Iron Works Barbeque

Tourist Trap. Dear BBQ fans across Texas, Iron Works BBQ is the most over rated BBQ joint in town. Not only is Iron Works mediocre at best, their customer service is down-right awful. If you are visiting Austin for a short-time please do yourself a favor and check out Rudy's, Franklin, or Live-Oak BBQ.

Don't be fooled by their history or the pictures of celebrities. It fools only the unsuspecting tourist.

Do not go here if you have a group of more than two people since their parking is horrendous. Let me repeat.Their parking policy is absolutely ridiculous. I once parked across the street for dinner in a designated Iron Works parking spot only to have my car towed. Apparently, this is not something new. Iron Works is notorious for towing their own customers.

Do not go here if you like BBQ. My beef-rib plate was dry and the sauce tasted like Chef Boyardee sauce. The beef-rib plate was also pricey at a whopping $14.00 per plate.…

Very good bbq. This is a pretty good BBQ place, even by Texas "standards". I'd rate it a 4.5 but there are no half-stars. It surprised me how few people in Austin have actually been here, when I talk with them about BBQ.

Service is usually pretty fast, the brisket and sausage are great and never dry and of course you can ask for leaner or fatty cuts. It didn't make the Texas Magazine for 50 greatest BBQ's in Texas, but you have to know those ratings are not exactly spot-on.

There is a nice big deck in the back and usually plenty of seating. It's right near the freeway, so its easy in-out here.

Be aware its closed on Sundays and their parking lot is tiny, so you have to park across the street or down the street. These are probably the two worst things about the place.…

Best BBQ Downtown. This place is MUCH better than Stubbs. If you're in downtown and have the choice, no question, go to Iron Works rather than Stubbs. Just be aware that you order at a counter and carry your food to the table, so don't expect to be waited on.

I had the brisket plate and really enjoyed it. It wasn't quite as good as Rudy's is, but it was very good. The BBQ sauce is excellent. You have an option of original or spicy. I liked them both. I hear the ribs are great.. I'll try those next time.…

No Frills, Good BBQ. Iron Works is a no frills restaurant with great tasting bbq. You walk in, order off the menu on the board, and get a paper plate with your food and plastic tray to take it to the table. Nothing fancy about the decor and on a busy night expect to be seated family style at one of the long rows of wooden tables. The main attraction here is the food and it tastes great. Pork ribs were tender and juicy---not falling off the bone but still very good. I preferred their beef rib which was also tender and tasted great. Location-wise there is not much around it and the parking lot is small but there are lots across the streets. During my stay I went to Iron Works and Salt Lick in Driftwood (about 20-30 mins from Austin) and both were enjoyable for their own personalities.…