Down by Congress,hmmm. I'd probably suggest first trying the Green Mesquite BBQ on Barton Springs rd. right @ S. Lamar. It's probably the closest to SOCO,and it's pretty dang good IMO. Still pretty close: Or maybe try the Ironworks BBQ on Red River (kinda average IMO). Or Sam's BBQ in E. Austin on E 12th st. And also maybe try Artz rib house on S.Lamar. A little further away: As mentioned Ruby's is always worth trying. Some folks really like 'em,some folks are'nt all that impressed,as with anything one's preferences will often vary as to what qualifies as great or just average (or even bad) BBQ. Rudy's as stated is pretty consistent and tasty for a large chain of BBQ joints,so I'm always willing to go there most anytime someone wants BBQ. And yeah the Salt Lick is pretty dang good as a whole too,I like to go there on Sundays as that's the only day they do the baby back ribs,but it's a drive if you opt to go to the Driftwood location,and yeah bring a lotta cash too as they dont take plastic. Nowadays I'd probably go try the new location out @ the ballpark in Round Rock as it's way closer to me. That or I'd just keep driving out to Taylor and hit one of those BBQ places out there,but more on that later. Have'nt had much 'que @ Stubb's myself except for their Suasage wraps when I go to concerts there,and they're OK I guess,but other than that I dont really have much eating experience with them. For Sauasage,I like Pok-e-Jo's,I dunno why I prefer their sausage,but I do,and the rest of their BBQ aint too bad either,I usually get a 1/2 lb. of the trimmed/lean brisket when I get a sausage wrap there,also they are one of the few BBQ places that actually have fries as a side. And yeah,some folks dig the County Line 'que as well,me I find them kinda average as well,but they do indeed have some scenic locations,so tourists seem to really like them. Then for the real good BBQ you're gonna need to take some road trips. Lockhart tops that list,three main places,Kruez Market,Black's,and Smitty's market are all there and top notch BBQ places in their own way. Me & most folks I know prefer Black's for the Lockhart que. Then you have Taylor with Rudy Mikeska's,Louie Mueller's BBQ,and Taylor cafe. Another good road trip would be Elgin,the BBQ suasage capital of centex,with So.Side Market and Meyer's Elgin smokehouse,and the rest of the 'que @ those places is pretty dang good too. And yeah Coopers BBQ out in Llano has a good rep by most all accounts. So does City Market down in Luling. And yeah,avoid Bill Miller's BBQ for sure,whoever mentioned them should be strapped down over a fire ant hill on a really sunny day,I hope they did so as a bad joke of sorts,as that does'nt even p*** as BBQ in my book. I think that hits most the decent BBQ places... Enjoy the visit,hope you enjoy the 'que. Bret P.
Wow. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't care for Bill Miller's. The food is bland and the sauce can be watery...and bland. Another vote for Rudy's. It is good BBQ for a chain. To take an off-topic post even farther off topic, I recently had some damn good ribs in my own back yard. I tried a recipe from Emeril Lag***e, and it turned out better than I could have hoped for. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lag***e/smoked-barbecued-ribs-recipe/index.html I had always wondered if a dry rub does anything, and yes, it does.
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