Brown’s Bar-B-Que has become a staple of Austin’s vibrant food truck scene since its inception in 2012. Founded by Daniel Brown, this mobile eatery has quickly risen through the ranks of Texas barbecue, earning a spot on multiple top ten lists in the city.
Brown’s Bar-B-Que offers authentic Texas-style smoked meats that have captivated locals and visitors alike. The food truck’s signature beef brisket, known for its tenderness and juicy flavor, exemplifies the skill and dedication behind their craft. From humble beginnings selling food outside music festivals, Brown has transformed his passion into a sought-after culinary experience.
The success of Brown’s Bar-B-Que is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional barbecue techniques combined with a modern food truck format. Its popularity reflects Austin’s thriving street food culture and the city’s appreciation for high-quality, locally-crafted cuisine.
The Rise of Brown’s Bar-B-Que
Daniel Brown’s journey from a small-scale operation to a renowned Austin barbecue destination showcases his passion and dedication. His unique approach has earned him a place among the city’s top pitmasters.
Journey to South Lamar
Brown’s Bar-B-Que started humbly in 2006. Daniel Brown began by selling food outside of ACL from the back of his truck. He used a simple setup – a smoker and a cooler.
Over several years, Brown built a loyal following. His success allowed him to upgrade to a food trailer in 2012. This marked a significant milestone in the business’s growth.
The food trailer found its home on South Lamar Boulevard. It set up shop in front of Corner Bar, becoming a fixture in the neighborhood. This location helped increase visibility and accessibility for barbecue enthusiasts.
Stirring the Smoke in Austin’s Barbecue Scene
Brown’s Bar-B-Que quickly gained recognition in Austin’s competitive barbecue landscape. The food truck‘s brisket became a standout menu item, drawing praise from locals and food critics alike.
Matthew Odam, a respected food critic, ranked Brown’s Bar-B-Que fifth on his list of top Austin barbecue spots. Mike Sutter, another barbecue expert, placed it even higher at number three.
These accolades highlighted Brown’s skill with his trailer-mounted steel smoker. His ability to find the “sweet spot” in smoking meats set him apart from competitors.
Brown’s menu expanded beyond brisket. He offers a range of traditional barbecue items, catering to diverse tastes. This variety, combined with consistent quality, has cemented Brown’s Bar-B-Que as an Austin barbecue destination.
Signature Dishes
Brown’s Bar-B-Que has earned its reputation through masterful preparation of classic barbecue staples. Their brisket, pulled pork, sausages, and beef ribs showcase the skills that have made this food truck a local favorite.
Mastering Brisket
Brown’s brisket stands out as a top contender in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene. The meat is slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in a tender and moist texture. A distinctive pink smoke ring surrounds each slice, indicating expert pit management.
The brisket’s exterior features a well-developed bark, enhancing its flavor profile. Brown’s balances smokiness with the natural beef taste, avoiding overpowering seasoning. Diners can choose between lean or fatty cuts to suit their preferences.
Served with or without sauce, the brisket’s quality shines through. Brown’s BBQ sauce complements rather than masks the meat’s inherent flavors.
Pulled Pork Perfection
Brown’s pulled pork exemplifies the art of patience in barbecue. The pork shoulder is smoked low and slow until it reaches the ideal tenderness. When gently pulled apart, the meat separates effortlessly into succulent strands.
The flavor is a harmonious blend of smoke, spices, and natural pork taste. Brown’s achieves a delicate balance, ensuring the meat remains moist without becoming greasy. The pulled pork’s versatility allows it to shine in sandwiches or as a standalone dish.
A light application of Brown’s signature sauce adds tanginess and depth, enhancing the pork’s natural sweetness. The pulled pork’s consistency in quality has made it a fan favorite.
Savory Sausages & Beef Ribs
Brown’s sausages showcase the food truck’s commitment to traditional Texas barbecue. Made in-house, these links burst with flavor and juiciness. The casing provides a satisfying snap, giving way to a perfectly seasoned interior.
Beef ribs at Brown’s are a testament to their pit mastery. These substantial cuts are cooked until the meat nearly falls off the bone. The ribs develop a rich, beefy flavor intensified by hours of smoking.
Both sausages and beef ribs benefit from Brown’s expert touch with seasoning and smoke. These items round out the menu, offering robust alternatives to the brisket and pulled pork.
Sides and More
Brown’s Bar-B-Que doesn’t just excel at smoked meats. Their side dishes are equally impressive, offering a perfect complement to the main attractions.
Comforting Classics: Mac and Cheese & Beans
The mac and cheese at Brown’s is a standout favorite. Creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned, it strikes the ideal balance between comfort food and gourmet side dish. The pasta is always cooked to al dente perfection, enrobed in a velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite.
Brown’s beans are another crowd-pleaser. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, they’re infused with smoky flavors from the barbecue. The beans have a slight sweetness balanced by savory spices, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
Refreshing Accompaniments: Slaw & Potato Salad
Brown’s coleslaw provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich barbecue flavors. The cabbage is crisp and fresh, tossed in a light dressing that doesn’t overpower the natural vegetable flavors. It’s the perfect palate cleanser between bites of smoky meat.
The potato salad is a creamy delight. Chunks of potato are mixed with just the right amount of mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings. Bits of celery and onion add texture and flavor, creating a well-rounded side that complements the barbecue beautifully.
Delicious Desserts
Brown’s Bar-B-Que offers two classic Southern desserts to perfectly cap off a hearty barbecue meal. These sweet treats provide a satisfying finale to the savory smoked meats.
Sweet Finale: Banana Pudding
Brown’s Banana Pudding is a customer favorite. This creamy dessert features layers of silky vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers. The pudding is made from scratch daily, ensuring a rich, homemade taste.
Diners appreciate the generous portion size, which is ideal for sharing. The dessert strikes a balance between sweet and creamy, with the bananas adding natural sweetness and the wafers providing a pleasant textural contrast.
Homestyle Favorite: Peach Cobbler
The Peach Cobbler at Brown’s Bar-B-Que is a true Southern comfort dessert. Fresh, juicy peaches are baked in a sweet syrup and topped with a golden, buttery crust. The cobbler is served warm, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is optional but highly recommended, as it complements the warm cobbler beautifully. The dessert isn’t overly sweet, allowing the natural peach flavor to shine through.
Both desserts are made in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. They’re popular choices among regulars and newcomers alike, often selling out before the end of the day.
Setting and Atmosphere
Brown’s Bar-B-Que offers a laid-back outdoor dining experience in the heart of South Austin. The food truck’s location and seating arrangements create a casual, welcoming atmosphere for barbecue enthusiasts.
The Charm of Brown’s Outdoor Seating
Brown’s Bar-B-Que embraces the Texas tradition of outdoor dining. Picnic tables are scattered around the food truck, providing ample seating for patrons. These tables offer a communal dining experience, perfect for groups of friends or families enjoying their smoky meats together.
The outdoor seating area is often bustling with activity, creating a lively atmosphere. On pleasant days, diners can savor their meals under the open sky, adding to the authentic barbecue experience. The casual setting encourages conversation and fosters a sense of community among customers.
Conveniently Located on the Corner
Brown’s Bar-B-Que is strategically positioned on the corner of South Lamar Boulevard and Barton Springs Road. This prime location places it at the intersection of two vibrant Austin neighborhoods: Zilker and Bouldin Creek.
The food truck’s corner spot makes it easily accessible to both locals and visitors. It’s a stone’s throw away from popular attractions like Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake. The proximity to Corner Bar provides patrons with the option to enjoy a cold beverage with their meal.
Parking is available nearby, making it convenient for those driving to grab a quick lunch or dinner. The food truck’s visibility from the street often draws in curious passersby, contributing to its growing popularity in the Austin barbecue scene.
Beyond Brisket: Menu Diversity
Brown’s Bar-B-Que offers a diverse menu that extends far beyond its famous brisket. The food truck serves up a variety of smoked meats and unique sandwich creations that showcase the breadth of Texas barbecue traditions.
From Smoked Chicken to Boudin Balls
Brown’s Bar-B-Que excels in smoking more than just beef. Their smoked chicken is a standout, with juicy meat and crispy skin. The food truck also offers boudin balls, a Cajun-inspired delicacy rarely found in Austin barbecue joints.
Pork ribs and pulled pork round out the smoked meat options. For those seeking a taste of the Carolinas, Brown’s serves NC-style BBQ sauce, adding a tangy vinegar kick to their meats.
Unique Sandwich Creations
Brown’s Bar-B-Que elevates the classic barbecue sandwich with creative combinations. Their signature sandwich features a mix of chopped brisket and sausage on a soft bun.
The “Lambert’s Special” pays homage to Austin’s barbecue history, combining smoked turkey and avocado. Vegetarian options are also available, including a grilled portobello sandwich with house-made slaw.
Each sandwich comes with a choice of sides, from classic potato salad to innovative jalapeño creamed corn.
The Competition: Austin’s BBQ Landscape
Austin’s barbecue scene is fiercely competitive, with numerous renowned establishments vying for the top spot. Brown’s Bar-B-Que faces stiff competition from both established joints and up-and-coming pitmasters.
BBQ Rivals in South Austin
South Austin boasts several formidable BBQ contenders. La Barbecue, known for its mouthwatering brisket, draws long lines of eager customers. Their commitment to quality has earned them a loyal following.
Stile Switch BBQ & Brew offers a diverse menu featuring Central Texas-style barbecue. Their spacious location and craft beer selection make them a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Iron Gate BBQ, though lesser-known, has been gaining traction with its flavorful smoked meats and friendly atmosphere. Their dedication to traditional cooking methods has earned them praise from barbecue enthusiasts.
How Brown’s Bar-B-Que Stands Out
Brown’s Bar-B-Que sets itself apart through consistency and accessibility. As a food truck, it offers a more casual dining experience compared to brick-and-mortar establishments.
Daniel Brown’s expertise, honed since 2006, ensures top-quality barbecue. His attention to detail and commitment to perfecting his craft have earned Brown’s a spot on Austin’s top ten barbecue lists.
The food truck’s location outside Corner Bar on South Lamar provides a convenient option for barbecue lovers. This strategic placement allows Brown’s to capture both local and tourist traffic.
Brown’s menu focuses on traditional barbecue staples, executed to perfection. This straightforward approach appeals to purists seeking authentic Texas-style smoked meats.