I'm generally leery of the "upscale barbecue" place as "upscale" and "barbecue" are mutually exclusive terms. However, a friend of mine swears that it is some of the best cue he's ever had. What is HornFans' take on this place?
Do they use wood or gas? I think they use gas. I have not been there but I am not sure if they use wood considering they are downtown. If they use gas, it is hard to get past that.
pretty certain they use wood. You can smell them cooking it from a few blocks away. I had their hamburger there and it had a nice BBQ smokey distinct flavor. If anything, give them props for renovating an old downtown structure and not tearing it down for some soulless new one.
They're ok. They have a wider menu than straight cue, and that other stuff is pretty good. A nice vibe in there, and on the patio, though its not douche free. As for the cue, its passable.
I work close by, so I've eaten there several times for lunch, and a couple of times for dinner. It is good, and the sides are very good. The BBQ is not on the level of Kreuz, Mueller's COopers, etc., but is not bad. They have a really good ribeye and prime rib at dinner.
They mention "wood grilled steaks" on their site. Texas Monthly also mentions gas: Lamberts Downtown Barbecue Building used to be: One of Austin’s first general stores. Can a place that cooks its meat in a gas-burning rotisserie make really great ’cue? Well, the brown-sugar-and-coffee-rubbed brisket was delicious, the maple-and-coriander-encrusted pork ribs were tender, the pulled pork was perfect, and the chorizo-ish jalapeño hot links were unforgettable. Sides and desserts were extraordinary. A jícama-and-carrot slaw, in particular, had plenty of cilantro and lime to cleanse the palate, and the hot blackberry fried pie prompted an “oh, my God.” KV Rating: 4.25. 401 W. Second, 512-494-1500. Open 7 days 11–2 & 5:30–11. [Map]
It's really, really good. Highly recommend. Also highly recommend the Sunday Brunch, unless you are trying to lose weight.
Surprised they also use gas. Every time I walk by that place, it smells like they are smoking brisket. I've never been, but I've been told it is good, but not worth the money.
Do you have to sit down and wait to order from a waitress? (Serveress for you pc types). And then wait for them to bring you the food? And then wait some more for the bill? There is nothing I hate worse than waitresses at a bbq joint because you know the food is already cooked and all they have to do is put it on a plate and hand it to you. There is no need to use an intermediary. DItto for paying the tab. I won't knowingly go to a bbq place that uses waitresses.
Lamberts is not a cafeteria style place, and its more than a cue joint. It has regular table service, and theirs is typical downtown semi douche waitroid unit style, you know, we're so cool and all. But, no different than any other downtown place, and not enough to not try the place out. I kind of like it, from time to time, especially the patio.
