City Market: Come for the brisket, stay because you physically can’t move
- Scott @ BrisketBus
- Jul 11
- 2 min read
City Market aka Original City Market
Address
633 E. Davis St. Luling, TX 78648
Phone
(830) 875-9019
Web
None that we know of, don't be fooled by the copycat in Houston
Opened
1958
Hours of Operation
Sunday CLOSED
Monday 10a - 6p
Tuesday 10a - 6p
Wednesday 10a - 6p
Thursday 10a - 6p
Friday 10a - 6p
Saturday - 10a - 6p
Texas Monthly Accolades
You know you’re in for something special the moment that smoky scent smacks you in the face walking into City Market. It’s not just nostalgia—it’s meat perfume, and it’s heavenly. Top that with five appearances on the Texas Monthly Top 50 lists, and y'all know, they ain't messing around.
There’s no dining room pageantry or glitzy signage here. Just sawdust floors, a line that moves slower than molasses in January, and a smokehouse tucked in the back like a secret club. You go back there, place your order straight from the pitmasters, and walk out with meat on butcher paper like you just scored contraband from BBQ heaven.
The brisket? Silky smooth and richly smoked with a bark that means business. Honestly some of the best we've ever had. It didn’t need sauce—but we used it anyway, because their sauce is more like BBQ gold. It’s tangy, sweet, and spicy, all at once. The pork ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender and sticky in the best way. The sausage had a good snap, well-balanced seasoning, and just enough grease to coat your lips and soul.
Sides are basic, but let’s be honest—you didn’t come here for the beans. You came here for the legacy. The OG. One of the last true holdouts of Central Texas ‘que done the old way. City Market isn’t just a BBQ joint—it’s a rite of passage.
Do NOT confuse this establishment for the knock off in Houston, they are not the same, despite the same name (more on that in our BBQ FOOD FEUD TOUR).
Overall rating: “Don’t talk to me, I’m still chewing.”
Visited May 2025
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