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Iron Works Barbecue is a beloved institution in Austin, Texas, renowned for its mouth-watering BBQ and welcoming atmosphere. Situated in a historic building at 100 Red River St, the restaurant boasts a rustic charm that perfectly complements its traditional Texas-style barbecue. The menu features an array of delicious meats, including slow-smoked brisket, beef ribs, and sausage, all cooked to perfection in an offset smoker using post oak wood. The sides are equally impressive, with mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw being particular favorites among patrons. With its top-rated dish being the brisket, it's no wonder Iron Works Barbecue has garnered numerous pitmaster awards and a loyal following.

The restaurant's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in its exceptional service, with friendly and helpful staff ensuring a pleasant dining experience. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the availability of outdoor seating, live music, and a bar serving craft beer. Whether you're a local or just visiting Austin, Iron Works Barbecue is a must-visit destination, with its Instagram-famous status and "bucket list stop" reputation drawing in visitors from far and wide. Be prepared for potential long lines, as this popular eatery often sells out, but rest assured that the wait will be worth it. With online ordering, reservations, and catering available, Iron Works Barbecue is an excellent choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events.

The restaurant's reputation is a testament to its dedication to traditional BBQ values, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. As a pet-friendly establishment, Iron Works Barbecue welcomes all members of the family, making it an ideal spot for a casual, laid-back meal. With its extensive range of options, including free condiments and a variety of desserts like cobbler, there's something for everyone at this iconic BBQ joint. Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just looking for a delicious meal in a unique setting, Iron Works Barbecue is sure to impress, making it a standout destination in the heart of Austin.

Featured on Exploring BBQ Bucket List Ideas Modern Central Texas BBQ Corridor (Austin, Taylor). Save this list to your account, or add Iron Works Barbecue to your own bucket list.

Reviews

5 Comments

Overall Rating ★★★★★ 4.4

Benjamin Gum (Google)

★★★★★

Staff was friendly and service was quick. Food was OK. I got the Macaroni and the cream corn which were both good. What left something to be desired was the chopped brisket sandwich. The meat was good but the bread was soggy for some reason as soon as I picked it up. Barbecue sauce was kinda meh, sandwich would have been much better with different bread and sauce.

Axel (Google)

★★★★★

Visited Iron Works BBQ during a recent trip to Austin. The historic building and rustic ambiance were inviting, and the location near the convention center made it convenient. Opted for the brisket and sausage plate; the brisket was tender with a decent smoke ring, while the sausage had a good snap but was a bit mild in flavor. Sides like the potato salad and beans were average. Prices felt a bit steep for the portion sizes, but overall, it was a satisfactory experience. Worth a visit if you're nearby, but there might be better BBQ options in Austin.

Reuben Reyes (Google)

★★★★★

This place has been serving BBQ since the early 70s. The building is old and has an even older history. I love that they have kept inside and out as original as possible. The service here was good with the staff being helpful and courteous throughout my visit. The food especially the brisket is tremendous. Sides were very good also. The only downside is the price has gone up and the value vs quantity ratio has dropped over the years. Overall great BBQ but pricy.

Ron Stake (Google)

★★★★★

Old School, the bbq perfumes the air, slanted old wood floors make you wonder if it's gonna slide in the ravine. moist brisket - seasoned perfectly and the Big Tex is with the sausage was great- so good I had lunch there two days in a row

Luis Francisco GonzÃƒÂ¡lez (Google)

★★★★★

Visited Iron Works hoping for an authentic Texas barbecue experience and I was not disappointed. The restaurant is an easy walk from the convention center if you're there for work, and the counter service made getting our food a relatively quick and easy process. The building itself has a wonderful rustic feel and appearance that isn't contrived, as it's actually in a historic iron works building; this definitely adds to the charm. Seating is plentiful and the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. I ordered a combination plated to try the pork ribs, brisket, and Beef rib. All of it was delicious but the beef ribs were exceptional and I'm still craving another bite a few weeks later. As my lone barbecue experience in Austin, I can't compare it to anything else in the city, but the quality combined with the conveniently walkable location, made it a perfect hit.