First stop on my BBQ Bound journey through Dixie was Austin, where brisket reigns supreme and with mighty fine reason.
If y’all ain’t never been, let me tell you that Austin is as happening a place to visit as any in the USA. With a booming local economy and a population busting at the seams with an unprecedented number of folks flocking to live there (as much for the opportunity as for the all-but-guaranteed blue skies and sunshine) the city nevertheless retains a warm and informal feel that would have even the prickliest of pears soon feeling at home.
The BBQ ain’t bad either.
While in Austin, I had the indulgent pleasure of dining at three of the nation’s best BBQ establishments (and the profound disappointment of not being able to get to a handful of other acclaimed eateries during my brief visit).
Franklin Barbecue
900 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78702
Yep, I made it to the world famous Franklin. It was my first taste of BBQ on the trip actually. Like so many before me have done (and so many more after me will), I waited in line all morning for a taste of what’s turned this humble little joint into a Mecca of meaty pleasure.
Sidling up to the Franklin parking lot around 9am, I took my place in a queue already comprised of roughly a couple dozen patient BBQ fans. By 10am, I couldn’t see the end of the queue that snaked behind me. Doors opened at 11, and I was chowing down on a most beautiful slice of brisket by noon. Orders were taken well before doors open (so you knew in advance if you were going to have your order met), lawn chairs were provided, toilets were available and customers could buy beer and soft drinks. The atmosphere while waiting for Franklin to open was as festive as it was anticipant – giddy even.
Was it worth the wait? My brisket (I got a half fatty/half lean mix) was rich and tender and maybe the best I had during my three weeks of travel. But! Was it that much better than the brisket I had five minutes’ walk down the street from Franklin?
More: franklinbarbecue.com.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
1309 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, Texas 78702
Going at a mound of frito pie topped with strips of brisket at a picnic table in the sun was a gourmand delight. The brisket was gorgeous and good enough to pacify any Texan’s carno-cravings. Service from the window of the Micklethwiat trailer was swift, appreciative and friendly. Oh but to be there now!
Details: craftmeatsaustin.com.
Salt Lick
18300 Farm to Market Road 1826, Driftwood, Texas, 78619
My last night in Austin, I headed out to the Hill Country for dinner at the legendary Salt Lick. An expansive restaurant, bar and winery fanned out from the original stone pit built by Thurmond Howard in 1967. Everything entering my mouth was delicious – the brisket especially so (and right up there with Franklin and Micklethwait).
By the way, driving along the winding Hill Country roads as a violaceous dusk subsided to a starry spangled blanket of black was one of the more beautiful ‘on the road’ moments of my trip.
Visit Salt Lick online at saltlickbbq.com.
Beyond the Q …
Omni Hotel Downtown
700 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, Texas, 78701
I stayed at the Omni Hotel Downtown. Great location, ace rooftop pool and a prime location, it was a handy base. Indeed, everywhere I went expect for my ride out to Salt Lick was within easy walking distance of the Omni. Find out more at omnihotels.com/hotels/austin-downtown.
CU29 Cocktail Bar
720 Brazos Street, Austin, Texas, 78701
Across the street from the Omni, CU29 proved a swell choice for elbow bending exercises. Brisket infused Bourbon? When in Austin … Check out CU29’s menu of handcrafted cocktails at cu29cocktailbar.com.
British Airways
British Airways offers daily flights to/from Austin/London Heathrow, from £619 per person, travelling January 1 – March 23. Includes World Traveller return flights from London Heathrow and an Economy car. Book by November 30. For reservations visit ba.com/car or call 0844 493 0758.
More
For a wealth of info about all the fun to be had in Austin, go to austintexas.org. For loads of help planning your trip to anywhere in the States, go to VisitTheUSA.com. And please be sure to keep an eye out for more BBQ Bound posts to come!
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