Brisket is King: Central Texas BBQ focuses on beef, especially brisket, slow-cooked over oak wood for hours until it’s tender, juicy, and full of smoky flavor.
Sausages and Pork Ribs: While brisket dominates, smoked sausages and pork ribs are also staples at most Austin BBQ joints.
Minimal Sauce: Texas BBQ, especially in Austin, is known for emphasizing the flavor of the meat and the smoke. Many traditional BBQ spots either serve sauce on the side or avoid it altogether.
Craft BBQ: A recent trend in Austin is "craft BBQ," which brings innovative techniques, locally-sourced ingredients, and a gourmet twist to traditional BBQ offerings.