Welcome, fellow BBQ enthusiasts and unapologetic carnivores! If you’re here looking for vegan-friendly options, we’ll have to put a pin in that and circle back next quarter. This blog is strictly for those who believe in the holy trinity of brisket, ribs, and sausage.
Prepare yourself for a wild, flavor-packed journey through Austin's most mouth-watering BBQ joints, all while being entertained by the city's premier purveyor of comedy and magic, Esther's Follies. Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the heart of Texas BBQ, with a side of satire and a sprinkle of political incorrectness. If you're easily offended, consider this your trigger warning. For the rest of you, loosen your belt and let’s get greasy!
The Best BBQ in Austin: Where Meat Meets Magic
Austin, Texas—a city where the brisket is as tender as a politician's ego and the ribs are juicier than the latest scandal. But amidst the smoke and sizzle, one establishment stands out not just for its BBQ but for its unique blend of comedy, magic, and all-around mayhem: Esther's Follies.
Esther's Follies: The Showstopper of Sixth Street
Before we dive into the meat of the matter (pun absolutely intended), let's talk about the legendary Esther's Follies. Nestled in the heart of Sixth Street, Esther's has been serving up a smorgasbord of satire, magic, and musical comedy for over four decades. Imagine a place where the absurdity of politics meets the hilarity of everyday life, all wrapped up in a show that's as unpredictable as a Texas weather forecast.
At Esther's, no topic is off-limits. From lampooning local politicians to poking fun at national headlines, the talented cast spares no one. And let's not forget the magic—illusions so mind-blowing, you might start questioning your life choices. It’s like watching Congress, except here the tricks are intentional and actually entertaining.
The Best BBQ in Austin: A Carnivore's Carnival
Now that we've whetted your appetite with a taste of Esther's Follies, let's embark on a tour of Austin's top BBQ joints. These establishments aren't just places to eat; they're institutions where meat is worshipped, and sauce flows like the Colorado River.
1. Franklin Barbecue: The Holy Grail of Brisket
If BBQ had a monarchy, Franklin Barbecue would be the reigning king. People line up for hours, braving the Texas sun (and occasional downpour), all for a taste of Aaron Franklin's legendary brisket. It's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, leaving you in a state of smoky euphoria. You could wait four hours in line, or you could run for public office and have it catered to your fundraiser. Your choice.
2. la Barbecue: Where Tradition Meets Temptation
Founded by LeAnn Mueller and now helmed by her wife, Ali Clem, la Barbecue serves up Central Texas-style BBQ with a side of sass. Their brisket boasts a smoky bark that would make a pitmaster weep, and their sausages are so flavorful they should come with a warning label. Eating here feels a little scandalous, like sneaking out of work early but instead of guilt, you leave with meat sweats.
3. InterStellar BBQ: Out-of-This-World Flavors
Blast off to a galaxy of flavors at InterStellar BBQ, where pitmaster John Bates combines traditional techniques with innovative twists. Their sweet tea-brined pork chops are the stuff of legends, and the pastrami brisket will make you question your life choices up to this point. NASA should really start looking into fueling rockets with this stuff, no wonder they have a Michellin Star!
4. LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue: The Mavericks of Meat
For those who like their BBQ with a side of rebellion, LeRoy and Lewis is the place to be. Operating out of a food truck at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden, this joint serves up alternative cuts and inventive sides that defy tradition. Smoked beef cheeks? Check. Cauliflower burnt ends? Oh, you thought BBQ was just for meat? Think again.
5. Micklethwait Craft Meats: The Artisan's Approach
Housed in a vintage trailer, Micklethwait Craft Meats offers a curated BBQ experience that feels less like a backyard smoke-out and more like a fine art exhibit. Their sausage game is so strong, even your grandma's holiday stuffing recipe might get a little jealous.
After Eating the Best BBQ in Austin, Head to Esther’s Follies for The Ultimate Austin Night
Now, here’s the real pro move: Pair your BBQ experience with an unforgettable night at Esther’s Follies. After consuming enough smoked meat to knock out a small horse, you’ll need somewhere to laugh off the impending food coma—and there’s no better place than Austin’s most iconic comedy and magic show.
At Esther’s Follies, the satire is sharper than a butcher’s knife, the magic tricks are so good they might make you question your reality, and the performers are way funnier than your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving (even when he starts doing impressions).
Why BBQ and Esther’s Follies Go Hand in Hand
Austin is a city that thrives on big flavors and bigger personalities. And when you think about it, BBQ and Esther’s Follies have a lot in common:
Both involve fire – One uses it to smoke brisket; the other uses it to roast politicians.
Both are Texas institutions – Try finding better BBQ outside Texas. We’ll wait. Esther’s Follies? Same deal.
Both leave you wanting more – Whether it’s another plate of ribs or another round of outrageous comedy, you’ll never walk away unsatisfied.
Meat, Magic, and Mayhem
Say that three times. Eat the BBQ, see the show, and embrace the glorious, smoky chaos that is Austin. Because in this city, we don’t half-ass anything. We full-ass it. Preferably with extra brisket on the side.