Hi there, I am looking for recommendations on where to eat good BBQ in Austin without having to queue. I have read all the reviews that saying queuing at the popular places is all part of the experience but it is not for me.

Any suggestions?

When we make the semi-annual visit to the relatives in Austin, we often go to County Line on the Lake. We've never had to wait for a table.

County Line on the Lake is a very large place. I may look full, but there's always room for another person.

Great, thank you for the recommendation.

IronWorks downtown on Caesar Chavez and Red River has great BBQ.

Thanks AustinTraveler

It's too bad that a seminal part of the Austin cultural experience is "not for you." Why travel all this way to get mediocre barbecue at places like Iron Works or County Line, full of tourists who can't be bothered to mix with real Texans and townies who are too lazy to find the good stuff?

If you're not lining up for it, you're not getting good meat. Wait in line at Franklin, and you'll be glad you did, not just because the barbecue is easily the highest quality in Austin, but because it's such an awesome way to meet people--people who might be able to make other recommendations for you while you're in town! Also, JMueller BBQ in South Austin frequently, but not always, has a line--another fantastic location. Ruby's BBQ in Central Austin is another good option, though they tend to be inconsistent. At least they're family-owned. If you've got transportation, the Salt Lick is a hike out to Driftwood and isn't as impressive in terms of the quality of food but the experience is very nice--rustic vibe, picnic tables, BYOB.

Avoid: County Line, Iron Works, Rudy's, Stubb's. Packaged, boring meat for tourists who don't know better. Now that you've read my comment, you know better!

If you did decide that you were willing to wait in line, we love going to the Salt Lick in Driftwood; the atmosphere is great, and we love their brisket. You can watch them prepare it right in front of you. We've been to County Line on the Lake - it's pretty good, but to me it has much more of a chain feeling vs. some of the other spots.

Diff and volcanogirl thanks for the recommendations. We have only 3 days in Austin and just did not want to spend hours in a queue. I take your point about eating the best and meeting people, we always love to meet the locals and make a point of it wherever we travel, hence the GTG. I guess us foreigners just don't understand how good or how much better the line up may make the BBQ.

Sorry, diffuseglow, but who died and made you the God of Austin BBQ?

Bwino obviously doesn't want to waste precious vacation time in line for BBQ and there is plenty of good BBQ in Austin that doesn't require a long wait. Personally, I'm a fan of Iron Works (and the many locals that eat there for lunch can't all be wrong.)

Lol thanks longhorn I was trying to be polite about not wanting to line up, no one is going to convince me to spend hours in a queue and I am sure we will still eat some excellent BBQ.

Just checked Diff's profile, this is their one and only post on Fodors, LOL. Pretty odd subject to get fired up about enough to create an account.

Bwino, trust me, I don't know one person in Austin who bothers lining up for BBQ, especially Franklin's. That's just the latest fad at the moment. I like IronWorks a lot. County Line has a good location on the lake but I find their sauce way too sweet.

You don't have to become an expert to eat BBQ. Just enjoy yourself (without lining up!).

Thanks Austin traveller we will definitely be trying one of the none queuing options. Really looking forward to Austin.