Helberg Barbecue is a Texas barbecue restaurant and catering service based out of Waco, Texas. We are passionate about our faith, family—including the Helberg Barbecue team—and producing the best craft barbecue in Central Texas. We are obsessed with maintaining a reputation of producing the best quality product, customer service, and atmosphere for both guests and team members alike. Authenticity and service are at the heart of what we do. We believe passion and perseverance drive us. This is why we stoke our wood fires all day long, why we only use USDA prime beef, why we make our sausage by hand, and we cut everything to order. It’s never been easy, but that’s why we love it. “Salt pepper, and a whole lotta prayer”.
Chuck Hodge
Just outside of Waco, worth the trip. Big, comfortable place, no hype or focus group decor. The focus is the food and the service and both are top notch. Found this place on Texas Monthly’s list and the biscuit was better than a few in the top 10, great flavor, good texture, bark that was a pleasure, not a chore. The jalapeño sausage was good too. The mustard potato salad was good and I liked the jalpeno, pickles and pickled red onions. At 1:30 on a Wednesday, the line was short, looking forward to going back.
… moreScott Tarwid
Helberg Barbecue absolutely delivers on every level. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the energy—warm, bustling, and unmistakably Texas. The line was moderately long when we arrived, but it moved fast thanks to a friendly, talkative staff who clearly enjoy what they do. Everyone behind the counter was upbeat and engaging, and the service set the tone for an excellent meal.
And the food… unbelievable.
Every tray coming out looked like a masterpiece, and ours was no exception. The brisket was tender with perfect bark, the ribs were cooked to that ideal balance of smoky and juicy, and the sandwiches were stacked high with melt-in-your-mouth meat. Even the sides were standouts—creamy mac, flavorful greens, street corn, potato salad—nothing felt like an afterthought.
This is the kind of barbecue that makes you stop mid-bite just to appreciate what’s happening.
With food this consistently fantastic, Helberg Barbecue absolutely deserves its spot on the Texas Monthly BBQ list—honestly, I’d put it in the Top 10 without hesitation. The quality, the flavor, the atmosphere, and the service all come together to create a truly memorable experience.
If you’re anywhere near the area, it’s worth the trip. This is Texas barbecue done right.
… moreErin Matthews
All around great experience. We were in the area for a wedding. We live in east Texas and a place called Brisket Love is our favorite at home. We have tried BBQ all over the state, often disappointed when we leave with flavorless meat. Brisket was delicious here as were the sides. Not insanely overpriced like many popular BBQ joints.
… moreMatthew McGuire
One of the best dining experiences available in central Texas. We had six people together as a group and ate around lunch on a Sunday. The crowd was amazing. People would point out delicious plates, such as the brussel sprouts, and many others. We finished the meal with banana pudding. The dining experience is highly recommended.
… moreRussell Petek
Best barbecue in central Texas! The sausage was succulant and tasty, the mac and cheese was creamy, the ribs were tender and full of flavor. The brisket was dark and crusty with a pink smoke ring. It was smoky, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And the banana pudding!! It was light, creamy, and tasted like fresh bananas. A perfect comfort food dessert. You definitely have to try Helberg Barbecue.
… moreCindy O
I have to say that I’m glad I listened to the reviews because this place is delicious. The brisket was perfect: 10. The banh mi was amazing: 10. I really appreciated that their coleslaw is not smothered in mayo and it actually feels fresh because often times when eating barbecue there’s no healthier side dish to choose from: 9. The mac & cheese Brisket balls were pretty good, but I would say I don’t care to order them again: 8. I’m not a chicken person, but this chicken is the bomb! The smokiness and the way they make that skin so crispy and flavorful was very enjoyable. A 10! I know you might think I’m just giving 10s to everything but I rarely ever rate food a 10. The Mac and cheese for me was a 5. It has a very weird powdery texture and it’s tastes like vegan mac and cheese. It was just weird. Wouldn’t recommend it. Finally the mustard potato salad was an 8 for me. Very tasty I’m just not a potato salad gal. Hopefully I get to come back soon.
… moresteve whelan
This place has friendly staff with a great menu& side options to go along with the expected bbq staples and the meats were tender and full of flavor, the sides and sauces were well executed and equally delicious….well worth the money. Pay cash and get a discount while you enjoy service from a staff that has a great attitude, a clean restaurant and excellent food.
… moreHoward Cotton (Howie)
I’m visiting here for a couple weeks, from the East Coast, and I asked my brother to take me to the best BBQ in the Waco area, in his opinion. Did not disappoint. Great staff. Awesome Texas hospitality from the other guests in line to the employees. Your BBQ is amazingly good.
The only thing I didn’t care for, and it’s not a deal breaker, was the slaw. Not bad, just different I’m used to. I understand that tastes are subjective, and I wouldn’t kick the coleslaw outta bed, but I may try a different side next.
… moreMark Kahny Jr
Wow, what an incredible experience. Drove up from Austin to see how the BBq compares. This place is outstanding and can compete with all the big names. This establishment starts off with a clean and inviting atmosphere. Plenty of space and seating. The staff was young, but friendly and efficient. We tried damn near everything on the menu to include the smash burger, hot chicken sandwich, 1/2 smoked fried chicken, fatty brisket, ribs, jalapeño sausage, pork steak and tallow fries. It was all delicious and the meats were spectacular. The tallow fries were really good and the smash burger was terrific. If I had to be critical of anything, would be the hot chicken sandwich could use more spice, but it was still a great item! I looked around and all of the sides looked great, didn’t get any today. Was very impressed with Phil, the owner. He was a good runner and busser as well setting the example of a hard working owner. Was also impressed with the clean bathrooms. This place while far away for me will be on my top 10 list and will be back for sure. If you’re nearby or looking for a BBq road trip, I highly recommend this place. Texas Bucket list needs to add this stop.
… moreWalter Awe
Helberg BBQ is an excellent barbecue place. I got a sliced brisket sandwich that was excellent great smoke flavor. My wife got a chopped brisket sandwich it was also excellent. Both had generous portions. I absolutely loved their chimichurri slaw.
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