Chef Z Austin — Local services in Austin

I recently had the pleasure of joining a BBQ tour in Austin, and it was nothing short of incredible. We picked two spots instead of three —Interstellar BBQ and Distant Relatives—and each experience left a lasting impression.

Interstellar BBQ served up some of the most perfectly smoked meats I’ve ever tasted. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a deep, smoky flavor that was perfectly balanced - ribs, so good - peach-tea glazed pork belly spectacular. The sides were equally impressive, from the creamy mac and cheese to the flavorful scalopped potatos. Distant Relatives offered a unique take on traditional BBQ with African-inspired flavors. The spice rubs were rich and complex, elevating each bite to something truly special. Their spicy chicken was a revelation, and the tangy sauce added the perfect kick.

A huge shout-out to Ric, the tour owner, who made the experience even better. His passion for BBQ was infectious, and he knew all the right places to take us (and knows many pit masters which allows you to be served immediately without standing in line). He shared fascinating stories and insights about the history of BBQ in Austin and made sure everyone felt welcome. Ric’s knowledge and friendly demeanor turned what could have been just another food tour into a memorable culinary journey.

If you're looking for a top-notch BBQ tour in Austin, I can’t recommend this one enough. Thanks to Ric and these incredible stops, it was an...

Chef Z was everything we hoped for. He picked us up in a very nice and comfortable SUV and took us to 3 amazing BBQ spots around town. He has developed great relationships with these establishments and their owners, which allowed for very generous portions, and some very entertaining small-talk at each stop. We had a trunk full of to-go boxes, and ate BBQ all night! During transit to each destination, Chef Z was full of amazing information. Anything from the history of BBQ, to tips and tricks to making good BBQ yourself, he was very open and willing to discuss. Upon pickup, he asked about some preferences and I was quick to let him know that I was here for the brisket. He made a point at every stop to request the brisket. He also has a wealth of knowledge about each menu, and what the most popular items are. We got a good mix of meat, sides, as well as desserts!.

There is no shortage of BBQ options in Austin. If I was on my own, I'm confident I would not have chosen these places. His local knowledge and experience is just what we needed. I'd highly recommend this to any BBQ enthusiast that make their way to Austin!

Thank...

This review is long overdue but is so deserving of 5 stars! We toured with Chef Z in April 2024 and had a great experience. He was knowledgeable about the history of barbecue, local establishments and had a personal relationship with many local pit masters. We visited 3 delicious BBQ spots and the surprise of it was half the fun. Having the perks of skipping the line at a renowned establishment left us with eyes of envy from the many patrons waiting 2+ hours to place their order. We traveled outside of Austin, which was a nice surprise because we wouldn’t have traveled that far on our own. PLEASE listen to the advice - DO NOT eat breakfast, pace yourself at each stop, and take all the leftovers! Definitely...