Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

First and foremost, Valentina’s is a barbecue institution, and the meat that comes out of those smokers is easily among the best in the city. We could end it at that, and we’d still consider the 30 minute drive from Downtown to be well worth it. Because at Valentina’s, instead of tender, smoky brisket and pulled pork with a few slices of white bread on a metal tray, it all gets wrapped up in a blanket of warm and fluffy homemade flour tortillas, and topped with guacamole, queso, roasted poblanos, and serrano salsa.

There’s almost nothing traditionally Tex-Mex about Valentina’s, a self-proclaimed “Tex-Mex” spot in Buda, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the single best spots in Austin for fajitas, loaded queso, and slow-cooked meats. Confused? We’ll explain. 

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Valentina’s doesn’t follow the “rules” of Central Texas barbecue—a style that usually prides itself on salt-and-pepper minimalism and post-oak smoke. And that’s probably because there’s a lot of San Antonio and South Texas influence here, from heavily spiced seasoning to an intense mesquite-smoke earthiness that penetrates into the meat. You’ll find fajitas on the menu, but instead of coming out on a sizzling skillet over a pile of onions and peppers, it’s sold by the pound after undergoing the same low-and-slow, smoked treatment the rest of the meats get. And while Valentina’s started off operating out of a trailer in South Austin for years, its current location in Buda also comes with access to a full bar (and air conditioning), meaning you never have to be too far from the classic fajita-and-margarita combo. 

The menu is divided into “Tex” and “Mex” sides, and while a lot of the same meats and flavors cross cuisine lines, this is mostly how you’ll decide if you want to eat everything in sandwich or taco form. Order from the “Tex” side for more classic Central Texas dishes, like pulled pork and sliced brisket sandwiches with tangy slaw, or head to the “Mex” side for tacos with smoked brisket or cerveza-marinated beef fajitas topped with a giant dollop of guacamole and tomato serrano salsa. 

Is Valentina’s a Tex-Mex spot? Kind of. Not really. At least not in the traditional sense. But it also feels a little dumb to get caught up in labels, when you could be spending that time making the trek to Valentina’s and just eating your way through any lingering uncertainty. 

Food Rundown

photo credit: Richard Casteel

The Meats

At first glance, the meat menu looks pretty familiar—brisket, ribs, and pulled pork all make their obligatory appearances—but you’ll also see things like beef fajita, pulled chicken, and spicy Oaxaca sausage. There’s a definite Central Texas feel to it all, but with influences from South Texas and San Antonio, particularly in the heavily spiced seasonings and mesquite wood. Grab some brisket to see how it stacks up against other Austin heavy-hitters—it’s excellent—but save room for some cerveza-marinated smoked fajitas and pulled pork.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Real Deal Holyfield

A strong contender for the overall best breakfast taco in Austin, this taco combines fried eggs, potatoes, beans, and bacon with your choice of meats. Get this with brisket—something about that beef fat dripping into the eggs and potatoes makes this a taco worth crossing town for.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Smoked Brisket Taco

This is what Valentina’s is all about. It’s simple and decadent, with a few thick slices of tender brisket wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. And it all gets topped with sea salt guacamole and a drizzle of tomato serrano salsa that brightens it all.

photo credit: Richard Casteel

Smoked Carnitas Taco

The carnitas here blends in bits of pork belly and skin with tender, shredded shoulder meat to add some great fatty texture and flavor to it all. It’s rich, without being overwhelming—probably in part due to the fiery tomatillo habanero salsa that cuts through every bite.