Texas 46 BBQ Will Be Your New Favorite Hill Country Pit Stop

Editor’s Note: Texas 46 BBQ closed unexpectedly in October 2018.

A drive through Texas Hill Country is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Add some good ol’ Texas barbecue to the mix, and it doesn’t get much better. So next time you’re meandering through the quaint towns in the hills, take detour to Spring Branch, a small town nestled close to Canyon Lake. The owner of Freedmen’s, an Austin barbecue favorite, just opened Texas 46 BBQ. This new restaurant is bringing the smoke to all of your favorite dishes. It even has a full bar to quench your thirst.

Texas 46 BBQ Menu

There’s something special about Texas-style barbecue. At Texas 46 BBQ, not only can you taste the love the pitmaster puts into the meat, but you can see it in the way the meat is handled. Watching the scene from the ordering counter made my mouth water.

The meat is sliced, weighed, and served on butcher paper. The brisket is juicy; the pork spare ribs are tender; and the jalapeño cheddar sausage has the perfect amount of heat.

One of the menu highlights for me was the pulled pork. I know in Texas, brisket is king. But the pulled pork at Texas 46 BBQ was out-of-this-world good! The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful. Once the pork has been pulled, it’s finished with a vinegar sauce. That extra touch of tang had my taste buds instantly craving more. I didn’t even need barbecue sauce! (Texas 46 BBQ does make a good sauce, though.)

The menu here boasted a whopping eight different sides, and I had to try them all. I don’t typically like barbecue beans, but this place has some of the best I’ve ever tried. The green chile creamed corn and cole slaw complemented the meat perfectly.

Even some of the cocktails have a smokey touch, like the Smoked Colada which featured smoked rum, coconut, and pineapple.

The Smokehouse

When you venture out to Texas 46 BBQ, be sure to tour the smokehouse before you leave. Pitmaster Lavon Grant is a pleasure to speak with and incredibly knowledgeable about the restaurant. Grant is happy to show guests around the smokehouse and even give them a sneak peak inside some of the smokers. I got the impression he really loves his job.

Grant is smoking everything from briskets and housemade sausage, to bologna and pecan pie. A true testament to Texas-style barbecue.

Lasting Impressions

Texas 46 BBQ is also a full-service restaurant. While you order your food at the counter, there is still a waitstaff to assist you while you’re seated at your table. The restaurant interior is reminiscent of an authentic roadhouse. Outside, you’ll find plenty of live oaks trees and a covered patio with picnic tables. Texas 46 BBQ is a place where the entire family can enjoy some great food, listen to live music, or even host a party.

Texas 46 BBQ is striving to serve up some great barbecue. I think they’ve hit the nail on the head and I can’t wait until my next visit!

2 Sunset Valley Dr., Spring Branch, TX – Website

 

@theAustinot wants to know: 

What is your favorite barbecue meat and/or side dish?