Good BBQ in or near Austin TX?

Question

i have some international students who think bbq is the stuff in a mcdonalds meal. I am trying to show them some real bbq, the kind served on butcher paper, without sauce and get laughed at if you ask for a fork. Anyone know of a place that is close to austin? The only places i have been to are outside of houston and there has to be some good places near austin, I am in the south part.

Answer 1

the Salt l**k is the best in Austin

Answer 2

For a real TX experience I'd go to the Salt l**k. Good BBQ, byob, great atmosphere and hot food. Very reasonably priced for the all food you get. ( I love it so much we got married there)

It is not that far of a drive from South Austin.

For something different but very very good- I'd go to Lockhart. They have hands down some of the best sausage and their brisket is awesome as well.

While Rudy's is good and will satisfy the BBQ craving the aforementioned places are way better and have a better atmosphere.

BTW-

I live in Pittsburgh now and miss some BBQ so have a couple of ribs and brisket for me. :-)

Answer 3

People either think Salt l**k is the best or Rudy's BBQ is the best. I recommend you try them both and decide for yourself.

Unfortunately, Salt l**k isn't that close (and they use plates).  Depending on where in Austin it could be a 30-45 minute drive.  Rudy's has several locations throughout town and serve their food on butcher paper.  They are big on their sauce though.

The sources has a link to the Rudy's homepage so you can find the one closest to you.  I also put in a link to a page with all the BBQ restaurants in Austin as well as reviews and a map of their locations.

I recommend you avoid County Line BBQ - bland and expensive

If you have time for the half hour drive go down and eat at Smitty's in Lockhart. Regularly voted the best barbecue in the country and it you don't need sauce on their meat.

Answer 4

I am going to give you a list of some of the great BBQ spots around town that I enjoy. I will present them in no particular order and will try to provide a brief overview of each locations specialties.

* The Green Mesquite - Good all-around bbq for any occasion. They have especially good brisket.

* Rudy's - It is a Texas chain and is known for its smoked turkey, chopped beef, and of course, the sauce.

* Ben's Long Branch - This is a classic East Austin experience. Great ribs and brisket.

* Artz Rib House - The name says it all. Get the large order of their country style ribs. (this is one of my favs)

* Iron Works BBQ - Good all-around bbq and their specialty is beef ribs.

*County Line - pretty good all-around bbq and their specialty is smoked turkey. They use to offer great homemade bread, too. (this one is not my favorite, but others seem to like it)

* The Salt l**k - While their bbq may not be the best in Texas, their family-style dining atmosphere is something everyone needs to experience. It is well worth it for you and some friends to load up a cooler full of beer, head down south, and feast for a couple of hours.

* Uncle Billy's Brew and Cue - This is a fairly new place that not only serves bbq but also makes home brew. I have yet to visit myself, but several of my friends have tried it and liked it.

* There are also many great and historic bbq joints within an hour's drive fo Austin, so I would definitely recomend making some road trips to these places once you get settled:

Lockhart, TX - Blacks BBQ, Kreuz BBQ, and Smitty's Market

Llano, TX - Laird's and Inman's

Mason, TX - Cooper's (this is the original - Llano and Marble Falls have one, too).

Elgin, TX - Southside Market

Seguin, TX - Davila's

Taylor, TX - Taylor Cafe

Sorry for the long answer, but I do love and appreciate good bbq. I hope this helps, and happy eating!