If you’ve ever wondered where you can taste real Texas BBQ history, you’re in for a treat.
There’s a spot in the state that’s been smoking meat for well over a century, serving brisket, sausage, and smoky goodness made the old-school way.
In fact, it’s actually the oldest BBQ joint in the entire state!
And they’re not just serving food, because it’s history on a tray made with no fancy tricks and only slow cooking and recipes that have stood the test of time.
Want to know where it is and what to order? Keep reading, because this legendary joint is worth every mile.
Where Is It?
Southside Market & Barbecue is located in Elgin, a small town that’s an easy 30-minute drive from Austin.
The trip is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from San Antonio, while coming from Houston takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.
It’s totally doable for a day trip and is worth a detour if you’re anywhere nearby and hungry for something truly iconic.
About
If you’re the kind of person who plans road trips around BBQ joints, go ahead and bump Southside Market & Barbecue to the top of your list.
This place has earned its reputation, thanks to a history that dates back to 1882.
Yes, that’s over 140 years of legacy, and it all started with a guy named William Moon who sold fresh meat from a horse-drawn wagon in Elgin.
By 1886, he opened a storefront, and Southside Market was born.
As the years rolled on, ownership shifted a few times, but the tradition stuck: slow-smoked meats, homemade sausage, and no shortcuts.
Today, it’s the oldest BBQ restaurant in Texas that’s still in operation, and that alone makes it worth the trip, with the food sealing the deal.
The minute you walk in, you’re hit with the smell of oak smoke and sizzling sausage.
The vibe is super casual, with big wood tables, friendly folks behind the counter, and a steady hum of people digging into their plates.
You’ll also find a meat market side where you can buy fresh sausage to-go and a cafeteria-style setup where you order your BBQ tray.
And trust me, the tray options are the stuff of BBQ dreams.
The Elgin Hot Sausage is their signature, and it’s been on the menu since the very beginning, made with beef and bold black pepper.
Order it by the link or by the pound, but either way, you’re gonna want more.
They’ve also got pork ribs, turkey, chicken, mutton, and brisket that’s slow-smoked over Texas post oak and served lean or fatty.
Of course, we can’t forget about the classic sides like potato salad, mac and cheese, pinto beans, and slaw (all made fresh!).
And if you’ve still got room for dessert, grab a slice of peach cobbler or a banana pudding cup and thank yourself later.
At its core, this isn’t a trendy, modern BBQ spot with fancy cocktails or a curated playlist.
This is old-school, down-to-earth, no-frills Texas BBQ, done exactly how it’s been done for over a century.
It’s the kind of place where families have been eating for generations, and once you try it, you’ll totally get why.
Know Before You Go
Hours and When to Go
First things first, Southside Market & Barbecue is open seven days a week, so you don’t have to plan your trip around a limited BBQ window.
The hours run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
That said, if you want the full selection of meats, aim to get there before the dinner rush because popular items do sell out, especially on weekends.
Prices
Prices are pretty reasonable for BBQ, with meats and sausage sold by the half-pound.
For example, brisket runs about $16.25 per pound, sausage links are around $8.25, and combo plates with sides start in the $16-$22 range.
Address and What to Wear
Southside is located at 1212 Highway 290, Elgin, TX 78621, and there’s plenty of free parking out front.
There’s no need to dress up, because you’ll see folks in everything from Sunday best to flip-flops and ball caps.
Make a Day of It
If you’re making a little BBQ day trip out of it, Elgin has a few other fun spots to check out.
You can stop by the Elgin Depot Museum for a bit of small-town train history, or head to Bob’s Blue Collar Tavern for a cold beer just a few minutes away.
And if you’re into murals, Elgin’s downtown has a few colorful ones worth snapping a photo or two.
Bonus Tip
You can also order Southside’s sausage online if you want to bring the flavor home, but nothing beats eating it fresh off the smoker.
So show up hungry, bring napkins (or just use your sleeve, we won’t judge), and get ready to eat like a Texan.
Related Posts
