Help an Englishman find a barbeque joint in Austin!
June 12, 2013 4:01 PM Subscribe
My husband will be in Austin for business next week, and needs suggestions for both barbeque and Tex-Mex. He's not really looking for a polished dining experience; he's looking for seriously excellent grub. Thanks!
John Mueller Meat Co. is very much worth a visit. (It's pronounced "miller" -- just fyi.) Here's a recent review.
posted by dogrose at 4:14 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by dogrose at 4:14 PM on June 12, 2013
For BBQ: Does he have a rental car? I would suggest driving out to Lockhart, TX. It's about a 35 minute drive. I only could handle going to Smitty's and Kreuz's and I preferred Kreuz's. Make sure to get the fatty brisket, sausage and ribs.
There's also Blacks and Chisholm Trail, but everyone I was traveling with was having meat sweats and couldn't take anymore.
posted by spec80 at 4:17 PM on June 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
There's also Blacks and Chisholm Trail, but everyone I was traveling with was having meat sweats and couldn't take anymore.
posted by spec80 at 4:17 PM on June 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
If he has a car, head down to Lockhart, Texas. Here's an episode of locally produced show The Daytripper about it. If not, and he wants to stay in town, Franklin BBQ is considered by many to be the best in the country, though he may have to wait a few hours to get some. The Salt Lick is southwest of town about 45 minutes, but is also an excellent option. They have a shop in the airport if all else fails, but the food isn't as good. You can get bottles of BBQ sauce to take home, though. Their sauce is excellent.
For Mexican if he's downtown and doesn't mind spending some coin, I've heard La Condesa is excellent. Another Mexican option just east of downtown is Takoba. If he specifically wants Tex-Mex, Chuy's (the original location on Barton Springs only) and Guero's Taco Bar are good options, and Curra's is also excellent.
posted by jeffkramer at 4:20 PM on June 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
For Mexican if he's downtown and doesn't mind spending some coin, I've heard La Condesa is excellent. Another Mexican option just east of downtown is Takoba. If he specifically wants Tex-Mex, Chuy's (the original location on Barton Springs only) and Guero's Taco Bar are good options, and Curra's is also excellent.
posted by jeffkramer at 4:20 PM on June 12, 2013 [2 favorites]
Franklin Barbecue, Trudy's Tex-Mex. Also seconding Chuy's on Barton Springs, The Salt Lick, John Mueller Meat Co., and Rudy's.
posted by thack3r at 4:22 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by thack3r at 4:22 PM on June 12, 2013
You have good timing in that Texas Monthly recently posted an article on BBQ. Sadly I haven't been to Austin for 10 years, but I do remember liking the Salt Lick.
One thing in Chuy's favour is that its decor is somewhat over the top, which as an Englishman your husband may find amusing. Or awkward.
posted by sesquipedalian at 4:30 PM on June 12, 2013
One thing in Chuy's favour is that its decor is somewhat over the top, which as an Englishman your husband may find amusing. Or awkward.
posted by sesquipedalian at 4:30 PM on June 12, 2013
La Condesa is indeed excellent, but it's not really Tex-Mex. I second Chuy's and Curra's (tell him he'll need to try the avocado margaritas), and throw Serranos in there as well. I love Serrano's because they grill everything on a mesquite grill... it smells and tastes heavenly.
For bbq, Franklin is the gold standard, but I have heard that Mickelthwait Craft Meats is an excellent alternative if you're not into waiting for two hours.
posted by marshmallow peep at 4:33 PM on June 12, 2013
For bbq, Franklin is the gold standard, but I have heard that Mickelthwait Craft Meats is an excellent alternative if you're not into waiting for two hours.
posted by marshmallow peep at 4:33 PM on June 12, 2013
Response by poster: No car. Not interested in chains. Exotic is good. Over the top would probably amuse and scare him a little. Keep 'em coming, thanks!
posted by Specklet at 5:18 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by Specklet at 5:18 PM on June 12, 2013
Matt's Famous El Rancho; Guero's; Taco Express for breakfast tacos; maybe Curra's, but it's not really Tex-Mex.
County Line for BBQ.
posted by devinemissk at 5:21 PM on June 12, 2013
County Line for BBQ.
posted by devinemissk at 5:21 PM on June 12, 2013
Living north of 51st St. I regularly enjoyed Tex-Mex at El Caribe on Lamar just south of Koenig and El Mercado on Burnet south of Anderson Lane (seems like they have a downtown location now, too). If he's stuck downtown, there's also Green Mesquite (BBQ) a few doors down from Chuy's on Barton Springs Road. And you don't need no teef to eat this beef at 12th and Lamar.
posted by pjenks at 5:29 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by pjenks at 5:29 PM on June 12, 2013
If he can manage to get a colleague to drive him 10 miles south, Wilhite's BBQ in Creedmoor is the quintessential owner operator BBQ. BYOB, too !
posted by lobstah at 5:30 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by lobstah at 5:30 PM on June 12, 2013
Franklin's is easily a 10 out of 10. La Barbecue, however, is an 8 out of 10. It's associated with J. Mueller, which others have mentioned. Both are food trailers; J. Mueller is on the east side, while La Barbecue is south of downtown. Try La Barbecue if a 3-hour wait isn't feasible. (But if it is, he should really, really, really go to Franklin's. Beer coolers and party chairs for the line are encouraged!)
La Condesa is indeed excellent but it's definitely not Tex-Mex (you won't find any queso or enchiladas there - although you WILL find mexican street corn, huaraches, unbelievable ceviche, the best chile relleno I have ever had, and some of the most marvelous, delicious, beautifully crafted cocktails in town). Fonda San Miguel is also higher-end interior Mexican, although it's the traditional to La Condesa's fresh/modern.
In my opinion, Chuy's is terrible food and somehow every location is always full of screaming children to boot. For more casual Mex/Tex-Mex, try Curra's (avocado margarita!) or Polvo's.
Almost forgot - this is Colombian food, but: Casa Colombia. Delicious! No-frills!
Feel free to MeMail me for more suggestions!
posted by sevensnowflakes at 5:57 PM on June 12, 2013
La Condesa is indeed excellent but it's definitely not Tex-Mex (you won't find any queso or enchiladas there - although you WILL find mexican street corn, huaraches, unbelievable ceviche, the best chile relleno I have ever had, and some of the most marvelous, delicious, beautifully crafted cocktails in town). Fonda San Miguel is also higher-end interior Mexican, although it's the traditional to La Condesa's fresh/modern.
In my opinion, Chuy's is terrible food and somehow every location is always full of screaming children to boot. For more casual Mex/Tex-Mex, try Curra's (avocado margarita!) or Polvo's.
Almost forgot - this is Colombian food, but: Casa Colombia. Delicious! No-frills!
Feel free to MeMail me for more suggestions!
posted by sevensnowflakes at 5:57 PM on June 12, 2013
Tell him to check with his colleagues to see what the best breakfast tacos/burritos in the vicinity are. They will have opinions. They will be delicious.
posted by Lyn Never at 6:28 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by Lyn Never at 6:28 PM on June 12, 2013
Came in to recommend La Barbecue as just as good as Franklin with only 20-30 minute wait.
Though one way to get around the humongous, not-totally-worth-it lines at Franklin is to make a group order. I think if you place an order of 5 lbs+ of meat you can just go to the front of the line and pick it up. Might be an option if he has co-workers or clients who are interested.
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 6:39 PM on June 12, 2013
Though one way to get around the humongous, not-totally-worth-it lines at Franklin is to make a group order. I think if you place an order of 5 lbs+ of meat you can just go to the front of the line and pick it up. Might be an option if he has co-workers or clients who are interested.
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 6:39 PM on June 12, 2013
No car.
This limits his options quite a bit. We have sort of minimal public transit, and the temps next week will be in the high 90s (>36 C), so walking will not be optimal. Do you know what part of town he's staying or working in? Or is he willing to cab it in town?
posted by donajo at 7:01 PM on June 12, 2013
This limits his options quite a bit. We have sort of minimal public transit, and the temps next week will be in the high 90s (>36 C), so walking will not be optimal. Do you know what part of town he's staying or working in? Or is he willing to cab it in town?
posted by donajo at 7:01 PM on June 12, 2013
Is he a beer guy? Billy's Brew N Que is good barbeque and home-brewed beer, and my beer snob friends approve. It's also quite central.
posted by restless_nomad at 7:13 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by restless_nomad at 7:13 PM on June 12, 2013
Response by poster: He's totally a beer guy. And he can cab it if necessary; he and his three colleagues have a car between them that he may or may not be able to use.
posted by Specklet at 7:55 PM on June 12, 2013
posted by Specklet at 7:55 PM on June 12, 2013
Also he is totally invited to post a meetup wherever he decides to go, if he wants some random Mefite company.
posted by restless_nomad at 9:29 PM on June 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by restless_nomad at 9:29 PM on June 12, 2013 [1 favorite]
I've read that the descendants of Kreuz and Smitty's have reconciled and opened Schmidt's in Bee Cave.
Thedonf should also go to either branch of Threadgills.
posted by brujita at 10:32 PM on June 12, 2013
Thedonf should also go to either branch of Threadgills.
posted by brujita at 10:32 PM on June 12, 2013
Get the beef ribs at Stiles Switch. A real experience. Flintstones. Use your charm to get a tour and interview. Some of the best eating in the world.
Look at reddit /r/austin, there are lots of bestof threads.
posted by evariste at 12:38 AM on June 13, 2013
Look at reddit /r/austin, there are lots of bestof threads.
posted by evariste at 12:38 AM on June 13, 2013
Franklin BBQ is OK but carries a nolife tax. Demand is higher than supply, fuck it unless you wanna waste a day. BBQ is a regional everything. Even the local chains are great. I live here and I use Yelp to figure out where to eat, so can you.
The BBQ belt surrounds Austin but isn't in it. A lot of the stuff you see on TV is in nearby cities. Austin has a decent representation of almost everything. While you're here eat breakfast tacos and green sauce every day a different place.
posted by evariste at 12:43 AM on June 13, 2013
The BBQ belt surrounds Austin but isn't in it. A lot of the stuff you see on TV is in nearby cities. Austin has a decent representation of almost everything. While you're here eat breakfast tacos and green sauce every day a different place.
posted by evariste at 12:43 AM on June 13, 2013
Chowhound is another excellent resource for Austin eating.
posted by evariste at 12:45 AM on June 13, 2013
posted by evariste at 12:45 AM on June 13, 2013
Your fella should also eat at el pollo rico, with one of the best doña/green sauces around and chicken that makes the whole neighborhood smell great.
We have lots of food trucks. Consult yelp.
posted by evariste at 12:58 AM on June 13, 2013
We have lots of food trucks. Consult yelp.
posted by evariste at 12:58 AM on June 13, 2013
Look at the Funemployed in ATX calendar on /r/austin, it's a great place to find cheap fun ideas. Public transit is okay, may be worth signing up for car2go, even for a really short trip, because they're so insanely convenient here. Lots of dedicated parking spots in a town without much free parking, and loads of cars everywhere. Car-sharing is real here. Also consider renting a bicycle or canoe or kayak or paddleboard, it's pretty commonplace. This is also probably the live music capital of the world, go to some shows.
posted by evariste at 1:09 AM on June 13, 2013
posted by evariste at 1:09 AM on June 13, 2013
Bigoted opinion about Chuy's etc: Tex mex is boring and he should just eat mex mex. Tex mex is just moar cheese. I never knew how great Mexican food was until I moved to Texas.
posted by evariste at 1:18 AM on June 13, 2013
posted by evariste at 1:18 AM on June 13, 2013
Things to experience in Austin that you don't get many places:
brisket
beef ribs
barbacoa
trompo al pastor (red pork shawarma on a spit)
green sauce
A few places have Yucatan cuisine, which was my introduction to achiote
New Orleans cuisine (Katrina refugees who landed on their feet here)
feels like every restaurant has a parallel vegan or vegetarian menu, many tempting to diehard carnivores
posted by evariste at 1:34 AM on June 13, 2013
brisket
beef ribs
barbacoa
trompo al pastor (red pork shawarma on a spit)
green sauce
A few places have Yucatan cuisine, which was my introduction to achiote
New Orleans cuisine (Katrina refugees who landed on their feet here)
feels like every restaurant has a parallel vegan or vegetarian menu, many tempting to diehard carnivores
posted by evariste at 1:34 AM on June 13, 2013
Austin has a similar relationship to Hatch green chiles as Santa Fe, so you will encounter e.g. lots of hatch green chile pork. "Migas" means breakfast tacos with fried corn tortilla strips in the eggs. People here think it's great, I don't get it but the crunch is kinda fun. Everything has avocados, cilantro, or both.
posted by evariste at 1:58 AM on June 13, 2013
posted by evariste at 1:58 AM on June 13, 2013
Ruby's
Near the university, on the bus line, lots of shopping and interest nearby, oldest and best bbq.
posted by cellura p at 5:03 AM on June 13, 2013
Near the university, on the bus line, lots of shopping and interest nearby, oldest and best bbq.
posted by cellura p at 5:03 AM on June 13, 2013
If your husband is staying downtown, he should go to Lambert's for BBQ. Actually, he should probably go there anyhow. As BBQ goes, it's pretty expensive, but it is really damned good (their other items are great too, like the mac & cheese). And it is downtown, so easily accessible on foot. They also do a Sunday brunch that is amazing.
Franklin's may live up to the hype—I don't know. I live close to it, but I've never been there because you need to get there at 9:00 AM or something ridiculous to wait in line for hours (people bring their own lawn chairs) in the hopes of being close enough to the front to buy some of their limited supply. I have a hard time imagining that it is so much better than every other BBQ joint in town that it warrants the time investment.
Salt Lick is overhyped IMO. You go for the experience, not the food.
For TexMex, try Takoba (which may be more straight-up Mex, but whatever). It's fairly close to downtown, and near to a number of interesting bars like East Side Showroom.
posted by adamrice at 8:30 AM on June 13, 2013
Franklin's may live up to the hype—I don't know. I live close to it, but I've never been there because you need to get there at 9:00 AM or something ridiculous to wait in line for hours (people bring their own lawn chairs) in the hopes of being close enough to the front to buy some of their limited supply. I have a hard time imagining that it is so much better than every other BBQ joint in town that it warrants the time investment.
Salt Lick is overhyped IMO. You go for the experience, not the food.
For TexMex, try Takoba (which may be more straight-up Mex, but whatever). It's fairly close to downtown, and near to a number of interesting bars like East Side Showroom.
posted by adamrice at 8:30 AM on June 13, 2013
If he's staying in Austin and doesn't have a car, a location would be super helpful. Cabs in Austin are useless, and expensive. The bus system is also mostly useless, but you can use the University of Texas shuttle for free because nobody actually cares whether you're really a student or not.
Austin, like many cities in Amurika, doesn't really have a bumping downtown dining scene that centers on substance over flair. The blue collar dining action is all out in the suburbs.
I've been to nearly all of the places listed above with the exception of Takoba and I still would like to say that both Rudy's (brisket, jalapeno sausage) and Pok-e-jo's (turkey, all the sides are awesome) are staples of the central Texas barbeque tradition and that Lockhart, Elgin, and Driftwood are interesting cultural experiences... but their BBQ just isn't what it was 20 years ago.
Point of fact, County Line and Salt Lick are places I like to take friends from Dallas that probably couldn't handle the red neck hoi polloi, glorious open barbeque pit, yelling, waxed paper plates and delicious, delicious sauce. County Line is expensive and their food isn't that good. Salt Lick still doesn't even have a liquor license. Or a floor. And the food is awful. Their sole point of attraction is that they allow liquored up UT students to wheel entire ice chests of liquor directly to their table after football games. And you can drink your booze in line while you wait for a table.
Make sure he tries Shiner Bock at Rudy's, the local chain I mentioned in the first post, and margaritas wherever he tries Tex Mex. Both of my recommendations have excellent margaritas.
Fajitas, as well as margaritas, are both true tex-mex inventions.
Chuy's is a great place to take friends from out of town, but in a good way. They are very good at what they do. They make their own tortillas and totopos in house, while you watch. Their hot sauce is an excellent variation on pico de gallo, made there fresh every day. There's always a million people there, their decor and t-shirts (as seen on MTV) are ridiculous, but it's fun. It's cheap, as well.
I'm going to try to stay out of this thread now because I'm far too biased.
But please let us know how his visit turns out!
posted by hobo gitano de queretaro at 11:19 AM on June 13, 2013
Austin, like many cities in Amurika, doesn't really have a bumping downtown dining scene that centers on substance over flair. The blue collar dining action is all out in the suburbs.
I've been to nearly all of the places listed above with the exception of Takoba and I still would like to say that both Rudy's (brisket, jalapeno sausage) and Pok-e-jo's (turkey, all the sides are awesome) are staples of the central Texas barbeque tradition and that Lockhart, Elgin, and Driftwood are interesting cultural experiences... but their BBQ just isn't what it was 20 years ago.
Point of fact, County Line and Salt Lick are places I like to take friends from Dallas that probably couldn't handle the red neck hoi polloi, glorious open barbeque pit, yelling, waxed paper plates and delicious, delicious sauce. County Line is expensive and their food isn't that good. Salt Lick still doesn't even have a liquor license. Or a floor. And the food is awful. Their sole point of attraction is that they allow liquored up UT students to wheel entire ice chests of liquor directly to their table after football games. And you can drink your booze in line while you wait for a table.
Make sure he tries Shiner Bock at Rudy's, the local chain I mentioned in the first post, and margaritas wherever he tries Tex Mex. Both of my recommendations have excellent margaritas.
Fajitas, as well as margaritas, are both true tex-mex inventions.
Chuy's is a great place to take friends from out of town, but in a good way. They are very good at what they do. They make their own tortillas and totopos in house, while you watch. Their hot sauce is an excellent variation on pico de gallo, made there fresh every day. There's always a million people there, their decor and t-shirts (as seen on MTV) are ridiculous, but it's fun. It's cheap, as well.
I'm going to try to stay out of this thread now because I'm far too biased.
But please let us know how his visit turns out!
posted by hobo gitano de queretaro at 11:19 AM on June 13, 2013
I'm partial to The Salt Lick, but haven't made it to Lockhart, whose BBQ spots are supposed to be top-notch.
For Tex-Mex, definitely Trudy's. Their Smoked Chicken Chimichanga is food of the gods.
posted by BevosAngryGhost at 3:06 PM on June 13, 2013
For Tex-Mex, definitely Trudy's. Their Smoked Chicken Chimichanga is food of the gods.
posted by BevosAngryGhost at 3:06 PM on June 13, 2013
Also the Texas Chili Parlor downtown. XX and higher are dragon hot.
posted by brujita at 4:21 PM on June 13, 2013
posted by brujita at 4:21 PM on June 13, 2013
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My personal favorite Tex Mex is Enchiladas y mas on 1911 W Anderson Lane. Best fajitas I have ever had in my life that weren't homemade. The rest of the menu is bog standard neon orange velveeta cheese serviceable tex mex and bears no resemblance at all to the cuisine of my childhood.
Chuy's, I grudgingly admit, is a lesser but still acceptable alternative for Tex Mex.
posted by hobo gitano de queretaro at 4:12 PM on June 12, 2013 [2 favorites]