Blacks BBQ Multiple Locations
Texas BBQ · 215 N Main St, Lockhart, Texas 78644
This is a chain with multiple locations - the address above is the one reviewed here.
★★★★½ 1 review(512) 398-2712
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Classic Texas BBQ from One Of The Oldest BBQ Establishments
One of the oldest and most iconic barbecue restaurants in Texas, Black’s Barbecue is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience authentic Texas BBQ. The original location in Lockhart opened in 1932, and the Black family has been serving barbecue there for generations. But even if your just passing thru Texas, the family has began opening chain locations that offer the same food along the I-35 corridor.
The brisket here is the highlight for me. It has a nice flavorful bark, a good smoky flavor, and a moist, tender texture. The sausage was good as well, with a nice smoky flavor and a satisfying snap, although I wouldn't rank it among the very best Texas sausages I've had.
The sides were more of a mixed bag. They weren't bad, but none of them really stood out compared with what you can find at some of the other great barbecue joints around Central Texas. The mac and cheese was creamy but lacked much in the way of distinctive flavor, no flavor defining it as baked, or distinct cheese flavor. While the creamed corn was good, it wasn't quite as sweet or rich as I personally prefer. The sides were perfectly acceptable, but the meats are definitely where Black's shines. It would seem each BBQ place has some desserts or sides that are better than the rest, and
as I ordered I noticed a large number of people purchasing the cobblers.
The photos in this review were taken at the New Braunfels location, but I've also dined at both the original Lockhart location. One thing I appreciate is that the food has remained fairly consistent from location to location, even with the expansions that are ongoing.
That said, if you're looking for the full, authentic Black's experience, the original Lockhart location is the one I'd recommend. There's something special about eating barbecue at a place that has been doing it since 1932, and the historic atmosphere adds to the experience. The newer locations tend to have a more polished and modern appearance, and some even feature performance areas for live music, giving them more of a restaurant-and-entertainment feel.
Overall, Black's is a Texas BBQ institution for a reason. While I think there are other Central Texas barbecue joints that do certain things better, the combination of history, consistently good brisket, solid sausage, and the legacy of the Black family makes this a place that every serious Texas BBQ fan should experience at least once. And if you're making a barbecue pilgrimage through Central Texas, Lockhart should definitely be on your list. But for the ocassional meal out, traveler, or date night, the new locations closer to the large cities offer a good alternative to get some classic Texas BBQ.— Paul
