The story
Tucked into a strip mall in northwest Austin, Interstellar BBQ has earned a Michelin star for its take on Texas barbecue. As Michael Ligier notes, it serves "incredibly tender brisket" alongside creative signature items like peach tea glazed pork belly and beef short rib with chimichurri. The no-frills counter-service spot balances neighborhood-favorite appeal with elevated techniques. With takeout available and a casual setting, it’s a destination for those seeking both classic and inventive smoky dishes.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 4 dish mentions say about the food
Reviewers rave about the impossibly tender brisket, calling it the star of the show. The overall vibe is one of smoky, unpretentious perfection.
“I'm not joking when I say that is one of the best bites of food that I've had in my life. It's sweet — I normally don't have that much sweet flavor with meat, but it works really well. Pork belly can be really fatty, but this doesn't feel as fatty as I'd expect, which is great because I can eat more of it. That alone should win them the Michelin star.”
“Oh my god, that alone should win them the Michelin star. The tray of barbecue is like a literal piece of art. They nailed the classics, but this peach tea glazed pork belly is something else — you have no idea how good it is.”
What creators say
2 creators have covered Interstellar BBQ. Most active: Michael Ligier
Interstellar BBQ is a Michelin-starred barbecue joint in a strip mall in northwest Austin that serves incredibly tender brisket and creative signature items like peach tea glazed pork belly and beef short rib with chimichurri.
Dishes mentioned
Brisket
This is my first ever bite of Texas barbecue in Texas. Super spice heavy on that, and the bark has a nice little crust on it. But then the meat is so tender that you can just press down on it with your tongue and it disintegrates in your mouth. It literally melts in your mouth. Holy crap, I'm so excited for the rest of it.
Peach Tea Glazed Pork Belly
I'm not joking when I say that is one of the best bites of food that I've had in my life. It's sweet — I normally don't have that much sweet flavor with meat, but it works really well. Pork belly can be really fatty, but this doesn't feel as fatty as I'd expect, which is great because I can eat more of it. That alone should win them the Michelin star.
Beef Short Rib with Chimichurri
The chimichurri and the spices balance each other out really nicely — the chimichurri is bright, parsley-driven, and herbal, while the meat is really heavily spiced. You get that clashing of flavors which works beautifully. The texture is slightly different from the brisket — it's not as fall-apart, it has a bit of that chew and bite to it. I feel like this by itself could be my lunch.
- Michael LigierLoved
Trying the Best Texas BBQ Restaurants · @ 0:08
A Michelin-starred barbecue joint in Austin that serves artful trays and an incredible peach tea glazed pork belly.
Dishes mentioned
Peach Tea Glazed Pork Belly
Oh my god, that alone should win them the Michelin star. The tray of barbecue is like a literal piece of art. They nailed the classics, but this peach tea glazed pork belly is something else — you have no idea how good it is.
