Nites Out: Rudy?s BBQ

It’s hard to pick a favorite BBQ spot in Austin, there are two that are most memorable and consistently deliver cravable BBQ.

The first one introduced to me was The Salt Lick with the pit front and center as you walk in.  The pit master gingerly cares for your ribs, sausage, and brisket over the smoke-envelopped grills. 

Rudy’s BBQ was the second variety of good ‘ol southern smoked meat.  Each store is actually a gas station, so you can imagine the dress code is über casual, next to non-existent save the general  no shirt, no shoes, no service signs standard on every entrance.  Don’t let the rough and tumble appearance of your co-patrons fool you, this is a very good place to be.

My favorite are the ribs, which should be obvious from the snapshot.  The smoke seeps into the pork and it’s soft under a crust of pepper.  Mouth waters just thinking about it. 

There’s more than ribs, you can find turkey, sausage, and brisket.  Desserts are in a cooler adjacent to the ordering counter.  The roped line zigzagging in front of the counter are lined with glass bottles of Corona, Root Beer and assorted soda pops plunged into ice filled bins.  Rustic picnic tables with red and white checker plastic covers fill the void of the room.

Stay and dine alongside other BBQ lovers or take your bag home with you to make a mess of yourself in private.  Oh, don’t forget to grab a couple of containers of vinegary sauce straight out of the spigot before you head home.