TEXAS - When you talk about the world-class barbecue scene in Austin, Texas, it's impossible not to mention Terry Black's Barbecue. This bustling establishment has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike, drawing massive lines daily for its perfectly smoked meats. While the Black family name has been legendary in Texas barbecue for nearly a century, Terry Black's represents a modern legacy, combining time-honored family traditions with its own distinct and wildly successful approach.
A Storied Name, A New Legacy:
It's important to understand the history to appreciate the flavor. While the original Black's Barbecue was founded in Lockhart, Texas, back in 1932 by Edgar Black Sr., Terry Black's Barbecue is a separate, newer entity. It was established in Austin in 2014 by Terry Black's twin sons, Michael and Mark Black. They carry on the family's deep-rooted passion for barbecue, smoking all their meat on-site in a rustic dining setting, but as a completely independent and distinct business from the original Lockhart location.
The Central Texas BBQ Experience:
Terry Black's is a masterclass in classic Central Texas-style barbecue. The experience is authentic and all about the meat:
- The Line: Be prepared to wait in line – it's part of the pilgrimage and a testament to the quality.
- Ordering by the Pound: You order directly from the pitmaster. Meats like brisket, ribs, and turkey are sliced to order and sold by the pound on butcher paper.
- The Pits: The massive, custom-built smokers are on full display, puffing out the aromatic post oak smoke that flavors the meat.
The Holy Trinity of Meats (and More):
While the entire menu is delicious, there are a few stars of the show that keep people coming back:
- Brisket: The richly marbled, slow-smoked brisket is the main event. It's renowned for being incredibly tender and moist with a perfect, peppery bark.
- Pork Ribs: These giant, meaty pork ribs are another crowd favorite, offering fall-off-the-bone tenderness and incredible flavor.
- Sausage: No Central Texas BBQ experience is complete without trying the sausage, and Terry Black's offers excellent original and jalapeño-cheddar links.
- Sides & Desserts: Don't skip the classic homemade sides like mac & cheese, creamed corn, and green beans, or the traditional desserts like banana pudding and peach cobbler.
Expansion Across Texas:
From its successful Austin beginnings, Terry Black's has expanded its acclaimed barbecue empire to other major Texas cities. In addition to the original location in Austin, they now operate popular restaurants in Dallas, Waco, and even back in the BBQ mecca of Lockhart, solidifying their reputation as one of the state's top-tier barbecue destinations.
Terry Black's Barbecue offers a perfect blend of rich family heritage and modern barbecue excellence. While not the oldest BBQ restaurant itself, it carries on nearly a century of family tradition, serving up some of the best brisket, ribs, and sausage in Austin and beyond. The long lines are a clear sign: for an authentic, mouthwatering Central Texas barbecue experience, Terry Black's is absolutely worth the wait.
