Interstellar BBQ
Round Rock's quiet giant. Brisket that earns the drive.
Interstellar BBQ is a barbecue restaurant in Austin, Texas.
John Bates runs Interstellar BBQ out of far North Austin near Round Rock, and it may be the best-kept secret in the metro. Removed from the downtown circuit, it draws a fraction of the crowds while turning out brisket that legitimately competes with the city's elite — a fact Texas Monthly confirmed by ranking it among the state's best.
The brisket is exceptional in the details that matter: a pronounced smoke ring and a bark that shatters like glass over meat with real give. Pork ribs come glazed and clean-biting, and the smoked turkey is a genuine reason to order beyond the beef, moist where most turkey surrenders to dryness. Bates is also known for inventive sides, but the quiet is the luxury — you can actually taste the food without the dread of a two-hour line.
- Style: Central Texas Style
- Price: $$
- Neighborhood: Round Rock
- Serving since 2018
What to order
- Brisket
- Pork Ribs
- Smoked Turkey
How it scores — 9.0/10 overall
Visiting
- Address: 12233 Ranch Rd 620 N #105, Austin, TX 78750
- Phone: (512) 994-6660
- Website: https://interstellarbbq.com
Hours: Wed–Sun 11am–3pm or sold out
354 words
Related Pages
Archie's BBQ, Austin, TX
Archie's BBQ in Austin is an East 12th Street counter pit serving salt-and-pepper brisket, pork ribs, chopped beef sandwiches, and coarse smoked sausage.
B Cooper Barbecue, Austin, TX
B Cooper Barbecue in Austin is an under-the-radar Manor Road trailer smoking post-oak brisket, rare smoked lamb breast, and weekend Mangalitsa pork ribs.
BBQ Fiends, Austin, Texas
BBQ Fiends in Hutto near Austin is a Texas Monthly Top 50 trailer serving dark-bark brisket, pork ribs, and coarse smoked sausage on a first-come basis.
Bee Caves B-B-Q, Austin, TX
Bee Caves B-B-Q in Austin brings Schmidt-family Central Texas tradition west with salt-and-pepper brisket, big beef ribs, pork ribs, and house-made sausage.
Bert's Bar-B-Q, Austin, Texas
Bert's Bar-B-Q in Austin is a Northwest Hills pit open since 1970 and named a 2022 Texas Treasure Business, serving traditional brisket, pork ribs, and sausage.
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, Austin, TX
Bill Miller Bar-B-Q on Slaughter Lane in Austin serves the Texas chain's hickory brisket, sausage, and famous breakfast tacos from early morning through dinner.