This post has been a long time coming, y’all. I feel like it gives me a menacing glare every time I open the page, mocking me…challenging me to write a piece that can even closely resemble an accurate description of a life-altering food experience I had just weeks ago. The strange thing is that typically, when I’m really excited about food, whether it’s a dish I make or a new restaurant I try, I want to tell everyone about it as fast as I possibly can. But this time was different. Something bizarre happened. (And it wasn’t procrastination due to wedding planning and classroom organizing…Ok, at least not all of it.)
Let me rewind a bit. Barbecue in general has always strangely intimidated me, and I’ve done a little soul-searching in efforts to ascertain the root of this perplexing fear. I’ve come to the realization that I fear barbecue because, quite frankly, it’s a true art and one only a select few “pitmasters” can actually master. I’ve never even come close. Most of the barbecue I grew up with was average at best, (yes–even in Austin!). So, at a young age, I wrote off the entire food category with a general dispassion. Even years later, when stopping through Lockhart, Driftwood, or Taylor to sample the “best” barbecue in central Texas, my tastebuds were underwhelmed.
About three weeks ago, all of this changed. My disinterest in barbecue immediately shifted into a newfound obsession as I took part in a blind taste test (with 40 others) between Franklin, la Barbecue and John Mueller, the Austin Barbecue behemoths. Each one of the 40 meat-laden plates in the taste test was piled high with the gloriously succulent trifecta of brisket, sausage, and pork ribs from the aforementioned BBQ establishments. Let’s just say…I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed my fiancé’s eyes so big as in that moment. I’m sure my eyes looked the same, but then again, I had no idea what I was in for. This was a pretty close race, especially between Franklin and la Barbecue. Franklin was definitely up there, and John Mueller trailed close behind, but it was la Barbecue that ultimately won me over.
So back to when I mentioned something bizarre happening… Well, the truth is I didn’t want to write this post because I am a selfish human being and the mere idea of sharing this impossibly smokey, melt-in-your-mouth barbecue (especially their brisket) brought tears to my eyes. I know…I’m horrible. But it’s ok, because many of you are already familiar with the meat-replete wonders of la Barbecue, as there is a decently long line starting at 11am (Wed-Sun), especially on Sundays when they have free beer. (seriously, it pains me to write this!)
But you guys. This stuff is worth standing in line for. (However, I didn’t have to endure that thanks to Peter and Daniela at Big Backyard Sporting Goods bringing the meat to us! Click the link or look for the big tent at Zilker if you ever feel like playing some sweet backyard games!)
Anyways…I’ll let the results speak for themselves!
WINNERS (according to the blind taste test):
Brisket: la Barbecue (Franklin came in at a very close 2nd)
Hot Links/Sausage: la Barbecue
Ribs: Franklin (in my opinion, Franklin’s and la Barbecue’s ribs were a tie)
As for me, I am only going to dole out one green tomato on the post (the highest rating) and it goes to la Barbecue: 
But why not try them all to see for yourself!
¡Buen provecho!
I have been to la Barbecue three times and found the food to be perfect every time. The only problem with la barbecue is that it has been discovered by the locals so the wait is longer than it used to be. The line is still far shorter than Franklins, with free beer to boot.
The thing with BBQ is the consistency. If you repeat the test next week and the week after you might have different results. There’s also which part of the brisket did you get? John Mueller could slice you a piece of the best part of the brisket, and Aaron Franklin could give you the ‘ok’ slice and then we could be led to believe John’s is best. A lot of variables..
Brisket wise, having tried them all multiple times, I’d rank Franklin 1, John Mueller 2, and la Barbecue a very very close 3, but encourage everyone to go out and try each.
I definitely agree with you, Matt! Consistency and cut are definitely elements to keep in mind when trying barbecue…my fiancé (who knows a lot more about BBQ than I do) reminded me of that when I was writing the post. I do love all 3, but La Barbecue is just my personal favorite it Austin right now! Thanks for the input!
Was it the consensus of the group or just your final opinion that La BBQ won? Everyone I meet seems to disagree on this so was curious if your group put it to the vote.
Well, seeing as La Barbecue won Brisket and Sausage, Franklin won ribs and John Mueller didn’t win anything, the consensus would be that La Barbecue won, and I am also in agreement with that consensus!