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Texas Monthly 2017 Top 50 BBQ Joints

443,979 Views | 2661 Replies | Last: 3 yr ago by agfan2013
TXAG 05
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In reply to Aggie09Derek • 8:57p, 6/6/18
AG
Aggie09Derek said:
Their Pit-master is now in Austin working at Loro.

Married an Aggie and wife is a lawyer in Austin so he moved there it looks like.

Their Brisket has definitely gone down a bit (made a post above about it).

Place is super convenient and has good other offerings so I still go quite a bit, but they need to get their brisket back to where it was. They should hire one of the guys from Pappa Charlies (I assume it isn't back in business, but haven't checked).


Interesting. Hadn't heard that. Used to work close by and would go often, but haven't been in about 6 months or so. 9 out of 10 times it would be incredible, but that 1 time they would be off would be bad.

Live close by to Gatlins, so we go every now and then. It's not the best in the world, but when they are on, they are pretty damn good, when they aren't, they are pretty average.

Need to give Pinkertons another shot. Went once for lunch and wasn't impressed.
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TXAG 05
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In reply to cc10106 • 8:58p, 6/6/18
AG
cc10106 said:
Cstrickland05 said:
Going to hit Tejas this coming Saturday, any tips, like what time to get there, etc? I assume they have a line, is there a tailgate atmosphere?
Get there a little early for a ticket to save your spot. I enjoyed a michelada while hanging out in the shade versus standing in line in the sun. The brisket burnt ends and carrot souffle were standouts for me.


I was planning 10:15 or so. Is that early enough for a ticket?
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jja79
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In reply to cc10106 • 9:08p, 6/6/18
AG
Where in Cypress?
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CDub06
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In reply to TXAG 05 • 10:00p, 6/6/18
AG
Yes.
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cc10106
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In reply to jja79 • 11:53p, 6/6/18
jja79 said:
Where in Cypress?
On Hempstead Rd, between Spring Cypress and Skinner.
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Here4Beer
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In reply to TXAG 05 • 4:11a, 6/7/18
AG
Cstrickland05 said:
cc10106 said:
Cstrickland05 said:
Going to hit Tejas this coming Saturday, any tips, like what time to get there, etc? I assume they have a line, is there a tailgate atmosphere?
Get there a little early for a ticket to save your spot. I enjoyed a michelada while hanging out in the shade versus standing in line in the sun. The brisket burnt ends and carrot souffle were standouts for me.


I was planning 10:15 or so. Is that early enough for a ticket?


I'd get there by 9:30 for a better Golden Ticket number. You'll definitely get burnt ends if you do. You can grab the ticket and go across Main Street and check out the farmers market while you wait as well.
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BullSprig07
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10:50a, 6/7/18
AG

Sorry for the sorry pic, doesn't do justice.

I was in Rosenberg yesterday for a meeting so stopped by Witt Pitt. I didn't mess around with sides just got 1/2 pound of brisket and 2 ribs. They don't ask if you want fatty/lean but I asked for fatty myself and glad I did. I didn't really have any expectations but the cuts of brisket I had were on bar with Truth/Franklin etc. Good bark, good smoke, amazingly moist. Ribs were tender without being dried out. Based on this one plate on this on day I'd say it's worth anyone's time.
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jonj101
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In reply to BullSprig07 • 12:30p, 6/7/18
AG
Witt Pitt is one of my favorite moderately priced BBQ places. Whenever I'm around Rosenberg I stop there.

If they had their quality food in an area with more traffic, they would have a good following.
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CDub06
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In reply to jonj101 • 12:34p, 6/7/18
AG
Also if the owner didn't post racist stuff on Facebook.
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jonj101
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In reply to CDub06 • 12:38p, 6/7/18
AG
Im not a fb person, and I had no idea about that.

I don't want to mess up this thread but do you have a link showing that?
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CDub06
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In reply to jonj101 • 1:13p, 6/7/18
AG
No, it was a couple of years ago. Saw it after I ate there for the first time. I was originally impressed with the food, not so much with the social media. Haven't cared to go back.
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agcrock2005
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In reply to CDub06 • 2:05p, 6/7/18
AG
CDub06 said:
Also if the owner didn't post racist stuff on Facebook.
Real "racist" stuff or like the new definition of racist like "don't take my guns", "all lives matter" and "stand for the anthem"?
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CDub06
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In reply to agcrock2005 • 2:33p, 6/7/18
AG
Nah, I don't care if people stand or kneel or if other people do care about it. It was racial. I was wrong though, it was on his Twitter, not Facebook and it looks like the Twitter account is gone.

And since you asked... Here's a DM I had with an bbq insider about it.




Sorry for the hijack. And sorry if that leaves a bad taste in your mouth.
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agcrock2005
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In reply to CDub06 • 2:49p, 6/7/18
AG
Sucks...you'd think in today's age that if someone did/said something racist that it would be all over the internet and his business would be shut down in less than a week by the yelpers/media.
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CDub06
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3:08p, 6/7/18
AG
Alright homies, let's shift gears. I was volunteered to plan a BBQ bachelor party weekend in Austin. I've got an idea of an itinerary but I've not been to Austin since we had this baby, so let's see if I can be lazy and outsource some of my planning. I would appreciate any input.

I'd like to arrive at La Barbecue at 10AM on a Saturday. I assume that's plenty early, but I've not been to their new location. What do their lines look like nowadays?

It's been a while since I've been to Kerlin. Do those guys now have a steady wait on the weekend - what are we looking at if we arrive around noon?

When does Micklethwait sell out? I haven't been since the TM50, so I'm expecting the popular spot is even more popular now.

Scotty's & Rolling Smoke have been on my to do list - any thoughts?

Any idea when LeRoy & Lewis and Texas Ranch BBQ (formerly 12 Bones) sell out?
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ILikeTacos
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In reply to CDub06 • 3:26p, 6/7/18
AG
CDub06 said:
Alright homies, let's shift gears. I was volunteered to plan a BBQ bachelor party weekend in Austin. I've got an idea of an itinerary but I've not been to Austin since we had this baby, so let's see if I can be lazy and outsource some of my planning. I would appreciate any input.

I'd like to arrive at La Barbecue at 10AM on a Saturday. I assume that's plenty early, but I've not been to their new location. What do their lines look like nowadays?

It's been a while since I've been to Kerlin. Do those guys now have a steady wait on the weekend - what are we looking at if we arrive around noon?

When does Micklethwait sell out? I haven't been since the TM50, so I'm expecting the popular spot is even more popular now.

Scotty's & Rolling Smoke have been on my to do list - any thoughts?

Any idea when LeRoy & Lewis and Texas Ranch BBQ (formerly 12 Bones) sell out?
7 PM on Saturday - The Yellow Rose?
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agcrock2005
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In reply to CDub06 • 4:01p, 6/7/18
AG
You should try AustinAgChef's place in Hutto while in the area.
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CDub06
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In reply to agcrock2005 • 4:17p, 6/7/18
AG
Yeah, I know. I Super want to go. We're just not going to be up there
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FriedTex
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In reply to CDub06 • 4:59p, 6/7/18
AG
So how does your colon tackle 6 different bbq places in the same day?
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digging tunnels
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5:35p, 6/7/18
AG
no kidding....i did a day trip to just Snow's BBQ and Louie Mueller's and I was full as hell
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CDub06
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6:39p, 6/7/18
AG
We've got options. We're flexible. Just wanted some current feedback. Doesn't mean we'll do all seven.

HOWEVER this is what we train for! I think my record with a group is seven (Lockhart 4 + Luling 2 + Zimmerhanzel's). Heck, I've soloed a 3 stop trip.

The key is moderation. LOL just kidding, moderation is out the window with 7 stops. They key is pacing yourself. It's easy to split a tray of meat when you've got people with you. A few bites of everything. Don't waste your time on sides, desserts, or for heavens sake - bread.

The hardest stop is the first one, because you're hungry and want to eat everything. It might also be the best stop of the day if you plan like me. But don't come out of the gate too quickly.

Oh, and it's going to be unpleasant by the end of the day. You'll swear off bbq multiple times throughout the day.

It's basically a meat marathon. With a bit of patience and practice, you'll get there. And if you don't think you can do 6-7 stops there's a training program I'd recommend called Couch to 5 Trays.
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gillom
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In reply to CDub06 • 7:06p, 6/7/18
AG
You could start at Valentinas in South Austin for breakfast taco.
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RAM700BA
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In reply to CDub06 • 7:34p, 6/7/18
AG
The lines at La Barbecue are definitely worse at the new location, so I would shoot for maybe 8:30-9 if you want to be close to the front.

I've only been to Kerlin at lunch on the weekdays and have never been further than 5th in line. However, I've heard the owner talk about how they are much busier on the weekends, but I can't imagine it being too terrible. You're probably okay to hit it up after La Barbecue since they are so close. The parking sucks there though. Mostly due to the hippy taco joint they share their lot with. So you might have to park a block behind it and walk.

I've made my opinion on Mickelthwait known on here a few times. I think it's vastly overrated. If I could steer you towards Terry Black's instead that would be my advice. I love Terry Black's because their bbq is good from 9am-9pm 7 days a week. I had this gorgeous plate at 3:30pm on a Sunday.


Also, if you get tired of meat by the pound, Brotherton's Black Iron BBQ in Pflugerville is a great bbq sandwich place. All sorts of inventive options on their menu.

Hope you have a great time!
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lazuras_dc
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In reply to gillom • 7:36p, 6/7/18
AG
gillom said:
You could start at Valentinas in South Austin for breakfast taco.


Yes !

10am was plenty early For me but on Thursday. May want to be a little earlier like 930 IMO
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gillom
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In reply to RAM700BA • 7:58p, 6/7/18
AG
I'm with you on Terry Blacks. In my top 5 for sure. Mainly for the reasons you stated. Shorter wait than Rudys with a consistently solid product.
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CDub06
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In reply to RAM700BA • 9:40p, 6/7/18
AG
Thanks for the input. I had no idea la barbecue lines had grown so much.

I'm plenty familiar with some of the other options, but these are the ones I'm aiming for based on our schedule.

I'd really like to hit Valentina's as they're one of my favorites, but I don't think it's going to work. I'm also actually holding onto Terry Blacks in case the guys want more bbq at dinner time.
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Koldus131
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In reply to CDub06 • 9:46p, 6/7/18
AG
Granted this was 6 months ago (early January) and I probably got a little lucky, but last time I went to La BBQ it was a Saturday, I got there at 10, and I was about 8th in line.

Just to be slightly contrarian. I'd be surprised if you got there at 9:30ish and were far back in line
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jonj101
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10:56p, 6/7/18
AG
Have to admit, that pic of Terry Blacks makes it look pretty good.

I'll have to put them on the list to try whenever I get back that way.
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Jock 07
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8:46a, 6/8/18
AG
I'm going to be down in KC this weekend, what's the best spot for burnt ends? Last time I was down there I had OK Joes, which I don't think does burnt ends, and jack stack which I thought was overrated. I've been told Q39 is good so I might check that out while I'm down there as well.
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NColoradoAG
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In reply to Jock 07 • 9:18a, 6/8/18
Jock 07 said:
I'm going to be down in KC this weekend, what's the best spot for burnt ends? Last time I was down there I had OK Joes, which I don't think does burnt ends, and jack stack which I thought was overrated. I've been told Q39 is good so I might check that out while I'm down there as well.
Q39 is pretty good. Didn't exactly care for the vibe, but it's KC where many of the BBQ places seem to be "nicer." IIRC, you can only get burnt ends on the brisket plate at Q39. Dont sleep on the onion straws.

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OregonAggie
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7:24p, 6/8/18
AG
Went to Truth today and that stuff was great. I can't ever post pics but hot damn that brisket was good. The tater casserole was really good too.

I'll try to post this pic and hopefully someone can fix it. Or not. Either way I'll definitely go back.

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schmendeler
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8:29p, 6/8/18
AG
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OregonAggie
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In reply to schmendeler • 8:30p, 6/8/18
AG
Thank you sir!
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schmendeler
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8:31p, 6/8/18
AG
No worries
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Aggie1946
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In reply to Jock 07 • 11:40p, 6/8/18
Hey, I live in KC. Joes has the best burnt ends hands down. They're only available Saturday during lunch Monday at lunch and Wednesday at dinner. Their ribs are also really good. You can buy burnt ends by the lb here. 16.99

Q39 is awesome. Probably the best brisket tender but doesn't have the Bark TX joints do. All the sandwiches are really good. The best is the Burnt end burger. It's basically a couple slices of fatty brisket on a burger. They sometimes have burnt ends but it's dependent on availability. You can also order a brisket plate (brisket+burnt ends) at any time. Onion straws there are the bomb. You can also order a "sliced burnt end" sandwich which is just fatty brisket on a bun. I order this a lot.

Jack stack is another favorite of mine. Mainly because the sides and desserts. Baked beans, slaw, carrot cake, cheesy corn are the best. They have pretty good burnt ends but a little hit or miss. Some parts are nice and fatty some are a bit dry. My favorite is the "big pig" sandwich with beans/slaw and a couple ribs.

It's also important to go to the right location Joes go to the original location at the gas station. Q39 original location in midtown and jack stack in Martin City. I've had OK meals at other places but many are just not that great.
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