Barbecue, football and Thanksgiving. Typically many people don’t associate barbecue with Thanksgiving. But, in Texas we are very passionate about barbecue. And, probably even more passionate about football. So, it seems fitting that if you are new to Texas ya’ll will want to start the holidays with a new tradition.
Here’s a suggestion. This Thanksgiving try serving up a little barbecue along with your perfectly roasted Turkey. If you still like the traditional turkey dinner no problem. Add a side of moist succulent barbecue to complement your dinner and make it a true Texas style Thanksgiving.
If you still haven’t tried Texas barbecue you should know that it is not about the sauce. It is all about the meat. The most popular meats are beef brisket, sausage, ribs, pork chops, and pulled pork. However, many barbecue restaurants serve chicken and turkey. Beef brisket is generally the meat most people think of when they order Texas barbecue. The meat is smoked which translates to low heat over wood coals and cooked slow—really, really, slow. Over 15 hours slow depending on the type and size of your meat.
Mastering the smoking method could take months. With Thanksgiving just three weeks away there really isn’t any time. But, what you can do is preorder the meat of your choice at one of the many BBQ restaurants in and around the Austin area. Since Texas barbecue is served by weight, preordering is easy. You can order by the quarter, half, or full pound. The verdict is out on which restaurant is number one. So from the city of Austin to the Texas Hill Country here’s a few favorites.
Austin area barbecue restaurants for quick Thanksgiving preorders
- Black’s Barbecue – Four generations later, the Black family still own and operate this BBQ mainstay in the original space in Lockhart, Texas. They also operate a second location in Austin on Guadalupe Street. Blacks opened in 1932 and is the oldest in the state. Choose from nine meats for your Thanksgiving feast including brisket, ribs, turkey or chicken. Check out their website and their catering menu. Their Austin location on Guadalupe makes it super easy to pick up an order for the big day.
- Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que – Its new Austin location on Congress is the perfect opportunity to order their claim to fame “Big Chop” for the holidays. Two or three of these moist, large pork chops can feed quite a few. If you want to take a road trip visit their Texas Hill Country spot in the town of Llano for dinner and purchase some to bring home. Their Saturday prime rib dinner is worth the trip.
- Rudy’s Country Store – Housed in a garage you can usually find a Rudy’s along the side of major highways throughout the state. If you are pressed for time there’s no place like Rudy’s. To preorder your Rudy’s “group meal” for Thanksgiving there are four area convenient locations including—Round Rock, Austin 183, Austin 620 and Austin 360. Order online, it’s easy.
- The Salt Lick BBQ – Before establishing their Round Rock location, Salt Lick was very well-known for their open-fired barbecue pits in the Texas Hill Country town of Driftwood. Salt Lick has been in business for over 40 years. The large and inviting Round Rock location has plenty of room inside and outside and is a short trip from Travisso to Round Rock. Combination plates, family style dinners, or buy it by the pound. Catering is available.
Texas Hill Country Barbecue Favorites
- It’s All Good BBQ – On my quest to find my own personal favorite BBQ I occasionally ditch the brisket and order turkey. And, this is where I order it from. The turkey here is smoked to perfection and flavorful. This year It’s All Good BBQ is offering two holiday specials including a fresh smoked turkey or slow smoked spiral hams. Don’t delay order today. It is located on Highway 71 in Spicewood.
- Opie’s – Also located on Highway 71 in Spicewood, Opie’s is close to Lake Travis, convenient, and serves up BBQ deliciousness. By the pound meats include brisket, ribs, turkey, pork chops, pork loin, and much more. But, if you are looking for a great side dish for the holidays order the tater tot casserole. It is full of calories but who’s counting. Catering is available.
The Travisso Information Center staff wish you and your family a very safe and happy Thanksgiving.
