Iron Works Reviews

We visited Ironworks with another family and loved the BBQ, especially the ribs! The food is amazing, put together right in front of you! The building has an interesting history as an Ironworks, and it is really a fun place to eat. Pork and brisket were solid, but the beef ribs were the star of the show.

We stayed across the street at the Fairmont and only had a limited time to enjoy Texas BBQ. This place hit the spot. The food was decent BBQ and it was closeby. The platter was a hearty portion of brisket, sausage and ribs. All were very good. Sides we had were mac and cheese and coleslaw. Mac and cheese was good although we read reviews that weren't great. We enjoyed it. I had the brisket sandwich. The meat was good, the roll was a bit on the boring side, Sauce on tables was tasty as well. We enjoyed it. For being next to our hotel, it was great,

Friends showing us around Austin brought us to IW for lunch. First impressions were OK another rustic BBQ joint. You order at the counter, take your food, pay at the register and find a seat. While it is a relatively small and busy place we were able to find a table for 4. The food was great. The brisket was even better...as moist as can be (and I am not talking about any sauce on it) with a wonderful smokey bark. We will be back.

Bar far my favorite must eat at while in town place! The staff is fast and friendly! The food is delicious and the portions are large! the sweet tea is phenomenal!!

Our group of 10 people stopped here for an early dinner after an afternoon in Austin. The food was awesome! We all passed bites of different meats around the table and the general consensus was that everything was delicious. A few of us bought their dry rub and BBQ sauce to take home. If you're in Austin and around Red River St, check this place out!

Excellent food (though not as cult worthy as Frankin). Got a sampler platter for ~$18 and was enough to share with my wife. Brisket was good and beef ribs were excellent. Sausage had a great smoky flavor and the sides (we opted for slaw and beans were also delicious). Ice cold beer sitting in tubs by the cashier. Fun to see all the celebrity photos on the walls who had dined there before. Location is directly across from Fairmont which was convenient as we were staying there.

I had just arrived in Austin and checked in at my downtown hotel. It was 10:30 am and I was starving, so I went for a walk to find something -- anything -- to put in my belly. Iron Works BBQ was the closest place open in the area, so I went inside. I figured, hey, I'm in Texas and it's BBQ, so what could go wrong. Answer: A LOT. The short of it is: this place sucks. There was a line of sketchy customers and by the time I got to the counter to order, the staff seem to have had enough of everyone's foolishness. They were far from friendly, but I figured I'm not here to make friends so I didn't really care. I ordered a brisket plate with two sides and my friend got a brisket and sausage plate with a side of fries. We paid the nice cashier and took a seat. The food wasn't super pricey, especially for downtown Austin and barbecue, but the quality was utter crap. The brisket was tough and super fatty (like GROSS fatty). The green beans were straight from a can, and the macaroni was an embarrassment. The sausage and ribs were mediocre. At least the fries were hot. The meat quality was absolutely atrocious. I'm still in shock with the awful quality. We also found the portions to be inadequate. We were starving so the food filled our bellies, but I had more gristle and fat on my plate than meat in my stomach. The iced tea was super strong and freshly brewed, so at least that was a plus. The bbq sauces on the table were tasty, too. Neither of these positives are enough to make a good restaurant, however. Iron Works Barbecue is just terrible. It's a true dive that looks legit from the outside, but the food is anything but. Do not waste your time and money here. Spend the dough and hop at Lyft or Uber to one of the far better options a bit further from the city.

Varied menu, but without the expected taste. Sausage was disappointingly bland. Beef brisket was tender. Sides were standard.

We were cramming in a day in Austin and did a great tour that left from the Austin Visitor Center and this place was nearby. We stepped up and ordered at the counter. When in Texas - gotta be brisket and it did not disappoint. The ribs were just ok and the sides were fine, Not much of a vibe - think of it as a quick BBQ joint in a convenient location, with decor that looks like worn- but the star of the show - The Brisket made it OK!!

I tried the Sampler Plate and really enjoyed the beef brisket and beef rib. The meat had good flavor and smokiness - didn't really need any sauce. It was cool to see all the celebrity photos, letters and signatures in the dining room.

Went to grab a bite for lunch after a meeting with my colleagues. The facility was very rustic with big fans and no air-conditioning on a very hot day. I got a pulled pork sandwich which was very good and very large. I found it difficult to eat the entire sandwich. The smoke taste added a good flavor and the barbecue sauce was slightly sweet and vinegar-based. The iced tea was very good. I would recommend it for lunch but you might also consider it on a day when the temperatures are not in the upper 90s to 100s. With all the road construction around it it is a difficult place to fine but worth the walk.

Busy, noisy had to queue then pay before finding a seat...great Texas BBQ! The atmosphere was great, the service friendly and venue ‘rustic’. I had the sampler dinner - beef short rib, pulled pork and brisket. All were good, but the brisket especially so. Good food and good prices in the middle of downtown. Worth a visit.

Had dinner with my family here. The food was much better than expected. The service was good but food better. Place doesn't look like much but worth the try. Absolutely would go back.

Staying at Hilton Austin . Need a place to get some BBQ 3 blocks from Hilton was Iron Works . Food good . small portions. rather expensive. Not fancy either. Across from the Fairmont

Thinking this was still one of the best BBQ places in Austin, I took my visiting family there - we had brisket sandwiches and sausage sandwiches. VERY disappointing!!! Was not flavorful at all. Ambiance is good but very unhappy that we didn't really have good TX BBQ....I kept apologizing but will never take visitors there again. The potato salad was a great portion size, but no flavor there either. Beans and mac and cheese were "ok". So sorry to experience what we were served as I thought it was a great place to go in years prior.

We enjoyed our lunch at Iron Works upon our arrival in Austin so much that we went back on our last day to end our trip there also.

Meat, meat and more meat. Great service and staff and amazing BBQ food. The brisket and ribs are fantastic. Great location.

You order at a window, get you meal grab a drink then pay. There were several sides to choose from. No bake potatoes after lunch. I ordered the brisket. It was tender and flavorful. I had pinto beans and green beans. The green beans were specially yummy with bacon cooked in. I was a little disappointed that they did not serve cornbread. The barbecue sauce was served on the side to add as much as you like. My friend ordered the smoked turkey which look juicy and flavorful would definitely eat there again.

One of the best bbq places in Austin. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for local cuisine. Start with a sampler platter that gives you three types of meat to taste. Watch out as the portions are large for Asian appetite. Remember to try the meats without any sauce/gravy to savour the real bbq meaty taste!

If you're looking for clean and refined dining. Stop now. If you want GREAT smoked brisket and ribs, get your butt here now! You'll enter order at the window, grab your own drinks, pay and find an available table where you'll find a roll of paper towels, and a bottle of BBQ sauce to attack your delicious smoked meat! I reccomend the brisket or the pork ribs! I had a sampler plate then ordered my lunch for the next day before I left!

We decided on Ironworks after a long flight as it was more or less opposite the hotel we were staying at. As you approach the venue you’re hit by the delicious smokehouse smells. I had the sampler platter which included a sausage, some beef brisket and a beef rib it came with two sides, I opted for the pinto beans and coleslaw. All of the food was delicious, well seasoned and the meats had that wonderful Smokey flavour. The only issue was I didn’t have room for dessert. I’d definitely recommend Ironworks.

We were staying across the street from the restaurant and wanted to try some authentic Texas BBQ. This was a great atmosphere and the people were really nice. I ordered the brisket plate and asked for recommendations on the sides. They suggested the mac & cheese and creamed corn. I was not disappointed! The meat was not as smoky as I had anticipated, but it was good.

This is where my friends wanted to go because it was close to their hotel and the convention center. The place was rustic and easy to walk to. Never again. I barely touched the food. I got the pulled pork and it was incredibly fatty making it virtually inedible. I've never had baked beans that were so bad and I ate about 4 beans. The mac and cheese was at least edible. The service is counter service so you order at the counter and wait for them to push your tray over the counter and you pay the cashier. You clear your own plates. The woman behind the food counter was surly at best. No smile, no nothing. Her tone was rude and she appeared to hate her job. She did not want to answer any questions. The cashier was friendlier. There are much better bbq places in Austin and you should spend your money there.

First barbecue I've had in Austin, and I can't rate it highly enough. The staff were incredibly welcoming and warm, and the food was incredible. I had the sampler, and could have sat here all day eating the brisket.

Went here twice during my visit to Austin. First visit I got the sampler with brisket, beef rib and sausage with two sides. It was excellent. Nothing about the sampler let it down. Washed it down with a Shiner Bock. My second visit was to get the brisket plate and a Lone Star. I even ordered some brisket to take home! The prices were decent for what you get and the portions are good sized.

I had the brisket plate which was alright but they did not give me a choice of lean or fat meat. The slices were thick with a good amount of fat which probably helped with the overall texture. It had good flavor. Biggest issue were the flies while try to eat.

This was a pleasant surprise. The food is served cafeteria style, you order, they hand it to you. Pick a beer out of the cooler filled with ice and then pay. I got the sausage plate and it was delicious. That and a beer for all under 20 dollars is great considering you are in Austin. Would go back again.

This spot feels very authentic. It’s quick service BBQ - nothing glamorous. Service was fine. Be aware that there is minimal parking, and the lot across the street costs $18 per hour.

My first trip to Austin I am sampling every barbecue restaurant I can during the day and going out for adult beverages and live music in the evening. I am works barbecue is fantastic. The pulled pork was absolutely delicious in their house sauce is just right!!! Ordered up two sides one being mac & cheese and the other being potato salad and both were very tasty. The only downside....they do not have corn bread. This facility has ample seating and plenty of paper towels on every table :-) 👍👍👍

Across the street from our hotel (Fairmont). Very good beef and pork ribs in a rustic setting. Nothing fancy, but good.

A hidden gem that is centrally located near the Convention Center. Yes, I know that sentence sounds wrong, but its true. This place is centrally located, but really easy to miss this rustic tin shed if you are not looking for it. This old-time barbecue stop should be on every Austin visitors guide. You'll enjoy the atmosphere of an old ironwork shop and the unbelievably juice smoked ribs and house special beef sausage.

Long queue to order - self service to get drinks , cutlery and your table Food tasty with lots of options We had brisket and steak ribs Very quaint looking place with large ice boxes for beers Worth visiting

While in Austin tried some bbq and heard about others with 2 hour waits. Then we came across Iron Works...best bbq.... perfection. Do not miss this. Unassuming place with paper plates and basic sides..but the meats.💕

We were with a party of six, just ordered racks, brisket and a bunch of sides. Nice chilled beers, the brisket was tender, the racks were just right (both taste and tenderness). Sides werent spectacular, but that wasn't the main course, right? Would go any time again!

Brisket was dry. Beef rib was dry. Sausage was good. Coleslaw was very watery. Mac and cheese was good. Wouldn’t race back here.

This felt authentic all the way around: location, food and ambiance. Pick a table outside for a look down a stream. There is parking on the side and across the street. The pulled pork was very moist and the brisket had great flavor. I tried their original sauce which was good too.

Iron Works BBQ Didn’t Not Keep Up With TheIr Reputation but HEY THE CORN ON THE COBB AND THE HALF LITER OF ICE COLD MEXICAN COKE SAVED OUR VALENTINES DAY DINNER. We were advised by a local go to Iron Works BBQ with an empty stomach which I did but was clearly disappointed for sum finger likin Austin Texas bbq. We picked two plates of LARGE Beef Ribs (3) The Ribs that makes them famous at $20.95 each plate includes 2 sides and 1 slice of bread. In addition we purchased a side of tater salad, a bottle of water plus I washed it all down with a half liter ICE COLD Mexican Bottle of Coke. It was not worth the 50 dollar plus bill that I had to pay at the register. In retrospect the corn on da Cobb and the half liter Mexican coke were the only highlights of our gastronomic visit.

Friendly staff, food was good. Conveniently located walking distance to the convention center. The only draw back was it was really hot inside the restaurant during the time we were visiting.

Wanted some barbeque for dinner. So we saw this place. When we got there at 6 it looked like we were the only one there. Ordered food pulled pork sandwich husband got brisket. The sandwich was good . My husband loved the brisket. When we went to sit down there was a upstairs and outdoor sitting. The place was crowded. Enjoy.

Solid BBQ joint between 6th St and Rainey St. Its in the hotel corridor so it gets lots of tourists/conference goers. But it’s not a tourist trap. Everything cooked low and slow and the sides are great. Mac and cheese and green beans were outstanding. Go for the combo plate if you’re not sure what to get. The building is also historic and shows it’s age. It’s rustic and authentic.

Love this place. Not fancy. But focus on great BBQ Texas style. Stand in line, get your food tray, find a table and enjoy really nice brisket or ribs.

My husband and I came here with a friend and two small children. We were hopeful when we walked in, and the wait wasn’t long. When we got up to the counter to order, the ladies were abrupt and rude, obviously just trying to get us to move along. We are not from around here, so had no idea what to do. When my order came, she tossed the tray across the counter at me, spilling barbecue and sauce all over the tray. We went to pay and order drinks, and just ended up getting water, which we had to find the fountain for. There are no kids items, so if you go with a small child, just share with them. The portions given to the children and men was pretty large, but my pulled pork plate was very small in comparison. Would not recommend this place, no matter what anyone else says. I don’t go to a restaurant to eat and have the servers act like they are doing me a favor by providing very subpar service.

Food is excellent regional barbecue. Lots of outdoor seating. Really cool venue. Location is good across from the Fairmont hotel. IMHO way better than Franklin’s and the wait is shorter. Ribs and brisket are specialties. Fresh corn on the side!

I have just gotten back from this restaurant. The atmosphere is nice. It is a very casual place. The staff are particularly friendly and the food was nice. I do not consider it the best bbq I’ve had though and that is why it gets 4 stars. Would still very much recommend if you’re in the area.

The most important thing is the barbecue brisket here is amazing! It's some of the best I've ever eaten anywhere!

I live in Austin and have eaten a lot of BBQ here. I like the brisket here and the sausage too, but the pork ribs are a true standout. They’re so perfectly smoked that sauce isn’t needed at all, and meaty enough for anyone. And they’re at least as good the next day, eaten cold. Forks up! Go, and enjoy!

Great Sampler Plate.It had tri tip, sausage, and a huge rib. You also get two sides.I had creamed corn and potato salad. Great Location! There is always a line but good things are worth the wait!

We had family with us from western NY so we searched Tripadvisor for some highly rated BBQ places while in Austin. This place NOT disappoint and the ratings and comments were very helpful. We followed others' examples and shared sampler plates (1 per couple) and there was plenty of food and very reasonably priced (under $20). The brisket, beef rib and sausage were all excellent. We selected creamed corn & green beans which were also plentiful and tasty. Fun atmosphere and not fancy. I highly recommend!

I had the brisket, and it was fattier than most, but tasty. The sides - coleslaw and potato salad, were average to below average. Bland.

Solid food with good flavors. However it lacks that something special that makes barbecue very memorable. I got the mixed plate with sausage (good), beef rib (quite good), and brisket (I’ve had much better). My colleague had smoked turkey which I thought was smokier than my beef items. Very fair pricing and portions. They have spicy barbecue sauce which I didn’t see until I dumped my trays, otherwise I would’ve had that. All in all it’s recommended if your nearby.

Came here for lunch, right outside our hotel in Austin. Somewhat dieting, we split the Sampler Plate and it was mighty good! Sausage, brisket and ribs with excellent side. This joint it no frills, good eatin! I highly recommend.

Beef brisket sandwich was perfect, side of slaw and sweet corn with a brown ale. A great lunch! Wood smell stayed on my clothes, and that’s not a bad thing! My colleague got a slice of pecan pie that she devoured!!

Went here for lunch and thought they had great beef ribs, okay brisket and okay Turkey. Green beans were too mushy but that might be typical, potato salad was good. We weren't big fans of the coleslaw but thats personal preference, creamed corn was good. Its your typical bbq decor and ambiance. Overall we thought it was good but not great, except the ribs. The soda machine wasnt working which wss as a bummer. We did not see a cornbread option. We have another favorite that we think is much better in Austin but if you're right downtwn this spot works.

Iron works was perfect for a quick lunch in the area. The bbq was quite good. The brisket was moist, nice pork rib, and fatty sausage. Mac and cheese was fine but not great. Chill easy spot.

Nice and authentic place. It’s always a good sign when police officers get food in a place. I liked the brisket and the pulled pork. Very well smoked with a great rub. Check it out !

Although it has been some time since we have visited this iconic BBQ dive in Austin, it is hard to forget the taste, smells, and atmosphere of Iron Works. Not only is their BBQ outstanding, all of their sides have a right to share a spot on the plate. Yet another place to add to your travel list when visiting Austin - I promise you won't be sorry you made the effort to get to this little corner BBQ joint. Just make sure to save room for their cobbler!

The pulled pork by boyfriend got was so good! The ribs I got were good but they were too fatty for me. The meat did fall apart off the bone though! I would return but just get the pulled pork :)

This is a cool restaurant in an old iron works building in downtown Austin. You order, get your food and drinks and then grab a table (there is seating inside and outside and large fans to help with the heat). The brisket was some of the best I have ever had. The sides were good, Mac and cheese was decent.

After getting several rave recommendations to eat here during a recent visit to Austin we decided to give it a try. It's a very short walk east of Congress St. just beyond the convention center. Great menu options and delicious food at a reasonable price. They offer beer and wine too. The ribs were meaty and succulent. The sides were delicious. They have indoor and outdoor seating. Casual, friendly atmosphere. Would definitely go here again for some barbecue on our next visit to Austin.

Situated in an old barn-like structure, Iron Works Barbecue, impressed us with their moist brisket and amazing side items. Parking is a little tight, but more spots across the street.

Excellent food but a very rustic environment. You order from a takeout window and pay at the counter, this is not a full service restaurant. The combo platter was delicious (sausage, beef brisket and a beef rib).

I had sampler since I was a first timer. Loved the brisket and sausage. Didn’t like the beef rib. I prefer to stay with brisket but want to try pork next time

This restaurant was close to the hotel we stayed at, so it was very handy. Many people I know ate there during the five days we stayed, and I heard nothing but compliments from every one of them. The brisket, the ribs, the pulled pork - and oh my goodness, the mac and cheese! Delicious!

The brisket was the best “store bought” I’ve had! I like the brisket I smoke better, but I get to use beef I raised myself. Their sausage is very good as well. It has more meat than fat, which is unusual for “store bought” sausage. The sides and salad bar are very nice as well. The servers were helpful and friendly. A very good meal for the price!

Sorry. Used to be a good spot but someone raised their prices without quality Sausage wrap is a 5 inch piece of sausage on a piece of white bread ? Paying for that at a food truck would be an insult let alone here. That was our last time coming here after decades of.

A local recommended this place to me, and I can't fault it. Good BBQ in a former iron works. The brisket and the pulled pork were very good. The sides were good as well. Prices are reasonable. A short walk from the Fairmont hotel and the convention center, so very convenient

Enjoyed the BBQ! I got the sampler because you only live once. The rib was HUGE. Excellent sausage and the brisket was good. I really enjoyed the Mac and Cheese too.

I had the ribs. They were very average. My wife had the brisket and it was fatty. I think there are better bbq places in Austin.

Great bbq. Good atmosphere. Located just around the corner from Austin Detours (city tour we took) . Friendly staff. Highly recommend!

Nice down home place with the ambiance a Texas BBQ place should have. Get in the fast moving line to place your order which is served to you on a tray lined with brown paper then and there at the counter. Then go seat yourself because there are no servers. There is a white paper roll of napkins at your table along with all the condiments and you can pull your drink from an old fashioned cooler. Sit down and enjoy some delicious smoked Texas BBQ at a good price.

We got ribs and pulled pork. Ribs were kind of dry, but pulled pork was pretty good. Green beans and potato salad were ok, but coleslaw was very good. No cornbread. No air conditioning either. There are better places to experience Texas BBQ.

If you're looking for the shack style restaurant that serves great food - you found it. The BBQ is unbelievably plentiful and flavorful and the service was lightning fast. I come from NC so I am already hesitant of others BBQ but I enjoyed Iron Works and would likely go back if ever I am in the area. The dining area is very hot and stuffy so plan for that, especially summertime.

Love their BBQ - well worth the wait and has the coldest Lone Star - love to eat outside. Love the service -

I have to qualify that being from Memphis are standards are very high. I really liked the feel of the place. It has a great old school BBQ feel. We ordered the combo w/ pulled pork, sausage & brisket. the wife had half rack of pork ribs. Sides of cream corn & BBQ beans. Brisket was the best item. it gets 4 out of 5 rating. Pulled pork not bad but middle of the road. Sausage nothing special. Pork Ribs dry style too crispy but still tender on the bone a 2. Cream Corn a 4 and BBQ Beans a 2.5. Sauce a 4. They had peach cobbler ala mode strong 4+. Easy walk reasonably priced not the worst by any stretch.

we got the sample plate,super ribs,sausage and brisket a d the brisket was the best.it also come with coleslaw,green beans sides very good also.will eat here again.

First, you walk in the door and are in the lineup for food. We were late afternoon so we were at our table with our food in minutes. A school group of about 20 was just after us. It could take a while at peak times. Great ambiance. It was raining both inside and out. Heavy outside, drips inside- added to the charm. Potato salad and pinto beans great. Loved the brisket but found the sausage and the ribs to be good but not as much. Very comfortable. Feels like a mix of tourists and locals. We shared the combo plate and it was lots. Pictures and letters from both sides of the aisle.

I was just in town for the first time alone. I walked around and met a nice security lady who gave me her map to get around in the downtown area. Ok, to the food review. Well, I got the baked potatoe since I didn't want just meat. The meat was tender and good, a good amount but not alot. The baked potatoe itself didn't seem real fresh but seemed a little older than what I would have preferred. The atmosphere was cozy and the staff was friendly. It was ok but next time I might say, I want a fresh potatoe!

Ranking BBQ places is a dangerous undertaking, particularly in Austin --- the home of so many wonderful Texas BBQ restaurants. It is a bit like debating the most influential rock star of all time or which city has the best pizza (New York of course). That said, in my humble opinion Iron Works has had and still has the best Texas BBQ I have ever tasted. I used to spend a lot of time in Austin and Iron Works was a "must go there stop" sometime during every trip. I was just visiting Austin for a wedding, so I had to eat there with my family. Everything was mouth-wateringly delicious! The brisket is my favorite... juicy, smoky, perfection. The smoked sausage and big beef ribs are also excellent. I am a big fan of their sauce, although everyone should sample the meat before smothering it in sauce. I highly recommend Iron Works for anyone with a craving for fantastic Texas BBQ. I recommend going in the mid afternoon to avoid the crowds. Enjoy!

The mac and cheese and brisket were good, the ribs were okay, the corn was terrible. Disappointingly, everything was served on disposable plastic. Not good enough for 2019.

We stopped in here early and had the place to ourselves. We ordered the brisket plate with potato salad and pinto beans. When we got up to pay, their credit card machine was not working. They told us to sit and eat then pay. We sat overlooking the little stream, which was nice. The potato salad was good but it was quite eggy and mustardy. The beans were good but we burped them all afternoon. The brisket was ok.

We had begin to think there were no GREAT Restaurants left in Austin. This was our favorite place for barbeque when we lived here before and coming back years later, it is just how we remembered it. It is small, there is no air-conditioning, and it is downtown but the food is FABULOUS! We had the Sampler Platter and the only complaint was some of the brisket was not as juicy as it usually is. The Sausage was unbelievably great! Love the Beef Ribs.

There wasn't really any service here. The cashier was on her phone the whole time and offered no assistance. With the reputation, I expected the food to be better. Great baked potato,

Iron Works is behind the convention center and does not look like much from the outside. Inside is rustic and country casual. Tables downstairs with checkered tablecloths, a deck upstairs with plastic patio furniture. Order at a window inside, food comes out on a tray in a minute, pay at the counter and find a table. Typical BBQ selection - all delicious. Sides very good. Salad bar is sad - do not bother. Large beer and beverage selection. Not expensive.

When you think of Texas BBQ, you picture a place like this, a joint. It’s not pretty or fancy. What it lacks in ambiance, it more than makes up for it in the smell and taste of the food. I had the beef brisket which came with two sides. My business associate had the sampler. Everything was great and the BBQ sauce had a kick to it but not enough to be overpowering.

and four of us just spent a hot day in Austin. We asked around for suggestions on real Texas BBQ and Iron Works was one of the walkable suggestions fron 6th street. We’re really glad we came here. Yes, it was a very hot day but we sat on their back patio and the fans and misters made it tolerable. We amused ourselves by tossing rolled up white bread to the fish and turtles in the small stream below. As for the food we enjoyed it very much. None of us are new to good BBQ and both the brisket and pork ribs were outstanding. Their house BBQ has a distint vinegar flavor which we actually enjoyed. Each order came with two sides so among the four of us we had coleslaw (excellent), pinto beans, creamed corn (a link to our childhood memories!), and green beans. All were tasty but of course the stars of the show were the brisket and ribs. If you’re looking for a taste of “old Austin” this place is a good bet.

When I heard Billy Gibbons wats here I had to give it a try plus its highly rated on TA! All the dishes we had melted in your mouth! Great brisket! No table service so you order and pick up quickly so it’s not really a slow dining experience. Rustic place neat pictures and worth the stop for dove if the bbq in Town.

During one of our many bike rides around town, we saw this fairly unassuming. low slung building set next to a ravine 7 a bunch of overhanging trees. Went back later in the evening for a very good & very filling barbecued chicken with sides of potato salad & ma & cheese, including huge slices of onion & pickles. We sat on the enclosed porch that feels almost like it is in the treetops because of the many trees right off the porch. Bric-a-brac adorns the walls, food is served directly on trays, servings are huge, the staff is super-friendly, and there are good, cold sodas & beers to wash down your well seasoned meals & dry rubs to buy so you can try your hand at this at home.

We sampled many BBQ places, but my husband and I thought this was the best. The BBQ was lean (not fatty), the potato salad delicious (made with egg), the coleslaw slightly sweet, and the beans reminded me of home cooking. The beans were pinto beans seasoned with cumin (vs. baked bean) and absolutely delicious! The line moved fast and service was excellent. I only wish we ate there one more time before we departed.

There is absolutely a reason that they sell out of different meats by dinnertime... it is DELICIOUS!

Great brisket, not as good as Terry Black imo, but very good none the less. Pork ribs were not fall off the bone, actually had to chew the meat off, so thats why I rated this place less than 5.

This is quite an eclectic place and nothing fancy. I would call it a traditional Texas BBQ place. I ordered the beef ribs and they are large.

Great smokey flavor that will sit with ya for a day. Authentic bar b que texas style. BI got the sampler yum. Brisket and sausage could of been cook more but fine the way it was. Loved the ribs flavor n taste.

We were very pleased with the meat and the sides - my wife particularly liked the potato salad, I liked the mac and cheese. The one drawback was how strong the smell of smoke was. If you do go to Iron Works, be prepared to change your clothes afterwards or you'll spend the rest of your day smelling like BBQ smoke. But that wouldn't deter us from going back, as the food was really good, which is the most important thing!

I have to say, this place is great. Sometimes you don’t need fancy worded reviews - you just need to say it how it is. Firstly the vibe is very “Texas BBQ”. Secondly, the decor is eclectic filled with smokey aroma. Thirdly, the meats are delicious and Texas sized serves. Fourthly, the slaw - forgetaboutit! I judge bbq places by their sides, and this place as it going on. Def recommend

This tiny tin building originally is Ironwork shop , forget your 5 stars dinning ,it is Taxes style , smoked , BBQ every where ! finger licking good ,mess face , menu is 100 % BBQ , we choose the Sampler Plate ,every items is Yummy , special the sausages ! , ,only in Taxes have a great quality smoked BBQ receipts,they know their BBQ Sauce , not too long for the line up ,we enjoy our first BBQ Dinner in Austin ! must try this place if you visit Austin !

Try out Iron Works if you are in the downtown Austin area. The brisket, sausage, & ribs were really good. Glad we stopped by to try it.

Tried it because it was raining and Iron Works was very close. The beef was tender and flavor was excellent although a little fatty. The sides including pinto beans and mac n cheese were good, however, the potato salad was rather bland. Overall it was good, not outstanding for bbq.

Best BBQ of the 4 BBQ places I visited in Austin. The beef ribs have no equal - meaty, smoky and tender! Side of mac/cheese was also notably above average by a long shot.

We went here for dinner and between us had pulled pork, brisket and the beef ribs. All were sooooo good!

This place looks authentic enough, the service was friendly, but the BBQ is disappointing. Good southern green beans (if you don’t like overcooked beans, you don’t like them cooked southern style), and potato salad is fine. You can’t get a brisket and sausage combo (odd), so if you want them together you have to get the sampler combo which includes beef ribs as well. The ribs were disappointing—too fatty. The brisket was fine, the sausage lacked spice—both of which made the BBQ sauce disappointing as well. The sauce lacked the tang that is all the more important if the meats don’t have a lot of flavour by themselves. Prices are way too high for the sub par BBQ.

Texas BBQ doesn't need fancy bells and whistles... and the Iron Works does it right at a reasonable price. The atmosphere is what you would want from authentic Texas BBQ, no frills and the smell of that delicious BBQ throughout. There's seating in both the front and back, and we chose the front, but if you prefer a little more space and less noise, sit at the back section. Either way, you're carrying your food, cafeteria style, to your table. Know what you want as you approach the order window and that will help things go smoothly.

This was really close to our hotel so an easy opportunity for us to try some Austin BBQ without waiting in line for hours. The queue was quick and there were plenty of tables free, though lots of people there at 5pm. We had a sampler plate (brisket, beef rib, and sausage) with mac and cheese and creamed corn between two of us which was more than enough. The sausage and mac were great together, the brisket was good, and while the flavour was nice on the rib it was a little tough. We weren’t a big fan of the creamed corn though, it felt like normal plain corn just had single cream poured on it rather than a thicker cream-like taste of corn itself being blended. Overall it was a nice meal, and the BBQ sauces were really good with it, but not among the best BBQ we had on our trip.

We went there for the famous Texas Barbecue and got truly excellent food for a most reasonable price. The place feels great, and we were sitting outside on the porch next to the water and many more happy guests

Great ribs (way more meat than most places due to cutting out every other bone), but this place is a bit uncomfortable in the heat of summer.

I had the beef brisket sandwich with mac & cheese. It was delicious and very ....reasonably priced. Super close to the convention center.

This was spot number 2 on our walking barbecue food tour, but I believe it was number 1 for our taste buds and type of place. I would classify as a dive barbecue place which is right up our alley. I would definitely stop here for lunch or dinner.

Who wouldn’t visit where Billy Gibbons, Late W.H. Bush would eat. Service is fast, food is omg good.

Old school Austin BBQ great food horrible parking tiny restrooms not as Yuppy as Franklin's beef ribs main reasion to go

This was our first stop at a BBQ place in Austin and we came here based on the slid reviews in Tripadvisor. I was blown away by the really outstanding taste of the brisket- most and tender like I've never tasted before! I would come back in a heartbeat - the only reason I didn't give this a full 5 was because I know there are many more BBQ places in Austin and there may yet be others with even better BBQ, although I am not sure how it cold beat the brisket we had here! The location is nice in that its an easy short walk down to the river - and that in itself is a nice after lunch/dinner place to casually walk and people watch!

Serving a traditional barbecue and well-reviewed, I had high hopes for a evening's dinner. It was not to be. Though the meats were served straight from the oven, they were warm but not hot. The corn was soggy for having been boiled in water too long. The cole slaw, though, was great, with just the right amount of vinegar. The beer was inexpensive and straight from the ice bucket, but not ice cold. It was not crowded -- perhaps because its better days are known to be over.

Pretty awful. The barbecue here is as bad as it comes. I have lived in the south a majority of my life and the last 4 years have been in Texas. This may be the lamest I have ever visited. The food doesn't even have a smoked flavor. It tastes as if it were cooked in a slow cooker. The pulled pork is absolutely flavorless. The brisket was half fat and also just tasted like an unseasoned pot roast. I am giving 1 star for the mac and cheese. I wish I could give zero stars. And for the price, this is an absolute rip off. I would avoid this place if you know anything about barbecue.

This place is a must when visiting Austin. Group of 18 and we sampled everything without disappointment. Brisket was tender, sausage was very tasty and pulled pork was delicious. They served beef ribs and one in our group asked for pork ribs, to which they do not serve. We were pleased with the beef ribs...lot of meat in the bone.

Delicious food and interesting atmosphere. It was really hot out but they had a misting system going so it was comfortable

I went there with several people that were attending a conference and all staying at the Fairmont across the street. This was the only barbecue that we had this week and it was just like what I was expecting and similar to what I have had when in South Carolina. Since we went right after a meeting it was quite busy with the line out the door. You walk in, place your order, then go to the next counter to pay and get a drink and then sit down with your food. I had a pulled pork sandwich with my two sides being french fries and coleslaw and everything was very good and tasty.

Fun place, good food, reasonably priced. Not as good as Q-39 in Kansas City but good. It is a tomato base sauce

The restaurant is located a short distance from the city center: it has a small car park. It seems to be a historic place: the atmosphere is very pleasant, the staff are friendly and the food is excellent. The tubs for taking drinks are very nice. You also have the opportunity to purchase some of their products, such as barbecue rub or sauces. The price is average for the area.

Went on the recommendation of our tour bus guide and were not disappointed. Ordered the Sliced brisket plate with a Beef Rib, coleslaw and creamed corn. Meat was fork tender and juicy and sides were like Mom used to make. Went back twice during our stay

I go there everytime during SXSW. Sometimes with a long line, sometimes not. The brisket was ok the pork rips very good. If you cannot make it outside to sone real BBQ, you get a pretty good impression, what it is like.

My husband and I ate here twice in 2 days. Amazing BBQ, we also ate at the more popular coopers in Downtown and we both felt this has a better feed. Great atmosphere too!

You go here for the food which was delicious - we shared the sampler plate as we had eaten already - the place itself is a little run down and the staff not the best, but who cares.

We visiting on a girl's weekend and this was the first restaurant we tried as it was across from our hotel. We loved it but didn't go back because we wanted to try different places. Sitting in the airport waiting to come home we all agreed that Iron Works was the best and we shouldn't have wasted out time with other BBQ places. Everything was really great but I highly recommend the variety plate (that's not what it's called but you get a little taste of a few of the meats) and the corn as a side was amazing.

The building will take you by surprise if you aren’t looking for it but I love how historic it is. It is heated by wood stoves and they have cool iconic pieces. The food was good and really pretty reasonably priced. Meet was tender and the sauce on the table was good.

Delicious! We passed IW many times on our trip and finally got to stop in our last day here. My fiancé raved about the brisket & the Mac n cheese was amazing! Definitely satisfied our Texas BBQ craving!

There are too many great places for BBQ in Austin but it was very rainy today and this restaurant across the street from our hotel. Tried the sampler plate and the sausage was good , the beef rib fatty and chewy and the brisket was dry and flavorless. Won’t be back and don’t recommend it if you appreciate great brisket. I saw a lot of others were having stuffed baked potatoes, that should have tipped me off when waiting for my order.

Definitely wasn’t what it was hyped up to be. There pulled pork is watery and bland. Its also hot inside as there is no air conditioning in the building. The sides were pretty good though. I had potato salad and macaroni and cheese for my two sides. It’s definitely an interesting looking building though.

The brisket is so good. Eat inside. This is what a BBQ restaurant should look like. Located near the lake downtown. I recommend the potato salad

The place looks authentic and smells wonderful, but the food fails to meet the anticipation. Pulled pork was swimming in liquid, with very little flavor. I had to cover it with BBQ sauce to get any taste. Coleslaw also swimming, and you get about 4 bites. Potato salad wasn't any better. Felt like a McDonalds of BBQ.

The food is great and there is outdoor seating. The place is very casual. Your order at the window where they serve it up to you then grab a drink and pay. The brisket is great, but sometimes they run out of it. Potatoes and fries only available at lunch. Ice tea, Lemonade, fountain and bottle sodas as well as bottle beer is available. Treat yourself to a local Shiner Bock Beer or a Big Red soda!

Iron Works BBQ, within walking distance of our Hotel, grabbed my attention by the smell emanating from the smoker which certainly made the choice seem viable. The building is on the older side and is certainly one of the better features of this restaurant IMO. It is rustic and reminiscent of days gone by of most BBQ places with its red checkered plastic table cloths, coziness and tight sitting at the tables. You order at the counter where the food is then handed to you and you take the food to a cashier. The woman working the register on December 20, 2024 around 1:30 pm was less than hospitable. It seemingly pained her to check out our order. No smile, no conversation, no eye contact - basically gimme the money and go sit down.... The pulled pork sandwich was edible although sparse in the portion of pork on the sandwich - no more than four ounces of meat. The taste of the pork did not provide any ringing of goodwill for the tastebuds as it could be best described as non-descript. The side of french fries was hot and freshly out of the fryer. Ketchup was challenging to find as there was none on the table and no assistance was offered in locating ketchup. After a treasure hunt search, the ketchup was located at the counter where you pick up the food - unfortunately for me, I did not notice it when I picked up the food as I did not expect to find ketchup at the counter window. Overall, I do not anticipate returning here as I found the service lacking and the value of the food not justifying the cost of the food.

You order at the counter. They were out of pork ribs by the time we arrived - which was hubby's first choice. He opted for the beef ribs, and they were good. I had the pulled pork, which was ok. Fries were delicious. The restaurant is not air conditioned. Service was good and fast. I would try a different place before I eat here again.

Looking for authentic BBQ in Austin without the 2 hour line? Try Iron Works. It’s in an old Iron Works building, hence the name. We went mid-day with no lines or waiting. Order from the counter, they are cutting and shredding right in front of you. Food and sides were great!! Super casual and relaxed. The back room has cool photos and signatures from stars that have visited. Worth the time.

A simple, no-nonsense expérience. You order, pay and go. The brisket and sausage were good- the ribs too fatty. The creamed corn was very nice.

Food was out of the world. Had lunch here and was not busy. Great atmosphere and real rustic feel to the place. We can see why this place is so popular.

Don’t expect table service or even proper cutlery and crockery. Do expect the most delicious brisket you can imagine. All the sides were delicious. The atmosphere is how you might imagine a blacksmith’s in a shanty town. You mustn’t miss it!

Horrible barbecue - and the sides are even worse / if you’re thinking of doing an event here - don’t you will lose your job -

Typical and unsoft place. Very good food and traditional and very well prepared meat cuts. Be VERY prepared to get out of there with your clothes smelling barbecue. For me, this was the only question that bothered me a lot. But I will definitely come back next year when we are in Austin for the SXSW again.

I love the chili here, their rootbeer and their ribs! I have been longing to eat a bowl of chili, have some ribs and have a good bottle of rootbeer everytime I go to the US. When I visited this place, I immediately saw that they serve chili and ribs and have rootbeer. Three faves of mine in one place!!! My mouth started to water and I immediately ordered a bowl of chili, a bottle of rootbeer and two big ribs. The chili was so good and I had to control myself from ordering another bowl as I was feeling full already. The Saint Arnolds rootbeer wa unique and delicious. It did not taste like the brands of rootbeer I am used to drinking. The ribs were so huge and I had a difficult time finishing two. I guess that was because the bowl of chili I ate first was kind of big and I felt full already to be able to finish 2 big ribs. I managed to finish the big ribs and it was nothing like I ever tasted before. The meat was tender and it had a barbeque grilled taste different from what I have eaten in other places. The place itself is rustic just the way I like it and made me very comfortable. It was also across the hotel I was staying in, making it very convenient for me to visit it. I will definitely visit this place again and next time order more chili, rootbeer and make room for the ribs.

What a great place to eat!! The food was great, you order at the counter and they give it to you within a minute. A really neat experience. I love going there

Lovely place - authentic atmosphere, great good and the usual friendly service. I tried the brisket and it was amazing.

Amazing BBQ restaurant, a historic site, the size of the dinner dishes is a wow. One of the tastiest foods. The restaurant has been visited by past Presidents and Governors of Texas. Do not let the outside appearance fool you, a true gem of a BBQ place.

The ribs was good but the sausages were better. The sides - the cream of corn, coleslaw and the potato salad was really delicious.

Iron Works was recommended to me as THE place to get BBQ in Austin. It was just okay, but I think our timing was off. We didn't get there until 2:30 and although the meat was warm and tasty, it was on the dry side. I bet the food is wonderful during lunch and dinner when the meat is fresh. We liked the ambience next to the creek and for the size of the place, imagine it really rocks when the sun goes down. If we ever get back to Austin, I will go there again, just not mid-afternoon.

Service was excellent. Friendly staff. The feel of the restaurant was very comfortable. Tables and booths. The overall taste of the food was great. Brisket sandwich, beef rib, and potato salad. All great!! The two meats however were a little fatty and slightly pricy.

I thought the food was good and the decor was really fun. it's easy to order etc. but, the employees were not friendly at all. sort of took away from the experience.

This is aimed at tourists that have never eaten bbq. Ever. My goodness it was below average at a high price.i can’t believe it’s recommended by anyone

Had brisket, pork ribs, beans, and Mac& cheese. Brisket was very moist with good smoke, not fork-tender but not tough at all. Ribs didn't have as much smoke but were nice and tender. Mac & cheese was pretty creamy and cheesy. Beans were fairly tasty too.

I visited three BBQ joints, all within walking distance of Hilton downtown. I had the pork ribs, slaw and pinto beans. When you walk in, you can tell smoking has been going on there for a good long time. The ribs were outstanding. I didn't have brisket here, but work mate did. He claimed it was better than the place on Congress. This was my favoring of the three I visited in all categories.... ribs, slaw, beans.

We needed a quick meal before a concert at Austin City Limits. We moved through the line quickly. The food was amazing. Brisket. Mac and cheese. Potato salad. All AMAZING. It was a bit warm in the restaurant, but the food and atmosphere made up for it.

One of several BBQ joints weve tried and it ranks toward the top. Great meats and sauce, and, I love the cream corn! The only drawback...we smelled of smoke the rest of the day.

To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. We ordered the sampler platter which we thought included Brisket. It was actually Sliced Beef which should not have explained why it was dry and leathery. The Rib meat was tough and difficult to remove from the bone. Sausage was ok. Barbecue sauce was mediocre. Cole slaw was quite good. If you have come to Austin for some good barbecue give Iron Works a miss. Not worth the time or money.

My beef rib was one of the toughest I have had anywhere. The brisket was good, and the sausage was better.

In the Southeast corner of Austin lies the Iron Works BBQ. Our cab driver was impressed that we had found it and eaten there. Excellent smoked turkey and pulled pork and very friendly staff.

Food was just ok, coleslaw was so soupy could have eaten it with a spoon, husband said corn is just corn. We love brisket, nothing worth talking about and for $37 for 2 sandwiches.....

I've not eaten at many BBQ places in Austin so my assessment of The Iron Works is based on a very small sample to compare with. I've been here twice and really enjoyed the atmosphere. The food is pretty good by my standards and prices didn't seem too steep. It's a decent choice if you can't get to the many outlying BBQ joints. If you are limited to downtown I'd say give it a try.

It’s fairly central and the venue is pretty nice. Really can’t complain about the staff who were lovely, the prices weren’t bad the food just wasn’t great considering we had heard so much from people. The ribs were good so was the brisket but everything else left much to be desired.

We enjoyed our lunch here. It was a holiday, at lunch time and so it was not too crowded. The meat was well prepared and the sauce was very tasty. I little disappointed by the sides, but they made up for it with all the jalapenos that were available to add to your plate.

My wife and I stopped by Iron Works recently while passing through Austin and we both thought the food was alright but not great. We had brisket sandwiches and fries and our fries were cold and you don't get a lot of brisket for the price you pay. The staff was friendly but I don't think it's worth the cost.

No plate, no Air Con, no problemo. They do have fans, praise be! Meat on a piece of paper on a tray. They do offer utensils for you pussy-footers! Great sauce. This is as authentic as you can get - esp considering how close to downtown it is! It is cafeteria-style, decidedly dive-ish.. Open air, but backs into some green creek? area.

I like the style and ambient. Good option to visit. Not my top 10 but high up there for sure. Convenient location, good service.

Wait in line, order at counter where some menu items are already sold out, pay then find a seat. Entire place smells of smoked meat. Building and fixtures look as if they have been there for about a century. Just what you would expect at a good BBQ. Great food.

We recommend the beef brisket sandwich and the turkey plate as well. Simple and balanced Smokey flavor. The ambiance is old Austin which seems to be squeezed out in this area.

We were visiting Austin for the first time and one of our tour guides recommended Iron Works which was close to our Airbnb. It was delicious! We went in the early afternoon and it wasn't crowded. You place your order at the kitchen, then go pick a drink and pay. We took our food to the enclosed back porch and enjoyed a nice breeze. The place is rustic and laid back with lots to look at on the walls. The brisket was delicious and it came with pickles, bread, onion and 2 sides. I had mac-n-cheese and corn on the cob. Would definitely recommend! It was my favorite barbecue place while I was there.

I did not understand all the hype. Between us, we had beef ribs, pulled pork and chicken. I sampled some of all. Decent BBQ but nothing to crow about. What threw me off was- I'm unaccustom to seeing so many homeless people sitting aorund everywhere. While trying to eat on the back deck, which overlooks an open air storm drain/creek culvert we were exposed to one of these homeless drug addicts injectiing himself with drugs and then afalling into the culvert. I'll probabbly never go back. The food is not good enough to put up with the socital ills of downtown austin.

Loved the barbecue! Got the spare ribs, chicken and brisket burnt ends! Yum! I was not a fan of the barbecue sauce and ate it plain but they tasted phenomenal with it! Macaroni and green beans were yummy as well!

It was a 99 degree day (110 heat index) and the Iron Works was just outside the hotel, so in gave it a try. As other reviews said, you order at the counter, get your food, carry it to the cashier, pay, and find a seat. The swamp coolers and tin roof sprinklers do a fair job of keeping the restaurant cool compared to outdoors, but it’s still a bit warm. I tried the combo plate for about $19. Brisket was OK, but dry and not anything special, sausage was about the same, and the rib was large, but also had no distinct flavor. Mac and cheese was plain as was the potato salad. The decor is interesting, if not authentic Austin from years gone bye. The food is, well, food.