When you’re in Austin, you’ve gotta get some barbecue. Here’s a list of a few places to check out:
Ruby’s BBQ
Located at 512 W 29th Street, Austin, TX Ruby’s BBQ serves up great barbecue for a reasonable price. Arrive early because they do not accept reservations. Just form a line and order your meal at the cashier and they’ll bring your food to your table – either indoors, or out back where you can have a seat at many of their picnic tables.
Recommendations:
Combo platter – choose from 10 different meats – chicken, pork or beef, and pair it up with
2 sides for $7.25 to $16.95, depending on how many meats you choose, and the total weight.
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| Spicy chopped beef platter |
The brisket was a hit. The spicy chopped beef, not so much. Of all their sides, the macaroni and cheese and creamy coleslaw with poppy seeds were a crowd favorite.
Still got room in your belly for more food? Get the Bread pudding with bananas. Still a mystery to me is the Dang Pie, which was sold out when I tried to order it.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q
Everyone recommends Stubb’s, but I wasn’t very impressed based on all the hype. I’ll say the meat was very flavorful, and you could taste the smokiness in the meat, particularly the brisket. The food is still delicious.
I recommend ordered the BAR-B-Q PLATE which comes with 1 Meat and 2 Sides for $11.95. If you can stand the heat, get the Serrano Cheese Spinach. The fries and fried okra are pretty good too.
In addition to good food, you can also catch a band play. Check their website for schedules. And if you happen to be in town on a Sunday, try their Gospel Brunch.
Iron Works
Iron Works is around the corner of the Austin Convention Center. The two story restaurant is open from Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday). A popular place, you’ll often find a line out the door, so try to come early to beat the crowd. I don’t mean to sound like a broken record but the sampler platter is the way to go, especially if this is your first time dining here. The sampler platter is reasonably priced and the portions are enough for two. Not bad for meals on a budget. I’m a big fan of the brisket – which was lean, with a thin layer of fat on the outside. My friends loved the ribs.
Salt Lick
The Salt Lick is located in Driftwood, Texas – about 35 minutes outside of Austin. It’s a nice setup. Shacks, picnic tables, and sometimes live music. Cash only. Don’t feel like driving out? There’s a smaller restaurant conveniently located in the Austin airport, actually 2: 1 that serves barbecue and one that serves tacos. I’ll share a separate review of both places.
Brisket, sausage, ribs – you name it. It’s all there, and they’re all good. Come hungry, leave happy. This for sure, is the best barbecue I’ve had so far.
Is anything missing from this list? Do share.
