The Texas BBQ Forum

Thought I'd take next week off and visit the Great State of Texas, and do a Hill Country BBQ Crawl. Already know I'm going to Lockhart, Elgin, Franklins, LA BBQ. Any other suggestion on can't miss places. Thanks in advance.

Don't know how you would travel, but the logical simple map progression might be: Elgin, Taylor, Austin, Dripping Springs, Lockhart, Luling.

There will likely be a pile on as to who and what is best, but amongst many (and this is not an all inclusive list, so nobody start throwing rocks at me), here are some names to consider: Mueller's, Smitty's, Black's, Kreuz's, City Market, Franklin's, Salt Lick (Dripping Springs).

I plan on doing this over the course of next week. My plan already includes the places you mentioned. Mueller's is now LA BBQ, with John Lewis running it. And I didn't mention Kerrville, TX. Kind of looking for some of the great off the beaten track places. I'll also have to hit Taco Taco in San Antonio along with the Tip Top(I believe) for chicken fried steak, along with Lulu's for breakfast. Just going to be a fun trip, with no real schedule.

I understood the change at Mueller's is strictly JMueller in Austin where the sister LeAnn took over (hence now LA Barbecue) and parted ways with brother John, in a relatively dramatic public fashion I think, as reported (below). The original Mueller's (the father's old place) is in Taylor, and so far as I know still going strong, known for the brisket and the muy gigante beef rib.

http://austin.eater.com/archives/2012/1 ... -again.php

Did not know that, so Taylor is on the list of stops.
Thanks

Did not know that, so Taylor is on the list of stops.
Thanks

I still recommend Cooper's at Llano.
Stan

Then Cooper's is on the list.
Thanks

jmcrig wrote:Then Cooper's is on the list.
Thanks

I don't work at Coopers and never have, but I have eaten there off and on for 50 years. Still my favorite place.
Here is a preview:
http://www.coopersbbq.com/tour.asp" target="_blank
Stan

In Kerrville is Buzzie's, recently named a BBQ Pitmaster.

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I recommend Snows in Lexington. Tootsie makes a Mean Brisket just get there early.

In Lexinton, hit Snow's for sure. They make an excellent brisket, and the ribs can be very good too. In Taylor, you have both Louie Muellers, and Vencil Mare's. Both are historic, good, and worth a visit. You can hit elgin, but truthfully neither joint is great, but since hot-guts come from here, it might be worth it. You can head south, and hit R&G bbq in McMahan. It's a unique setting, with above avg bbq(call first and ensure they are still open). That puts you near both Luling and Lockhart, and I would hit LCM, Smittys, Kreuz and Blacks on the same day. Swing back through Austin, hit Franklins at 9am, head to Stiles Switch after, and if you want, LA BBQ can be worthy. I personally feel John Mueller's was better and cheaper, but LA is pretty good. Out west Coopers really impressed me last month, after a VERY disappointing visit before that. I'm sure there are more outstanding places in the Hill country, but I'm an east-sider, so my experience is limited.

As it stands, I've got 20 places on my list. All of which you named, and you added a 21st to my list, Vencil Mare's. I've got a friend that's doing an internship at LA BBQ. Thanks

Vencil's is great, though it's hard to find. If heading east on 79 from the Austin area, go just pass Louie Muellers, and turn right at the intersection. You don't get on the highway, instead take the little alley-way that feeds under the bridge and down to the railroad tracks. It is called Vencil Mare's Taylor Cafe. Vencil is way too old to man the pit nowadays, but he is usually in the joint, occupying his favorite chair, and chatting up the customers. He can be an awesome conversation, though he might nod off a time or two. On some days, their brisket is better than LM, and other days, LM is on top.

Also, the recent trend in Texas BBQ is to overcharge for all the meat. Gone are the days of getting a 2 meat plate for $10. Now, a beef rib and a slice of brisket will likely cost $25-30, plus any sides or drinks. I love BBQ, but it is getting hard to justify paying more for a BBQ dinner than a very nice steakhouse. Good luck on the trip.

Ate at stiles switch today and it was great...