True Texas BBQ — Restaurant in Austin

Update: I wrote a glowing review a few weeks ago after a great experience at True Texas BBQ inside Hancock H-E-B. So I’m updating on the same review. Unfortunately, this second visit was very disappointing.

I was excited to finally try the mac and cheese that was sold out last time, but it was inedible. The pasta was so overcooked it was falling apart, and the sauce tasted like uncooked flour. It didn’t taste like cheese at all.

The BBQ meat was also a letdown. What was supposed to be fatty, tender brisket was just pure fat with barely any meat. And to top it off, the dining area had a noticeable fly problem, which made the whole experience even worse.

The only positive moment came when I told the attendant that I couldn’t eat the mac n cheese. He was kind and offered to replace it with something else. I asked for the cornbread, and I’m glad I did, it was warm and served with a side of butter. That small act of good service made a difference in an otherwise bad visit.

I really hope this was just an off day, but the quality has clearly dropped since my first visit the once delicious coleslaw was just ok this time. I won’t be returning anytime soon.

I stopped by H-E-B just to grab a few things, but I was starving! and the True Texas BBQ caught my eye. Honestly, it was the healthiest fast option around, so I gave it a shot. The best part? It’s self-service. You just order, pay, find a seat, and they call your name when it’s ready. The food was surprisingly good for being inside a grocery store. The meat was delicious, and the coleslaw was fresh and flavorful. I wasn’t a fan of the dessert, it tasted like old bread with marmalade on top. They were out of mac and cheese, which was a bummer. I really hope they consider adding cheese grits to the menu. With the ingredients they already have, they could easily make the best, super cheesy grits...

I come in a few times a week atleast. Normally it’s for a refill and a quick Shiner Bock ($5, $4 HH) before I hit the shopping floor. Other times it comes with food for the crew at work, a quick sandwich for me, or a to go creamed corn for the wife at home. But I always get my $1 refill iced tea with my Real Texas BBQ mug.

Beer is always ice cold, bbq hits you before you get inside with the smells of Texas smoked meats! Alex, Evannie, and the rest of the crew are always on point, the nicest and most welcoming crew around, service with a smile you’re used to from HEB. The only negative thing about the new addition to our HEB is the time that I won’t be getting other things done, because I like getting a cold one, a snack or two, and taking a seat in the nice spacious dining room and catching up on my sports via the numerous big screens on the walls.

I’d go on, but let’s leave it here. Great food, great drinks, and most important to me, great people. Thanks y’all, so glad y’all are a part of the...

Today, January 20th, I ordered a two meat plate. I ordered brisket (fatty), pulled pork, Mac N Cheese, fried okra and banana pudding. Brisket and pulled pork delicious, what you would expect for BBQ. Okra is made to order. Delicious and lightly seasoned. The Mac n cheese could be better. It was ok. Everything was hot when I received it, to go. The gentleman who was helping me was very nice and helpful. Sampled the pulled pork before I decided on my second protein. The atmosphere is kinda feeling like a bar. The big tvs on playing sports. A very good experience for my first time...