Iron Works BBQ
100 Red River St
Austin, TX 78701

Winner 2005 & 2006 Best of Citysearch - Best Barbecue
The Iron Works barbecue's home is in the historic Weigl Iron Works building, which was designated as an historical monument in 1982. Since 1978, it has been used to serve the legendary official Texas barbecue. The Iron Works is visited each year by thousands of dignitaries, celebrities, officials and visitors from all over the USA, in addition to local fans. It should be at the top of your list of places to enjoy.

Editorial Review for Iron Works - by James Scott Bankston

In Short
Housed in the former workshop of ironsmith Fortunat Weigl, this downtown eatery feels more like the camphouse of a Hill Country deer lease, with its pot-bellied stoves and screened porch. The dark-paneled walls bear autographed photos and testimonial letters from patrons such as George W. Bush, Bob Dylan and Martin Sheen. The chopped beef sandwich is a lunchtime standard. Sampler plates feature sweet brisket, sausage and beef ribs. Non-conformists visit the all-you-can eat salad bar.

Insider Tips
Know Before You Go
Iron Works is next door to the Austin Convention Center. Beware: It can get crowded at noontime.
Where to Sit
If the interior seems too dark, try the open-air pavilion upstairs. Feels like a treehouse, albeit one with iron bars.
The Extras
Barbecue is good by the plate, great by the pound. Brisket sells for $10.60 a pound, beef ribs for $5.90, sausage for $6.65. Call for the complete listing. Catering is also available.
Parking: Lot & Metered
Hours: M-S 11:00-9:00

Lamberts Downtown Barbecue
401 W. 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
512-494-1500

Lamberts menu offers modern interpretations of old-fashioned Texas cuisine. Fancy barbecue, wood grilled steaks, chops and seafood. We're open for lunch, dinner and late-night.

Located in the historic Schneider Brothers Building in the 2nd Street District, Lamberts features local musicians performing blues and swing music upstairs and comfortable dining downstairs in the rustic-chic main room.
With Texas' favorite cuts of meat and premium local ingredients, Lamberts has assembled a menu worth the label of "Fancy Barbeque." Lamberts offers meals, tasty appetizers and salads, including tender smoked and grilled main courses. Plus, our desserts are worthy of abandoning any diet. You'll savor your meal long after the last bite. The bar menu features savory kitchen highlights, making for an ideal happy hour.

Editorial Review for Lamberts Downtown Barbecue - by Joshua Hinsdale

In Short
House-made is de rigeur for the down-home delicacies with an upscale twist that come out of the open air kitchen at this creative eatery in the historic Schneider building. A business crowd lunches on natural smoked meats and free-range chicken plates or sandwiches with comfy, yet creative sides like jicama and carrot slaw and classic potato salad. Dinner offerings are as swanky as their audience: pesto-rubbed San Angelo lamb chops and wild king salmon.

Insider Tips
Save Money
Although dinner prices range around $44, more thrifty eaters can pay about $12 for the lunch menu.
Where to Sit
Horse-shoe shaped booths in the main dining room and upstairs offer relaxed seating while an outdoor patio takes advantage of Austin's all-weather attitude.
Know Before You Go
Lamberts accepts reservations for any size party.
The bar's cocktails and tasty appetizers like cornmeal fried rock shrimp help patrons enjoy live music upstairs into the wee morning hours.
The Extras
The upstairs lounge seats up to 50 people and can accommodate live music and other set-ups.
Parking: Garage, Metered, Valet
Hours: Restaurant: M-Sat 11am-2pm & 5pm-11pm; Sun 11am-3pm & 5pm-11pm
Bar: Daily 2pm-Close