InterStellar BBQ in Austin, Texas has quickly become a standout in the city’s competitive barbecue scene. Located in Northwest Austin, this innovative establishment blends traditional Texas barbecue techniques with a creative culinary approach. Pit boss John Bates, who honed his skills at fine dining establishments like Wink and Asti, brings a unique perspective to the smoker, elevating classic barbecue fare with unexpected flavors and preparations.
The restaurant’s menu features a range of expertly smoked meats, including brisket, turkey, lamb, and sausage. Patrons can order these by the pound or try one of the $13 single-meat sandwiches. InterStellar BBQ also prides itself on its selection of sides and desserts, with the banana pudding earning particular praise from diners.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (or until sold out), InterStellar BBQ has garnered a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Its commitment to quality ingredients, clean smoke, and low-and-slow cooking methods has set it apart in Austin’s crowded barbecue landscape.
The Rise of Interstellar BBQ in Austin’s Culinary Galaxy
Interstellar BBQ launched onto Austin’s barbecue scene in 2019, quickly making a name for itself. Founded by pit boss John Bates, the restaurant brings a unique twist to traditional Texas barbecue.
Bates’ fine-dining background from Austin establishments Wink and Asti shines through in Interstellar’s offerings. His culinary expertise elevates classic barbecue dishes with innovative flavors and techniques.
Located at 12233 Ranch Road 620 North, Interstellar BBQ draws barbecue enthusiasts from across the city. The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday, serving from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. or until sold out.
Interstellar’s menu features a range of smoked meats, including:
- Brisket (chopped or sliced)
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Sausage
Single-meat sandwiches are available for $13, offering a lighter option for diners. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity has earned it recognition in Austin’s competitive barbecue landscape.
Texas Monthly highlighted Interstellar BBQ’s ambitious approach, noting how it stands out in the local scene. The restaurant’s success demonstrates that there’s always room for innovation in Austin’s barbecue tradition.
Decoding the Menu: A Guide to Interstellar BBQ’s Offerings
Interstellar BBQ’s menu features an array of smoked meats, innovative sides, and unique sauces that showcase the restaurant’s commitment to quality and creativity. From classic Texas barbecue staples to unexpected flavor combinations, the offerings cater to both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Star Quality Smoked Meats
At the heart of Interstellar BBQ’s menu are its expertly smoked meats. The brisket, a Texas barbecue staple, is known for its tender texture and rich flavor. Diners can choose between sliced or chopped brisket options.
Turkey and pulled pork offer lighter alternatives, while lamb provides a unique twist on traditional barbecue. The restaurant’s pork ribs are a fan favorite, boasting a perfect balance of smoke and spice.
For sausage enthusiasts, Interstellar BBQ offers beef kielbasa, a nod to Polish cuisine. The menu also features pork belly, adding another layer of indulgence to the smokehouse experience.
Innovative Side Dishes
Interstellar BBQ elevates the barbecue experience with its creative side dishes. The smoked scalloped potatoes are a standout, combining creamy textures with a subtle smoky flavor.
For a twist on a classic, the restaurant offers Frito pie, a Texan favorite. The potato salad and coleslaw provide refreshing counterpoints to the rich smoked meats.
Health-conscious diners can opt for the zucchini salad, a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on taste. These sides complement the main dishes while holding their own as memorable menu items.
Signature Sauces and Glazes
Interstellar BBQ’s sauces and glazes add extra dimensions to their smoked meats. The peach tea glaze is a standout, offering a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs well with various meats.
The restaurant’s barbecue sauces range from traditional to innovative, allowing diners to customize their meals. These house-made condiments enhance the natural flavors of the smoked meats without overpowering them.
Daily specials often feature limited-time sauces and glazes, giving regular customers new flavors to explore. The culinary team’s creativity shines through in these unique sauce offerings.
The Science of Smoke: Techniques and Wood Selection
Smoke composition and wood selection play crucial roles in crafting the perfect BBQ flavor. The chemical reactions during smoking impart distinct tastes and aromas to the meat.
The Role of Post Oak in Texas BBQ
Post oak is the quintessential wood for Texas BBQ. Its moderate smoke profile enhances meat flavors without overpowering them. The wood burns slowly and steadily, producing a clean smoke ideal for long cooking sessions.
Post oak contains compounds like syringol and guaiacol, which contribute to the characteristic smoky taste. These substances are released when lignin, a polymer in wood, burns during the smoking process.
The density of post oak allows for consistent heat distribution. This property is especially valuable for brisket, which requires extended cooking times. The wood’s subtle flavor complements beef particularly well, making it a staple in Texas-style barbecue.
Pit masters often combine post oak with other woods to create unique flavor profiles. Hickory or pecan may be added for a bolder taste, while fruitwoods can introduce sweeter notes to the smoke.
Chef John Bates: The Mastermind Behind the Smoke
Chef John Bates is the culinary force driving InterStellar BBQ to new heights in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene. His journey in the food industry began at age 17, spanning from Corpus Christi to Portland before settling in Austin.
Bates honed his skills through years of restaurant experience. He first made his mark with Noble Sandwich, showcasing his talent for crafting unique flavor combinations.
The chef’s transition to barbecue started with pop-up events, where he experimented with Texas-style smoked meats. These early forays laid the foundation for InterStellar BBQ’s innovative approach.
At InterStellar, Bates combines traditional barbecue techniques with creative culinary twists. His commitment to quality ingredients and precise smoking methods has earned the restaurant widespread acclaim.
Texas Monthly recognized Bates’ expertise, ranking InterStellar BBQ as the #2 barbecue joint in Texas. This accolade cements his status as a top pitmaster in a state known for its barbecue prowess.
Bates’ philosophy emphasizes clean smoke and low-and-slow cooking. He strives to push the boundaries of traditional barbecue while respecting its roots, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and surprising.
Beyond Brisket: Diverse Delights from the Smoker
Interstellar BBQ pushes the boundaries of traditional Texas barbecue with a creative lineup of smoked meats. The restaurant’s innovative approach transforms familiar proteins and introduces unexpected options to delight adventurous eaters.
Exploring Sausage Varieties
Interstellar BBQ’s sausage selection showcases their culinary creativity. The menu features classic kielbasa alongside inventive options like Frito pie sausage. This unique creation incorporates the flavors of the beloved Texan snack into a smoky, savory link.
The sausages are crafted in-house, allowing for quality control and flavor experimentation. Seasonal varieties rotate through the menu, giving regulars new tastes to explore on each visit.
Interstellar’s sausages pair well with their sides, especially the silky mac and cheese or buttery scalloped potatoes.
Inventive Takes on Turkey and Pork
Turkey gets a flavorful upgrade at Interstellar BBQ. The “tipsy turkey breast” infuses the lean meat with unexpected depth. This preparation method results in moist, tender slices that challenge the notion of turkey as a bland barbecue option.
Pork offerings go beyond standard pulled pork. The restaurant’s pork belly features a peach-tea glaze, balancing sweet and smoky notes. This cut delivers rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Interstellar’s pulled pork maintains traditional roots while incorporating subtle tweaks to elevate the classic dish.
Lamb and Exotic Meats
Lamb stands out as a less common protein on the Interstellar BBQ menu. The kitchen team applies their smoking expertise to this flavorful meat, creating a dish that appeals to both barbecue purists and those seeking something different.
Exotic meat options occasionally appear as specials, allowing the pitmasters to flex their culinary muscles. These limited-time offerings give regulars a reason to return and sample new creations.
Interstellar’s approach to lamb and other non-traditional barbecue meats demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of Texas barbecue while respecting its roots.
Savory Sides and Sweet Endings
Interstellar BBQ elevates the barbecue experience with thoughtfully crafted side dishes and indulgent desserts. These offerings complement the smoky meats and provide a well-rounded meal for diners.
Perfect Pairings with Smoked Meats
Interstellar BBQ’s side dishes are crafted to enhance the flavors of their smoked meats. The smoked scalloped potatoes stand out as a customer favorite. These creamy, layered potatoes are infused with a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with brisket and ribs.
Other popular sides include tangy coleslaw, which cuts through the richness of fatty meats, and crisp green beans that add a fresh element to the plate. Interstellar also offers a unique corn casserole, blending sweet and savory notes.
For those seeking a lighter option, the restaurant provides a refreshing cucumber salad. This side dish offers a cool contrast to the warm, smoky meats.
Decadent Desserts
No barbecue feast is complete without a sweet ending, and Interstellar BBQ delivers with its signature banana pudding. This classic Southern dessert features layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers.
The banana pudding’s popularity has made it a must-try item for many visitors. Its smooth texture and balanced sweetness provide a satisfying conclusion to a hearty meal.
For those craving variety, Interstellar occasionally offers seasonal dessert specials. These may include fruit cobblers in the summer or rich chocolate-based treats in cooler months.
The dessert menu, while focused, ensures that diners leave with a lasting impression of both savory and sweet flavors.
Pairing Drinks with Texas Barbecue
The right beverage can elevate Texas barbecue to new heights, enhancing flavors and providing refreshing contrast. Carefully chosen drinks complement the rich, smoky meats and balance the heat of spices.
Craft Beverages to Complement the Meal
Local craft beers offer a perfect match for Texas barbecue. Light lagers cut through fatty meats, while hoppy IPAs stand up to bold flavors. Bourbon and whiskey cocktails bring out smoky notes in brisket and ribs.
For non-alcoholic options, sweet tea is a classic choice. Some barbecue joints, like Interstellar BBQ, experiment with unique flavors such as peach tea glaze to add complexity to their dishes.
Wine enthusiasts might opt for robust reds like Zinfandel or Syrah to pair with beef, while crisp whites complement lighter meats and sides. Craft sodas and lemonades provide a refreshing counterpoint to spicy rubs and sauces.
More Than a Meal: The Social Experience of Austin’s BBQ
Texas BBQ has long been a cornerstone of social gatherings in Austin. The communal nature of barbecue brings people together, fostering connections over shared plates of smoky goodness.
At popular spots like Interstellar BBQ, the experience extends beyond the food. Patrons often find themselves chatting with strangers in line, sharing recommendations and stories.
The atmosphere at Austin’s BBQ joints is typically relaxed and inviting. Picnic tables, outdoor seating, and family-style servings encourage a convivial environment where conversations flow as freely as the sweet tea.
Many BBQ establishments in Austin host events or live music, adding to the social appeal. These gatherings become impromptu community meetups, where locals and tourists alike can immerse themselves in Austin’s culture.
The act of waiting in line, a common occurrence at top BBQ spots, has become a social ritual in itself. People bond over their shared anticipation and passion for great barbecue.
Austin’s BBQ scene reflects the city’s warm, welcoming spirit. It’s a place where food enthusiasts, families, and friends come together to enjoy not just a meal, but a quintessential Texas experience.
Innovation and Tradition: Specialties of Interstellar BBQ
Interstellar BBQ pushes the boundaries of traditional Texas barbecue while honoring time-honored techniques. The menu features creative spins on classics alongside unexpected flavor combinations that surprise and delight diners.
In-House Specials and Daily Surprises
Interstellar BBQ keeps guests coming back with an ever-changing lineup of daily specials. The Frito pie sausage merges two Texas favorites into one savory creation. Jalapeño popper sausages deliver a spicy kick wrapped in smoky goodness.
Experimental offerings rotate frequently, showcasing the culinary team’s ingenuity. Seasonal ingredients and global flavors often make appearances. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as these limited-time specials tend to sell out quickly.
The regular menu also features innovative takes on barbecue staples. House-made rubs and sauces elevate familiar cuts of meat.
Fusion of Flavors: Burnt Ends to Banana Pudding
Interstellar BBQ’s burnt ends exemplify their fusion approach. These flavorful brisket morsels are prepared using traditional smoking methods, then finished with a unique glaze that adds depth and complexity.
The sides menu spans from classic to contemporary. Coleslaw and potato salad share space with roasted brussels sprouts and mac and cheese variations.
For dessert, Interstellar’s banana pudding puts a modern spin on the Southern staple. Rich custard and fresh bananas are layered with house-made vanilla wafers for a satisfying end to the meal.
Vegetarian options receive the same attention to detail as the meats, ensuring all diners can enjoy innovative barbecue flavors.
Interstellar BBQ’s Place in the Austin Food Scene
Interstellar BBQ has carved out a unique niche in Austin’s competitive barbecue landscape. The restaurant blends traditional Texas barbecue techniques with innovative flavors and cuts, setting itself apart from both food trucks and established joints.
Rivaling the Charm of Food Trucks and Established Joints
Interstellar BBQ offers a brick-and-mortar experience that rivals the charm of Austin’s beloved food trucks. The restaurant’s creative menu and commitment to quality have earned it a spot among the city’s top BBQ destinations.
Unlike some traditional joints, Interstellar embraces experimentation. They serve classic brisket and ribs alongside unique offerings like smoked quail and beef cheeks.
This approach has garnered attention from barbecue enthusiasts and food critics alike. Interstellar BBQ competes with renowned establishments like Leroy and Lewis, showcasing Austin’s evolving barbecue scene.
The Address: Navigating to the Stars of Cedar Park
Interstellar BBQ is located at 12233 Ranch Road 620 N in Austin, Texas. This address places it in the Cedar Park area, slightly removed from the city center but still easily accessible.
The restaurant’s location in a strip mall might surprise some visitors expecting a more rustic setting. However, this modern space allows Interstellar to focus on what matters most: the food.
Cedar Park’s growing food scene benefits from Interstellar’s presence. The restaurant draws barbecue fans to this suburban area, highlighting its potential as a culinary destination.
Visitors should note that Interstellar BBQ often sells out early. Arriving close to their 11:00 AM opening time is advisable for the best selection.