Deals
share
Purveyors of smoked brisket to conventioneers, singers and Dubya.
(512) 861-1849
100 Red River St
(Cesar Chavez Street E)
Austin,
TX
78701
30.2619
-97.7389
Neighborhoods: South River City, Greater South River City
Years in business
Established in 1978
Hours:
Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Price:
$
Last updated 2.06.12
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, Carry Out, Cheap Eats
Smoking Permitted:
Yes
What People Are Saying About Iron Works Barbeque
The Owner
Iron Works Barbeque
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.
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
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.
Editor's 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.
03/20/10
Very good bbq
by jdyeah at Citysearch
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.
- Pros: easy location, reasonable price
- Cons: not much variety
01/14/10
Best BBQ Downtown
by PaddyMcP at Citysearch
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.
- Pros: Good food, atmosphere
- Cons: Not quite as good as Rudy's
11/12/09
No Frills, Good BBQ
by marydavis at Citysearch
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.
- Pros: Beef Ribs
08/15/09
Good but NOT GREAT
by jwalker773 at Citysearch
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
Message from Iron Works Barbeque
- 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.
