Purveyors of smoked brisket to conventioneers, singers and Dubya.
(512) 782-4827
100 Red River St
(Cesar Chavez Street E)
Austin,
TX
78701
30.2619
-97.7389
Neighborhoods: Greater South River City, South River City
What People Are Saying About Iron Works
The Owner
Iron Works
Owner
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.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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.
08/15/09
Good but NOT GREAT
by jwalker773
We have read about this place for years and was really expecting it to be something really SPECIAL. NOT!!
- Pros: BBQ Sauce is Excellent, Pork Ribs are Excellent
- Cons: Brisket is over cooked and dry. Place needs Air Conditioner
11/24/08
Really good BBQ, especially the beef ribs
by shaft28
I was very pleased with Iron Works this past Friday night. Very much like some of the more remote BBQ joints around Austin, more of a lunch counter style with delicious beef ribs. Tooks the whole family plus so got to try different dishes. Hands down the beefs ribs were the winner, in fact I can hardly wait to go back to have more with the delicious sauce the have (both regular and spicy were excellent). The pork ribs were loved by all, although I thought they were a little over-smoked but that tends to be Texas BBQ fare. The sausage was good, but not great. Nothing the sauce couldn't liven up.
Side dished were there, not really sure why every place in Texas has to have the bland watery chili bean side. Everyone has it and I dislike it at every place. So many better options out there for beans.
I would have liked my food to be a tad warmer but that is pretty minor. Have to rank this as #2 on my list so far because they do have one dish far and above all others. Good stuff.
- Pros: Beef ribs, spicy BBQ sauce
- Cons: bean side dish
The Details on Iron Works
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.
Category:
Catering, Barbecue Restaurants, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Historic Setting, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Group Dining, Cheap Eats
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
Message from Iron Works
- Catering
- Order Online
- Gift Baskets
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.
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