Sometimes you’re just in the mood for some good Texas barbecue! Barbecue places are the perfect kid-friendly hang since they’re a laid-back atmosphere, you can pick and choose what you like, and you’re SUPPOSED to get messy when you eat!
These 6 eateries take it a step farther with a playground! Get your BBQ fix and let the kids play. Win-win.
In This Post
6 Places to Eat BBQ and Let the Kids Play
1. Rudy’s Bar-B-Q
7709 Ranch Road 620
Austin TX 78726
2451 S. Capital of Texas Hwy.
Austin TX 78746
Not only do these two locations of Rudy’s Bar-B-Q have playgrounds, but they also open early, so you can enjoy breakfast tacos in the morning when you’re itching to get out of the house! Or of course, all kinds of barbecued meats and yummy sides and desserts.
2. Meanwhile Brewing
3901 Promontory Point Dr
Austin, Texas 78744
This is one of Austinites’ favorite breweries, and one of the reasons is its selection of top-quality food trucks! Distant Relatives is no exception — people love this barbecue and sides. Add in Meanwhile’s fun play area (with tree fort, slide, rope net, and balance beams) and it’s the perfect outing.
3. Salt Lick BBQ
18300 FM 1826
Driftwood, TX 78619
3350 East Palm Valley Blvd
Round Rock, TX 78665
Both locations (Round Rock and the original Driftwood) of this famous barbecue joint have playgrounds for the kids. The Round Rock location is right by Dell Diamond or Old Settlers Park, and the Driftwood location is perfect for a day out in the Hill Country. Kids under 3 eat free with the purchase of an adult Family Style.
4. Pig Pen BBQ
301 W. Highway 290
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620
If you’re out in Dripping Springs, stop by Pig Pen BBQ for some tasty meats and a fun time on the patio. They’ve got the traditional barbecue (including a kids sandwich if you need a smaller portion), plus a Mexi-Que menu for something a little different.
5. Slab BBQ
6218 Brodie Lane
Austin, TX 78745
The Slab BBQ location on Brodie Lane shares its outdoor space with Nomadic Outpost. There’s lots of shade, some yard games, a swing, a ninja course, and a cool little playscape with rope nets to climb around on.
6. The Good Lot
2500 W New Hope Dr
Cedar Park, TX 78613
The Good Lot in Cedar Park has a handful of food trucks, and one of them is Lazy G BBQ Co. This beer spot is the perfect place to hang out with friends. There’s so much shade, misters in the summer, turf, and a cool little play area with a unique playscape to climb and play under.
Want pizza instead? Try one of these spots with playgrounds. Or check out my ultimate guide to Austin restaurants with play areas.