Best BBQ (Austin, Mesquite, Round Rock: live in, food, retire)

[atxcio]

Yes, there is. It used to be off Dry Creek road and 2222, but now it's on Burnet. The Pit Barbeque

Kinky Friedman chose The Pit (old location) for his interview in this film -
"Barbecue: A Texas Love Story" documentary film official site

I ate a few times at the old location; it was good, but not mindblowing. Never have been to the location on Burnet.

[bjray]

Smokey Mo's if you are staying close to Austin It's very good I mean everything on the menu.
If you want to drive a few miles Coopers in Llano is very very good. My personal favorite is South Side in Elgin it is Wonderful !

[TexanInNYC]

I'm a bit surprised that nobody has mentioned Sam's on the eastside. When I lived in Austin a decade ago, this was where we went when out slummin. Not the world's greatest cue, but not bad, and definitely a different crowd/vibe. A cop I knew said he'd never ever eat in there b/c they'd spit in his food for sure if they knew he was a cop. Dont know whether Sam's is still in business.

[dburatti]

The Cele Country Store and Salt Lick 360 are not closed. Salt Lick opened a new store in Round Rock near the Dell Diamond on the way to Hutto.

Re sauce: I don't particular care for any sauces as a way to score BBQ. I'm in it for the meat!

I really like Rudy's b/c of their consistent quality and flavor, the ability to buy as little or as much meat as you want (v. buying a plate and two sides,) their locations, and their sweet tea. I think Rudy's is the best value. I like their lean brisket end cut...with all the spices in it.

Re County Line: I've never had bad BBQ there. Certainly some of it is the atmosphere, but the BBQ sampler appetizer can't be beat. And the loaf of whole wheat bread rocks!

House Park BBQ used to be good stuff, too. I say "used to" b/c I haven't been there in many years and am not sure if they're still open.

Meyer's in Elgin is the better sausage, but Southside in Elgin has better overall BBQ, IMO.

Just had Cooper's in Llano last weekend, and the chicken ROCKED! The BBQ was too fatty for my taste.

D

[ATXIronHorse]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and admit that Bill Miller sausage is some of the best I've had. Most will take that as blasphemy but that's my opinion take it or leave it.

I love Kreuz in Lockhart for their brisket.

Chisholm Trail in Lockhart also has great BBQ. Black's has great BBQ chicken, but I found their brisket to be a bit too fatty and their sausage tasteless.

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by ATXIronHorse

but I found their brisket to be a bit too fatty and their sausage tasteless.

See here is the problem, some people dont know that brisket is supposed to be fatty. That is the whole point. So when people say xyz bbq is the best it is hard to trust 'em.

Rudys lean is really california brisket, you might as well be eating carrots

[brokeshoelace]

Anyone like this one? It was on the food channel the other night, and I'm not familiar with it.

[statefan]

Originally Posted by brokeshoelace

Anyone like this one? It was on the food channel the other night, and I'm not familiar with it.

I was about to ask the same question. I saw it on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" last night and was curious about it. The website along with what I saw last night make it look very interesting, esp. with the live music.

[atxcio]

Green Mesquite is pretty good, and would qualify as an Austin "institution". I'd say the food is about the level of County Line, but more casual and it's got a fun location on Barton Springs Rd. Lots of things on the menu. Local, not too expensive. Worth a visit for sure, especially when there is live music.

[texastea]

We used to get the catfish at Green Mesquite...though its been awhile since we've been there. At the time, it was the best catfish in town : )