San Antonians love their barbacoa. According to Food Network, “Barbacoa is the Spanish word for barbecue; it’s typically made of tougher cuts of meat that require long, slow cooking times. Traditionally, barbacoa is made with large cuts of meat or whole animals. In the United States, barbacoa is usually associated with beef. However, in Mexico, barbacoa is made from beef, goat, lamb, or mutton.” Check out some great barbacoa spots in the Southside and Southtown of San Antonio.
Del Rio Tortilla Factory– 1402 Gillette Boulevard- Established takeaway featuring barbacoa, tamales, homemade corn tortillas, and other Mexican classics.
Jimenez Barbacoa-2620 Goliad Road is a low-key eatery offering a variety of traditional Mexican recipes in a casual environment. Jimenez sells barbacoa by the pound. They also serve a barbacoa and egg breakfast plate with beans, potatoes, and three tortillas.
La Unica Cocina Mexicana– 2622 Goliad Street- This spot is famous for its $5 barbacoa tacos.
Las Tapatia’s De Jalisco– 1506 South Saint Mary’s Street- Their breakfast tacos are served with cilantro and onions. They are open Monday through Saturday, 6 am to 2:45 pm, and Sunday, 7 am to 2:45 pm.
Los Angeles Tortilleria, Restaurant & Bakery– 300 North Zarzamora Street- Informal eatery serving various traditional Mexican fare in a low-key setting. Their Facebook page states, “If you haven’t tried our Barbacoa special yet, now is your chance. We have the best tangly delicious flavor. It’s slow-cooked overnight for this traditional Mexican breakfast.” They are open seven days a week, from 6 am Monday through Saturday to 7 am Sunday.
Pepe’s Barbacoa– 3818 South Presa Street- Family-owned Barbacoa spot. Every weekend, they offer a barbacoa special with 1 pound of barbacoa, corn or flour tortillas, and a side of salsa. 
Rios Barbacoa is a member of a casual, family-owned local chain known for Mexican barbecue, breakfast, and lunch. They have 5 locations on the Southside: 5707 South Zarzamora Street, 2527 Goliad Road, 3007 Rigsby Avenue, 6010 Old Pearsall Road, and 10030 Roosevelt Avenue. Rios Barbacoa won San Antonio’s Best Barbacoa in 2023, 2022 and 2019.
Rosa’s Kitchen– 1203 South Alamo Street- Established in 2021. From their website: “Rosas Kitchen is proud to share our Coahuilense sazón with our San Antonio families in Southtown SA and surrounding areas. Fully Mexican owned and operated, we are delighted to invite you to try our delicious Mexican favorites from Breakfast Tacos to Quesadillas y Lonches de Barbacoa.” Rosa’s is closed Monday and open Tuesday through Friday, 7 am to 2 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8 am to 2 pm.
Taqueria Los Dos Laredos- There are 2 Southside locations: 4703 Rigsby Avenue and 1303 South Hackberry Street. A no-frills joint turns out various typical Mexican plates in compact quarters. They serve barbacoa tacos, tortas, burritos and gorditas.
Tellez Tamales & Barbacoa Factory– 1732 South General McMullen Drive- Family-owned since 1975. Serving traditional handmade tamales, barbacoa, menudo and more. Try their Early Bird Special with 1 pound barbacoa, one pack of tortillas, one avocado, two salsas, one bag of chicharrones, and a 2-liter Big Red. They are closed on Monday and Tuesday and open on Wednesday and Thursday from 5 am to 1 pm, Friday and Saturday from 5 am to 2 pm, and Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm. Tellez won San Antonio’s Best Barbacoa in 2021, 2020, 2018 and 2017.
The Haven Southtown– 1032 South Presa Street- They serve a barbacoa breakfast taco with many add-ons like guacamole, cheese, beans, rice, and bacon.
Tommy’s Restaurant– 1205 Nogalitos Street- Easygoing fixture cooking familiar Mexican plates with homemade tortillas. Tommy’s offers breakfast barbacoa tacos with corn or flour tortillas.
