Northeast San Antonio BBQ That Feels Like Home

There’s no shortage of barbecue in San Antonio. If you threw a rock in any direction, you’d likely hit somebody’s smoker. A lot of the well-known spots are line-out-the-door places where brisket sells by the pound and you’d better get there early, because when it’s gone, it’s gone. Nothing wrong with that. Texas built its barbecue reputation on places like that.

It’s just not quite what we do at The Big Bib BBQ.

Off Austin Highway at 104 Lanark Drive, The Big Bib is the kind of place folks on the Northeast Side treat like an extension of their own dinner table. Here’s what keeps them coming back.

It Still Runs on Car Wash Rules

Back in 1999, Stanley Shropshire was selling barbecue under a car wash awning with a smoker, a folding table, and two chairs. (Here’s the full story if you want it.) With only two places to sit, he got to know pretty much everyone who stopped by, and that habit stuck. The restaurant on Lanark is a lot bigger than that setup, but we still try to know who’s walking in the door.

Texas BBQ With Southern Roots

A lot of San Antonio BBQ joints keep things Central Texas simple: meat, white bread, pickles, onions. There’s nothing wrong with that. At The Big Bib, though, the plate looks a little more like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s.

You’ll find slow-smoked brisket and ribs, of course. Next to them, you’ll find fried catfish that people drive across town for. Then there are the scratch-made sides: pinto beans, green beans, potato salad, and a sweet potato casserole that has started more than one argument over who gets the last scoop. [CLIENT APPROVAL NEEDED: rib tips, a cut you don’t see on many San Antonio menus.] [CLIENT APPROVAL NEEDED: four house sauces — Bib Sauce, Honey BBQ, Tangy Gold, and Hot ‘n Spicy.]

Not sure where to start? Our guide to the plates regulars order most is a good place to begin.

A Place to Sit Down and Stay Awhile

Some barbecue is best eaten standing at a tailgate. Ours tastes better sitting down, with somebody across the table. Our regulars include folks on a lunch break from work, families who come in together on the weekend, and people who walked in once and have been regulars ever since.

We take our time around here, with the cooking and with the people. Our crew starts the smoker hours before we open so nobody has to wait on good food once they walk through the door.

Dinner, Then a Show Next Door

Here’s something most BBQ spots in town can’t offer. Right next door at 106 Lanark Drive, The Big Bib Too is one of the most intimate live music venues in San Antonio. It’s a small room where every seat feels close to the stage, and it has hosted more than 100 Billboard artists.

Grab a plate, then walk over for the show. It’s an easy date night, and you won’t have to move the car.

Bringing It to Your Event

When the crowd is too big for a table, we bring the food to you. The Big Bib BBQ catering serves events of 50 guests or more anywhere in and around San Antonio. You can pick up your order, have it delivered for a flat $50 fee, or have our crew handle full-service setup, serving, and cleanup. Need ideas? Here are San Antonio events that are better with BBQ catering.

Feeding fewer than 50? You can order online and pick it up yourself.

Finding The Big Bib

You’ll find us at 104 Lanark Drive in the 78218 ZIP code, just off Austin Highway on the Northeast Side. [CONFIRM WITH CLIENT: It’s an easy drive from Windcrest, Terrell Hills, Alamo Heights, and Fort Sam Houston.] Check our San Antonio location page for current hours and directions.

Northeast San Antonio BBQ FAQs

Where is The Big Bib BBQ located?
At 104 Lanark Drive, San Antonio, TX 78218, just off Austin Highway on the city’s Northeast Side.

What’s on the menu besides brisket?
Ribs, sausage, chicken, turkey, pulled pork, fried catfish, and scratch-made Southern sides. See the full menu.

Is there live music at The Big Bib?
Yes. The Big Bib Too, our event venue next door at 106 Lanark Drive, hosts live music. See upcoming events.

Can I order ahead?
Yes. You can order online for pickup at our San Antonio location.

Do you cater?
Yes, for events of 50 guests or more. Learn more about BBQ catering.

Come Hungry

If you’re looking for BBQ in Northeast San Antonio that feels more like a family dinner than a fast-food line, pull up a chair. We’ll save you some sweet potato casserole. Probably.