their nostalgic bottles. They also make some delicious sweet and unsweetened tea. Bottom line if you ever make it to Luling Texas this is a must stop!! read more

City Market - My plate ! - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

Made a pit stop here on a road trip. The line was about 10min long and we ordered brisket, ribs, potato salad, and bread. They do not make sandwiches, so you can make your own with the bread, BBQ sauce, onions, etc. They take cash only. Loved all the meats we ordered! Service is friendly as well. read more

City Market - Brisket, ribs, beans, potato salad, bread - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

This is a good place and definitely is a stable of Texas Barbecue. It's consistently on the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ and that is with good reason. The brisket was on the dry side but still good, we were also getting there at 2PM so the good stuff was probably gone. Tasteful with a good smoke ring and delicious bark. Ribs were baby back style almost but good since I prefer them on the small sife. Sausage was great and had some great snap. Potato salad was good. Deserts were all packaged so I don't know if they are worth getting. Beer and drinks were a good price. They are Cash only. read more

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It was awesome, just walking into the restaurant will make your mouth water! Highly recommend this place!

Had one of the worst bbq experiences I've had in a while... brisket was terribly dry... ribs were just ok... bbq sauce was way too sour and vinegary.. I used to love this place but it's fallen off unfortunately... read more

This was the best BBQ place I've ever been to. Great atmosphere - walk in an tables all around, with a counter on one side where you get your drinks and sides. Door in the back gets you into the smokehouse where you get your meats. Only 3 on the menu - brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. They make 3 meats and my god, do they make them right! Brisket was tender and full of beefy flavor, with just the right amount of bite. Ribs were perfect. And that sausage! Take a piece of it with a small chunk of onion and a dash of their delicious vinegar based sauce, and your in heaven. This place has been around since 1958, and doesn't seem to have changed much in those 65 years. No need to mess with perfection! read more

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Never disappoints. Nearly every time I'm in San Antonio, I make the pilgrimage to Luiling to City Market. The BBQ is always tasty and hot. I make to pack lite so I can bring at least 15-20 cold links back with me. I wished they you ship to you. read more

Another trip to the Texas coast means another opportunity to try some great Hill Country BBQ. Our last trip we stopped in Lockhart, so Luling and the famed City Market was next up. Like many of these old BBQ places, the City Market is untouched by time. The most unique aspect of this place is their serving/cooking area which is enclosed. So this protects the dining area from smoke and the patrons get the unique experience as to what a 19th-century steamboat boiler room probably felt like (not the only central Texas BBQ that gives you this impression). Definitely a cool experience to be in the room where smokers are going and kudos to the staff for having to endure this heat each and every day. Onto the meats! The Brisket: Had a nice smoke ring and bark, with moderate smoky flavor and a small amount of seasoning. Overall a solid brisket. The Ribs: A damn-near perfect rib. Nice smoke ring and flavor with just the right amount of stickiness and moisture. Most importantly - the meat was fall-off-the-bone good. Definitely the best thing they have here. The Sausage: My favorite thing about Hill Country BBQ is the horseshoe-shaped sausages they all craft in-house and serve. This makes them all unique to one another. The casing had a nice pop to it and overall solid flavor to the sausage. The Sauce: While good BBQ needs no sauce, I do still always try it for posterity's sake. While Lulinq's BBQ definitely doesn't need it, I did like this unique mustard-based, tangy sauce they offer. So I would say that this was another successful BBQ expedition. If you are like me and you eventually want to try out all the historic Central Texas BBQ places, you won't be disappointed with the City Market. read more

City Market - Inside the boiler room. - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

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Very average BBQ. Visited at 11:30am on Friday morning. Brisket was dry and flavorless. Point and flat. Sausage link was an exact copy of Southside in Elgin. And, it was good. Sides were ok but did not have a stand out flavor. Not going to give it a second try. A bit better que in Lockhart. Still think Austin BBQ shops and other newer ones that have popped up have blown right the by old standards. read more

I mean it's alright, nothing to write back home to Alabama about. I thought the smoke room was very unique. Real old school type of feel. Food: Brisket was cut really different. Long pieces with lots of fat! Not really a fan of the way they cut their brisket. I love moist brisket but got damm this is more fat than meat. The ribs were okay, very average ribs. The sausage was really good probably the best thing I had. The potato salad tasted very average as well. The bottle big red and the sausage was the highlight of my day. If you want amazing bbq try corkscrew bbq in Houston Texas. This place cannot hold a candle to corkscrew. I think this place is popular due to simply the legend of city market in Luling. Once again, not the greatest or the worst just simply average bbq. read more

City Market - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

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Today on our way home to Houston we had a hankering for some small town barbecue. Out of the 2 choices we had City Barbecue Market was calling our name ... I'm sure glad they did !!!! It was really good all the meat selections we got ribs,brisket and the sausage were moist and very flavorful. So if you are in Luling, Texas stop by you will not regret it I pinky swear!!!!! read more

City Market - Brisket,ribs & sausage - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

Super old school, cash only and beans and potato salad are the only sides. It gets too crowded so I don't go anymore

It's not how I fondly remembered it. Admittedly more than a few years have passed since we last ate at City Market so it could be our palate has developed or it's not as good as it once was. We ordered half pound of brisket and half pound of pork ribs for the 2 of us. The first batch of brisket was dry looking and we knew this was not going to taste any better than it looked. Luckily I went back to the pit and asked if we needed to ask for fatty brisket because our brisket was dry. They exchanged it for us and it was better. The pork ribs however were jerky but I didn't ask to exchange them. I should have. The potato salad had too much dressing but the beans were fine. There are many more BBQ places to try so not likely to return here. read more

Some of the best BBQ Texas has to offer. Usually there is a line. So you have to be patient. But, its well worth the wait. The sausage is the best i have ever had. Thats coming from someone who really doesn't care for sausage too much. Also had ribs yesterday. They were like Candy. No sauce needed. Just all around great BBQ. read more

City Market, while I appreciate your LONG tenure in Texas BBQ....my recent visit was an overcooked disaster. Forget the long line, the separate line to get sides meaning you have to check out twice. The nazi of the door with the fresh arm tattoo still wrapped in plastic.... Your brisket is terrible; also recently acknowledged by Texas Monthly. I was a winner for ordering fatty (still a D-) The rest of my dining companions (lean) could have used it as sandpaper. Ribs were dry AF too. Good tear yet at the expense of moisture. $30 worth of meat, cheese, beverages, and dessert. What didn't suck was the sausage and the banana pudding. Threw the rest which consisted of 1lb of ribs, 1/4 brisket in the trash. Wait, I had the $1 cheese; they didn't over cook that thankfully. Also, your employees should describe that your sweet tea has lemon in the mix. Dumped that out too. BBQ mecca? Sh****t, you're surviving on your name alone at this point read more

Best find ever! Searched for a mid-point between Fredericksburg and Austin to meet a friend and Luling popped up and bbq sounded good. Lucky us! We were the last ones in the door, greeted with "we only have sausage left and it must be take out." I took the last 8 links and it was by far the BEST bbq sausage I've eaten. Can't wait to return. read more

Good BBQ if you're in the area, we ordered the brisket, ribs, and the sausage. I preferred the brisket because it was more lean than fatty. The ribs also had a very nice flavor. My least favorite were the sausage too fatty for me and wasn't a big fan of the flavor. The sauce tasted like a sweet mustard bbq sauce, I would have preferred a more Smokey bbq sauce. We came during the week and no lines so that was a bonus. ***Cash Only*** & the only reason I didn't give it a 5 was because I wasn't blown away by it. read more

City Market - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

This is the essence of Texas barbecue, and of Texas. Nothing fancy, just pure and unadulterated. Search Luling in John tanners bbq blog and you'll see why it remains my favorite barbecue pace in Texas read more

City Market - Geniuses at work - Barbeque Near Me - Luling, Texas

I will have to continue this later, but wanted to start. Friends of mine invited me a week ago to come to the Luling city market for their barbecue. It's a place near where they grew up and they told me people come from all around and wait in lines out the door to get this amazing barbecue. So yesterday we went and it was fantastic. You stand in line then go through the door where the meat is, order a few types by the pound and sausage by the ring. We got ribs, brisket and sausage, Dill & sweet pickles, onions, hot peppers, and bread. It's served up on brown paper and plastic forks and knives and you take it to your table. The sausage had a great snap and the inside just melted in your mouth. It was a little messy and oily, but a good part of the oil just came out onto the paper. The flavor texture and smell was excellent. The short ribs were great, and the meat just fell off and melted into your mouth. The brisket was delicious and not too fatty. The experience was just tremendous. We got there about five minutes before noon and only had about 10 people in front of us. When we sat down to eat the line went through the restaurant and out the front door. Glad we got there when we did. The only reason I gave it four stars rather than five, and maybe this is my fault, but it was rather messy with just the brown paper on the tables and plastic utensils. I probably could have worn workout clothes so I'd not be worried about the mess. The staff was friendly the food was great and the ambience was definitely historic. I imagine this place has been around for many many decades. Afterwards we spent time walking up and down the main street and visiting the antique shops and other merchants. I will definitely be returning read more

First, have cash. Second, upon entering the place, stand in line with others waiting to enter the Pit Room at the back of the restaurant. This is where you'll be buying the brisket, ribs and sausages. You'll only be there for a few minutes but expect to smell like smoked meat after :/. Be careful carrying your mound of smoked meat, white bread, pickles and onion, and sheets of paper (placemats) to your table. Don't worry, they will show you how to hold it so you don't drop your precious meats! Third, if you're with one other person, have someone else stand in line at the counter by the entrance to buy the beans (you have to get the beans), potato salad, banana pudding, and/or any other sides you desire. If you're not getting any sides which is a smart strategy for eating as much meat as possible, stand in line any way and get their famous sauce here. You won't regret it. Fourth, wash your hands in the next room and enjoy the smoky goodness of one of the top 50 BBQ joints in the world according to Texas Monthly and other BBQ aficionados! It was such a trip eating at a real Texas BBQ joint. I do like Texas BBQ out of all the BBQs out there. I don't like BBQ swimming in sauce. The Brisket and Ribs were so good here, you don't even need their liquid gold of a sauce. Their sauce though is not sweet and thick. It's mustardy and more vinegary, and it really is special. It's a good balance to the richness of the meat. Oh and the sausage! There's that snap when you bite into it and inside is this really flavorful meat. It's a must order. I'm not a beans person, but everyone in our group were pleasantly surprised at how good the beans were. The Banana Pudding was really good too. So cheap at $2.50 and it wasn't too sweet, and had a nice crunch from the Nilla Wafers inside. I hear the lines are pretty insane on the weekends. We went on the day after Christmas, so while there was a steady line for the Pit Room, it wasn't out the door. This place is really close to San Antonio, about 10 miles south, so if you're in the area, stop by. Totally worth it! read more

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Please update your prices on your website. It's unethical to false advertise pricing. I placed an order by phone based on your website prices and was blindsided by the actual drastic price difference. It's not about the money, it's the principle. Please update your business hours on google and on your website. Keep in mind that not all of your customers live in Luling some of us are passing through while traveling. It's a major inconvenience when google says you open at 7am when in actuality it's 10am. The lack of sides is disappointing. I don't care for the beans at all so that only leaves potato salad. I'll definitely be looking for other options next time I'm passing through! read more

Line is was long but moved fairly fast. Extremely limited menu. Ribs and sausage were good. The brisket had awesome flavor but was over cooked and dry. The biggest disappointment was the limited sides. The only things on the menu were potato salad and pinto beans. The banana pudding was excellent. read more