Best BBQ in Austin (Mesquite, Round Rock: house, school, price)

[Georgetown Texas - Edward]

I just got finished taking my brother and his friends (from California) to County Line in Austin. They have got to have the BEST BEEF RIBS hands down! They are so good, they are memorable. I went for the full Big Daddy Rib platter which includes 7 humongous juicy ribs....enough for two people to share. If you have guests who are in the mood for ribs....go to County Line! No, I don't work there, but I wish I did because then I get 50% off!

My brother wanted to check out other places and we never got around to Lockhart and Driftwood to try the BBQ there. So I'm wondering where do you take your out of town guests for BBQ? Where is the best place for brisket? Or sausage? Or other niche dishes? I would like to know....that may save me that hour of driving to check out places like Smitty's or Salt Lick.

[tahoma14410]

Smitty's is only a 30 minute drive down to Lockhart...there's also a Salt Lick in Davenport Village off 360 just south of the Pennybacker bridge.

[car957]

Krietz's in Lockhart

Donn's BBQ at the Y in Oak Hill - right behind the Albertson's

Green Mesquite at South Lamar and Barton Springs is not bad - but their CFS is better.

I am not a big fan of Elgin Hot Gut Sausage but your friends may like it.

Avoid Earl Campbells sausage - bleech.

[Breezerboat]

Sausage - Pok E Joes
Sauce - Rudy's
Sides - Pok E Joes

[jwb123]

Smokey Mo's and Johnny T's Round Rock BBQ gets my vote for most overlooked, but seriously good, BBQ places.

[atxcio]

I take em to --

Iron Works downtown -- Ribs, location.
Salt Lick, either 360 or Driftwood (for atmosphere) -- overall, the tastiest to me. Some don't like it.
Kruez's for a "purist" BBQ experience -- best brisket

[CaseyRyan]

I love, love, love The Salt Lick!!!

[achtungpv]

If you want to stay in town, go to House Park BBQ on 12th just east of Lamar. It is a hidden BBQ gem...only open for lunch though.

Can't miss with Cooper's, Louie Mueller's, Kreuz's, or Smitty's. I've always knocked Salt Lick in the past for having great sides but mediocre meat but it was much better the past two times I've been but they've raised the family style price to $18/head which is a bit outrageous.

[rhino85]

Iron Works has the best BBQ in town by far, coming from a local who grew up here. The best beef ribs, pork ribs, and by far the best sausage! Love the old school style of the building also. Salt Lick had the worst sausage I have ever had...and what Texas BBQ joint does not sell beef ribs, except one day per week?? I actually think the Pit is pretty good also, under-rated. I had to join today after reading about te Best BBQ in Texas.

[jwb123]

I don't really like Louie Mueller's but it's a must go, only because it's been featured on so many shows. The brisket is good, but the lack of a real sauce kills it for me. I am not big on au jous.

I love the Salt Lick (food and atmosphere), and it's perfect for out of town guests. I can't wait for the one this summer to open in RR. They claim it's an exact replica, unlike the 360 location.

I went to County Line, and it was just ok. I have heard conflicting reports of Iron Works. I really want to go out to Kreuz's and Smitty's. Heard all good things about those two locations.

I like Rudy's a lot - but you can get better BBQ at Smokey Mo's and Johnny T's.