A Family Tradition That Spans Generations
Some BBQ joints aren’t just restaurants, they’re traditions that get passed down like heirlooms. For me, Kreuz Market is one of those places. A family friend first introduced me to Kreuz more than 30 years ago, back when it was still housed in the building that Smitty’s occupies today. She had grown up going there with her mother, as her grandmother did for her mom and now her children are frequent visitors.
That’s the beauty of Kreuz: it isn’t just about the food, it’s about the memories tied to it. I still remember the excitement of birthdays when I would receive a box of frozen C link Kreuz’s sausage. I’d try to save them, but knowing they were only a few feet away made resisting nearly impossible.
First Impressions: The Kreuz Market Experience
Walk into Kreuz Market today and you’ll be greeted by a sight and smell that instantly transports you to the heart of Texas BBQ. Massive brick pits fueled by post oak dominate the back, while the front is lined with long communal tables that encourage you to sit down elbow-to-elbow with fellow meat lovers.
It’s no-frills, straightforward BBQ: butcher paper, trays loaded with smoked meats, and a side or two if you want them. For years, Kreuz has stuck to the belief that if the meat is done right, sauce isn’t necessary. This mantra lasted well over 100 years although you can now sample the house made BBQ sauce with your meat order, but most locals or purists skip it. The first bite will convince you they’re right.
The Meats: Brisket, Sausage, and a Rare Shoulder Clod
The Brisket
Central Texas BBQ starts and ends with brisket, and Kreuz delivers. The bark is perfectly seasoned with just salt, pepper, and smoke. Inside, the slices strike that balance between juicy tenderness and beefy richness. Order a mix of lean and moist cuts to experience the full spectrum.
Pro Tip: If you like a melt-in-your-mouth bite, go heavy on the fatty end.
The Famous Kreuz Sausage
Kreuz sausage is pure Texas and still my benchmark for judging any other house-made link. The natural casing has that unmistakable snap, and the flavor is smoky, peppery, and just the right level of spice. Whether you choose original or jalapeño & cheese, you’ll understand why these links are legendary.
I’ve celebrated more birthdays than I can count with a case of these frozen links and they’ve never lasted long.
The Shoulder Clod
Here’s something you don’t see often anymore: Kreuz still serves beef shoulder clod. This cut is a throwback to the meat market days of early Texas BBQ. Clod has less fat than brisket, so it requires a long, low-and-slow smoke to break down the connective tissue. The reward is a bold, beef-forward flavor that takes you straight back to the old days of Lockhart BBQ.
Worth trying at least once, especially if you want to taste Texas history on a tray.
The Sides: Simple, Classic, and German-Influenced
Kreuz keeps the side dishes traditional, just as they’ve always done:
- Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy, and a perfect contrast to smoky meat.
- Beans: Rich, hearty, and kissed with smoke.
- Coleslaw: Crisp, refreshing, and lightly dressed.
- Extras: Sauerkraut, dill pickles, and they offer cheddar cheese or Jalapeno cheese which pair well with the smokey meat offerings.
Don’t expect gourmet or experimental sides here — the focus is on the meat, and rightly so.
A Legacy Over a Century Strong
Kreuz Market opened in 1900 as a meat market, selling cuts wrapped in butcher paper and smoked meats to go. More than 120 years later, the tradition hasn’t wavered: meat cooked over post oak, served without sauce, and shared at long tables.
The move from the original downtown building to their larger current space in 1999 didn’t change that DNA. In fact, standing in line at Kreuz today feels like stepping into living history.
Final Thoughts: Is Kreuz Market Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. Kreuz Market is a bucket-list stop for anyone serious about Texas BBQ. The brisket is everything you want from Central Texas BBQ, the sausage is iconic, and the rare shoulder clod is a taste of history you won’t find just anywhere. Add in the no-nonsense atmosphere, and you’ve got one of the most authentic BBQ experiences in the Lone Star State.
If you’re planning a BBQ pilgrimage to Lockhart, make sure Kreuz Market is on your list right alongside Smitty’s, Black’s, and Chisholm Trail.
