Legendary barbecue joint caters to musicians and night owls.

by Alexandra Richmond

While East 12th Street is regarded as one of Austin's toughest neighborhoods, it is also home to some of the most succulent of meats. A humble brick exterior and dirt parking lot lend to a rustic, well-worn feel. Inside, the vibe is equally casual, where it’s practice for the staff to place your ‘cue of choice onto butcher paper, then douse it in sauce. It’s a tradition that has kept locals and notable musicians loyal through the years. The walls are a veritable scrapbook of who has eaten here, from Bruce Springstein to Bushwick Bill.

06/25/09

Way,Way over rated

by Bobi

It started with the potato salad...ice cream scoop of Wal Mart quality ..

Ribs, brisket were warmed over..

Sausage represented as being hot did not have one iota of spicey taste..

Watery tasting sauce of unknown taste

Only drink available was a watered down Kool Aide

If you are the owner, you need to get back in the kitchen

• Pros: The bread
• Cons: Very below average

11/21/07

A real find... and wifi too?!?!

by porkjello

Sam's could use a little remodeling but even though the slightly run down exterior is the first thing a new visitor will see, the brisket served inside makes up for any aesthetic flaws the restaurant has. It's open late and it even has free wifi!

12/08/06

Best backyard bbq in central Texas

by rwcf06

Sams is the stuff of bbq for the most exquisite taste buds. I drive 30 miles and past countless other bbq joints in favor of Sams. The store is not much to look at yet it's filled with Texas flavor and decor. The folks working there are as warm as the bbq they are serving. If your looking to enjoy true country bbq right here in the capital of Texas...you've gotta go here! TWO BBQ THUMBS UP!

• Pros: Great food and service
• Cons: a little like eating at a backyard picnic.

Editorial Review by Citysearch Editors

by Contributor

A longtime favorite hangout of Austin musicians, thanks to great brisket, great chicken and great hours.

02/25/06

Let me tell u somethin 'bout Q...

by jamesnsim

First, my wife and I have never been to the restaurant; we only tasted it at a party. But, that's the entire point. When you have no idea where the food comes from, you can taste with a non-judgmental palate.

We are Bar B Q connoisseurs. We have had BBQ from Memphis, Atlanta, Detroit, Puerto Rico, Richmond, Jackson Ms, Cancun, New Orleans, Miami, Pensacola, Orlando, New York, Milwaukee, Chicago, all over Texas... you get the point.

This restaurant's food was so good that she had to find out its name from coworkers. My wife was waxin poetic about the best BBQ shed ever put in her mouth. Before she could get the whole story out, several coworkers said, Oh! We know! On 12th Street?

It is the best in the US. We are going tonight to get some. I will never be satisfied with any other BBQ ever.

Nuff sed.

07/30/05

Really Bad Barbecue!

by rkatebowie

My husband and I live in east Austin and are always looking for a new great hole-in-the-wall place. We read the reviews of this place on citysearch and were excited to try it. We arrived at 8 on a Saturday and were the only ones in the place. The employees were very friendly and the place had a lot of character. But, the food was aweful. It was not bad in the "I like my bbq a certain kind of way bad." It was just plain bad. The ribs were dry to the bone and burned and the sauce was terrible. The sausage was horrible. The beans were bad in a way hard to describe - too much vinegar? We really wanted to like it and maybe they make a new batch of food for the 2 am crowd that is much better than the stuff we got.

• Pros: Friendly
• Cons: Bad, bad food

11/01/03

The best BBQ in town

by nathans2226

Of all the BBQ places (the real ones, not those generic ones) Sam's is the best. I always get the mixed plate, and I must say, try everything. The food is prepared for you right there and everytime I go there, the meat I order is always being taken out of the stove and ready to serve. The staff are very friendly and I love talking to the staff when I go there. I know many people may not feel comfortable about going to the location of where it's at late at night, but trust me, I have been there late at night after leaving 6th street and I have seen all walks of life from all over Austin(Westlake, South Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Manor, Northeast Austin, San Marcos, and other surrounding areas) stop by and get a plate to go.

09/30/03

Best BBQ in Austin

by merkinmuncher

THis is nothing but good, moist, who cares about some grease BBQ. It reminds of me of a shack out in East Texas that I used to go for the best BBQ in that area. With Rudy's in mind, it's good there are still less generic BBQ places in the Austin Area. The meat and sauce is both sweet and peppery spicy at the same time. Good Stuff.....

01/23/03

sam's best b-que

by darryldean55

i love that chicken from sam's and i love the people there as well.

• Pros: food, people, tables
• Cons: room or space, more music amb., more new pics.