It was fairly late in the day when I finally woke up on Wednesday morning, and I had had breakfast before going to bed. So I decided to forego the usually bacon and eggs and try some Texas-style barbecue, which generally means beef. Everyone had said that Franklin Bar-B-Q was the best, but I also knew that Franklin was an all-day proposition, and as badly as I wanted to try some beef brisket, I also wanted to do other things during the day as well, not spend it all waiting in line. So I had seen a place not all that far from my hotel called Rudy’s Bar-B-Que and Country Store, so I stopped there and decided to try their offerings. I didn’t know that they are considered one of the best barbecue places in Austin, but I can see why. Numerous times elsewhere I have ordered brisket and didn’t like what I got, but I loved the beef brisket I got at Rudy’s. I chose the lean brisket as I’m not a big fan of beef fat, and it was delicious, with a well-seasoned, smokey flavor that made the sauce almost superfluous. But the sauce was sweet and smokey as well, and made a nice addition. The inside is part dining hall and part country store, with long wooden tables the run the length of the room. Prices are not cheap, but neither are they outrageous, and the barbecue is really good. For those wanting to experience Austin barbecue without the four hours waiting in line, Rudy’s is a good option.
Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
11570 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 418-9898
http://www.rudysbbq.com/page/home