doc's backyard grill austin texas

Doc's Backyard Grill Austin Texas: Best BBQJoint in Town

By Rachel Clark
AD

Nestled in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin, Texas, is home to a hidden gem that's transforming the way locals and visitors alike experience BBQ. Welcome to Doc's Backyard Grill & Bar, a Texas-inspired destination that's redefining the meaning of 'backyard cooking' one juicy rack of ribs at a time.

Tucked away in the vibrant South Congress Avenue neighborhood, Doc's Backyard Grill offers a unique blend of casual comfort and Texas charm. The sprawling outdoor space is designed to evoke the essence of a classic backyard BBQ, complete with picnic tables, string lights, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for enjoying great food with great company.

The Smokin' Hot Flavors of Texas

At Doc's, the focus is squarely on the smoker, and the results speak for themselves. The pitmasters use time-honored techniques to cook meats low and slow over Texas post oak, imparting a rich, smoky flavor that's become the signature of Central Texas BBQ.

AD
Louisiana-inspired Parish Barbecue is Austin's best new barbecue joint
Louisiana-inspired Parish Barbecue is Austin's best new barbecue joint
The 20 Best Places to Eat in Texas — All Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
The 20 Best Places to Eat in Texas — All Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Sushi, Mexican, barbecue: A guide to Austin's best restaurants of 2025
Sushi, Mexican, barbecue: A guide to Austin's best restaurants of 2025

On the menu, you'll find all the classics, from tender, fall-off-the-bone brisket and pork spare ribs to juicy chicken quarters and flavorful sausage. Each meat is meticulously prepared, rubbed with a proprietary blend of spices, and smoked to perfection. The result is tender, mouthwatering BBQ that's as true to Texas tradition as it is delicious.

Brisket, the Texas Gold Standard

No tour of Texas BBQ would be complete without a deep dive into brisket, the state's gold standard for smoked meats. At Doc's, the brisket is marinated for 24 hours in a blend of spices and seasonings before being smoked for up to 12 hours. The result is a beautifully smoked piece of beef with a textbook crust, tender center, and rich, smoky flavor that exemplifies the best of Texas BBQ.

Reimagined Austin Grill opens its doors in Loudoun County
Reimagined Austin Grill opens its doors in Loudoun County
A map of the 15 best new restaurants in Austin: Barbecue, burgers, sushi and more
A map of the 15 best new restaurants in Austin: Barbecue, burgers, sushi and more
Texas Jack's BBQ — Jess Glebe Design
Texas Jack's BBQ — Jess Glebe Design

Pair your brisket with Doc's signature spice rub or tangy house-made sauce, or opt for the 'naked' experience to truly appreciate the smoke and seasoning.

Sausage, a Texas Icon

While brisket might be king in Texas BBQ, the state's sausage is undeniably the queen. At Doc's, the link of choice is a juicy, flavorful mesquite-smoked sausage made from a Texas original recipe. With a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness, it's no wonder this smoky treat is a customer favorite.

AD

Served on a bun with pickles and onions, the Texas sausage sandwich is as hearty and satisfying as they come. For a meal with a kick, opt for the Spicy Texas Dog, a mesquite-smoked sausage topped with jalapeños, cheese sauce, and a drizzle of habanero sauce.

Beer, BBQ and bread: 7 additions to the Austin dining scene
Beer, BBQ and bread: 7 additions to the Austin dining scene
Best restaurant dishes Statesman critic Matthew Odam ate in Texas in July
Best restaurant dishes Statesman critic Matthew Odam ate in Texas in July
This GA BBQ restaurant is best in state for 2026, Southern Living says. What’s on the menu?
This GA BBQ restaurant is best in state for 2026, Southern Living says. What’s on the menu?
2M Smokehouse - San Antonio, TX
2M Smokehouse - San Antonio, TX
6 Austin-based restaurants to explore in San Antonio including Kerbey Lane, Pluckers and Via 313
6 Austin-based restaurants to explore in San Antonio including Kerbey Lane, Pluckers and Via 313
Best Coffee Playdate Spots in Austin
Best Coffee Playdate Spots in Austin

More Than Just BBQ

While Docs' BBQ might steal the show, there's more to this backyard grill than meets the smoky eye. The expansive menu includes a range of dishes designed to complement the main event, from classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw to unique offerings like the capital city's best fried chicken.

For something sweet, try the Dr. Pepper-infused pulled pork or the Outlaw Grilled Cheese, a sandwich stuffed with brisket, sausage, and smoked Gouda. And for those looking to cool off, the #Defrost Yourself cocktail menu offers a refreshing selection of drinks to help you beat the Texas heat.

AD

The Doc's Classic Plates

Doc's Backyard Grill also features a selection of 'Doc's Classic Plates,' hearty entrees that put a Texas twist on classic American fare. The classic Smoked Chicken Fried Steak, for example, is brined, smoked, and then breaded for a dish that's crispy, tender, and full of smoky flavor. The Mac & rotary Tillman Cheese is another standout, combining creamy pasta with brisket, jalapeños, and a homemade remodel sauce.

When it’s safer to dine outside, Fort Worth diners go out for barbecue
When it’s safer to dine outside, Fort Worth diners go out for barbecue
BizHawk: The Nugget Bar and Grill Expands into Carpinteria
BizHawk: The Nugget Bar and Grill Expands into Carpinteria
Fresh: JD's Smokehouse BBQ
Fresh: JD's Smokehouse BBQ
Must Visit Restaurant in the 5-1-2: Tony C's Coal Fired Pizza
Must Visit Restaurant in the 5-1-2: Tony C's Coal Fired Pizza
The storm blew it away, but a west Fort Worth hamburger grill is open again
The storm blew it away, but a west Fort Worth hamburger grill is open again
BBQ, baked goods and pizza: 5 dining updates across Austin and Leander
BBQ, baked goods and pizza: 5 dining updates across Austin and Leander
Augie's Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse on Broadway closing permanently due to city construction
Augie's Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse on Broadway closing permanently due to city construction
The 9 Best Mexican Spots in Texas, According to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
The 9 Best Mexican Spots in Texas, According to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Restaurants with Playgrounds in South Austin
Restaurants with Playgrounds in South Austin
Fort Worth-area restaurants win honors in the first Michelin Star awards for Texas
Fort Worth-area restaurants win honors in the first Michelin Star awards for Texas
Best Restaurants in Cedar Park, Texas - The Tech Edvocate
Best Restaurants in Cedar Park, Texas - The Tech Edvocate
6 BBQ sandwiches that will make you rethink your definition of barbecue
6 BBQ sandwiches that will make you rethink your definition of barbecue
New bar and grill opens in Joliet
New bar and grill opens in Joliet
Yummy Pig BBQ opening new downtown Leesburg location soon
Yummy Pig BBQ opening new downtown Leesburg location soon

The Doc's Classic Plates also include a variety of seafood dishes, from the Honey Glazed Salmon to the island-inspired Tropical MahiMahi. Each dish is cooked to order and served with a side of fried potatoes, green beans, or mac & cheese.

Don't Miss the Specials

In addition to the regular menu, Doc's Backyard Grill offers a selection of daily specials that showcase the pitmaster's creativity and skill. On Mondays, swing by for the 'All U Can Eat' ribs deal, a Texas-style buffet that's perfect for hungry visitors and locals alike. On Tuesdays, it's 'Taco Tuesday,' with a special menu of Texas BBQ-inspired tacos that are as delicious as they are unique.

AD

The specials menu also features a range of limited-time offerings, from special BBQ platters to creative takes on classic desserts. For the latest on Doc's daily specials, be sure to check out their social media channels or sign up for their newsletter.

As the sun sets over South Congress and the string lights come to life, there's no better place to be than Doc's Backyard Grill. With its smoky flavors, Texas charm, and friendly atmosphere, this backyard BBQ gem is more than just a restaurant - it's a true taste of Texas living. So grab your appetite, gather your crew, and get ready to experience the best of Austin's BBQ scene, Doc's Backyard Grill-style. Y'all come back now, hear?

AD