Food. Family. Tradition.

About us

A Family Affair

Generations of Experience

After 28 years in the Mexican restaurant business in Mason, Michael Zavala decided to get into the food service business here.

 

“I’ve always wanted to just do barbecue,” said Zavala, who also did some barbecue and catering at his previous location. “I felt Fredericksburg would be a good fit for us to do a barbecue restaurant.”

 

Zavala, along with his wife, Jennifer; sister, Debra Rodriguez, and her son, Jonathon, opened Backwoods Barbecue on July 28, 2016.

 

Debra and her husband, Jabier, own the 7.5 acres the restaurant is at on FM 2093 (Tivydale Road).

Family. Food. Tradition.

Backwoods BBQ

The name “Backwoods” comes from its location.

 

“When we started clearing this out, this property was full of trees,” Debra said. “Originally, the restaurant was going to be close to the road, but because of some issues that came up, we had to move the restaurant and we said we’d move it to the back of the woods. And we came up with ‘Backwoods.’

 

Zavala describes his barbecue as his own style of cooking, designed to give the customer a good product they’ll enjoy.

 

For more on this story, all you need to do is call Fredericksburg Standard. If you are not a subscriber, call 997-2155! Write up by: Richard Zowie.

  • My husband I were in town for a wedding and found this place by SMELL!!!!! We had our windows down driving down this offbeat road and smelled BBQ and we were starving so in we went!!! We both had lean chopped brisket sandwiches and beans, with coleslaw and cheesy green beans. Everything was fantastic tender smokey and just delicious! Definitely a hidden gem!

    Ellen from Yelp

  • Amazing food and super reasonable prices! Homemade desserts and they were giving away free pinto beans!! Delicious ribs, brisket, sausage, Mac and cheese, potato salad. Love this spot!

    Mel from Yelp

  • What a great place and great food! We had just arrived in Fredericksburg and were told this was the place to eat and man, were they right! We're planning another trip to the area soon and Backwoods BBQ is already part of the plan.

    Paula from Tripadvisor

  • Best bbq in the hill country. Pork ribs were outstanding. Also try the pinto beans. Great place to eat bbq. It’s a can’t miss if you are In the area.

    Chris from Tripadvisor

  • Excellent BBQ , sauce and service. The sides were really good and they have a list of the gluten free sides. I would drive here from San Antonio it was so good. Highly recommend. Turkey brisket and tri tip were great!

    Kathy C.

  • Fantastic! Always on the BBQ trail and this place is well worth a visit. Ribs tender and flavorful, brisket was FANTASTIC. One of the best in the area for sure, and the sides delicious too. Green beans, corn, etc. All good!

    Linda L.

  • Best BBQ in Fredericksburg. A little of the beaten path but so worth the effort to find it. The pork ribs were super tender, and the brisket was the best in Texas. Clean and friendly service, can't wait to go back.

    Mj R.

  • As good as it gets! Traveling through Fredericksburg at lunch time and looked for the highest rated BBQ in town. Backwoods popped to the top and we bit.

    Robert M.