Rudy's BBQ - Austin, TX Review

Texas is famous for many things, but the thing I was itchin' to try was its world-renowned barbecue (I'm for sure not itchin' to try its world-renowned death penalty). Yeah, I'm a sucker for something that's both tasty and bad for you, and I'm quite a fan of Southern BBQ in general. Back in Florida, there was some excellent barbecue, my favorite variety being pulled pork slathered in a mustard-based sauce with slaw and beans on the side. Then there's the Carolina variety with its characteristic vinegar sauce, but none can compare with Texan BBQ. I am hooked. Here in Austin, there are more barbecue shacks than you can shake a stick at, but let's start the tour with Rudy's, because they've got multiple locations to serve you better.

Rudy's Country Store and Bar-B-Q bills itself as "The Worst Bar-B-Q in Texas," so you know it's good. Although it has it's detractors, who probably object to the fast-food nature of the place, Rudy's serves up a damn fine plate of oak-smoked ribs, the juiciest brisket around, and great side dishes, like the new potatoes drenched in melted butter or their incredible creamed corn. I know, you hear "creamed corn" and you think "nursing home food service," but this ain't your garden-variety creamed corn. Basically, Rudy's creamed corn consists of sweet niblets swimming in a rich blend of heavy cream and creamery butter. It's...creamy. Very creamy. My taste buds exulted as my arteries hardened. Genius.

Honorable mention for their jalapeno sausage links. Awesome.

 Rudy's also offers a "cutting cam" so you can watch the brisket get sliced on closed circuit TV. It may be a chain, but Rudy's offers tasty BBQ at a fair price.

RUDY'S COUNTRY STORE AND BBQ NEAR AUSTIN, TX:

2451 Capital of Texas Hwy
S.Austin, TX 78746
(512) 329-5554

11570 Research Blvd.
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 418-9898

2400 N. IH-35
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 244-2936

7709 FM 620
Austin, TX 78726
(512) 250-8002