Spent a week in Austin eating bbq, mostly my favorites including Franklin (30 min wait on a Tuesday in February), Leroy and Lewis, Interstellar and Micklethwait’s (had a new brick and mortar). Excellence all around for spots that I assume are well covered in terms of reviews.
On my way down to San Antonio (Austin tacos and Tex-Mex remain mediocre) I stopped at burnt bean in Seguin. While not exactly unknown as a top 5 place on the most recent Texas monthly top 50 list, it remains a bit under the radar. I was there for the Thursday pork steak special which was phenomenal. 1.5 lbs of thick cut shoulder, smoked with a dirt rice and beans for sides. The typical brisket, sausage and ribs looked excellent as well. Worth the 1 hour drive from Austin.
This guy was frequently on BBQ Pitmasters which I no longer get on my cable. Can’t remember if he ever won but his food looked tasty with a decided mexi influence.
Side note: Seguin is where Freddy Patek called home.
Burnt Bean is now #1 on Texas Monthly’s new 2025 list. Leroy and Lewis #2. Seems like bringing more than just good brisket ribs and sausage was more important vs previous years as pit masters are doing a lot of new and creative things inside and outside the smoker. Will have to try some new places outside of Austin on my next trip.
