Kreuz Market — Restaurant in Lockhart

Not to beat a dead horse mentioned by countless people in the past, but if you're a fan of bbq, you owe it to yourself to visit this place at least once. Out of the 3 historic restaurants in Lockhart, Kreuz Market was my favorite for a combination of reasons, including the history, building layout, and variety of bbq meats offered. However, the last several visits (attached food pictures cover different visits), have led me to re-evaluate my opinion.

I will say the pork chop (or pork ribs if no chops), should be high on the list to try. They always seem to be on point. Good flavor, not too dry, good seasoning. A word on prices - the pork chops increased $4/lb, from spring to fall of 2024. That seems crazy to me (pictures of prices reflect April 2024 and December 2024).

The beef sausage is also well-known. In my experience, some days can be better than others. I've had some good sausage, and I've had some sausage that was dried out more than I'd like.

I always used to buy a couple slices of pit ham. Their ham in April 2024 was $15.90/lb. In December 2024, the ham had increased in price by $2, to $17.90/lb. This is boneless ham, comparable to ham that can be bought in the store for a few dollars per pound. And store-bought ham is already smoked. The pit ham is still fine, but I really feel it's not worth the price increase, much less overall price.

After several visits, I've decided to continually skip purchasing the brisket. If you're only going to go here once, you'll likely get a slice to try. The brisket has been hit or miss the few times I've purchased it. It's continually been tougher and dried out more than I like, and the fat is never rendered enough for my liking. I realize some restaurants cook their briskets at higher temperatures/quicker than other restaurants, but as the prices have gone up $3/lb from spring to fall 2024, and overall price now approaches $30/lb, I'll likely continue to skip the brisket.

With every new bbq restaurant that's popped up over the last decade plus, there are a multitude of options out there. The price increases at this place astound me. Whatever your definition of "craft bbq" is, I really feel this place has started charging "craft bbq" prices for normal bbq.

Bottom line - I would still recommend a visit. I would also say average bbq at above...

There's a reason people from all over the world travel here to enjoy the BBQ! Kreuz Market is a treasured German-American BBQ institution and a cherished Texas tradition!

When I was in my single digits, my grandparents used to take us on long Sunday drives just so that we could enjoy the delicious and authentic barbecue at Kreuz Market, just like my great grandparents did for them. I continue this tradition to this day. Back then, Kreuz was in this small old white historical building in downtown Lockhart, not far away from their new location. Once you stepped through the door, you were transported back in time. It was dark inside and hot, from both the Texas summer heat and the pits that were slowly smoking the meats with Post Oak. The reward was near and the smell of legit BBQ made your stomach growl and your mouth water. Behind the bar stood the worn and muscular butcher-looking Pit Master. He'd take your order, chop your meats and plate them on butcher paper. We'd gladly pay and head off to one of the rustic wooden community tables to enjoy the prize - IMHO, the best BBQ in the world and something for which Central Texas is well known. Chained to the table were large knives to cut the meat with and plenty of paper towels to keep those hands clean from the most juicy and flavorful slow-smoked meats you'll ever have the pleasure of enjoying. What a wonderful way to honor the life of the cattle that made this all possible!

Kreuz Market has since bought a new property just up the road situated on a few acres, and built what looks like about a 10,000 square foot restaurant that looks and feels like a warm old nod to the past, especially on the inside. Decorated with antique furnishings and tools, it's a blast from the past. The experience remains much the same, and it's always a good one.

I usually skip all the sides and just go right for the gold - the meats.

Tip: You cannot beat their original smoked beef sausage. They have absolutely perfected their sausage recipe and execution, and I always buy at least 10 warm links to go to enjoy between visits, and I know I am not alone there.

Our family continues this BBQ tradition...

Was fired up to eat here! This place has lots of great reviews about the food and atmosphere. Damn was it disappointing !

The brisket was dry, the pork chop was tender, the ribs were good, and the sausage was just alright, but everything lacked flavor. It seemed like a lot of barbecue sauce was used to compensate. I arrived at 6 PM, and by that time, most of the items were already out—only 3 ribs left and no turkey. So, definitely arrive earlier; two hours before closing wasn't early enough.

The staff at the meat counter were not friendly at all. They seemed irritated by simple questions, with lots of eye rolling and condescending tones. They made a lasting impression, but unfortunately, it wasn’t a positive one. However, the gentleman working the meat section was very kind and helped ease the tension.

I was there with a group of 30-40, and the person who organized the event even mentioned being treated poorly when booking. We ordered individually, and for 3 people, our total was $75.

Here’s what we ordered: 4 slices of brisket, 2 pork chops, 3 sausage links, 3 ribs, a medium bowl of mac and cheese, a small coleslaw, and 1 Big Red.

The lady at the register where we ordered the sides was super sweet and pleasant, which was a refreshing change. Overall, it was an okay experience, but I wouldn’t be in a...