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Smoking in Authentic Brick Pits in Austin for 25 years.

About Us

Ruby's has been family owned and operated since 1988.

If you're ever in the area come visit us at 512 West 29th Street, just off Guadalupe.

Services available include Dine-In, Take-Out & Catering.

Thanks for stopping by, we hope to see you soon.

Contact Info

  • Pick-Up & To Go orders
  • 512-477-1651
  • Fax Orders
  • 512-474-4294
  • Advance Orders / Office
  • 512-477-2529
  • E-mail
  • info@rubysbbq.com
  • Address
  • Ruby's BBQ,
    512 West 29th Street,
    Austin, Texas 78705

More Info

  • Press
  • References
  • News
  • Map & Directions

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    PRESS

    Fed Man Walking, Austin’s Top 10 Barbeque, by Mike Sutter

    “The brisket is the ancient brown of a standup bass, with a crust rubbed as smooth as the ebony fretboard. Babyback pork ribs and Elgin beef sausage fill the front of the stage, the babybacks as lacquered red as Chinese ribs.”

    Scrumptious Chef, The Best New Orleans Food Blog
    FIELD REPORT: RUBY’S BBQ, by RL Reeves Jr.

    “Their smoked chicken is the best in Austin and I fantasize about that Gorgonzola dressing at least once a month even though I live 500 miles away in New Orleans.”

    Austin American Statesman, October 2000 Editorial, by Dale Rice

    “It’s a different type of barbecue joint. Of course, there’s plenty of good smoked meat and enough vinegar in the spicy sauce to pucker your tastebuds. And there’s Elgin hot sausage and chopped beef sandwiches. All the traditional marks of a good Central Texas barbecue joint …”

    Wine Spectator, Austin at the Table, by Mark Scarbrough and Bruce Weinstein

    November 15th, 2001 – “Ruby’s, in the university district, is undoubtedly the best. The organic brisket is smoked, then smothered in a top-shelf vinegary concoction and served up on wax paper, not a plate in sight. The bread is white, the iced tea strong, the beer generic and the picnic tables rickety at best — but the beef is somehow lean and unbelievably moist.”

    Austin at the Table

    Esquire Magazine, 67 Things Worth a Detour

    July 2002 “The best barbecue in America: Ruby’s B.B.Q. in Austin. All-natural beef brisket smoked overnight, and mustard potato salad so good it’ll make Mom feel bad. Wash it all back with a cold Shiner Bock. 512-477-1651.”

    67 Things Worth a Detour
    67 Things Worth a Detour

    Austin Magazine, November 2003 Editorial

    SMOKE AND SAUCE / TOP CHOICE: Tie – Ruby’s, John Mueller’s BBQ
    “When it comes to BBQ, Austin has many great options to choose from, but Ruby’s has been a campus area institution for years, a favorite of musicians, students and visitors alike. Everything here is excellent, from their perfectly smoked hormone-free brisket to their excellent potato salad with cucumber. Ruby’s is funky and relaxed with great atmosphere — 100% Austin. …”

    November 2003 Editorial
    November 2003 Editorial

    Gourmet Magazine, Restaurants We Love, October 2003

    “Austin may be disappearing behind a cloud of glitz, but it’s still brisket and picnic tables at Ruby’s BBQ, where the meat is piled high on wax-paper-covered trays and served with a spicy sauce…..”

    Restaurants We Love, October 2003

    Esquire Magazine, November 2003 Editorial, by David Granger

    “It’s not that I eat that widely, but every time I eat at Le Bernardin, I think to myself There can be no better place …”

    “And I feel just about the same way every time I get a FedEx box from Ruby’s in Austin, a box that contains the best barbecued brisket one can get shipped to his door.”

    November 2003 Editorial

    New York Times Style Magazine, Spring 2005
    Spring 2005
    Spring 2005

    Texas Monthly, June 2005

    AS SEEN IN THE JUNE 2005 ISSUE Ruby’s BBQ : Funky and colorful, this stalwart barbecue joint is friend to many an Austinite ( and even a few wannabes, who get their Ruby’s fix via FedEx ). The meat is good, particularly in lean, all-natural, thinly sliced brisket; the sause is appropriately tangy; and the sides – like chunky mayonnaise potato salad and creamy slaw with poppy seeds – show creativity and range. Beer and wine. 512 w. 29th Street (512) 477-1651). Open 7 days, 11-mignight, MV, V. $-$$ (w)

    June 2005

    Smoking in Authentic Brick Pits in Austin for 25 years.