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.
Burnt Bean in Seguin and Barb’s in Lockhart are on my 2026 list. I live in Austin. I agree San Antonio is the epicenter for tacos and Tex-Mex, but I love La Posada here.
Back in Austin and San Antonio again this year. Swung by Burnt Bean at 10am on a warm Thursday. About 100 people in line. I moved on to Austin.
Spent about an hour in line at Interstellar, my first time there. They specialize in bringing different meats and flavors to the table and great sides. Had a beef short rib with chimichurri (10 out of 10). Brisket on par with Franklin. Their most famous dish the smoked pork belly with peach tea glaze was super tender but too sweet. An attempt to smoke pork collar was less successful but those pairing with truffle chili crunch has promise. Smoked scalloped potatoes and blue corn chorizo cheese grits were total winners.
