Our second stop on our central Texas road trip was La Barbecue. What started as a food truck in 2012 has found a home at 2401 E Cesar Chavez where they have created something special. We arrived on a Sunday morning about 10:45 and joined the line that had wrapped around the corner of the building already.
The smell of the smokers filled the air and everyone in line was eager to eat. It took about an hour from our place in line to the time we got our food. The atmosphere is fun, the Mrs. was digging the music selections, and the decor was unique.
We ordered at the counter, they cut the meat as you order (and pass out a bite of brisket or two while they prepare your order) and we went outside to eat. The weather was gorgeous that day. We ordered sausage, ribs, and brisket. With beans, onions, pickles, and bread to fill out the platter.
Lets start with the sausage. It is a German style sausage like most are in central Texas. It was smokey, flavorful, moist and very good. The ribs were absolutely dynamite. We got the end of the slab which tends to be not as good, but they were still fantastic. The seasoning was perfectly complimented by the glaze. It was a little sweet, a little tangy, with a little heat.
La Barbecue was my first real central Texas brisket experience. Just look at that bark! The bark on a brisket in Texas is sacred. Dark color, moist, and a little sticky to the touch. That bark lets you know the pitmaster put in the time and effort to cook it to perfection. The kind of bark I have only ever seen accomplished by a well ran offset pit. The flavor was outstanding, the fat was well rendered, and was very moist. There were a few sauces on the table to try, but the brisket didn’t need anything, it was great. The beans were different than what I am use to getting at BBQ restaurants, and they were delicious. I would say more of a Mexican style baked bean. We loved them.
It was easy to see why La Barbecue is considered one of the best in Austin by locals and barbecue tourist like myself. Waiting in line smelling the smoke and meat cooking while you anxiously wait your turn to order somehow adds to the experience. The food is incredible, the service was great and people were very friendly. I can see why people say Texas barbecue is the best. I like a lot of spots in my little hometown of Wichita KS, but La Barbecue is on another level. We have nothing that compares to it here. I cannot recommend enough adding La Barbecue to the top of your list of places to eat in Austin if you ever find yourself in central Texas.
Traveling BBQer 
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