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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!!
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.
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