
Lamberts
Lamberts is an upscale BBQ joint in a historic building, serving inventive smoked meats and classic Texas fare with live music.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Lamberts

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lamberts is an upscale BBQ joint in a historic building, serving inventive smoked meats and classic Texas fare with live music.
"Experience the best of Texas BBQ in a stylish setting with creative dishes and a vibrant atmosphere."
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy 50% off appetizers and $2 off drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 5-7pm.
Make Reservations
Book in advance, especially for groups or peak times, to secure your table.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Barbecue
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inventive Barbecue Creations
Experience unique BBQ like crispy wild boar ribs in honey glaze and quail enchiladas, elevating classic smoked meats.

Upscale Dining Ambiance
Enjoy your BBQ on ceramic plates in a stylish, refurbished general store with a lively upstairs bar.

Live Music and Lively Bar
The upstairs bar offers live music and a great atmosphere, perfect for after-dinner drinks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy 50% off appetizers and $2 off drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 5-7pm.
Make Reservations
Book in advance, especially for groups or peak times, to secure your table.
Try the Chipotle Queso
Don't miss the highly recommended Chipotle queso with burnt ends.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Deals
Enjoy 50% off appetizers and $2 off drinks from Tuesday to Sunday, 5-7pm.
Make Reservations
Book in advance, especially for groups or peak times, to secure your table.
Try the Chipotle Queso
Don't miss the highly recommended Chipotle queso with burnt ends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lamberts offers an elevated BBQ experience with inventive dishes and a lively atmosphere. Diners praise the tender smoked meats, delicious sides like mac and cheese, and the upscale ambiance. Service is generally noted as friendly and efficient, though some have found certain dishes to be out of stock during busy periods.
"Well shoot.... I honestly wasn't expecting this place to go so hard, but truth be told, it was an incredible experience. The bartender, whose name I can't recall (downstairs bar, Friday night 11/8) was one of my favorite bartenders I've ever had in Austin. Knowledgeable, busy but not rushed, super helpful, present, genuinely kind, and made a killer cocktail. Every course of food was truly mouth watering. The staff was working fluidly together, which led to us having wonderful service. We will definitely be back. Thank you Lambert's for setting such a high bar."
Joshua buggy
"I stopped in for lunch yesterday, and I decided to sit at the bar.
Ali was my barmaid.
Not only is she gorgeous, but a five-star barmaid.
She also makes a killer lemonade.
I had the ribs and brisket combo. The ribs were on point, and the brisket was phenomenal.
Most places slice their brisket to the point where you can read a newspaper through it, not here.
The brisket was cut so you knew what you were getting.
Perhaps the kitchen staff can go to other barbecue joints and show them how it's done.
My sides were the greens and the mac and cheese.
Both were delicious.
I am looking forward to my next trip back to Austin.
☆☆☆☆☆"
K. Eastburn
"My husband and I come to Austin on the weekends to try new doors & we stopped by this gem! It was so nice when you walked in & seating was set very well! I got the smoked turkey Reuben with potatoes salad & my husband got the brisket plate. Everything tasted so good and very fresh! Also, the food came out fast! They had 3 different types of bbq sauce; sweet, mustard & spicy. All were so good! Service was great too! We will definitely be back!"
Devan Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Lamberts is known for its inventive barbecue dishes, such as crispy wild boar ribs and quail enchiladas, served in an upscale environment with live music.
Yes, Lamberts offers happy hour from Tuesday to Sunday, 5-7pm, with 50% off appetizers and bar food, and $2 off drinks.
Yes, Lamberts is a great place for groups, with excellent service and food that can be shared.
It is highly recommended to make reservations, especially for peak times or if you are visiting with a group.
Lamberts features live music upstairs, often with bands playing, creating a lively atmosphere.
Highly recommended dishes include the Chipotle queso with burnt ends, brisket, ribs, and mac and cheese.
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Best BBQ in Austin, From Old-School Joints to an Egyptian-Influenced Food Truck
This is truly inventive barbecue, so smoked meat lovers with a curious palate will be in heaven. The basics (prime brisket, smoked baby back ribs) are done extremely well, of course, but then you've also got dishes like crispy wild boar ribs in a honey glaze (with buttermilk blue cheese for dipping), quail enchiladas, and delicately spiced barbecue clams. This is the kind of joint, with its well-heated outdoor seating area and live music venue, that you could actually take a date or a client to—if you were looking to seal a deal.
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When you want an indoor space with live music, solid barbecue, and ambiance, Lambert’s is where you should head. The barbecue here is fancy—think less plastic trays and more ceramic plates—the mac and cheese is some of the best in town, and you can enjoy it all without waiting in a long line or sitting on picnic tables out in the Texas sun. RESERVE A TABLE WITH
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When most people imagine barbecue, they probably picture bibs, tear away tablecloths, and messy, saucy food. Luckily, Lamberts provides all of the delicious meals we love, but in an upscale and classy environment. The menu features smoked, slow-cooked BBQ premium beer, and classic Texan dishes.
Best happy hour deals for discounted drinks and bites
Every Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 7pm, guests receive 50 percent off appetizers and bar food (like the delicious roasted green chili queso) and $2 off drinks. On Mondays, happy hour goes on all night at the upstairs bar regarded as one of Austin’s best intimate music venues.
What to Eat in Austin
Many say you'll find the best smoked meats in the city at Lamberts, but head to Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew if you want your barbecue served with a side of craft beer. Unsurprisingly, Tex-Mex is also popular thanks to Austin's proximity to Mexico, which has ushered in the infiltration of south-of-the-border specialties, such as tacos (a city-wide favorite available any time of day), burritos and fajitas. Local establishments recommended by both locals and visitors include Veracruz All Natural, Joe's Bakery & Coffee Shop and La Condesa.
The Best BBQ in Austin
Lamberts — Lamberts is the finest dining BBQ style restaurant that you can find for lunch (which has a BBQ plate option like you might find at these other traditional joints), dinner, and weekend brunch downtown. It is the first of the McGuire Moorman Lambert restaurants and my absolute favorite mac ‘n cheese in town. They have a full bar, happy hour, outdoor patio, and live music upstairs with great acts if you are looking for a nicer dinner and still want BBQ.
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If you’re seeking an outing that balances barbecue and bar, check out Lamberts, which offers late-night BBQ in Austin. This upscale barbecue joint serves up slow-smoked meats and creative appetizers and sides, like red snapper ceviche and cider-braised collards. Lamberts also boasts an extensive selection of whiskeys, eclectic wines and beers, and craft cocktails, like the “Holidays in Jalisco:” apple brandy, tequila, Grand Marnier, and spiced honey.
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Stepping into Lamberts Downtown Barbecue feels like entering a stylish speakeasy—if that speakeasy happened to be obsessed with top-notch smoked meats. Housed in a renovated 19th-century building in Austin’s lively Second Street District, Lamberts exudes an upscale-yet-relaxed charm. Inside, rustic touches like exposed brick walls and wooden beams meet sleek, modern design accents, creating a mood that’s both cozy and refined.
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A longtime downtown staple is Lamberts, an upscale barbecue restaurant with exposed brick and leather banquettes. Its Black Angus brisket is rubbed with coffee and brown sugar (it's as good as it sounds), but noteworthy non-barbecue options, including fresh fish with low-country rice and Niman Ranch pork chops. After dinner, head upstairs to catch some live music and knock back a few bottles of Lone Star beer.
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Lamberts, the first restaurant in the MML family of restaurants, features award-winning barbecue in the heart of downtown Austin. The second-floor upstairs space features a private bar, stage, and state of the art sound system and is ideal for business meeting retreats, rehearsal dinners, and a birthday bash. The outdoor patio, flanked by our Mill Scale BBQ smoker, features a mobile bar and retractable roof.
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Lamberts, sometimes referred to as Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, isn’t as simple or rustic as it looks from the outside. Combining traditional barbecue with a modern twist, Lamberts offers a menu of smoked meats, inventive sides and craft cocktails. They also have a fun upstairs bar with live music, making this a great birthday place in Austin for adults who want to pair a great meal with a great time.
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Away from the crowds and long lines, Lamberts Downtown Austin offers a casual approach to the most popular cuisine in Austin. Instead of ordering by the pound or eating off an old cafeteria tray, here you’ll find smoked beef that isn’t sold out at 2pm. Try the coffee-rubbed brisket for something unique, or try one of their otherworldly crispy wild boar ribs, perfect for a mid-day appetizer.
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We call this “fancy BBQ”, not just for the good food, but for the beautiful and swanky restaurant and bar/lounge upstairs. Grab a drink upstairs while you wait for your meal because you’re sure to wait for a table. In their words: located in the carefully restored Historic Schneider Brothers Building, Lamberts serves up inventive BBQ, modern Texas cooking, and carefully prepared cocktails.
Where to Get the Best Barbecue Dinner in Austin
(One benefit to eating barbecue for dinner? Whiskey!) Lamberts, downtown, is a dressed-up, sit-down barbecue joint that also serves a variety of Texas classics such as steak, quail, and Gulf seafood. And if you’re looking for late-night, Brown’s Barbecue on the south side is open until 11:00 p.m. on weekend nights, and Scotty’s BBQ and Rollin Smoke on the east side are open until bar time.
Dine Among History in Austin's Historic Restaurants
Lamberts, the polished downtown BBQ joint, occupies the J.P. Schneider Store, which was built on West 2nd Street in 1877 by Jacob Schneider, a German immigrant who made Confederate ammunition during the Civil War before becoming an errand boy for the Union Army. Schneider’s business on West 2nd was a popular dry goods store that operated consistently until 1933.
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Lamberts is the perfect setting for your upcoming rehearsal dinner, corporate event, happy hour, birthday, or holiday party. Our unique atmosphere is ideal for every size of formal or casual gatherings. Lamberts Fancy Barbecue, decadent desserts, and impeccable service create a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
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Lamberts' menu spins modern interpretations of Texas cuisine. The smell-it-before-you-see-it bar, restaurant, and live music venue serve up barbecue-like country-style pork ribs with a jalapeño, maple, and vinegar mop, along with wood-grilled steaks, chops, and seafood. Side yours with the cashew-lime coleslaw or collard greens.
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Located in Schneider Brothers Builder, Lamberts serves up slow-smoked BBQ and modern Texas cooking with local beets, classic cocktails, and wines. The downtown barbecue restaurant has a fun, laid-back atmosphere with an upstairs bar and a lounge that features live music. Location: 401 West 2nd St, Austin, Texas 78701
Best Happy Hours in Downtown Austin
Lambert's, located on 2nd Street District, may be known for its famous BBQ, but their happy hour shouldn't be ignored. Available from Monday to Friday, from 3 pm to 5 pm, they offer a variety of $6 cocktails, house wine, and beer. You'll want to try their Southern-style chili dogs and the smoked brisket sliders.
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Lamberts blends the best of Austin: live music, delicious food, and a tight-knit community feel. Started by a group of friends back in 2006, this Austin hotspot is the perfect place to get a taste of the city. Here, you’ll find new world wines, craft cocktails, and local beers to pair with your meal.
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Lamberts has perfected the art of southern BBQ with an upscale twist. The Mac and Cheese is something to be marveled and the brisket is divine. The outdoor patio is dog friendly, shady, and beautiful and they will even bring your best friend a water bowl so they can relax with you.
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Lamberts is a Fancy BBQ and other meaty fare in a refurbished general store with an upstairs bar with live music. It offers smoked meats in a historic Victorian-era building just steps from Town Lake and Moody Theater. Their brisket is the star, smoky, moist, and flavorful.
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I've tried many different bread puddings, but Lamberts stands out for its moist texture, delicious flavor and presentation. The bread pudding was perfectly cooked with a light sweetness that was not overpowering. It had a wonderful aroma of vanilla and cinnamon.
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This Downtown spot is the place to take your recently relocated friends who could use a taste of Texas smoked meat realness. Nestle up on a sleek black banquette, nibble on some crispy wild boar legs, sip on a fancy cocktail, and get down with your bougie self.
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Lambert’s has a happy hour every weekday from 3pm-5pm in the 2nd Street District. During happy hour, enjoy specials at the bar. They sweetened the pot by half-priced bar food, too.
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The fanciest barbecue spot in town, Lamberts smokes traditional meats such as pork shoulder and beef brisket and serves some of the best side dishes of any barbecue spot in Austin.
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2nd St. | If you’re seeking a modern and upscale experience, head to the historic J.P. Schneider building in Downtown Austin for slow-smoked meats and an extensive whiskey menu.
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A take on fancy barbecue, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue in the Second Street District offers chef-inspired dishes at its Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.
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As for other historic sites along the street, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, on the southwest corner of 2nd and Guadalupe, is located in the
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Barbecue restaurant with an upstairs pub with live music in a refurbished general store. WEBSITE | 401 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
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For an upscale take on BBQ with dishes such as beef ribs and brisket enchiladas, head to the Lamberts Downtown.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit