Black’s Original BBQ: A True OG of Central Texas Cue, With a Side of Family Feud
- Scott @ BrisketBus
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
Black's Original BBQ
Locations and Hours*
Lockhart
215 N Main St, Lockhart, TX 78644
(512) 398-2712 Sunday – Thursday 10a - 8p
Friday – Saturday 10a - 8:30p
Austin
3110 Guadalupe St Austin, TX 78705
(512) 524-0801
Sunday – Thursday 11a - 9p
Friday – Saturday 11a - 10p
San Marcos
510 Hull St,
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 878-0795
Sunday – Thursday 11a - 8p
Friday – Saturday 11a - 9p
New Braunsfels
936 TX-337 Loop,
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 358-7006
Sunday – Thursday 10a - 8p
Friday – Saturday 10a - 9p
Opened 1932
Texas Monthly Accolades
At Black’s Original BBQ, you don’t just walk into a restaurant—you step into history. They’ve been slicing brisket and stirring pits since 1932, and the vibe inside is pure Texas meat church: wood-paneled walls, cafeteria trays, and an aroma that hits your nose like the warm slap of nostalgia. And with three list Texas Monthly list appearances, you won't be disappointed.
We went for the trifecta: brisket, ribs, and sausage. The brisket was the star—gloriously barked, juicy without drowning in grease, and seasoned just right. It didn’t need sauce, but Black’s signature sweet-and-smoky blend didn’t hurt either. The pork ribs were tender, but with a touch of pull, and just the right amount of smoke. The sausage snapped with each bite and oozed fat like a well-oiled machine.
We also tried the mac n cheese, potato salad, and a jalapeño corn bread)—solid, if not standout. Let’s be honest though: at Black’s, the meat’s the main attraction.
But what makes a visit to Black’s extra spicy is knowing there’s some real Texas BBQ drama smoldering in the background. The Black family barbecue empire had a bit of a beef, and it cooked up Terry Black’s BBQ in Austin—a separate venture started by Kent Black's nephew, Mike Black. Mike claims his grandmother told him he could use the name, but Kent's lawyers had a different understanding of the events. Here at Brisketbus, there's a whole tour focused on the Food Family Feuds of Lockhart staring Black's Original, and Terry Black's BBQ.
While both joints sling serious meat, loyalists will tell you there’s only one Black’s that truly deserves the name. So whether you’re here to taste history or just settle the family feud for yourself, Black’s Original is a must-stop on any serious BBQ lovers must visit list. The meat’s old-school, the atmosphere is classic, and the legacy? Well, it’s still being written—one brisket slice at a time.
Overall rating: “As Texas as it gets” Read more about Black's Original in the Texas Monthly Interview with Kent Black.
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