Texas BBQ (1 Viewer)

[Major]

Next time you FBGs come to Houston, I think we finally have BBQ to compete with Franklin's in Austin. Definitely hit Gatlins next time you're in town. Awesome BBQ and easily the best in the H: http://www.yelp.com/biz/gatlins-barbecue-houston

 

[mon]

So we tried JMueller's BBQ trailer yesterday. John Mueller opened it about 3 months ago on South Lamar. John is the grandson of Louie Mueller.

Unfortunately, they were out of both beef and pork ribs. So we tried:

Pork Sausage - just ok. Nothing to write home about.

Beef sausage - very good. Definitely recommend - would put it up there with Luling.

Turkey - it was ok. As far as turkey goes, it was good. But I'm not a big bbq turkey fan.

Brisket - this was the best thing there. We got the "moist" (I mean - if you're going to eat BBQ, eat it right). It was excellent. As good as any I've had - save Franklins.

Overall, I recommend it if you are in Austin. Right now, the brisket and beef sausage is worth going back for - and I'm sure the ribs will be also. And it didn't have a line yet. So its the second best I've had in Austin - without the hour wait.

Went to Mueller's trailer last week and had the beef rib. Hands down the best bbq I've ever had. As far as I'm concerned, I've found the Holy Grail of bbq and have no need to search further (but I will anyway).

 

[culdeus]

Pecan Lodge is the first DFW place I'll ever go to on purpose.

 

[Major]

So we tried JMueller's BBQ trailer yesterday. John Mueller opened it about 3 months ago on South Lamar. John is the grandson of Louie Mueller.

Unfortunately, they were out of both beef and pork ribs. So we tried:

Pork Sausage - just ok. Nothing to write home about.

Beef sausage - very good. Definitely recommend - would put it up there with Luling.

Turkey - it was ok. As far as turkey goes, it was good. But I'm not a big bbq turkey fan.

Brisket - this was the best thing there. We got the "moist" (I mean - if you're going to eat BBQ, eat it right). It was excellent. As good as any I've had - save Franklins.

Overall, I recommend it if you are in Austin. Right now, the brisket and beef sausage is worth going back for - and I'm sure the ribs will be also. And it didn't have a line yet. So its the second best I've had in Austin - without the hour wait.

Went to Mueller's trailer last week and had the beef rib. Hands down the best bbq I've ever had. As far as I'm concerned, I've found the Holy Grail of bbq and have no need to search further (but I will anyway).

I keep forgetting about this place. Hit Iron Works on Saturday which I love for the atmosphere and location but I'm sure JM has much better quality/prices. My biggest beef with Texas bbq is when they overcook it. Love that J Muellers has a moist option

 

[cosjobs]

I've been going to the Chisholm Trail in Lockhart lately. About once a week average this year. Which is why I go there instead of Black's and the other more renowned places- I can get enough to feed 12 people for $50 and it costs me about $120 at the other places. No- its not as quite as good, maybe 85-95% as good, depending on what you order. But for a weekly Lockhart bbq run, its a tremendous value.

 

[azgroover]

So they just opened the first AZ Rudy's BBQ about a mile from my office. I went the other day at noon and the line was out the door. I jumped in line and waited about 20 mins without barely moving before I bailed. I really wanted to try their hot links and pork, but if someone could please rank their meats, I'd be a much more educated customer.

 

[cosjobs]

So they just opened the first AZ Rudy's BBQ about a mile from my office. I went the other day at noon and the line was out the door. I jumped in line and waited about 20 mins without barely moving before I bailed. I really wanted to try their hot links and pork, but if someone could please rank their meats, I'd be a much more educated customer.

Beef and pork ribs are their best meats, imo. The others are pretty good, too, but I'd wait a month for the lines to get reasonable.

 

[honky kong]

I've been going to the Chisholm Trail in Lockhart lately. About once a week average this year. Which is why I go there instead of Black's and the other more renowned places- I can get enough to feed 12 people for $50 and it costs me about $120 at the other places. No- its not as quite as good, maybe 85-95% as good, depending on what you order. But for a weekly Lockhart bbq run, its a tremendous value.

I keep telling my buddy we should at least try that place when we go to Lockhart on the theory that if he manages to stay in business with the other three in town there that it must have something going for it, but he says he'll be damned if he's going to eat at a BBQ place in Lockhart that advertises fajitas and catfish.

 

[cosjobs]

I've been going to the Chisholm Trail in Lockhart lately. About once a week average this year. Which is why I go there instead of Black's and the other more renowned places- I can get enough to feed 12 people for $50 and it costs me about $120 at the other places. No- its not as quite as good, maybe 85-95% as good, depending on what you order. But for a weekly Lockhart bbq run, its a tremendous value.

I keep telling my buddy we should at least try that place when we go to Lockhart on the theory that if he manages to stay in business with the other three in town there that it must have something going for it, but he says he'll be damned if he's going to eat at a BBQ place in Lockhart that advertises fajitas and catfish.

Its where all the locals go. THe fajitas are just hunks of slow smoked skirt steak. Good stuff. And anyone who doesn't like fried catfish doesn't deserve good bbq.

 

[dparker713]

I've been going to the Chisholm Trail in Lockhart lately. About once a week average this year. Which is why I go there instead of Black's and the other more renowned places- I can get enough to feed 12 people for $50 and it costs me about $120 at the other places. No- its not as quite as good, maybe 85-95% as good, depending on what you order. But for a weekly Lockhart bbq run, its a tremendous value.

I keep telling my buddy we should at least try that place when we go to Lockhart on the theory that if he manages to stay in business with the other three in town there that it must have something going for it, but he says he'll be damned if he's going to eat at a BBQ place in Lockhart that advertises fajitas and catfish.

Its where all the locals go. THe fajitas are just hunks of slow smoked skirt steak. Good stuff. And anyone who doesn't like fried catfish doesn't deserve good bbq.

Catfish aint exactly a Texas specialty

 

[honky kong]

I've been going to the Chisholm Trail in Lockhart lately. About once a week average this year. Which is why I go there instead of Black's and the other more renowned places- I can get enough to feed 12 people for $50 and it costs me about $120 at the other places. No- its not as quite as good, maybe 85-95% as good, depending on what you order. But for a weekly Lockhart bbq run, its a tremendous value.

I keep telling my buddy we should at least try that place when we go to Lockhart on the theory that if he manages to stay in business with the other three in town there that it must have something going for it, but he says he'll be damned if he's going to eat at a BBQ place in Lockhart that advertises fajitas and catfish.

Its where all the locals go. THe fajitas are just hunks of slow smoked skirt steak. Good stuff. And anyone who doesn't like fried catfish doesn't deserve good bbq.

He loves catfish. His thinking is more along the lines of "if they're doing a bunch of stuff besides BBQ, the BBQ can't be that good."

 

[Silverbacks]

Pecan Lodge is the first DFW place I'll ever go to on purpose.

Agreed---work about a mile from there some days of the week and Pecan Lodge is hard to beat in Dallas! Lockhart Smokehouse was pretty bad last time I went.

 

[SteevieG]

My wife and I will be going to greet our Son at Ft. Hood when he comes back from Iraq.

How far is Austin from Ft. Hood?

More importantly, how far is Lockhart?

 

[Disco Stu]

My wife and I will be going to greet our Son at Ft. Hood when he comes back from Iraq.How far is Austin from Ft. Hood? More importantly, how far is Lockhart?

From Ft Hood...~1 hr to Taylor (Louie Mueller)~1.5 hr to Austin (Franklin)~2 hr to Lockhart (Kreuz, Smitty's)

 

[culdeus]

Pecan Lodge is the first DFW place I'll ever go to on purpose.

Agreed---work about a mile from there some days of the week and Pecan Lodge is hard to beat in Dallas! Lockhart Smokehouse was pretty bad last time I went.

I'm really not totally sure why they aren't getting more press, and not just local but national type press. They are cooking on post oak also which seems to be the single common denominator right now for the top tier spots.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

So they just opened the first AZ Rudy's BBQ about a mile from my office. I went the other day at noon and the line was out the door. I jumped in line and waited about 20 mins without barely moving before I bailed. I really wanted to try their hot links and pork, but if someone could please rank their meats, I'd be a much more educated customer.

Fatty brisketPrime rib- seriously, it is delicious smoked, if pricey.St Louis style pork ribsAny of the sausage

 

[azgroover]

So they just opened the first AZ Rudy's BBQ about a mile from my office. I went the other day at noon and the line was out the door. I jumped in line and waited about 20 mins without barely moving before I bailed. I really wanted to try their hot links and pork, but if someone could please rank their meats, I'd be a much more educated customer.

Fatty brisketPrime rib- seriously, it is delicious smoked, if pricey.St Louis style pork ribsAny of the sausage

Thanks. I wish I saw this two hours ago. I went again today. Line was long, but moved much faster today. I went with the pulled pork and a half jalapeno sausage. The sausage was great. I had to use the sissy sauce with it. The pulled pork was alright. My colleague that went with me vouched for the "moist" brisket as well. Hes an old Rudys vet and he made it known that it's sacrilege to get lean brisket.Next time I want to try some of that banana pudding.Before we left, my buddy bought a Respect The Meat hat. Not my thing, but I admire his Rudys fandom.They advertised prime rib only on weekends while supplies last. Is that a companywide policy?

 

[ctdub]

Went to Lockhart's Smokehouse for lunch today. It's down in the Bishop's Art District. I thought the brisket was great. Burnt ends are a special on Thursday and they were really good too. I had no idea this place existed, but I saw them on the news this morning and figured I'd try it out. Glad I did.

 

[Battles]

I have to give a local update on Louie Mueller since I live in town. It's gotten better in my opinion. I think there was a down time during the transition, but after abandoning them for a while, the last two times I've been have been really good. Not Kruez good, but good.

 

[culdeus]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

 

[ctdub]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

I gave it go today and they didn't disappoint. Had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. By the time we got to the front they were out of sausage, pulled pork and ribs... I was there for the brisket so I didn't care. Had some Wagyu brisket. Super moist and fatty. Really good and great smokey flavor the bark was really tasty. Mac and cheese was good, beans were just ok and the okra wasn't all that. Overall it was real good, but Lockhart's Smokehouse is great too, not much difference between the two. I'd probably give a slight edge the Pecan Lodge on the brisket, but the burnt ends at Lockharts were my fave. Also I didn't have to wait at Lockharts.... End of the day they are both really solid options for briskest in Dallas.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

I was in Austin for a conference this week. Well, technically I was at Barton Creek, but close enough.

I had Rudy's right after the flight landed. The fatty brisket and Jalapeno Sausage were awesome, per usual.

On Monday afternoon, my fiance and I went down to Lockhart for lunch. Despite having lived 10 years in Texas, I had never been. So it was a bit of a pilgrimage for me.

We went to Smitty's and got moist brisket and a sausage. The brisket was good, but not better than what we had at Rudy's. The sausage was out of this world. The casing had a nice snap of crispness to it and the meat had a crumbly, but still moist texture. The flavor was peppery and smokey and just about perfect. The rest of the Smitty's experience was an exercise in purism and tradition, but little more. The sides are ordinary to non-existent. There is no sauce. There are no forks. That is all fine and good, because I don't choose a BBQ place based on any of the above, but I don't mind having the option to have some decent sides or a nice complimentary sauce with my finely smoked meats. I did like the option of having saltines instead of the ubiquitous white bread slices.

Since we shared a moderately sized plate of meat at Smitty's we still had room for more, so we went to Black's BBQ, right down the street. It is less well-known than Smitty's or Kreuz Market, but still respected in Texas BBQ circles. The brisket was better at Black's. The sausage was probably close to as good as Smitty's. And Black's has a nice, basic tangy BBQ sauce, plastic forks, and an array of sides and desserts. I actually liked Black's better, overall.

I give that grade with the full knowledge that BBQ quality can be pretty variable day-to-day, depending on the time of day and depending on the exact slice of meat you receive. I also have to say that while I liked Black's more than Smitty's, the BBQ at Smitty's would be in the top 5% of the BBQ you could get anywhere.

The trip also reinforced my opinion that those who bash Rudy's as just a chain are doing so out of misplaced snobbery rather than on the merits of the BBQ. Rudy's is darn good and quite consistent.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The trip also reinforced my opinion that those who bash Rudy's as just a chain are doing so out of misplaced snobbery rather than on the merits of the BBQ. Rudy's is darn good and quite consistent.

 

[culdeus]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

I gave it go today and they didn't disappoint. Had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. By the time we got to the front they were out of sausage, pulled pork and ribs... I was there for the brisket so I didn't care. Had some Wagyu brisket. Super moist and fatty. Really good and great smokey flavor the bark was really tasty. Mac and cheese was good, beans were just ok and the okra wasn't all that. Overall it was real good, but Lockhart's Smokehouse is great too, not much difference between the two. I'd probably give a slight edge the Pecan Lodge on the brisket, but the burnt ends at Lockharts were my fave. Also I didn't have to wait at Lockharts.... End of the day they are both really solid options for briskest in Dallas.

PL is now a cluster ####. It was just a matter of time before they were found out I guess and good for them. they have to look at opening a storefront now.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

Was passing through DFW yesterday on my way to Seattle and walked past a Cousin's BBQ and couldn't help but stop. Got some beef brisket, sausage and beans. The brisket was uneventful, the sausage was pretty good and the beans were tasty.

I wasn't expecting very much at all due to the airport location so while it wasn't great, it was passable and much better than stopping by the McDonalds that was right next to it.

 

[whoknew]

Stiles Switch BBQ - I've been wanting to try this since I read about it on Full Custom Gospel BBQ. I was up there today for a meeting and decided to stop in. I ordered a sampling of beef ribs, the regular sausage and brisket.

Beef ribs - this was the best thing I had. It has a huge black pepper crusting like at JMueller's. They were quite tender and good.

Sausage - this was very smoky and pretty grainy. Full Custom said it was the best sausage he's ever had. I don't think it is really in the same league as Luling or some others. But it was solid.

Brisket - This was the worst of the bunch. It had the thick black pepper crust like the ribs. But the brisket was dry. It was just ok at best.

I don't really use sauce, but I did try their's on the brisket. It was very thin - almost like a soup. I did not like it.

Overall, its not in the same league as JMueller or Franklins but its solid. And there's no wait. Which is obviously a big plus. But it is quite a ways north up Lamar.

 

[Treynwreck3]

The trip also reinforced my opinion that those who bash Rudy's as just a chain are doing so out of misplaced snobbery rather than on the merits of the BBQ. Rudy's is darn good and quite consistent.

I must say that I agree with this. Whether you are in Tyler, Laredo, or Del Rio, the location matters little to do with what you can expect from Rudy's. They are now building one a mile from our Katy house, and it makes me happy.

 

[Phil Elliott]

The trip also reinforced my opinion that those who bash Rudy's as just a chain are doing so out of misplaced snobbery rather than on the merits of the BBQ. Rudy's is darn good and quite consistent.

I love Rudy's. Problem is, it is too close to work.

 

[firstseason1988]

Went to County Line on the hill in Austin a couple of months ago. Haven't been in a few years.

Back in the 90s, my bud and I would eat sparingly or not at all all day, during the week sometime, and meet at The Gingerman for some quality brew and play few games of pool and darts, get the jukebox going... Few beers on an empty stomach really gave us an appetite. Still the best beef ribs I have ever had although I have been told of better in this thread, just haven't made the opportunity to verify it yet. I know they are awesome at County Line and would love to find better. So anyway, we mainly went for the ribs, for a while they only had "all you can eat" option which included sausage, brisket, and beef RIBs and sides, it was $14.99. We just went for the RIBS, so we would get that and chow on a ton of ribs and nibble at the rest of the stuff and end the night on blackberry cobbler and ice cream. They eventually added the "Caddilac" option for I think 3 dollars more which added chicken and pork ribs to the all you can eat. We didn't get that probably more than once because we just wanted the ribs.

So we went 2 months ago. They have a "bid daddy" rib plate. 3 ribs, now they are huge and all, but $19.99 , with some sides. The all you can eat was $27.99, you had a choice of 3 meats that was $25.99, but had to add $2 if beef ribs was an option, we wanted more than 3 ribs and would eat the other options so we sprang for it. We were there and starving, but at those prices, I doubt I am going back. Was still same ol ribs, but way overpriced. Gonna miss it. I guess if people are gonna pay it, might as well charge it. Good luck to em, I can't recommend the place anymore. I saw Drew Brees there once back in the day. Gonna miss em...

 

[UniAlias]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

I gave it go today and they didn't disappoint. Had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. By the time we got to the front they were out of sausage, pulled pork and ribs... I was there for the brisket so I didn't care. Had some Wagyu brisket. Super moist and fatty. Really good and great smokey flavor the bark was really tasty. Mac and cheese was good, beans were just ok and the okra wasn't all that. Overall it was real good, but Lockhart's Smokehouse is great too, not much difference between the two. I'd probably give a slight edge the Pecan Lodge on the brisket, but the burnt ends at Lockharts were my fave. Also I didn't have to wait at Lockharts.... End of the day they are both really solid options for briskest in Dallas.

PL is now a cluster ####. It was just a matter of time before they were found out I guess and good for them. they have to look at opening a storefront now.

Wow, I'm an idiot. I've been buying meat from Rehoboth in that shed since you told me about them over a year ago. I've walked past Pecan Lodge at least 2 dozen times and just always assumed it was a pecan store. After reading this thread I tried to go there last Saturday evening but they were sold out of everything.

 

[culdeus]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

I gave it go today and they didn't disappoint. Had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. By the time we got to the front they were out of sausage, pulled pork and ribs... I was there for the brisket so I didn't care. Had some Wagyu brisket. Super moist and fatty. Really good and great smokey flavor the bark was really tasty. Mac and cheese was good, beans were just ok and the okra wasn't all that. Overall it was real good, but Lockhart's Smokehouse is great too, not much difference between the two. I'd probably give a slight edge the Pecan Lodge on the brisket, but the burnt ends at Lockharts were my fave. Also I didn't have to wait at Lockharts.... End of the day they are both really solid options for briskest in Dallas.

PL is now a cluster ####. It was just a matter of time before they were found out I guess and good for them. they have to look at opening a storefront now.

Wow, I'm an idiot. I've been buying meat from Rehoboth in that shed since you told me about them over a year ago. I've walked past Pecan Lodge at least 2 dozen times and just always assumed it was a pecan store. After reading this thread I tried to go there last Saturday evening but they were sold out of everything.

I tried to tip you all as the food blogs started picking it up. Didn't take long to go from Defcon 1 to Defcon 5 there.

 

[SteevieG]

My wife and I will be going to greet our Son at Ft. Hood when he comes back from Iraq.How far is Austin from Ft. Hood? More importantly, how far is Lockhart?

From Ft Hood...~1 hr to Taylor (Louie Mueller)~1.5 hr to Austin (Franklin)~2 hr to Lockhart (Kreuz, Smitty's)

Thanks Stu..Now, the time is upon us. We'll be going from Atlanta on I-20 and are planning time for BBQ stops.Can anyone recommend a plan of action to get the most BBQ on I-20 through Alabama, Mississippi Lousiana and Texas that is not far from I-20? There isn't anyting in Georgia worth mentioning which is why I omitted it on the itenerary.

 

[Disco Stu]

My wife and I will be going to greet our Son at Ft. Hood when he comes back from Iraq.How far is Austin from Ft. Hood? More importantly, how far is Lockhart?

From Ft Hood...~1 hr to Taylor (Louie Mueller)~1.5 hr to Austin (Franklin)~2 hr to Lockhart (Kreuz, Smitty's)

Thanks Stu..Now, the time is upon us. We'll be going from Atlanta on I-20 and are planning time for BBQ stops.Can anyone recommend a plan of action to get the most BBQ on I-20 through Alabama, Mississippi Lousiana and Texas that is not far from I-20? There isn't anyting in Georgia worth mentioning which is why I omitted it on the itenerary.

Do you have time for an alternate route? The highlights on I-20 are what? Birmingham, Jackson, and Shreveport? :XI would think a more enjoyable road trip could be had by heading southwest on 65 and then east on 10. Potential stops in Gulf Shores, New Orleans, and Austin. That also takes you through the heart of Texas bbq when heading north from 10 to Austin.

 

[SteevieG]

My wife and I will be going to greet our Son at Ft. Hood when he comes back from Iraq.How far is Austin from Ft. Hood? More importantly, how far is Lockhart?

From Ft Hood...~1 hr to Taylor (Louie Mueller)~1.5 hr to Austin (Franklin)~2 hr to Lockhart (Kreuz, Smitty's)

Thanks Stu..Now, the time is upon us. We'll be going from Atlanta on I-20 and are planning time for BBQ stops.Can anyone recommend a plan of action to get the most BBQ on I-20 through Alabama, Mississippi Lousiana and Texas that is not far from I-20? There isn't anyting in Georgia worth mentioning which is why I omitted it on the itenerary.

Do you have time for an alternate route? The highlights on I-20 are what? Birmingham, Jackson, and Shreveport? :XI would think a more enjoyable road trip could be had by heading southwest on 65 and then east on 10. Potential stops in Gulf Shores, New Orleans, and Austin. That also takes you through the heart of Texas bbq when heading north from 10 to Austin.

Pure genius.. That never even crossed my mind. Thanks again

 

[Major]

My wife and I will be going to greet our Son at Ft. Hood when he comes back from Iraq.How far is Austin from Ft. Hood? More importantly, how far is Lockhart?

From Ft Hood...~1 hr to Taylor (Louie Mueller)~1.5 hr to Austin (Franklin)~2 hr to Lockhart (Kreuz, Smitty's)

Thanks Stu..Now, the time is upon us. We'll be going from Atlanta on I-20 and are planning time for BBQ stops.Can anyone recommend a plan of action to get the most BBQ on I-20 through Alabama, Mississippi Lousiana and Texas that is not far from I-20? There isn't anyting in Georgia worth mentioning which is why I omitted it on the itenerary.

Do you have time for an alternate route? The highlights on I-20 are what? Birmingham, Jackson, and Shreveport? :XI would think a more enjoyable road trip could be had by heading southwest on 65 and then east on 10. Potential stops in Gulf Shores, New Orleans, and Austin. That also takes you through the heart of Texas bbq when heading north from 10 to Austin.

My fellow Texan brethren dropping knowledge

 

[SteevieG]

Has anyone ever had bbq in Killeen, TX? That's where we'll be for about 3 days. Any suggestions?

 

[Disco Stu]

So we tried JMueller's BBQ trailer yesterday. John Mueller opened it about 3 months ago on South Lamar. John is the grandson of Louie Mueller.

Unfortunately, they were out of both beef and pork ribs. So we tried:

Pork Sausage - just ok. Nothing to write home about.

Beef sausage - very good. Definitely recommend - would put it up there with Luling.

Turkey - it was ok. As far as turkey goes, it was good. But I'm not a big bbq turkey fan.

Brisket - this was the best thing there. We got the "moist" (I mean - if you're going to eat BBQ, eat it right). It was excellent. As good as any I've had - save Franklins.

Overall, I recommend it if you are in Austin. Right now, the brisket and beef sausage is worth going back for - and I'm sure the ribs will be also. And it didn't have a line yet. So its the second best I've had in Austin - without the hour wait.

Headed to Austin for the weekend. Might try this place instead of Franklin on Sunday.

 

[Abraham]

So we tried JMueller's BBQ trailer yesterday. John Mueller opened it about 3 months ago on South Lamar. John is the grandson of Louie Mueller.

Unfortunately, they were out of both beef and pork ribs. So we tried:

Pork Sausage - just ok. Nothing to write home about.

Beef sausage - very good. Definitely recommend - would put it up there with Luling.

Turkey - it was ok. As far as turkey goes, it was good. But I'm not a big bbq turkey fan.

Brisket - this was the best thing there. We got the "moist" (I mean - if you're going to eat BBQ, eat it right). It was excellent. As good as any I've had - save Franklins.

Overall, I recommend it if you are in Austin. Right now, the brisket and beef sausage is worth going back for - and I'm sure the ribs will be also. And it didn't have a line yet. So its the second best I've had in Austin - without the hour wait.

Headed to Austin for the weekend. Might try this place instead of Franklin on Sunday.

Trying anything instead of Franklin is a bad idea. Its possible that JM will be better....heck, it could be better right now for all I know. But Franklin is the current top-dog in Central Texas which makes it the top-dog on planet earth. Until that reputation/pseudo-title is given to someone else, Franklin should be the place you make sure you visit.

 

[Disco Stu]

So we tried JMueller's BBQ trailer yesterday. John Mueller opened it about 3 months ago on South Lamar. John is the grandson of Louie Mueller.

Unfortunately, they were out of both beef and pork ribs. So we tried:

Pork Sausage - just ok. Nothing to write home about.

Beef sausage - very good. Definitely recommend - would put it up there with Luling.

Turkey - it was ok. As far as turkey goes, it was good. But I'm not a big bbq turkey fan.

Brisket - this was the best thing there. We got the "moist" (I mean - if you're going to eat BBQ, eat it right). It was excellent. As good as any I've had - save Franklins.

Overall, I recommend it if you are in Austin. Right now, the brisket and beef sausage is worth going back for - and I'm sure the ribs will be also. And it didn't have a line yet. So its the second best I've had in Austin - without the hour wait.

Headed to Austin for the weekend. Might try this place instead of Franklin on Sunday.

Trying anything instead of Franklin is a bad idea. Its possible that JM will be better....heck, it could be better right now for all I know. But Franklin is the current top-dog in Central Texas which makes it the top-dog on planet earth. Until that reputation/pseudo-title is given to someone else, Franklin should be the place you make sure you visit.

Franklin is amazing. I've been there three times in the past two years and loved it every time.That said, I want to at least consider trying another potentially great place. Especially if it comes without the two hour wait.

Anyone else been there?

 

[pacman_fl]

I stumbled upon the Pitmaster contest on TLC recently (older years and 2012). Franklin is one of the judges and he consistently says "I would just use salt and pepper and let the meat speak for itself" - is that a fair representation of the meats he serves?

Also, admission but although I was born and raised in the Houston area, I grew up on Mexican and Cajun foods moreso than BBQ. My buddy and I are planning a week long trip next year to relive our youth from making Houston to Hill Country and San Antonio trips. I am hoping that this thread stays updated. I noticed Texas Monthly BBQ compiles a Top 50 that seems to be updated often. Is this a good representation of the best or are those just the popular spots?

 

[BigJohn]

I stumbled upon the Pitmaster contest on TLC recently (older years and 2012). Franklin is one of the judges and he consistently says "I would just use salt and pepper and let the meat speak for itself" - is that a fair representation of the meats he serves?

Also, admission but although I was born and raised in the Houston area, I grew up on Mexican and Cajun foods moreso than BBQ. My buddy and I are planning a week long trip next year to relive our youth from making Houston to Hill Country and San Antonio trips. I am hoping that this thread stays updated. I noticed Texas Monthly BBQ compiles a Top 50 that seems to be updated often. Is this a good representation of the best or are those just the popular spots?

Read the 'central texas' paragraph.

 

[The Hardline]

Finally made it to the Pecan Lodge in the Farmer's Market in Dallas a couple of weeks ago. I had no idea what I had been missing. It was really really good. The pulled pork was so tender it was like cotton candy.

We got there to the building at 1030 (it opens at 11) and there were already 10 people in line. we waited and it was worth it. Currently the best BBQ I have had in Dallas.

 

[pacman_fl]

I stumbled upon the Pitmaster contest on TLC recently (older years and 2012). Franklin is one of the judges and he consistently says "I would just use salt and pepper and let the meat speak for itself" - is that a fair representation of the meats he serves?

Also, admission but although I was born and raised in the Houston area, I grew up on Mexican and Cajun foods moreso than BBQ. My buddy and I are planning a week long trip next year to relive our youth from making Houston to Hill Country and San Antonio trips. I am hoping that this thread stays updated. I noticed Texas Monthly BBQ compiles a Top 50 that seems to be updated often. Is this a good representation of the best or are those just the popular spots?

Read the 'central texas' paragraph.

Thanks BigJohn. I got into BBQ in KC and there are some great small spots there as well.

 

[Disco Stu]

I managed to shoehorn in a detour to Lockhart this trip, since I badly wanted to try Black's.

Arrived at Black's around 5pm Saturday. Little to no wait. The pork ribs and brisket were both very good. The sausage was outstanding, with a nice snap and pleasing texture (thanks to the pork?). And the beef rib... oh the beef rib. One of the best pieces of meat I've ever had the privilege to taste. Just amazing.

Before leaving Austin Sunday, we stopped at JMueller. Got there right at noon. Parking was scarce, picnic tables were mostly full, but the line was short. Maybe a ten minute wait, which is a big positive when making the inevitable comparisons to Franklin.

Unfortunately they were already out of the beef short ribs, so we didn't get to try those. Ordered three pork ribs, two or three slices of the moist brisket, and a sausage. The sausage was just ok... nowhere close to what we enjoyed the previous day. The brisket was a little drier than I like but good. I just couldn't help but think longingly of Franklin's perfect brisket.

But the pork ribs were top notch. Starting with the peppery rub, everything about those ribs was absolutely perfect. I found myself staring at the sheer beauty of it in between bites.

 

[Disco Stu]

My updated rankings...

1. Franklin

2. Black's

3. Louie Mueller

4. Kreuz Market

5. JMueller

6. Smitty's Market

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

Franklin looked amazing on No Reservations tonight. Made me think of this thread.

 

[bentley]

I managed to shoehorn in a detour to Lockhart this trip, since I badly wanted to try Black's.Arrived at Black's around 5pm Saturday. Little to no wait. The pork ribs and brisket were both very good. The sausage was outstanding, with a nice snap and pleasing texture (thanks to the pork?). And the beef rib... oh the beef rib. One of the best pieces of meat I've ever had the privilege to taste. Just amazing. Before leaving Austin Sunday, we stopped at JMueller. Got there right at noon. Parking was scarce, picnic tables were mostly full, but the line was short. Maybe a ten minute wait, which is a big positive when making the inevitable comparisons to Franklin.Unfortunately they were already out of the beef short ribs, so we didn't get to try those. Ordered three pork ribs, two or three slices of the moist brisket, and a sausage. The sausage was just ok... nowhere close to what we enjoyed the previous day. The brisket was a little drier than I like but good. I just couldn't help but think longingly of Franklin's perfect brisket.But the pork ribs were top notch. Starting with the peppery rub, everything about those ribs was absolutely perfect. I found myself staring at the sheer beauty of it in between bites.

Need to give it another shot. John was out between the 11th and 16th for a medical procedure and the understudy was on the smoker. Feel confident that it will rank above the Lockhart places if you go back.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Franklin looked amazing on No Reservations tonight. Made me think of this thread.

Met up with Joe Bryant there again last week and brisket is still "where have you been my whole life" quality. Wakes you up in the middle of the night and you stand in front of the refrigerator and eat it quality. One of the true perfect things I have been lucky enough to experience.

 

[Anarky]

Franklin looked amazing on No Reservations tonight. Made me think of this thread.

Met up with Joe Bryant there again last week and brisket is still "where have you been my whole life" quality. Wakes you up in the middle of the night and you stand in front of the refrigerator and eat it quality. One of the true perfect things I have been lucky enough to experience.

You must get there at 8??? the line is usually through the parking lot by 10. I'm going to try again when i take a vacation day and can wait the 3hrs

 

[Goat Herders]

Franklin looked amazing on No Reservations tonight. Made me think of this thread.

Met up with Joe Bryant there again last week and brisket is still "where have you been my whole life" quality. Wakes you up in the middle of the night and you stand in front of the refrigerator and eat it quality. One of the true perfect things I have been lucky enough to experience.

Thanks for calling. I may be a hermit, but I would have made that meetup.