La Barbecue sits on East Cesar Chavez Street in East Austin, where chef and owner Ali Clem smokes Texas-style brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, and sausage, continuing a legacy she and her late wife, LeAnn Mueller, built together. It operates as a counter-service barbecue restaurant, with meats sold by the pound alongside sides like mac and cheese, chili, and pickles, finished with a choice of two house barbecue sauces.
Lines are part of the experience here; regulars plan around arriving early, and popular cuts can run out by the time the smoker's output is gone for the day.
Michelin awarded La Barbecue one star in both its 2024 and 2025 guides before listing it as Selected in the 2026 edition. The restaurant's chef was a James Beard Best Chef: Texas semifinalist in 2026.
Lines are part of the experience here; regulars plan around arriving early, and popular cuts can run out by the time the smoker's output is gone for the day.
Michelin awarded La Barbecue one star in both its 2024 and 2025 guides before listing it as Selected in the 2026 edition. The restaurant's chef was a James Beard Best Chef: Texas semifinalist in 2026.