TM Top 50 BBQ Joints 2021

[SizzleChest 8284]

17 minutes ago, NoName said:

I really can't believe that their total results are better than L&L

They're not.  Interstellar at #2 is my biggest issue with this list.  It's a joke.  There are at least 3 Austin places that are better.

[NoName 16354]

23 minutes ago, SizzleChest said:

They're not.  Interstellar at #2 is my biggest issue with this list.  It's a joke.  There are at least 3 Austin places that are better.

who do you think is besides Franklin + L&L?

[SizzleChest 8284]

Just now, NoName said:

who do you think is besides Franklin + L&L?

Valentina's.

[Jerry Callo 8704]

Just now, NoName said:

who do you think is besides Franklin + L&L?

Micklethwait.

[Bolero88 277]

1 minute ago, Jerry Callo said:

Micklethwait.

La bbq too. 

[Jerry Callo 8704]

Interstellar cooked their normal Saturday volume of meat and almost everything was gone after 2 hours.  They are still as inefficient as ever.  The only place I know that is more inefficient is Louis Mueller.

 

[utee94 15832]

11 minutes ago, Jerry Callo said:

Interstellar cooked their normal Saturday volume of meat and almost everything was gone after 2 hours.  They are still as inefficient as ever.  The only place I know that is more inefficient is Louis Mueller.

 

Mickelthwait has been by far the worst.  If there are 8 people in line in front of you, you're waiting 25 minutes to order.  And then by some miracle of time-space, you're also waiting a further 25 minutes to get your food.  Absolutely the worst BBQ experience in Austin, from my visits there.

 

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

Hutchins' Frisco location made the list.  McKinney - where Stabby McStabber is employed - wasn't mentioned.  Though this may be due to the fact that the McKinney location was closed for a long while after a fire in Dec 2020 and reopened about a month ago. 
TBF, the Frisco location has improved immensely over the past five years.  It used to be a shell of the original; not any more.

Daniel Vaughn clarified this on Twitter. This goes for all joints that have multiple locations, such as Pinkertons. They had to choose one location for the list. However, they meant all locations and on the app with the map you will see all locations listed (thus the map has more than 50).

Speaking of locations…I never tried Micklethwait in Austin (see reason in previous post). But I did go to the Smithville location before it closed. It was suboptimal and forgettable. I assume Austin location is much better? I see it mentioned a lot.

[kevwun 15798]

I heard the same about the Smithville location.  It didn't last very long.

[utee94 15832]

2 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Daniel Vaughn clarified this on Twitter. This goes for all joints that have multiple locations, such as Pinkertons. They had to choose one location for the list. However, they meant all locations and on the app with the map you will see all locations listed (thus the map has more than 50).

Speaking of locations…I never tried Micklethwait in Austin (see reason in previous post). But I did go to the Smithville location before it closed. It was suboptimal and forgettable. I assume Austin location is much better? I see it mentioned a lot.

People mention it a lot.  I gave it two chances at the Austin location.  It was worse than suboptimal both times.  It was actually just bad.  Cold meat, unrendered fat, just bad.  The sides were decent.  That's the only semi-positive thing I can say.  It's not in my top 25 in the town.

[Covri 6249]

15 minutes ago, utee94 said:

Mickelthwait has been by far the worst.  If there are 8 people in line in front of you, you're waiting 25 minutes to order.  And then by some miracle of time-space, you're also waiting a further 25 minutes to get your food.  Absolutely the worst BBQ experience in Austin, from my visits there.

 

I think I read somewhere earlier in this thread that they just listed the newest location for places that made the list with multiple locations. Good to hear the Frisco location is doing better, that’s not always been the case.

[Jerry Callo 8704]

9 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Daniel Vaughn clarified this on Twitter. This goes for all joints that have multiple locations, such as Pinkertons. They had to choose one location for the list. However, they meant all locations and on the app with the map you will see all locations listed (thus the map has more than 50).

Speaking of locations…I never tried Micklethwait in Austin (see reason in previous post). But I did go to the Smithville location before it closed. It was suboptimal and forgettable. I assume Austin location is much better? I see it mentioned a lot.

Never had a suboptimal bite of food from the Austin location - proteins, sides, desserts, and specials have all been great.  Haven't been in a couple years, though.

[NoName 16354]

1 minute ago, Covri said:

I think I read somewhere earlier in this thread that they just listed the newest location for places that made the list with multiple locations. Good to hear the Frisco location is doing better, that’s not always been the case.

it's what Grant Pinkerton said first, I think

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

it's what Grant Pinkerton said first, I think

Not arguing, just from the source:

[NoName 16354]

5 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Not arguing, just from the source:

 

 

sorry, I was saying that the first place I saw that was GP saying. would have come from the horses mouth in DV!

wonder what his mentions are like so far this week haha

[conVINCEd 21469]

25 minutes ago, Covri said:

I think I read somewhere earlier in this thread that they just listed the newest location for places that made the list with multiple locations. Good to hear the Frisco location is doing better, that’s not always been the case.

I agree with the sentiment that things changed for the better about 5 or so years ago.  I used to work less than a mile away, so I ate there often enough to really notice the change.

[tokamak 6431]

Some thoughts now that I've looked at the entire list:

• Has Tejas fallen off? I haven't been in a couple years, but I'm pretty sure it was Top 10 last go-around.
• Is Terry Black related to the Black's in Lockhart?
• Very interesting that the newer Pinkerton's and Truth were both more highly rated than the OGs.
• What's the story behind the downfall of Pecan Lodge and Heim? I don't keep up with the DFW scene
• Only 7 places in the entire top 50 opened prior to 2010

[Jerry Callo 8704]

9 minutes ago, tokamak said:

Some thoughts now that I've looked at the entire list:

• Has Tejas fallen off? I haven't been in a couple years, but I'm pretty sure it was Top 10 last go-around.
• Is Terry Black related to the Black's in Lockhart?
• Very interesting that the newer Pinkerton's and Truth were both more highly rated than the OGs.
• What's the story behind the downfall of Pecan Lodge and Heim? I don't keep up with the DFW scene
• Only 7 places in the entire top 50 opened prior to 2010

Tejas hasn't fallen off - actually probably better now.  They were not making their own sausage at the time of the last Top 50 and their chile relleno is outstanding.  There is just more competition now then there was in 2017.

Terry Black's is run by relatives, but no affiliation with Black's in Lockhart.  Terry Black's is much better.

I understand the new Pinkerton's and Truth locations are much nicer than the originals.  If the balloting had any factor for overall experience, then that might have put them over the OGs.  Not sure though.

Not sure about Pecan Lodge and Heim.  I liked Heim much better than Pecan Lodge following 2017, but haven't been to either in 4 years.

 

[CooterBrown 18014]

Mickelthwait has been by far the worst.  If there are 8 people in line in front of you, you're waiting 25 minutes to order.  And then by some miracle of time-space, you're also waiting a further 25 minutes to get your food.  Absolutely the worst BBQ experience in Austin, from my visits there.
 

No joke. It’s easily 45 minutes until you eat if you’re 5th in line.

[DalTxHornFan 3106]

7 minutes ago, Jerry Callo said:

Terry Black's is run by relatives, but no affiliation with Black's in Lockhart.  Terry Black's is much better.

 

Right on about Terry Black's being much better.  The Black's location on Guadalupe is trash -- they just haul in pre-cooked meat from the Lockhart store.

[HenryJames 66123]

10 minutes ago, CooterBrown said:

No joke. It’s easily 45 minutes until you eat if you’re 5th in line.

Their motto should be ‘If you ain’t first, you’re last.’

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

I agree with Jerry Callo, Tejas has definitely not fallen off.

[HenryJames 66123]

39 minutes ago, Jerry Callo said:

Tejas hasn't fallen off - actually probably better now. 

 

9 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

I agree with Jerry Callo, Tejas has definitely fallen off.

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

Hahaha goddamnit

[ztejas 43476]

Tejas exists as an unobservable, thoretical phenomenon for me me equidistant between both falling and not falling off. 

Glad I could help.

[4th&Five 41558]

1 hour ago, CooterBrown said:

No joke. It’s easily 45 minutes until you eat if you’re 5th in line.

That’s why I’ve been exactly 1 time. 

[tx 3 putt 77061]

6 hours ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Well, I guess I should have gone a long time ago. I might have been the one that saw some brief mention of them and came here asking about them. I think the first time I asked no one had any info. Problem is, whenever I am in Austin, I always go to L&L or Valentina’s.

 

ive yet to find anything better than la barbecue for quality and wait time, in austin

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

 
ive yet to find anything better than la barbecue for quality and wait time, in austin

I still haven’t been. I tried last year but when we got there it was only online order for take out. So back to L&L. However, I have never, ever waited at L&L. But I only go on fridays.

Valentina’s is slow as fuck.

[tx 3 putt 77061]

8 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

I still haven’t been. I tried last year but when we got there it was only online order for take out. So back to L&L. However, I have never, ever waited at L&L. But I only go on fridays.

Valentina’s is slow as fuck.

 

i havent been since pre covid but made a couple of trips, it was franklin level back then 

[Neonmoon 38129]

I know this is a very unpopular opinion on this thread, but I don’t get the Leroy & Lewis love. If you don’t cook brisket, ribs, and sausage every day, that’s a big negative in my book compared to others that are slinging brisket every day and have to maintain consistency. Yes, the beef cheeks are good. 

[SizzleChest 8284]

12 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

I still haven’t been. I tried last year but when we got there it was only online order for take out. So back to L&L. However, I have never, ever waited at L&L. But I only go on fridays.

Valentina’s is slow as fuck.

COVID really fucked with Miguel's operation.  It did not used to be like that.  They were never the fastest, but the last 18 months have been brutal.  The quality of the food was not compromised, imo.  

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

I know this is a very unpopular opinion on this thread, but I don’t get the Leroy & Lewis love. If you don’t cook brisket, ribs, and sausage every day, that’s a big negative in my book compared to others that are slinging brisket every day and have to maintain consistency. Yes, the beef cheeks are good. 

So the places that are only open 1, w or 3 days a week shouldn’t be considered?

COVID really fucked with Miguel's operation.  It did not used to be like that.  They were never the fastest, but the last 18 months have been brutal.  The quality of the food was not compromised, imo.  

I have never had a bad meal there. But think it has always been slow.

[SizzleChest 8284]

1 minute ago, Patricio Swayze said:

 

So the places that are only open 1, w or 3 days a week shouldn’t be considered?



I have never had a bad meal there. But think it has always been slow.

 

Fair.

 

Edited October 21, 2021 by SizzleChest

[tigol 2398]

2 hours ago, DalTxHornFan said:

Right on about Terry Black's being much better.  The Black's location on Guadalupe is trash -- they just haul in pre-cooked meat from the Lockhart store.

This is the truth.  That Guadalupe location is shameful.

The Black's in San Marcos has been good.  I've been meaning to try the one in New Braunfels.

[SizzleChest 8284]

4 minutes ago, tigol said:

This is the truth.  That Guadalupe location is shameful.

The Black's in San Marcos has been good.  I've been meaning to try the one in New Braunfels.

I've had both and the NB location is far better.

[HenryJames 66123]

1 hour ago, Patricio Swayze said:

However, I have never, ever waited at L&L. But I only go on fridays.

Is the parking better during the week?

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

Is the parking better during the week?

Never have gone on a weekend, but there seems to always be a few spots on the street. The parking spots in the lot are usually taken, and if they aren’t, they are really tight.

[Bill Brasky 1449]

I guess its too late for them to make the top 50 this time....

 

 

[Ag with kids 581]

3 hours ago, ztejas said:

Tejas exists as an unobservable, thoretical phenomenon for me me equidistant between both falling and not falling off. 

Glad I could help.

Schrodingers' BBQ?

[Ag with kids 581]

1 hour ago, Neonmoon said:

I know this is a very unpopular opinion on this thread, but I don’t get the Leroy & Lewis love. If you don’t cook brisket, ribs, and sausage every day, that’s a big negative in my book compared to others that are slinging brisket every day and have to maintain consistency. Yes, the beef cheeks are good. 

Don't you be hating on Tootsie!!!!

[Guest]

9 hours ago, Jerry Callo said:

Line at Interstellar this morning. They weren't very efficient in moving the line before, so no telling how long the line will take.

Exactly why I hate this dumb BBQ ranking stuff. 

[Jerry Callo 8704]

Never have gone on a weekend, but there seems to always be a few spots on the street. The parking spots in the lot are usually taken, and if they aren’t, they are really tight.

Parking is going to be a shit show for the foreseeable future and it wasn't great before.

[SizzleChest 8284]

Here's how I'm going to handle that:

Ain't going back.

[tigol 2398]

My local joint made the honorable mention list.  I'm very happy for them!  If your wife drags you to "Market Days" in Wimberley, just have her drop you off here.  There is a bar and TV's for sports.  It's a short walk down to the Blanco.  Just don't wander onto some asshole's property and get shot.

https://www.creeksidecookers.com/

[billfromlaketravis 11517]

How the hell did Pizzitola’s make the honorable mention list? The only good thing there is ribs. Always has been. Always will be. 

Blood Bros shouldn’t be in the top 50. Completely unmemorable bbq at outrageous, even for bbq, prices. 
 

Good for Feges. 
 

Roegels continues to go under the radar, and that’s fine by me. 
 

Truth on Washington guys, do they have daily specials? If I’m going to go, and probably wait in line, I want to try everything on the menu. 

 

[DalTxHornFan 3106]

4 minutes ago, billfromlaketravis said:

Blood Bros shouldn’t be in the top 50. Completely unmemorable bbq at outrageous, even for bbq, prices. 

 

Agree.  I made my first and last trip there pre-pandemic along with a client and was very embarrassed that I'd suggested that place for our lunch.  Hype and PR only gets you so far.

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

Truth on Washington guys, do they have daily specials? If I’m going to go, and probably wait in line, I want to try everything on the menu. 
 

I don’t recall seeing daily specials, but they do have things like brisket boudin from time to time.

My standard order is 1/2 lb brisket and a link of spicy pepper Jack sausage. I have no idea what the ribs are like. Or even the sides. The pastrami brisket is pretty amazing too.

[Homesickhorn 2202]

On 10/18/2021 at 3:33 PM, Patricio Swayze said:

I don’t have a dog in this fight but am friends with a couple of dudes that were. They were not happy and from what they told me, I would have been pissed too. But it’s not my place to tell the story.

I will say, his bbq was good. And it looks like Daniel Vaughn also agrees with my take on it. Good but there are several other places in Houston and the state that are better.

I was not an investor, but I was incredibly involved.  I placed my fucking shingle out for him, and acquired the space without proving a pot to piss in.  I DID THAT.  They took MY word, that he'd do what they inserted into the lease.  He broke the lease, violated the fucking contract, threw away the keys to the safe that they gave him, and fucking blamed it on COVID.  

If anyone would like to fucking talk to me about it, be my fucking guest.  My fucking name was on that shingle, not his.  I'm still trying to get my foot back into the door of a career I'd proven myself in.  Covid didn't help, but the best deal I'd ever brokered ended up fucking me.  Because that client was too proud to just obey the rules.

Edited October 21, 2021 by Homesickhorn

[Hank Scorpio 17729]

Who are we talking about? Is it me? I feel like it’s me. 

[Homesickhorn 2202]

31 minutes ago, Hank Scorpio said:

Who are we talking about? Is it me? I feel like it’s me. 

It's not you.  And I apologize for the rant, but it's been building for awhile.