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Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, Austin, TX

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

4.6
4.6
1977 Reviews
$31 to $50
Barbecue
BBQ ALWAYS, LIVE MUSIC OFTEN

Located on the corner of 2nd and Guadalupe Streets in downtown Austin (a block away from Town Lake & Moody Theater), in a historic 1873 Victorian building once home to J.P. Schneider general store, Lamberts features modern Texas classics including expertly smoked barbecue, grilled prime steaks, simple yet elegant apps and mains, and homestyle sides. We are open daily for lunch and dinner.

The two-story dining room features an open kitchen, two bars (with one of the best whiskey selections in town) as well as an outdoor patio surrounding our Mill Scale smoker. The design includes black leather banquettes and repurposed sinker pine table tops. The vibe is laid-back Austin and not afraid to get a little rowdy at times—especially when there's live music Upstairs at Lamberts.

*If booking an outdoor table, please note that patio seating is weather contingent. During those times, we will do our best to accommodate indoor seating depending on availability.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 40 times today
Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Barbecue, Steak

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (512) 494-1500

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive Chef

    Grant Harbert

  • Private party facilities

    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Lambert's Downtown BBQ can accommodate all your special event needs.

  • Private party contact

    Fallon Gaskamp: (512) 494-1500

  • Neighbourhood

    Downtown

  • Cross Street

    Guadalupe St

  • Parking Details

    Parking is available in the City Hall parking garage directly east of Lamberts (entrance on lavaca) and in the Amli on 2nd parking garage (entrance on San Antonio). Valet is also available on 2nd Street.

  • Entertainment

    Lamberts features the best local artists in our intimate upstairs bar and lounge. Please check www.lambertsaustin.com for this weeks shows.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,977 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Austin

    Hot spot

  • Austin

    Hot spot

Sort by

  1. JeffS

    Dallas

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Usually the BBQ is very good. Last night was just OK. Brisket was watery and the portions were small. Probably just a bad night. Service was good!
  2. SamL

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The OG keeps on killing it after all these years. We had the prawns with escabeche and the seared red snapper. Both were outstanding. Loved sitting on the patio while we still can. Can't wait to be back.
  3. RBoomer

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lamberts was a very good restaurant. Quality of the food was good.
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’m not from Texas but let me tell you all my hopes and dreams of what Texas BBQ is like was fulfilled and taken to the next level. I would go there every week if I could!! Located in a great spot downtown, making it easy to explore after dinner. I ordered the Texas Prime Brisket and it was incredible, salty, easy to cut, amazing flavor. Then the fried pickles were perfect. Very crispy and not soggy like most get and it was served with homemade ranch. I never write reviews but this I had too. Also, had the special offered that was crispy soft crab on top of bread as an appetizer and the flavor was really tasty with a good sauce and good to share. Was unique and worth ordering. Thank you for a great experience! The staff very friendly as well. The vibes were cool with the live music upstairs and sounded great. We sat downstairs but you still had the experience of hearing it well. Would also order the old fashion again, sweet, smooth flavor. It’s making me hungry just thinking about it.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall1food4service1ambience1
    They sat us in front of a band without any prior warning. Also, the service was slow, seemed confused and forgetful Very disappointed in the overall experience.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very good barbecue, excellent vibe. Service was attentive
  7. AnthonyC

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Go for the baby back ribs. They were outstanding. Restaurant is lively but not noisy.
  8. WilliamK

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    In general everything was too spicy. Ribs and brisket both too spicy for us. How about a sweet BBQ sauce option? Even the Mac & Cheese was very spicy.
  9. JasonC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    While visiting Austin on business - but with a plan for BBQ - we chose Lambert's and couldn't have been happier with the decision. The phrase "Best Brisket Ever" was uttered more than once, and it was furthered by the refreshing cilantro lime slaw & bomb pickles. In addition, our server (Dani?) was phenomenal & friendly, and the overall vibe (lighting, music, etc.) was like buttery serotonin injected straight into our brains. Highly recommended.
  10. JimS

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Best brisket I’ve ever had! Waiter was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The entire staff worked really well as a team. Excellent meal (aside from the broccoli). Definitely want to come back for more Brisket!
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome experience! Highly recommend the brisket queso dip!
  12. Johnny

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant. Service was great. Food was great.
  13. NealJ

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brisket was fantastic. My wife said it was the best meal she has ever had!
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing brisket and superb service at the most delicious bbq place in Austin. Bar is great- but sitting outside was just wonderful.
  15. Daniel

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    All of the bbq was incredible but the ceviche was disgusted and way too diluted. Love the place and service was perfect… but very expensive for the portions received.
  16. Stapes

    Atlantic City

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Server was very helpful and charming. Name was Will
  17. Amir

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a group of six of us and decided to have Lambert's bring out food to us family style. Our server selected a variety of options and kept the drinks coming. Had a great time and the food was excellent.
  18. gigi

    Austin

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Having been to Lamberts several times in the past, I was very disappointed in the fact that our server didn't know much about the ingredients in what is served, ie, gluten and sugar. When I told the server that I couldn't have either, he still brought my appetizer covered in bbq sauce instead of leaving it off, so I couldn't eat it. It's quite challenging to find both restaurants as well as employees willing to meet the dietary needs of the customer. To pay $430 for 4 people for bbq was a bit over the top as well. Honestly, I'm not sure I'm willing to go back.
  19. ObieS

    Miami - Dade

    61 reviews

    4.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Brisket was good. Portions were perfect for lunch. The drink, an Old Fashioned, was watered down with melted ice. Tasted ok. I’d return for another serving brisket and sides. Marisol was our waitress. She was attentive and helpful. Thank you
  20. AustinVisitor

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    The only thing that did not give this location 5 stars is the noise level. It was very, very difficult to have a conversation at our table - it was too darn loud. I like how on the previous page I can select "energetic", how about "too darn loud"? Maybe outside was better or maybe our table was just in a bad spot. Food was Excellent! Servers were all very friendly and attentive.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent fare and service. Will definitely return on our next visit to Austin.
  22. LisaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Delicious food, great service. Fork tender brisket.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We loved dining at Lambert’s this weekend! The food was excellent! But, it was way too dark to see your food. The band was FANTASTIC, but too loud to eat dinner to. Just a couple tweaks and it would be perfect.
  24. SusanD

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely amazing food, service & atmosphere! We had the wild boar ribs, ribeye, hanger steak and wedge salads. All were delicious! We highly recommend eating here for a casual, upscale, unique dining experience!
  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The brisket was extraordinarily fatty. Other than that the food was really good.
  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience here…could not have been better
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Houston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wish they had better dinner salad options but the food and service is always great
  28. jane

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great live music and ambience. Loved it!
  29. DebP

    Exclusive

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service!! We would highly recommend! Had the Saturday special and it was delicious!!
  30. Chunkman

    Austin

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Great food and vibe; just seemed like waitress was trying to turn table over too quickly and push us out of there.
  31. Cartiloni

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    It was just very loud , very difficult to hold a conversation at the table.
  32. RayvenH

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    Recommend to us by several locals, we went to Lamberts with extremely high hopes. Lamberts was atmospherically challenged, a hodgepodge collaboration of farmhouse and rustic hipster; however, it was music blaring from multiple speakers ruined the talking experience of a unique location in Austin. Brunch was overpriced and lackluster in comparison to other spots in the downtown Austin area. Several popular items were sold out only an hour after opening. Our meals were mediocre; the steak was overcooked and eggs undercooked. Many of the dishes had unusual flavors that didn’t pair well with the overall dish. Our “jam” was a more pepper and honey than an actual jam. The ending of our meal was the high point, a warm towel to wipe our hands. Save the money, go elsewhere.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Columbus

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I shared a 3 meat/2 Sides meal The brisket was outstanding and the ribs were tasty. Chicken was good. Coleslaw and Mac & Cheese divine.
  34. Johnny

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing location, beautiful interior (very classic and cozy, lots of brick and wood, although it DOES get very noisy just from conversation when it is very busy), and the food is bar-none. Service was excellent as well. And the cocktail are incredible. Don't skip it.
  35. JustinP

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is always fantastic. Food comes out quickly and always on-point. This is always a solid choice when we have guests in from out of town and want to deliver an austin experience.
  36. FShah

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Service was excellent. Food was ok. Not the best barbecue I’ve had. Sides and cocktails are ok.
  37. Dev91

    Oklahoma City

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We have been once before on Monday night for happy hour. Overall a good experience. Definitely got a bad batch of baby back ribs (very chewy instead of falling off the bone) which was disappointing.
  38. KenM

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Never leave reviews but this place was outstanding. Amazing food, service and vibe!
  39. Liam

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and great music. Had a lot of fun and some great ribs
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect they made us really feel special on our anniversary and the food and drinks were fantastic!

FAQs

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (512) 494-1500.

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue is rated 4.6 stars by 1977 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 40 times today
Google Map for Lamberts Downtown Barbecue

401 West 2nd Street, Austin, TX 78701

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Guadalupe St

  • Neighbourhood

    Downtown

  • Hours of Operation

    Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Barbecue, Steak

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking Details

    Parking is available in the City Hall parking garage directly east of Lamberts (entrance on lavaca) and in the Amli on 2nd parking garage (entrance on San Antonio). Valet is also available on 2nd Street.

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Grant Harbert

  • Entertainment

    Lamberts features the best local artists in our intimate upstairs bar and lounge. Please check www.lambertsaustin.com for this weeks shows.

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (512) 494-1500

  • Private party facilities

    Whether celebrating a special occasion with family and friends or hosting a corporate outing, Lambert's Downtown BBQ can accommodate all your special event needs.

  • Private party contact

    Fallon Gaskamp: (512) 494-1500

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