Iron Works Barbecue image

Iron Works Barbecue

Restaurant Barbecue restaurant

Barbecued meats, including signature beef ribs, & specialty sauces in a historic former iron shop. People often mention good, brisket, beef, pork, ribs, great, sauce, excellent, pulled, Iron,


Address

100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701

Website

ironworksbbq.com

Contact

(512) 478-4855

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (2.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11 AM to 9 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (20) brisket (16) beef (15) pork (14) ribs (11) great (11) sauce (7) excellent (7) pulled (7) Iron (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 T M. 7 months ago on Google
    Barbecue restaurant operating at this location since 1935. You can feel the history in the appearance and the building. Once inside, you can see the kitchen and order there. Receive the food, pay at the counter on the right and sit down. There is seating outside, but it was a very hot day, so it might be better to eat inside. I ordered a sampler, and it was enough, especially the beef ribs. BBQ sauce is provided at each table. Enjoy an old-fashioned traditional barbecue.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jody A. S. 1 year ago on Google
    If you're looking for the shack style restaurant that serves great food - you found it. The BBQ is unbelievably plentiful and flavorful and the service was lightning fast. I come from NC so I am already hesitant of others BBQ but I enjoyed Iron Works and would likely go back if ever I am in the area. The dining area is very hot and stuffy so plan for that, especially summertime.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Carl P. 1 year ago on Google
    Honestly the food left a lot to be desired. I had pork ribs and a beef rib and neither were great. The friend had the Sampler and said the Brisket was bland. It looked dry. They have three sauces a regular BBQ, a spicy BBQ and a jalapeno BBQ. The Jalapeno is decent but didn't really go with the food. The other two are bland. I will say the staff was very friendly and the ambiance was good. If you're in Austin looking for great BBQ look elsewhere.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mark O. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped by this authentic Austin BBQ joint on a Friday for lunch. There was a small line to the service counter, because people will line up in Texas for good barbecue! They offer a variety of meats and sides. I had the brisket plate with coleslaw and potato salad. My brisket was smoky and tender and I enjoyed the potato salad as well... Not a big fan of their coleslaw, however. It was mostly just minced cabbage? (Others in my group felt the same way). The ribs were meaty and the chopped beef sandwich is substantial. Beans are tasty, too, and the BBQ sauce is thick and sweet. Lots of seating inside or al fresco, including upstairs. Pecan pie was average IMO. Prices are reasonable, my brisket plate with 2 sides was $15.99. Parking is on the street where you find a spot. Overall, a fun venue with good BBQ.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A L. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience. Before flying back home, I wanted to try out some Texas BBQ in Austin. After visiting three places(closed), I found a little gem called Iron Works BBQ. Upon entering, I didn't know how their system worked, so I took a second or two to browse then BAM, I hear a loud welcome from Louis saying, "Hello, welcome to Iron Works BBQ! How can we assist you!" Man, what a way to greet a customer! I went and talked to him and found out he's not even the manager. Wow! Of course, their food was excellent, and the view of the place was nice. Louis's warm welcome made me feel appreciated, which made a great first impression of the place for me. And yes, whenever I'm back in Austin, I will be back for sure. #ironworksbbq
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Family M. 1 year ago on Google
    Service and people are excellent, the meats, not so much. I tried the sampler of brisket, sausage and beef rib. Brisket was tender and juicy but absolutely zero flavor, no smoke ring or taste. Had literally no bark at all. I question if this had ever seen the inside of a smoker. Had to douse it in sauce and even then didn't finish it. Sausage was fine but nothing unusual. Not too flavorful. The beef rib was dry and hard. The plastic fork they give broke just trying to pierce the meat. I have a simple rule for Texas bbq: if it needs sauce to taste good, it's not real Texas bbq. I might add a new corollary now about breaking forks!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen de M. 1 year ago on Google
    Ironworks, oh Ironworks, The taste of smoke and flame, Brisket that's so excellent, And pulled pork just the same. The menu may be simple, No frills or fancy flair, But each dish is a masterpiece, Of smoky, savory care. The aroma fills the air, As the meats are cooked to perfection, With every bite, a symphony, Of taste and tenderness in reflection. And though it may be unassuming, This BBQ joint is a true treasure, For lovers of delicious meats, It's a place of endless pleasure. So if you find yourself in town, And crave some mouth-watering delights, Make sure to stop by Ironworks, And experience BBQ just right.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mario C. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty good BBQ, might need to try them for lunch. The brisket was a little tough, they had ran out that afternoon and were trying to play some catch up. Staff was nice about it and you can tell we’re doing their best. The beef and pork ribs were really good. You can’t rush brisket! But they get a pass on this one being tough.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 May C. 6 months ago on Google
    Service was good and staffs were friendly. Unfortunately the bbq was very dry and over cooked. Spent $40 on my plate and it was barely any good meat to eat. Brisket was not moist at all. Sausage was also tough. I’m surprised they still got business.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Helen L. 6 months ago on Google
    I love this place. Huge portions… barbecue beef ribs, pulled pork, baby back ribs, beef brisket, with all tasty sides. You can’t go wrong here. I love the rustic feel of this restaurant and it’s local. If you want good BBQ, this is a great place to stop.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason C. 11 months ago on Google
    I Don’t Say The Following Words Lightly….This is by far one of the best BBQ Beef Ribs that I have ever ate!!! I own a smoker and love good BBQ! Salty with a sweet marble, fall off the bone good. I don’t eat pork, but they have all beef sausage-great with their BBQ sauce and pickles. Brisket and Turkey were good, but the Beef Rib was the star. I shared a platter of meat-by-the-pound with a good buddy of mine. I Will Be Back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mike H. 6 months ago on Google
    The atmosphere is excellent, and the bbq is good. The downside? Wicked expensive for what you get. My brisket plate $22 was 1/3lb and extremely fatty. It tastes good, but some more meat for that price would be nice. And a beer was $6. $30 for a lunch. I'm not surprised the place wasn't packed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Walter P. 1 year ago on Google
    This has to be one of the most underrated BBQ spots in town. It was close to the hotel so I had the opportunity to eat here twice this week and both times the beef ribs and brisket were excellent. Taste for taste Iron Works was also a great value.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rex Myers I. 9 months ago on Google
    Well, great service. I got 1/2 lb of brisket. Nice an moist, but had a bitterness to the smoke. Sometimes, it happens with the smoking process. Had the white bread, great pickles, and sliced onions. Partner had the baked potato with pulled pork, excellent potato pulled pork was a little dry, and lacked any great flavor. I would totally resist and give it a second chance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Andrae M. 2 years ago on Google
    This was pretty good for my first time. The potato with the chopped beef is larger than the picture shown. Really good size and the service was fast from when I called it in. I gave it a four because I needed more sauce and also because there was some fat on some of the chopped beef pieces.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bryan W. 7 months ago on Google
    I am from Washington….this is by far the best food I have ever had, don’t tell my mom please. The staff are the most kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting! They even gave me some Mac and cheese for free! 1000000/10 don’t sleep on this place!

  • 5/5 Cindy C. 8 months ago on Google
    I can't describe how much I love Iron Works BBQ. I graduated from UT in the 90s and am so happy that this place is still going strong, serving delicious brisket and solid sides of coleslaw and Mac n cheese.

  • 3/5 Y R. 1 year ago on Google
    I was super excited to get Texas BBQ and came straight from an airport. Got a sampler, it wasn't bad, but wasn't the best neither. Out of 3 types I really liked sausage and beef ribs, brisket wasn't that tasty at all. Sides wise corn was juicy and delicious to my taste, mac&cheese - so-so. Anyways, cool atmosphere. I came on Thursday noon, there were no line.

  • 5/5 Arjun K. 5 months ago on Google
    It’s a gem! Unassuming restaurant from the 1930’s in the heart of downtown. I ordered the pork ribs and the half chicken. The chicken was spot on juicy, tender, Smokey and very well charred! The pork ribs were very well cooked and the spicing was perfect. I’d recommend this to any one! A true hidden gem in Austin.

  • 5/5 Grace Monique Dykstra - Q. 1 year ago on Google
    Authentic. Old. Unique. Wood-fired genuine Texas BBQ. We got the sampler plate and it was enough to split between us two and we were very satisfied. Mac and cheese was excellent. The brisket fell apart and was delightful. The green beans have pork in them and a great flavor. Caramelized peach cobbler too! Very nice staff as well. Would definitely return!

  • 3/5 Jani O. 1 year ago on Google
    Tried a beef brisket sandwich and sampler plate with cole slaw and corn on the cob. The beef brisket was tender with a decent smoked flavor. I liked the texture of the bun for the sandwich. Overall, their barbecue is okay.

  • 4/5 Niko O. 2 years ago on Google
    Beef brisket was great, not too fatty. Mac and cheese could be better. Corn on the cob was good, but that’s hard to mess up. Would like to try the banana pudding and pulled pork if I ever go again. We went at 1 PM, and they were already out of pork, even though they close at 9 PM!

  • 5/5 Dave H. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome ribs and smoked Turkey at this barbecue joint. 100+ year old historic building, No AC and just smells like good old Post Oak smoke. Ribs were Smokey and juicy, and their sauce was perfect. Will definitely return when I’m back in ATX.

  • 4/5 Jessica Z. 1 year ago on Google
    This was some really decent no frills texas bbq. I ordered my food to go and got pulled pork, creamed corn, and coleslaw. They did forget the dressing that's supposed to go on the coleslaw but it was still good. I thought the pulled pork was delicious very juicy and tender. Large portions for the price compared to some of the other bbq places. Coopers > Iron Works > Black's (in my opinion).


Call (512) 478-4855 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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