Eating your way around Austin's BBQ scene. Recommendations on restaurant locations, what to order, and how to go about your visit.
After buying a smoker and getting more into smoking meat ourselves, my husband and I decided we would eat as much BBQ as possible on our visit to Austin. We jumped from one BBQ spot to the next soaking in all the differences in terms of atmosphere, flavors, sides, and meats. If you are new to BBQ and decide to do a similar type of visit - even if you’re tasting a different food - I highly recommend stacking your visits allowing you to really pick up on the subtle differences.
Our Plan
On our short visit, we decided on three locations: Rudy’s, Terry Black’s, and Franklin’s.
Each of these three locations are known to differ in price and quality but we wanted to get a variety to really taste the difference. In order to truly compare, and also to see if a BBQ place truly is good and knows their stuff, I highly recommend tasting their brisket! Making a good brisket takes skill, and once you taste a few you’ll realize just how good the meat really is - so good in fact that it makes steak seem bleak in comparison - and I love a good filet mignon.
Rudy's
Your typical roadside BBQ chain
Rudy’s is your typical roadside BBQ chain. It’s a big hit with the student population in Austin - open late and inexpensive. Rudy’s was my least favorite stop of the three given the quality and flavor didn’t really compare to the other’s. That said, it is still better than a lot of BBQ places out there. What I would go to Rudy’s for, and what we went back to eat, are their bbq breakfast tacos. A delicious southern stable these days, they have breakfast tacos you can order from the counter, or grab one to go by the checkout. Even if you're getting BBQ in the afternoon or evenings, this is an order at the counter type of place. It has your typical mayo heavy sides (coleslaw, potato salad, beans) and you sit down at indoor picnic tables once your food is ready.
Terry Black's
A locals favorite with great outdoor atmosphere
Terry Black’s on the other hand is slightly more upscale than Rudy’s. BBQ prices are a bit higher but the atmosphere and meat quality reflect that as well. At Terry Black’s you can sit on the deck under ceiling fans or inside - I recommend outside. You still order at a counter, but you go through a self serve line to grab your sides before ordering your meats and paying. Terry’s also had the best and largest variety of sides to choose from: Coleslaw, beans, potato salad, green beans, cornbread, mac’n’cheese, etc. And a must oder - especially if you haven’t had it before - is the beef rib. Their brisket is also on point, but their beef rib is unbelievable, fall off the bone tender. Not many BBQ places have beef rib - they are more frequently found in Austin - so if you’re out eating BBQ, I highly recommend it. Another thing I love, is that this is truly a local place not overrun with tourists - we went for lunch and most people there were locals on their lunch break.
Franklin's
Popular with the tourists but definitely worth experiencing
Last, but definitely not least, is Franklin’s. Being as famous as it is, you definitely get a lot of tourists and have to be patient with the line but damnnnn their brisket is good. Also, sitting in line is part of the experience. Bring your lawn chairs, a cooler with beers or mimosa ingredients, and go with a group of friends. Basically, it’s the Southern tailgating experience - except you get rewarded with BBQ at the end. You’re order gets taken while you’re hanging out with your friends, allowing Franklin’s to keep track of how much meat they have left - brisket, pulled pork, pork ribs, etc. That said, once they run out, they run out - so get there early! If you go during the week, getting there around 9am is fine. If you’re going during the weekend, 7am is probably best. Once you make it to the counter, you place and pick up your official order (brisket and pork ribs are my recommendation) along with the sides. The sides are your average sides, but taste great. Another good to know tip - if you want to check out their smoke room after you’re done eating, just ask one of the staff walking around - they’ll give you a quick tour. Oh and apparently they have beef ribs as well but those are only available on Saturdays.
Next Trip: More BBQ
Another BBQ place we also wanted to try out as they are known for having great unique sides, is Freedmens but I guess we’ll have to save that for our next trip. Any other favorites?
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