If you love barbecue as much as I do, Llano, Texas, should be on your must-visit list. This small town, right in the middle of Texas Hill Country, is a true haven for anyone who craves smoky meats, classic sides, and a down-to-earth atmosphere. I’ve had some of my favorite BBQ moments here, and I want to share my go-to spots and what makes them special to me.
Here are the places in Llano that I think every BBQ lover should try at least once!
Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
I can’t talk about BBQ in Llano without mentioning Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. This place has been around since 1962, and when I visited the place, it felt like I was stepping into a piece of BBQ history. Cooper’s is open daily on Sunday-Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm. So it’s easy to swing by for lunch or dinner. It’s always buzzing, and you can smell the mesquite smoke from a block away.
Signature Dishes
The first time I went, everyone told me I had to try the “Big Chop.” It’s a thick, juicy pork chop that really lives up to the hype. But their lineup doesn’t stop there—beef ribs, sirloin, prime rib, ribeye, brisket, and burnt ends all make regular appearances on the menu. Their brisket is smoky and tender, the ribs fall right off the bone, and I can never say no to a jalapeño sausage. Don’t skip the slaw or a slice of peach cobbler for dessert—trust me!
Dining Experience
What I love most about Cooper’s is picking your meat right from the pit. Watching them slice and weigh it in front of you is half the fun. You can eat inside at the big picnic tables or outside if the weather’s nice. The whole place just feels like real Texas BBQ.
Cooper’s is famous, and people from all over come to town just for this spot. Some locals think it’s a little more for tourists now (and yes, it can get pricey), but for me, the flavors and the whole experience are well worth it.
Inman’s BBQ Kitchen
Inman’s BBQ Kitchen is one of those special places where you instantly feel like part of the whole family. This family-owned restaurant has been running since 1967 and was started by Myrtle, the owner’s grandmother. You’ll still find multiple generations pitching in—his aunt, his mom, and his wife, Kayla—all making the place genuinely family-run and full of heart.
Signature Dishes
Their turkey sausage is the stuff of local legend, and there’s a neat story behind it. Back in the 1960s, Myrtle first made the sausage when turkey was cheap and nobody else was selling anything like it. She started by selling turkey sausage right out of a gas station!
What began as an affordable option has turned into something that people now see as a trendy, healthier alternative—and it’s become so popular that folks travel from all over and even ship it to friends and family around the world. Of course, I can’t forget their solid brisket and ribs either, and the sides—like potato salad and baked beans—are the perfect accompaniment.
Dining Experience
Inman’s feels more like hanging out in someone’s kitchen than eating at a restaurant. The vibe is relaxed, you get to eat slowly, and striking up a conversation with the staff or other diners is easy. It’s that family atmosphere that makes even a simple meal memorable.
It might not have the high profile of Cooper’s or other famous Texas BBQ spots, but Inman’s has a steady following. The turkey sausage, in particular, has gone from being a humble, inexpensive food to something people are excited to try and share. It reminds me how food trends change over time—sort of like how lobster went from poor man’s food to a luxury. Inman’s is a place I’m always happy to return to, and I’d put their turkey sausage up against any BBQ specialty in Texas.
Miller’s Meat Market & Smokehouse
Another place I visited was Miller’s Meat Market & Smokehouse. They’re open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 7pm (closed Sundays). I got a behind-the-scenes look at how they do things, including their pork sausage process, smokers, storage, and the market area. They bring in huge shipments—about 2,000 pounds of pork at a time—and roughly 85% of their products are pork-based.
What really stood out to me is how much variety they offer. Miller’s isn’t just a meat market—they have a large deli counter stocked with unique recipes dreamed up by their own butcher, like blueberry maple sausage, different types of stuffed chicken breasts, and more. They also support local Texas small businesses with a fun selection of products.
The best part is they sell BBQ lunches and other hot and ready meals every day. Just check their Facebook page to see the menu of the day so you can grab a delicious BBQ plate or a fresh, homemade lunch. There’s also plenty to take home, with fresh meats and a bunch of treats for anyone who loves good food.
What Makes Llano BBQ Unique?
One of the things I appreciate most about BBQ in Llano is the way everything is cooked with mesquite wood. It gives the meat a unique smoky flavor you don’t find everywhere. Some spots go for low and slow, others use high heat, but either way, the taste is incredible. More than just the delicious food, though, it’s the feeling of being part of something special—a community that truly loves its barbecue.
My Tips for Visiting Llano’s BBQ Spots
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips that make my Llano BBQ adventures even better:
- Go early: The best cuts, like brisket and ribs, can sell out fast. I try to get there before the lunch rush.
- Bring your appetite: Portions are big! I always go hungry (and sometimes still bring home leftovers).
- Talk to locals: Some of my favorite menu items have come from local recommendations.
- Try a bit of everything: I like to mix and match meats and sides for the full unique experience.
Best BBQ spots in Llano, Texas: FAQs
What city in Texas is best known for BBQ?
Lockhart is known as the barbecue capital of Texas. It’s home to famous spots like Black’s Barbecue, Kreuz Market, and Smitty’s Market, all serving up mouthwatering Texas-style BBQ.
What type of barbecue is Texas famous for?
Texas is known for its Central Texas-style BBQ. It’s all about keeping things simple with just salt, black pepper, and slow-smoking the meat over wood like post oak, mesquite, or pecan. This way, the natural flavors of the meat really shine through, especially with the star of Texas BBQ: brisket!
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Best BBQ spots in Llano, Texas: Final Thoughts
Llano is more than just another barbecue restaurant town—it’s the perfect place to make delicious memories. These places I mentioned each offer something a little different. Whether you’ve been to one of them or are planning your first trip, there’s no better way to experience the local food scene than through its iconic BBQ offerings.
The Llano River provides a beautiful backdrop as you savor a delicious meal, adding to the overall charm of the area. I hope my experiences help you plan your own BBQ tour through Llano. So grab your appetite and hit the road—maybe I’ll see you in Llano!
Last Updated 5 days ago by Jessica Serna | Published: August 9, 2025
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