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Know what? I'm a northern fella, originally from Seattle. Back home, one of the "best" barbeque joints advertises "where the sauce is boss".
Sauce has nothing to do with good barbeque. It's a condiment.
My sister (a decade-plus Austin resident) and I went here based on a little googling, and a video where DJ Jazzy Jeff extolled the virtues of this place. Sam's had been recommended to him by Questlove. Anyhoo...
As we exited the car, we could smell the smoke lingering in the air. Upon opening the front door, we were greeted by more of the same - everything inside sepia-toned by the loving smoke. A man emerged from the kitchen and we each ordered the two meat combo - brisket and sausage, along with beans and potato salad as sides.
The man went back through the plastic curtain which was fifty shades of amber, to return with a large, foil-wrapped parcel which he placed on the cutting board and opened to reveal a beautiful, glistening smoked brisket. A good-sized portion was carved off for each of us, the sausage and sides were added to our plate (along with the requisite white bread), we found a table and began to dig in.
The brisket had a beautiful pink smoke ring all around, the sausage smoked dark. As I began to pull apart a tender slice of brisket with my fingers, my sister said she'd asked for a plastic knife and was told, "we don't have knives here, ma'am", alluding to the slogan painted on the outside wall "You don't need teeth to eat our beef". Tender is an understatement. The fatty portion of this brisket was melt-in-your mouth, and the meat itself had not even the slightest bit of stringiness. The sausages were good, but not anything spectacular. When next I visit, I'll either get a plate of the brisket with sides, or maybe just order it by the pound and tuck in to the pile of meat with a loaf of white bread alongside. It's good for sopping up the juice on the plate"
If I lived in Austin, I'd move in across the street and make this a daily habit.
The atmosphere is very laid-back and easy going. The smell of the food is absolutely amazing, and the food itself is even better! It is a small shop, so it isn't HORRIBLY crowded, and they have outside seating in a covered patio. Overall, amazing food and a very nice atmosphere. 10/10 would LOVE to eat here again!!
Dat BOI Sam, long as your good with no gloves and a bit of crust on the floor, this is the closest most of you will ever get to having an award winning bbq master as your uncle.
We always make it a point when we come to Austin we will make time to come and eat here! Had the brisket and rib plate! We will be back in March!
I can never eat any other bbq again. This place has spoiled me forever. I can not explain how delicious everything was and how nice everyone was. Don't be afraid to talk to them cause they're the most down to earth and friendly.
Would recommend to everyone and especially out of towners. I cannot go back to the northeast without an order of his brisket.
This meat was the best BBQ I ever had... Do not let the "juke joint" exterior fool you... The best BBQ you may ever taste awaits inside!
My house guest, after doing much research online chose Sam's for lunch, over all the other barbeque places in Austin. And he chose well. The pork ribs were lean, generous and practically falling off the bone, as advertised. And the brisket was cooked to perfection. Excellent sides, too. This is the real deal, folks! A down-home, old-fashioned bbq joint. Highly recommended!
According to food Network, Sam's bbq is one of the top two joints in Austin. Been eating here for 40 years.
Only been there once,but was the best bbq in town, I will be there today to help save Sam's bbq don't want this place to leave
Great food. No A/C, so if you need that, get your order to go. Sauce is *perfect* and potato salad is among the best. Great specials available.
Literally 100x better than Franklins. Less than a mile away and the guys are much friendlier.
Go here one time and you will feel like a fool for ever standing in that over hyped line at Franklins.
We visited from New Zealand. Told by a local to go see Sam. Wasn't disappointed at all. The ribs were top notch, totally don't need no teeth to eat that beef! Hung out with Sam, sang some Aretha & had a good laugh. Great stuff!
The food was awesome melt in your mouth... I would go there again and again and again!!!
The best staple bbq in Austin, who needs to stand in line at Franklin's when there's Sam's?
The mutton is amazing. This place is one of the few things I miss about TX.
Good Southern BBQ in Texas State Capital! 10/10 RECOMMEND!! Great food and service. 2 meats 2 sides w/ bread option. Good portions. Daiquiri store adjoin to it w/seating. I enjoyed the Sausage, chicken w/ Mac & cheese & baked beans. My spouse enjoyed the brisket and ribs : yams & Mac. Street parking; Black Owned; Community staple.
I stopped in Austin for one night and got Sam's BBQ for breakfast as I was leaving the city. I'm so glad I waited until they opened before I left Austin because the food was so good. It was a nice reminder of a good old school BBQ. Simple and flavorful. It was probably so odd having somebody at the door right at opening but he was so kind and helpful. Thanks !!
I've been a big fan of Sam's for years. On my most recent trip, I had the opportunity to sit down with Sam and talk with him about the offers he has been receiving to sell his property. Offers as high as $8M! But he's not selling!
The brisket and sausage were delicious as well as the sides.
East Austin, before gentrification, was a vibrant close-knit African American neighborhood. Today Sam's BBQ is a walk back in time. Established in 1957 it remains now as then a gathering place for any or all still existing African American east Austin residents. The food. Sausage good stuff. They advertise that the meat is so moist you don't need a fork. Which is true. What makes brisket moist. Fat. The beans are sweet baked beans.
Very low-key spot, which I respect. Cutter was friendly. I got a two-meat plate for $22. The brisket was flavorful but a little dry. Ribs were great. Loved the sides—mac & cheese and potato salad
Had a great time. David and I talked for quite a long time, and enjoyed each other's stories. Friendly place, great food. They have Brisket, mutton, chicken, sausages, pork and many sides. Brisket was great and the mutton was a nice new item I haven't had in a while. I will be back and recommend it. Wish I had more time to try the sausage and pork, but another time. Yams and potato salad were good too. Don't let the outside change your mind it is worth the price and they are great people!!
Awesome barbecue, even better service! Staff treats you like family and great atmosphere. A true BBQ joint. If you’re ever in Austin don’t leave this place off your list of places to visit.
Stopped by Sam’s for a late lunch on my way out of Austin and I’m so glad I did. Super tender brisket, really friendly employees, and I heard from every person in there about the daiquiris being amazing.
Food was amazing and the people working there were just as great. Definitely recommend this place and I will be back.
you literally need no teeth to eat their meat. Sam’s is definitely one of the most authentic, and oldest, BBQ restaurants in the town. Totally worth every cent you pay for their food. This place has a lot of character and history, and nice vibe. Free parking available. Try it once and you’ll be regular here.
Got there a little early for the brisket. He sold out the night before because he went viral on TikTok. The chicken and sausage was so good I don’t mind having to come back for the brisket. Chicken melted off the bone. If all chicken tasted like this I’d eat more chicken.
Fabulous BBQ, potato salad was delicious and daiquiri were on spot. Thanks Sir for you're hospitality.
The food was amazing! Got the 2 meat plate, brisket and chicken with green beans and Mac and cheese. The green beans are excellent and the brisket and chicken with the sauce and Mac and cheese was awesome! Definitely recommend it👍
My favorite BBQ in Austin. Part of it is the ambiance and the history, knowing you're supporting a business that has been there for generations and has so far stood the test against gentrification. But above all, the food is GOOD. Their slogan doesn't lie, you don't need teeth to eat their meat. The brisket is really great, as is everything else. If you don't wanna trek out to Lockhart for your BBQ, go here instead!
The most authentic BBQ spot within central Austin. Quality food, great staff, and a well-worn patina that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. A favorite for 20+ years -- it never disappoints!
I haven’t been here in years! Still smiles and friendly faces. Jumped into conversations like if I alway go in there. The food smells amazing. I haven’t took a bite since it will be for dinner, but I’m sure it won’t disappoint. I’ll get back on later.
No fuss down home BBQ. We had the brisket, sausage, and chicken - sides were mac n cheese and baked beans. Highlight was definitely the BBQ and bakes beans, mouth watering.
Don’t expect too much in terms of ambiance, it’s a barebones BBQ spot with good people and yummy food.
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