Business Details
44 Years
experience
Authentic Texas Bar-B-Que Since 1982
Bill's Bar-B-Que has been serving authentic Texas barbecue in Kerrville since 1982. Founded by Bill Lowry, our pits have been seasoned for over 40 years, creating a distinctive flavor newer restaurants cannot replicate. We source fresh Texas meats and prepare everything else from scratch using time-tested recipes passed down through generations of owners. Joe and Dee Marino acquired the business from Bill Lowry, preserving his special methods while building our reputation as a Hill Country landmark. Dee and Mary Dowdy operated the restaurant from 1982 to 2005, establishing its legacy in Texas barbecue. Today, Joe Marino Jr. and Jane continue this tradition while maintaining our commitment to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.We offer both dine-in and takeout options at our Highway 27 location, serving our signature meats and house-made sides daily. Our catering services bring legendary Texas barbecue to events of all sizes, from small gatherings to large corporate functions. We proudly serve our community using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored techniques. Whether visiting our restaurant or ordering catering, customers experience the same authentic flavors that have made us a Texas barbecue institution.
Services
BBQ Catering
Brisket
Pork Ribs
Sandwiches
House-Made Sides
Desserts
Beer & Wine
Takeout
Event Catering
Family Meals
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We've perfected Texas barbecue techniques over 40 years of continuous operation
- Our pits have been seasoned for decades, creating unmatched flavor profiles
- We use exclusively Texas-sourced fresh meats for authentic regional flavor
- Our catering services accommodate events from 40 to 1,500 guests with full setup
- Three generations of ownership maintain original recipes and cooking methods
What people say
Legendary Texas barbecue
Perfectly smoked meats
Generous portions
Friendly service
Authentic flavor
Services
BBQ Catering
Bill's Bar-B-Que catering brings authentic Texas barbecue to your event with complete setup and service. We accommodate groups from 40 to 1,500 guests with our signature meats, house-made sides, and traditional fixings. Our team provides tables, tablecloths, serving utensils, and full service staff for any venue.
Smoked Brisket
Our slow-smoked brisket uses Texas-sourced beef aged to perfection and seasoned with our signature dry rub. Each cut is smoked for hours using time-tested methods that create tender, flavorful results. Available by the pound or as part of meal combinations.
Pork Ribs
Pork ribs are slow-smoked to achieve perfect tenderness with a rich, smoky flavor profile. Each order includes our house-made BBQ sauce and comes with your choice of two traditional sides. Available in half or full rack portions.
Sandwiches
Our BBQ sandwiches feature your choice of smoked meat on fresh bread with traditional toppings. Choose from classic options like brisket or pulled pork, or try our specialty Big Ol' Sandwich with extra meat and premium fixings.
House-Made Sides
All sides are made fresh daily using family recipes passed down through generations. Choose from classic Texas favorites including potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, and our famous Frito pie. Available in multiple portion sizes for individual or group orders.
People
Joe Marino Jr.
Co-Owner
Continuing the tradition since 2005, Joe Marino Jr. maintains the original recipes and smoking techniques while overseeing daily operations and quality control.
Jane Marino
Co-Owner
Jane Marino works alongside her husband Joe to preserve the authentic barbecue methods that have made Bill's a Texas institution for over four decades.
Dee Marino
Former Owner
Dee Marino operated Bill's BBQ from 1982-2005, establishing its reputation as a landmark Texas barbecue destination while preserving Bill Lowry's original methods.
Mary Dowdy
Former Operator
Mary Dowdy helped maintain the restaurant's quality standards during her tenure from 1982-2005, contributing to its growth as a Hill Country culinary icon.
Bill Lowry
Founder
Bill Lowry established the original barbecue techniques in 1982, creating the foundation for the restaurant's enduring success and distinctive flavor profile.
Questions
What makes Bill's Bar-B-Que different from other BBQ restaurants?
Our pits have been seasoned for over 40 years, creating a unique flavor profile that newer restaurants cannot replicate using our original recipes.
Do you offer catering services for large events?
Yes, we cater events from 40 to 1,500 guests with full setup, service staff, and all necessary equipment included.
What Texas meats do you use in your barbecue?
We exclusively use fresh, locally-sourced Texas meats including brisket, pork ribs, sausage, and chicken for authentic regional flavor.
What are your regular business hours?
We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM at our Highway 27 location in Kerrville.
Can I order food online for pickup?
While we don't offer online ordering, you can call ahead at (830) 895-5733 to place your order for quick pickup during business hours.
Do you sell your BBQ sauce separately?
Yes, our signature BBQ sauce is available by the cup, pint, or bottle to enjoy with your favorite meals at home.
Reviews (7)
Tracy S.
Jun 05, 2022
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Delicious brisket, potato salad and coleslaw! And the girls working there are so super friendly. I will definitely come back whenever I'm in town!
Chris Myers
May 13, 2022
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Great BBQ joint. Nothing fancy. Doesn't need to be. People were super friendly and the food was good. The meats were done right and the sides were simple (potato salad, Cole slaw and beans). Everything was fresh, delicious and portions were a good size. Onions, pickles, jalapenos and bread were available also. Good sauce too. Just add a cold beer from the cooler and lunch is served!
Mary Prieto
May 11, 2022
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Great friendly customer service and food was worth the drive I would highly recommend this BBQ sandwich tender and juicy, the side were good portions of potato salad, beans and trimmings. This was a monster sandwich
Glenn Rice
Apr 22, 2022
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I'm from Missouri and we have KC-style BBQ, so I'm not really experienced with Texas BBQ. That said, Bill's Bar-B-Que was hands down the best I've ever had, anywhere. I can practically taste it a week later. The chopped brisket literally melts in your mouth, dripping with flavorful juice. Mr. Bill, you've made a convert of me.
Mashiur Khan
Apr 08, 2022
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We tried brisket, turkey and chicken, everything was great. The sides were delicious. Obviously service was amazing. One of the best BBQ place we have been to.
Lauren P.
Mar 07, 2022
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We picked up for 14 people this weekend with us getting brisket, ribs and sausage. Sides were Cole slaw, potato salad and beans. Everything was excellent. No complaints with anyone. Only thing is I wish they would have another side like green beans but other than that everything was delicious!
Mike Grammes
Mar 04, 2022
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I had the brisket, pulled pork and turkey and it was some of the best I've ever had. My wife and I couldn't decide what we liked the most. The potato salad was pretty good but I can't recommend the beans, they had a different kind of taste. But definitely five stars for the meat. We will definitely go back.
