Green Mesquite BBQ has been a cornerstone of Austin’s barbecue scene since 1988. Located on Barton Springs Road, this iconic joint has served up mesquite-smoked Texas-style barbecue for over three decades, earning a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Green Mesquite BBQ stands out for its unique approach to smoking meats, using gas-assisted Ole Hickory rotisserie pits to ensure even cooking. This method, combined with their signature mesquite wood, imparts a distinctive flavor to their brisket, pork ribs, and famous smoked chicken wings. The restaurant’s menu also features traditional comfort foods like catfish and chicken fried steak, catering to a variety of tastes.
As one of Austin’s barbecue pioneers, Green Mesquite BBQ has contributed to the city’s rich culinary heritage. The restaurant’s longevity and popularity speak to its consistent quality and ability to adapt to changing tastes while maintaining its core identity as a classic Texas barbecue joint.
The History of Green Mesquite BBQ
Green Mesquite BBQ has been a beloved fixture in Austin’s barbecue scene since 1988. Its journey from a small Barton Springs eatery to a multi-location establishment reflects the growth of Texas barbecue culture over the past three decades.
The Beginning in Barton Springs
Tom Davis founded Green Mesquite BBQ in 1988 on Barton Springs Road. The restaurant quickly became known for its authentic Texas-style barbecue and unique cooking method.
Green Mesquite used an Ole Hickory rotisserie pit, which was gas-assisted for even cooking. This approach set them apart from traditional Central Texas barbecue joints.
The original location’s proximity to Barton Springs Pool helped attract both locals and tourists. Its menu featured classic barbecue staples like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
Growth and Recognition
As Green Mesquite’s popularity grew, it began to receive accolades from the Austin community. The restaurant earned several “Best of Austin” awards, cementing its status as a local favorite.
Green Mesquite expanded its menu beyond traditional barbecue. They introduced items like smoked chicken wings, which became a signature dish.
The restaurant’s success was built on consistent quality and a welcoming atmosphere. It became a go-to spot for those seeking authentic Texas barbecue in a laid-back South Austin setting.
The Expansion to South Lamar
In 2010, Green Mesquite BBQ opened its second location in the South Park Meadows area. This expansion allowed the restaurant to serve a wider audience in South Austin.
The new location maintained the original’s commitment to quality barbecue while accommodating more diners. It featured the same menu items that made the Barton Springs restaurant popular.
By 2024, Green Mesquite BBQ was under the ownership of Joe Reese, Fred Reese, and Brady Johns. The restaurant continued to offer dine-in, takeout, and catering services, adapting to changing customer needs while preserving its barbecue traditions.
Culinary Mastery at Green Mesquite BBQ
Green Mesquite BBQ has perfected the art of Texas-style barbecue over three decades. Their menu showcases a range of smoked meats, homemade sides, sandwiches, and even vegetarian options.
Signature Smoked Meats
Green Mesquite BBQ’s smoky flavors shine through in their brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. The restaurant uses an Ole Hickory rotisserie pit with gas assistance for even cooking. This method ensures consistent results across their meat offerings.
Their brisket is tender with a flavorful bark. Pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone succulent. The pulled pork is juicy and packed with smoky goodness.
Green Mesquite also offers smoked turkey and sausage. These lighter options provide variety for those seeking alternatives to beef and pork.
The chicken wings are a standout item. Smoked to perfection, they’re known for their unique flavor profile.
Homemade Sides and Sandwiches
Green Mesquite BBQ complements its smoked meats with an array of homemade sides. These accompaniments round out the barbecue experience.
Popular sides include classic barbecue staples like coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans. The restaurant also offers stuffed baked potatoes as a hearty side option.
Sandwiches feature prominently on the menu. Chopped beef, pulled pork, and smoked turkey are available in sandwich form. These handheld options make for a quick and satisfying meal.
The restaurant’s commitment to traditional comfort foods extends to items like catfish and chicken fried steak. These dishes showcase the breadth of Green Mesquite’s culinary skills.
Vegetarian Options
Green Mesquite BBQ caters to non-meat eaters with several vegetarian choices. This inclusivity sets them apart from many traditional barbecue establishments.
Vegetarian options might include salads, veggie burgers, or plant-based sides. These dishes ensure that everyone can enjoy a meal at Green Mesquite, regardless of dietary preferences.
By offering vegetarian fare, Green Mesquite BBQ demonstrates adaptability in a meat-centric cuisine. This approach helps the restaurant appeal to a wider audience and stay relevant in Austin’s diverse food scene.
The Unique BBQ Techniques
Green Mesquite BBQ stands out for its distinctive smoking methods and commitment to tender, flavorful meats. The restaurant’s techniques have been perfected over decades to create their signature taste.
Mesquite Wood Smoking
Green Mesquite BBQ uses mesquite wood as its primary smoking fuel. This dense hardwood imparts a strong, earthy flavor to the meats. The smokehouse is carefully monitored to maintain optimal temperature and smoke levels.
Mesquite burns hot and fast, requiring skilled pit masters to control the fire. They add wood strategically to keep a consistent smoke without overpowering the meat’s natural flavors. This technique results in a deep smoke ring and rich taste.
The restaurant seasons its meats with a proprietary dry rub before smoking. This enhances the natural flavors and helps form a flavorful bark on the exterior of briskets and ribs.
Secrets Behind Fall-Off-The-Bone Meat
Green Mesquite BBQ achieves its tender, fall-off-the-bone texture through low and slow cooking. Meats are smoked at low temperatures for extended periods, often 12-14 hours for brisket.
Pit masters carefully monitor internal temperatures to ensure meats reach the ideal level of doneness. They wrap certain cuts in butcher paper midway through smoking to retain moisture and enhance tenderness.
The restaurant uses a “Texas crutch” technique for some meats, wrapping them in foil with a small amount of liquid to steam and tenderize. This method is especially effective for ribs and pork shoulder.
Resting is crucial. Meats are allowed to rest after smoking, allowing juices to redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness before serving.
Culture and Atmosphere
Green Mesquite BBQ blends Texas barbecue traditions with Austin’s vibrant music scene. The restaurant serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering a unique mix of flavors and entertainment.
Blend of BBQ and Live Music
Green Mesquite BBQ embraces Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The restaurant regularly hosts live performances, featuring local blues and rock bands. This musical backdrop enhances the dining experience, creating a lively atmosphere that complements the smoky aromas of barbecue.
Patrons can enjoy their mesquite-smoked meats while tapping their feet to the rhythm of blues tunes. The combination of soulful music and savory barbecue creates a sensory experience that captures the essence of Austin’s culture.
Green Mesquite BBQ as a Community Hub
Since its establishment in 1988, Green Mesquite BBQ has become a fixture in the South Austin community. The restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere attracts a diverse crowd, from families to music enthusiasts and barbecue aficionados.
Regular customers often gather at Green Mesquite BBQ to catch up with friends or make new acquaintances. The restaurant’s laid-back vibe encourages conversation and fosters a sense of community among patrons.
Green Mesquite BBQ also participates in local events and supports community initiatives, further strengthening its ties to the neighborhood. This commitment to the local area has helped the restaurant maintain its status as a beloved Austin institution for over three decades.
BBQ Beyond the Basics
Green Mesquite BBQ offers more than just traditional Texas barbecue. The restaurant has expanded its menu and services to cater to diverse tastes and customer needs.
Innovative Takes on Traditional BBQ
Green Mesquite BBQ has introduced Korean-inspired dishes to its menu. The restaurant now serves Korean Braised BBQ and Galbi Jjim, adding an international flair to its offerings. These dishes combine traditional Korean flavors with Texas barbecue techniques.
The restaurant also experiments with unique flavor combinations and cooking methods. They offer smoked chicken wings, a popular twist on the classic barbecue lineup. Stuffed baked potatoes loaded with barbecue meats provide a hearty alternative to standard sides.
Green Mesquite BBQ maintains its BYOB policy, allowing customers to bring their preferred beverages. This adds flexibility to the dining experience and keeps costs down for patrons.
Takeout and Catering Services
Green Mesquite BBQ has adapted to changing customer needs by offering robust takeout options. Customers can order their favorite barbecue dishes for pickup or delivery, making it convenient for those who prefer to dine at home.
The restaurant’s catering services have become popular for events and gatherings. They offer customizable menus featuring their signature barbecue items and sides. This service extends the Green Mesquite BBQ experience beyond their restaurant locations.
Catering options include full-service setups for large events or simple drop-off services for smaller gatherings. The restaurant’s ability to scale its offerings has made it a go-to choice for both corporate events and private parties in Austin.
Comparison with Local Barbecue Joints
Green Mesquite BBQ has earned its place among Austin’s top barbecue destinations. It stands out with its unique mesquite-smoked flavors and diverse menu offerings. Let’s examine how it compares to some of the city’s other renowned BBQ establishments.
Green Mesquite BBQ vs. Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue is known for its legendary brisket and long wait times. Green Mesquite BBQ offers a more accessible experience with shorter lines and a broader menu. While Franklin focuses on traditional Central Texas-style BBQ, Green Mesquite incorporates Cajun influences.
Green Mesquite’s mesquite-smoked meats provide a distinct flavor profile compared to Franklin’s oak-smoked offerings. Franklin may have the edge in brisket, but Green Mesquite excels in variety, offering items like Cajun-style boudin and smoked catfish.
Both restaurants prioritize quality, but Green Mesquite’s faster service and diverse menu make it a great option for those seeking a quicker, more varied BBQ experience.
Green Mesquite BBQ vs. The Salt Lick
The Salt Lick is famous for its picturesque Hill Country setting and open pit barbecue. Green Mesquite BBQ, located in urban Austin, provides a different atmosphere with its laid-back, neighborhood joint vibe.
Smoking methods differ between the two. The Salt Lick uses an open pit with oak wood, while Green Mesquite uses closed smokers with mesquite wood. This results in distinct flavor profiles for each restaurant.
Menu-wise, The Salt Lick focuses on traditional Texas BBQ staples. Green Mesquite offers these classics but also includes Cajun-inspired dishes and seafood options. Both restaurants serve family-style, but Green Mesquite’s individual plates cater well to solo diners or small groups.
Green Mesquite BBQ vs. Iron Works BBQ
Iron Works BBQ, housed in a historic Austin building, offers a rustic dining experience. Green Mesquite BBQ provides a more modern, casual atmosphere. Both restaurants have deep roots in Austin’s barbecue scene.
Meat preparation techniques differ slightly. Iron Works uses a dry rub and post-oak smoking, while Green Mesquite employs a wet mop and mesquite wood. This results in unique flavor profiles for each establishment.
Green Mesquite’s menu is more extensive, featuring Cajun-inspired dishes and seafood alongside traditional BBQ. Iron Works maintains a focused, traditional Texas BBQ menu. Both offer quality meats, but Green Mesquite’s diverse options cater to a wider range of tastes.
Famous Menu Highlights
Green Mesquite BBQ has crafted a menu that keeps patrons coming back for more. Their signature dishes showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Texas flavors and traditional smoking techniques.
Indulgent Smoked Turkey Breast
The smoked turkey breast at Green Mesquite BBQ is a fan favorite. Brined for hours, then slow-smoked over mesquite wood, the turkey emerges tender and juicy. The meat carries a subtle smoky flavor that complements its natural taste without overpowering it.
Sliced thick and served warm, the turkey breast pairs well with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad. Many customers opt to have it on a sandwich, where the smoky notes shine through.
The turkey’s versatility makes it a popular choice for both dine-in and catering orders. Its leaner profile appeals to health-conscious diners seeking a lighter BBQ option.
Savory Homemade Hot Sausage Wraps
Green Mesquite’s homemade hot sausage wraps offer a spicy kick to their menu. These sausages are made in-house using a secret blend of spices and high-quality pork.
Wrapped in a soft tortilla, the sausages are often accompanied by cheese, onions, and a dollop of tangy BBQ sauce. The combination creates a handheld meal that’s both satisfying and convenient.
The hot sausage wraps have become a go-to for quick lunches and game day snacks. Their bold flavors and portable nature make them a hit at catered events as well.
The Iconic Banana Pudding
No Texas BBQ experience is complete without dessert, and Green Mesquite’s banana pudding is a standout. This Southern classic features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh banana slices, and crisp vanilla wafers.
The pudding is made fresh daily, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. As it chills, the wafers soften slightly, creating a delightful texture contrast with the smooth pudding.
Served in generous portions, the banana pudding offers a sweet ending to a savory meal. Its popularity has led to it being offered in larger sizes for takeout and catering orders.