Going to a famous BBQ restaurant during peak lunchtime and in 97 degree weather was risky…but sometimes you gotta risk it for the brisket!
I got there around 11:20 am on a Sunday and there was already a line wrapped around to the back of the restaurant. The line was not surprising, as this place is known for their BBQ! It was very hot and there were a lot of people since it was lunchtime, but at least the line moved pretty fast so I got in after about an hour.
If you are stuck in the back like me, near the parking lots, you will see the BBQ pits and piles of wood while you wait. It is interesting to see them bring in and out the meat but also extremely hot due to the heat from the pits. The line also passes through a beer station, where you can grab a beer to cool off while you wait.
They also have some fun murals to take pictures with while you wait!
When you finally get inside, you are sent through a conveyer belt style system, where you choose your sides, meat, pay for the meal, and then choose a seat.
At the first station, you choose your sides. I got small containers of potato salad, coleslaw, and cream corn ($3.25 each).
The potato salad is hearty but on the salty side, the coleslaw was crunchy and refreshing when paired with the meat, and the corn was creamy with a touch of spice.
The corn bread was sweet, soft, and hefty for its price of $1.
After the sides, you get to choose your meat!
My favorite was the brisket, which had a flavorful smoky crust, a thin layer of fat, and pure meat! They ask if you want a fatty piece or lean piece, and while I chose the lean, I wish I also tried a fatty piece as it is more tender.
The pork ribs were a bit salty and while it was flavorful, I did not find it very special. They only sold beef ribs by the pound so I could not try it, but I definitely need to go back for it next time!
The Jalapeño Cheddar sausage was really good- crispy on the outside, savory and chewy on the inside.
They also have a four different BBQ sauces to dip! I liked the original and spicy BBQ sauces.
While you do not have an assigned waiter, they do have many staff members making rounds to clean after you are done eating. They were very friendly and efficient with cleaning up in order to make room for more guests. If you have leftovers, they also have lots of containers for you to take some BBQ home!
After waiting in the heat and all that food, I definitely needed to cool off. Thankfully Barton Springs is just a couple miles away!
Overall, Terry Blacks was worth trying for the brisket and I may go back when it is cooler outside to try the beef ribs!
Address: 1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
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