“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.”

“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.”

“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 …”

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.”

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.”

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. …”

“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…..”

“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.”

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)