Why choose one barbecue sandwich when you can have three? (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)
Texans will argue that brisket reigns supreme when it comes to barbecue. If you’re open to being convinced otherwise, visit Slab BBQ & Beer, where the pulled pork isn’t too shabby, either.
Between the slow-cooked meats and hip hop over the speakers, Slab is smoking what it calls “dope” barbecue. This team is extremely passionate about what they do. It not only shows in the delicious food, but also in the hospitality.
Thank you to Slab BBQ for allowing me to sample food at no charge. All opinions are my own.
Slab BBQ & Beer Story
Slab BBQ has north and south locations, so you can satisfy your barbecue craving no matter where you are
(Credit: Amanda Gagnon)
Slab BBQ is not exactly the new kid on the block. The business has been around since 2006, but had to withstand some trial and error in the restaurant business. Eventually, Slab starting selling barbecue out of a food truck on the UT campus, and the rest is history.
The owners lucked out finding the current north Austin location on Research Boulevard. It was previously a barbecue restaurant, so all the necessary equipment was already there, including a smoker. Slab BBQ remodeled, took on a new persona, and has been on Research since 2014.
The eatery recently expanded south, with a second location on Highway 71 near 290.
Stand-out Menu Items
Pile it high with all the fixins (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)
With so many barbecue joints in Austin, Slab needed to do something different to stand out. When creating the menu, the team decided to focus on sandwiches, instead of the typical meat-by-the-pound platters.
Slab also wanted customers to be exposed to other styles of barbecue, not just Texas-style. You can find a Carolina country hash, St. Louis-style pork ribs with strawberry habañero glaze, and mustard-based coleslaw.
And don’t forget the sauces. There is a more traditional red sauce, Carolina mustard sauce, Alabama white sauce, and spicy Sriracha sauce. Try them all before you jump to conclusions.
Slab’s tagline is “Slow, Low & Bangin’: Real Dope BBQ & Beer” and the team here means every word. The brisket is smoked for 12 hours. The pork is smoked for 10. Meats are prepared every night, ready to serve the next day. Everything is fresh and made in-house. You can even grab a bottle of sauce to take home with you.
More of the Good Stuff
Sauces are bottled and ready to go home with you (Credit: Amanda Gagnon)
From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week, there is a featured special you can sink your teeth into. From Tuesday night half-price ribs to Sunday all day happy hour, any night is a good time to try Slab BBQ.
You’ll especially feel at home if hip hop is your thing. You’ll hear it playing all day and all night. Barbecue and hip hop is a winning combination, in my opinion. It also just another feature that makes Slab BBQ stand out in a sea of Austin barbecue joints.
Slab also offers catering services, including:
- Box lunch: 1 barbecue sandwich, 1 bag of chips or side, 1 cookie
- Weddings and special events: Drop off, full service, or food truck
- On-site food truck: Great for office lunches and events
9012 Research Blvd. and 7701 W Hwy 71 – Website
@amandalgagnon wants to know:
Do you prefer brisket or pulled pork when it comes to satisfying your BBQ needs?