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Waco, Texas / Food and drink

Helberg Barbecue

A two-time Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ winner located in Woodway, serving award-winning ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and house-smoked sausage in a cavernous steel building.

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Helberg Barbecue
www.helbergbarbecue.com, og_image_www.helbergbarbecue.com

What is Helberg Barbecue known for?

Helberg Barbecue is a two-time winner of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ list and is known for its award-winning ribs, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, and house-smoked sausage.

What are the hours for Helberg Barbecue?

The restaurant is open Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm, Wednesday through Thursday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

What does the menu offer?

The menu includes sliced and chopped brisket, pork steak, sausage of the month, ribs, hot chicken, brisket smash burgers, and pork steak tacos.

Can I get food from Helberg Barbecue to go?

Yes, the restaurant offers curbside pickup, takeaway, and dine-in, as well as outdoor seating.

Is there any chance the restaurant closes early?

Yes, Helberg Barbecue may close before the posted hours if they sell out of food.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Helberg Barbecue is a highly acclaimed roadside stop located in Woodway, Texas, just a short drive west of Waco. Founded by husband and wife team Phillip and Yvette Helberg, who met on a cruise ship, the business began in California in 2017 before the couple returned to their Texas roots in 2018 to launch the current establishment in the spring of that year. The restaurant is housed in a cavernous corrugated steel building featuring high ceilings and picnic tables, providing a classic, unpretentious atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional Texas barbecue, including sliced and chopped brisket, pork steak, ribs, and house-smoked sausage. The menu also offers unique twists such as the brisket smash burger and pork steak tacos, along with Helberg Hot Chicken. Recognized for its quality, Helberg Barbecue has been named one of the Top 25 Best New BBQ Joints in Texas by Texas Monthly in 2019 and is a two-time winner of the Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list. The establishment offers several dining options, including dine-in, outdoor seating, and takeaway, making it a convenient stop for those traveling along Highway 6.

Visitor tips

  • Be aware that the restaurant may close before posted hours if they sell out of meat.
  • Check the official hours: Sunday 10 am–3 pm, Wed–Thu 11 am–7 pm, and Fri–Sat 11 am–8 pm.
  • The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Nearby context

Located on Highway 6 in Woodway, this barbecue spot is technically outside the main Waco city limits, about a 15-minute drive west of the city center.

Sources

Evidence and links