Black's Barbecue Austin — Restaurant in Austin

I've had Black's on my Texas BBQ tour list for over 2 years now. I live in DFW area, but had a conference this week in Austin so I was VERY excited to finally get to check this place off my list! After seeing so many recommendations years ago from the NTBA BBQ Facebook group, I just KNEW this would be a world-class experience.

Visited this location with a couple of coworkers yesterday evening around 7:30 (which could be a contributing factor to my rating) and there was no huge line, so that was a plus. Upon entering, we saw they were sold out of chicken and turkey. For my BBQ tour checklist I try to order similar items to offer a fair comparison from place to place, and turkey is one of the items I like to order. So that was a bummer, but again... It's late in the evening, so totally fine.

The cashier takes your side item order and they are served out of disposable aluminum pans right behind the counter. Some of the items looked like they had been sitting our for a while (you know how baked beans look in a pot/pan after they've been sitting under fire for a long time?), so that determined what I ordered. After you get your sides, you tell the guys which proteins you want and they fix you up.

My order: 1/2 brisket point 2 links Jalepeno sausage Potato salad Mac and cheese

Brisket 2.5/5 - after seeing the flat another customer got in front of me (it looked dry) I figured the point would offer more tenderness and moisture. The slices I received were a little tough/chewy, indicating this brisket may have simply been sitting too long so it was a bit overcooked (presumably). There was also a HUGE layer of decal fat in between, so I wasn't even able to finish the 4 slices I received. The bark, smoke and flavor was on point, so I will assume this was just an older brisket. Nonetheless, it was what I received.

Jalepeno sausage 3.5/5 - these were good, but on the very small side so I ordered 2. Compared to other BBQ spots with larger links, I'd prefer those. But these had great flavor and was a quality link. Actually my favorite part of this experience

Potato salad 2/5 - the temp was warmer than I'd like from a potato salad, and it was overly sweet. There wasn't much flavor contrast, or textural differences.

Mac and cheese 3/5 - this was average and had almost a chili cheese flavor (think the seasoning on those chili cheese Fritos). Wasn't bad, but nothing special either.

Overall, I'd have to say my first visit here after so much hype was very underwhelming. Price point was great compared to other spots and my total bill for what I ordered was around $44. I would definitely return at a different time/date to see if that makes a difference but I expected...

Black's Barbecue in Austin is not just a barbecue joint; it's a culinary institution that perfectly balances BBQ tradition with innovative and flavorful creations. Here's why Black's Barbecue Austin deserves a 5-star rating:

Legendary BBQ: Black's Barbecue is renowned for its mouthwatering and tender barbecue. The pitmasters have perfected the art of smoking meat, and each bite is a delightful journey into the heart of Texas BBQ tradition.

Diverse Menu: The restaurant offers a diverse menu that goes beyond traditional barbecue. While the classics like brisket and ribs are heavenly, they also showcase creative dishes that cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring there's something for everyone.

Exceptional Sides: The side dishes at Black's Barbecue are not to be overlooked. From the creamy mac and cheese to the tangy coleslaw, they complement the barbecue perfectly, creating a harmonious and memorable meal.

Fresh and Quality Ingredients: The commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in every dish they serve. They prioritize sourcing locally and ensuring the best possible taste and quality.

Friendly Atmosphere: The restaurant's atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for a casual meal with friends or family. The decor reflects the BBQ tradition of Texas, creating a genuine dining experience.

Exceptional Service: The staff at Black's Barbecue is attentive, friendly, and passionate about ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of fantastic. They provide top-notch service from the moment you walk in.

Tradition Meets Innovation: Black's Barbecue honors Texas BBQ tradition while also pushing the boundaries with creative menu items. It's a place where the old and the new coexist harmoniously.

In conclusion, Black's Barbecue Austin is a BBQ haven that captures the essence of Texas BBQ tradition while continually delighting diners with innovative and flavorful creations. Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this restaurant is a must-visit. It's where the love for BBQ meets culinary ingenuity, and I eagerly anticipate my next visit to Black's Barbecue Austin for another...

First time trying the Austin location after going to the Lockhart location numerous times. Came on a Tuesday evening and there was plenty of seating on the outside patio while the inside was pretty full. Since it's BBQ, the tables clear pretty quickly.

Ordered a little bit of everything to try them all. Ordered the fatty beef brisket, pork ribs, jalapeno cheddar sausage, chicken with sides of potato salad, mac & cheese, Mexican street corn, and Norma Jean's Beans. For dessert, ordered the peach cobbler, pecan cobbler, and banana pudding. The ordering process is similar to many BBQ places; you order your sides and desserts first, then meats, and pay at the end. There was only about 5 people in line and the line moved quickly and efficiently. Everyone behind the counter was very friendly and helpful.

All the meats were good, but my favorite was the jalapeno and cheddar sausage as it was very unique. It was very flavorful with neither the jalapeno or cheddar overwhelming each other. The chicken was very moist and juicy. The pork ribs and brisket were good as always. Sides were surprisingly good as most BBQ places focus on the meats. My favorite was the Mexican street corn and the mac & cheese. On the desserts, I only ordered the pecan cobbler as they only had 1 peach cobbler left. I was glad I did as it was a hit. I didn't know what to expect, but was basically a pecan pie in a cobbler form. The peach cobbler was good, but I'd definitely recommend trying the pecan cobbler.

Overall, good experience at Black's. Same service and experience as the Lockhart location. With so much BBQ competition in the area, Black's is a...