Recommendation for Best BBQ in Austin

if you are in the area, just go to Lockhart, its the best.

Especially if you're coming up from San Antonio for a late/later game, hitting up Lockhart is your best bet. I've never been impressed with the joints in Austin proper. They are, for the most part, decent. Personally, I think Salt Lick is a bit overrated also. I've never gotten decent BBQ from Iron Works. County Line is overpriced, subpar, commercial BBQ at its most mediocre.

Best BBQ I've had within weekend driving distance from Austin is Cooper's in Llano. Louis Mueller's is pretty decent in Taylor, if you know what to get - brisket is a bit inconsistent so it depends on the day, if you're there early enough the ribeye is good, their beef sausages are good, and they do beef ribs well. I've never been to Snow's, not really sure about the place, I plan on making it there sometime soon.

Given that you're coming up from San Antonio, I would say your best bet is Black's in Lockhart, then the other joints mentioned there...then Salt Lick's. Considering the scheduled kick off time, your best bet would be to stop by for an early lunch, since you may not be out until most of these places are closed for the day.

Great thread, thanks to all who posted. Love Salt Lick, Iron Works, and Stubb's, but still looks like I have more rounds to make for great BBQ!

Sex and BBQ.. its all good but we all have our fav.

If you're coming up day of might want to stop at a place in your own back yard...Texas Pride in Adkins is outstanding

www.texaspridebbq.net/

no matter where you go, avoid Bill Miller's BBQ.

I like Rudy's brisket, extra moist extra black.

This is likely a minority opinion: "You ain't from aroun' heah, are ya boy?"

I like Rudy's brisket, extra moist extra black.
Originally Posted by 78704

Right there with you.

If you think you can wing it in terms of distance and time, I recommend Snow's BBQ in Lexington, TX. It's not too far from Round Rock. Google it for details. Only open on Saturdays till they run out of meat.

Dom

i aint got nobody that i can depend on. i aint got nobody that i can depend on, old santana song.

however, IMHO you can depend on IRONWORKS. not too far from the game either. tell my primo i said hello.

peace
atx

What about Art's Rib House?

http://www.franklinbarbecue.com/

I like Rudy's brisket, extra moist extra black.

This is likely a minority opinion: "You ain't from aroun' heah, are ya boy?" Originally Posted by 78704

It's actually pretty good for commercial BBQ. I used to take visitors there when we didn't have time to go anywhere else with the explicit instructions that they must get extra moist.

I am going to offer a dissenting opinion...

The food at the Salt Lick is not bad, but the wait can be interminable, especially if you didn't realize that it's BYOB. Of course, not bringing beer might be a good thing because the alternative could involve getting hammered during the wait, being too drunk to enjoy dinner and getting a DUI on the way home. (It's almost an hour from downtown Austin). If you have all the time in the world, a cooler full of beer, a designated driver and desire to see the country it's not a bad way to kill an afternoon / some brain cells.

Personally, I really like Ruby's (not to be confused with Rudy's). Ruby's is near campus and makes excellent food. Not just barbeque, but smoked chicken salad, collard greens, jambalaya, gumbo, etc. They are one of the few places in Texas that serves all natural, antibiotic and steroid free beef. Anthony Bourdain paid them a visit a few years ago and was duly impressed. Your friend from California should respect those credentials.

I also like Artz Ribhouse on South Lamar (for their baby back ribs) and Green Mesquite on Barton Springs Road. But I still stand by Ruby's (not Rudy's) as my #1 pick.

BTW... I've been completely unimpressed so far by the stuff served out in the Hill Country. Cooper's in Llano, for example, is utter crap.

I really liked Coopers but that was about 3 years ago.

I agree Rudy's is overrated IMO.....