BIKINIS & BBQ DOES la BARBECUE
La Barbecue Review: Austin’s Woman-Owned Michelin-Star BBQ Icon
Well now, gather ’round and settle in—because this one’s a true Texas tale of smoke, meat and charm. We’re talkin’ about La Barbecue, a landmark on the East Side of Austin that’s earned its stripes (and its star) for doing whole-hearted, no-nonsense Central Texas BBQ.
From the moment you approach the big custom pit out back to when you bite into that brisket, La Barbecue delivers exactly what a BBQ lover dreams of: bold flavor, rich tradition and a vibe that’s as real as it gets. Founded in 2012 by the late LeAnn Mueller and now led by Ali Clem, this spot is rooted deep in the smoke-house legacy of Texas.
✦✹✦
What we ordered
Brisket (you know the drill)
Turkey
Original sausage
Mac & cheese + potato salad + chipotle slaw
Gluten free banana pudding and lemon pie
The verdict
Is it worth the wait? Yes! The brisket alone is worth the trip: deep smoke, rich meat, seasoning that works without showboating. The sausage? A revelation. The ribs? Soul-satisfying. Sides? They hold their own rather than just standing aside.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 out of 5 — A near-perfect smokehouse with heart. The only thing keeping it from a full 5? The wait and competition for justice on those meat trays.
Good to Know
📍 2401 E Cesar Chavez St., Austin, TX 78702
⏰ Wed–Sun, 11 AM–6 PM (Closed Mon & Tue) - the line starts about 10:30 AM
👉 Pre-order if you can—lines build up fast and some items run out early.
Would we go back?
In a heartbeat. For two bikini-toppin’ podcast hosts who live for BBQ and fun, la Barbecue hits the sweet spot of serious flavor and tongue-in-cheek vibes. Next time, we’re coming with extra appetite (and maybe a bib just in case).
