12/19/07

I don't know barbecue but I know I love Ben's

by wbohrer

Friendly, downscale atmosphere, you get a lot of state workers mingled with the local east-siders. I'm praying the gentrification that's happening literally next door doesn't squeeze these local east side landmarks out of business. They have a really wide selection of meats, , where else can you get mutton?? The rub they use on the chicken is just the best, truly amazing flavor, and everything I've ever had is very tender, though I can't say about the beef because if I can get pork, mutton, or chicken, why bother with the beef, you can get that anywhere. The sides are just ok, and you can get saltines instead of white sandwich bread, amen. On Wednesday's they have soul food, but I would go to Gene's for that.

Ben must be a good guy to work for because some of the staff have worked there for years, and they all seem happy.

• Pros: food, parking, price, takeout, friendly staff
• Cons: limited seating

06/28/06

a must for lunch

by borderline

Ben's is a tasty, inexpensive, non-crowded and casual alternative to the downtown lunch scene. The green beans are a little mushy, probably from a can, but I don't care, they are very delicious. Potato salad too (the delicious part, not the mushy part). The ribs were a little strange. The lunch plate comes with 4 large ribs. Two of them were super tender (with the meat falling off the bone but not greasy) and wonderfully spiced, but the other two were tough and not soo good. If all the ribs were like the first two, all would be well. The staff is friendly, the crowd is nice, there wasn't any line. Best part: not parking at a meter and watching Jerry Springer with other BBQ lovers while you eat. I will defininately be back.

• Pros: not crowded, feel good food, easy parking

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor

Locals order rich, smoky pork ribs at the counter in this tiny white building on the corner of East 11th.

06/20/06

Go for the mutton

by goats_milk

I got takeout from Ben's yesterday. The mutton was fantastic. The brisket was poor. The thin, sweet sauce was unusual but good. The green beans were okay, they were too mushy for my taste and had little flavor other than that of the black pepper that was on them. The banana pudding was pretty good.

The service was friendly and the setting is appealingly unpretentious.

Recommended for the mutton.

• Pros: amazing mutton
• Cons: dry flavorless brisket

10/29/05

The best!

by jezzyrules

I moved out of Austin in 2000 and now reside in Fort Worth. I went to many BBQ joints while living in Austin and this is honestly the only one I miss. My usual was the the Big Ben Special (Elgin sausage and brisket sandwich). Love the ribs and chicken too. Even if you are full, don't leave without getting dessert. The best banana pudding and peach cobbler around. What really makes Ben's BBQ great is Ben himself. He is simply a wonderful guy. I worked at an apartment complex he resided at. First of the month meant a great conversation with Ben, full of great stories. He also would bring us a bag full of his wonderful food. He really does take pride in everything he does.

• Pros: Great food, Great people, Great value

08/26/05

Best BBQ!

by angfastic

I had the ribs, sausage and brisket and it was just excellent. Very tender and nicely seasoned. I had the potato salad and loved it too; there wasn't too much vinegar at all. Peach cobbler was good too. I highly recommend Ben's if you want some truly good food.

• Pros: excellent food, inexpensive, good parking

06/10/05

The best BBQ I ever had!

by mhj4905

Great BBQ and you must try the dessert. One of the best kept secrets in Austin.

• Pros: Great food, Friendly, Inexpensive
• Cons: Somewhat small

01/06/03

Pork Yes! Potato Salad No!

by ngkonat

Quite possibly the best bbq pork sandwich you can have. Juicy chunks of perfectly cooked pork on ol' fashioned white bread.

Potato Salad was awful. As if someone spilled a quart of vinegar in the mix. Avoid like the plague.

• Pros: Inexpensive, No Lines, Nice Staff
• Cons: Poor ambience, Bad Location

07/31/02

Ain't No Better

by DrFreddie

Nothing but smack-my-lips barbecue here. Ben's has an excellent variety of tasty barbecue. Like eating at gramma's house, everybody is friends at Ben's.

• Pros: Excellent food, Comfortable, Reasonable parking
• Cons: Get there early.

07/26/02

Ben's Knows Beef Ribs

by GordonElliott

Best beef ribs in town (including County Line). Very upscale BBQ place near downtown.