|
|
|
|
Ready to hit the road on the
Central Texas Bar-B-Q Trail?
Your best bet is to stay in Austin, then fan out from there. If you've got some downtime in Austin,
we've also included our first-hand picks of 10 great things to do in Austin.
Austin Area:
Stubb's Bar-B-Q
Where do we start at Stubb's? There's the live music, the awesome gospel brunch and 'cue, of course! Don't miss: the chicken, spinach Serrano chile cream cheese dip, onion rings, banana pudding...
801 Red River St. Austin, TX
(512) 480-8341
stubbsaustin.com
The Salt Lick Bar-B-Q
Bring your own cooler, because the picnic-friendly Salt Lick is entirely BYOB, and cash - no credit cards accepted here. Don't miss: the turkey and brisket.
18001 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX
(512) 858-4959
saltlickbbq.com
Iron Works BBQ
Our first stop - and our introduction to real 'cue - and where two strangers offered us tips of other great places. We love Austin! Don't miss: the turkey, ribs and sausage. (And pick up a jar of the sauce!)
100 Red River St., Austin, TX
(512-478-4855
ironworksbbq.com
Rudy's Bar-B-Q
They call themselves "the worst BBQ in Texas," but this is the place where we learned to love creamed corn. Don't miss the chopped beef, turkey and wet brisket, either. And don't forget a "I have clean hands" sticker on your way out!
2451 Capital of Texas Hwy, Austin, TX
(512) 329-5554
rudys.com
The County Line Bar-B-Q
There are two County Lines, both with great views. One is on the lake, and this one - the one we visited - is "on the hill." It offers a gorgeous view over the area, especially on the balcony, and is perfect for a nice night out.
Bee Cave Road just past 360, Austin, TX
(512) 327-1742
countyline.com
West of Austin:
Cooper's Old Time Pit
We were too late to try the goat - which sells out fast - but if you try it, tell us how it is! Don't miss: the beans and 2-inch-thick pork chops.
604 W. Young St. Llano, TX
(325) 247-5713
coopersbbq.com
Laird's Bar-B-Q
Get there early, because once they sell out, they close!
1600 Ford St., Llano, TX
(325) 247-5234
Southeast of Austin:
Black's Bar-B-Q
Owned by the Blacks since 1932, the current cooks are graduates of AustinŐ's culinary academy. Don't miss: the turkey and sausage.
208 N. Main St., Lockhart, TX
(512) 398-2712
buyblacksbbq.com
Kreuz Market
The first place you'll see as you roll into Lockhart has something special cooked up by third-generation GM Keith Schmidt: salsa. And boy, it's tasty, especially with the ribs and sausage!
619 N. Colorado St. Lockhart, TX
(512) 398-2361
kreuzmarket.com
Smitty's Market Bar-B-Q
There aren't communal knives chained to the table anymore, but the old-school entrance will make you feel like you stepped back in time.
208 S. Commerce St., Lockhart, TX
(512) 398-9344
smittysmarket.com
Northeast of Austin:
City Market
No forks, no plates, just tender meat and a barbecue sauce that's so desirable there are signs warning you to leave the bottles on the table.
633 Davis St., near US Hwy 183, Luling, TX
(830) 875-9019
Rudy Mikeska's Bar-B-Q
The German influence on Central Texas shows up in both of Taylor's neighboring BBQ joints.
Try the German potato salad.
300 W. Second St. Taylor, TX
(512) 365-3722
mikeska.com
Louis Mueller BBQ
A Texas BBQ joint straight out of a movie - completely atmospheric. Leave your business card on the wall (and see if you can find ours!) and have your Shiner in a jelly jar. Then try the potato salad and chipotle sausage.
206 W. Second St. , Taylor, TX
(512) 352-6206
louiemuellerbarbeque.com
Southside Market
It's the home of the "original Elgin hot sausage," but don't miss the brisket, chopped beef and buttermilk pie, too.
1212 U.S. 290 West, Elgin, TX
(512) 281-4650
southsidemarket.com
Meyer's Elgin Smokehouse
It's all about the sausage at Meyer's, but if you get in early enough, try the breakfast brisket tacos. Our favorite sausage was the spicy Tejano.
188 U.S. 290 West Elgin, TX
(512) 281-3331
meyerselginsausage.com
Going to Austin?
Here are ten can't-miss-gotta-do-it things that we checked off our list:
1. Get your grub on at the Avenue Café.
Locals still call it Las Manitas (little hands). We call it mmm. Try the migas con hornos in the morning or the pozole at lunch on the back patio. Here's a tip: You'll only get to that patio by walking through the spotless kitchen where they're making fresh tortillas.
2. Catch a live band.
Austin's popular 6th Street is home to endless clubs, bars and restaurants, each packed with up-and-coming or chart-topping bands.
3. See the bats.
All of our Austin friends told us the same thing: You've gotta see the bats come out from under the bridge in the summer. We'd tell you the same about this awe-inspiring event.
4. Pencil yourself in for the gospel brunch at Stubb's.
Make sure you make a reservation or you won't make it into this unbelievable way to start the day, complete with live gospel music, an all-you-can-eat brunch and a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Trust us, we saw a lot of folks get turned away!
5. Go shopping on S. Congress Street.
From bargain-hunter's vintage store delights to fashion-forward boutiques, you can't help but find something to cram into your suitcase here.
6. Grab a scoop of Amy's Ice Cream.
This Austin tradition is available all over the city. We highly recommend the Mexican vanilla.
7. Catch a Longhorns game.
You can't walk around Austin without spotting the familiar burnt orange of the University of Texas - and watching a game with the passionate fans is something all y'alls ought to try. Hook 'em, horns!
8. Get a java fix at Jo's Coffee Shop.
It's blink-and-you-miss-it tiny, but boy the coffee is good. Park it on the patio and sip away. If you're feeling like a star, the oh-so-trendy San Jose Hotel is right next door to the S. Congress location.
9. Walk or bike off all that 'que.
Austin is packed with great places to work it out (or just stroll). Best bets: Town Lake, Zilker Park and the surrounding Barton Springs District.
10. Go wine-tasting in Texas Hill Country.
Never fear, Texas actually does make some really great wines. Taste it for yourself!
We HIGHLY recommend Flat Creek Estate's robust Super Texan Sangiovese.
|
|
|
|
