Ruby’s Barbeque & Catering

The brisket is an absolute must. My company had an event and Ruby’s was the cater. The brisket was so moist and delish. I also had the chicken and sausage that were both good. The meat was well seasoned and not overpowering. The BBQ sauce could use a little work but that is maybe because I am used to the honey BBQ sauce of down home on my meat. Other than that, I still give Ruby’s 5 stars. I have also had their breakfast tacos on a few occasions. They were not bad either. All and all a very good experience each time I have had Ruby’s! I highly recommend them if you are in the Austin area and looking for some good BBQ.

Is there anyway I can do half a star? Brisket was extremely undercooked and so fatty, every time I bit into it, it was gooey and way too chewy. Turkey tasted frozen and was rough. Was really trying to be optimistic about trying this place but ew, gross.

Have been to Ruby’s once before and have a fond memory of this somewhat seedy but very authentic-​feeling place. This visit was a bit of a let down… the sliced brisket was good but I would not say great. Sides were decent, portions are appropriately-​sized, service was blazing fast, no big line (on a Sunday late afternoon), and the place is still a little seedy (some charm there). Not as good as the better-​known places, but certainly not bad. You can get in, out, and have a decent meal in the same time as it takes to find the end of the line at Franklin (if it’s open).

Brisket and sausage plate is my favorite. Lots of flavor without a lot of fat. Has been my go to place since I found them in the 90s.

Been coming here since college, in the early 90s. Now, if Micklethwait is sold out, we head here. I feel at home, can sit outside, the sauce is the best in town for my palate. Solid Old Austin.
The bathrooms are NOT wheelchair accessible. They’re barely passable for humans, even. Make other arrangements.

So I don’t give 5-​stars easily and yesterday I was lucky enough to have two 5-​star experiences. I used to come here years ago when I lived on north campus and usually got chopped beef sandwiches cause I was always broke and loved my gluten back then. Anyhow, haven’t been in for 8 – 10 years and stopped by this «hole in the wall» BBQ joint yesterday for a late lunch with a couple friends and this was our experience:
We all ordered different things. I got the half chicken with coleslaw and corn on the cob, Paul got chopped beef sandwich with Mac/​cheese and corn, and then Elise got pulled pork with beans (not sure her second side). I’d like to point out that we all got something different. Now, hear is why they deserve 5-​stars. Everything we had was amazing. My chicken was moist and flavorful, slaw was killer & I don’t think I left a kernel on that cob. My friend were speechless, but we were all making plenty of noise with our ooh, awe & mmmmm!!! The service was great, one guy seemed to have a bit of an attitude with a couple patrons, but the other two were great. This place is a staple BBQ joint of Austin TX and definitely should be on your list of must try BBQ places in TX!

It was even better the second time around. I can’t wait for the 3^rd time!

This place was fantastic. Super moist brisket. Smokey sausage. The collard greens were super garlicky, but that’s how I like em. I was really impressed with their sauce. I was a little hesitant when I walked in on a Monday and there was only one other table in there. But it was a recommendation from a friend who’s been there. I am glad I stayed

This place was fantastic. Super moist brisket. Smoky sausage. The collard greens were super garlicky, but that’s how I like it. I was really impressed with their sauce. I was a little hesitant when I walked in on a Monday night and there was only one other table in there. But it was a recommendation from a friend who’s been there. I’m glad I stayed

This place is freakin AWESOME! My husband and I just stumbled upon this little gem, and boy are we glad we did. Service was awesome, staff was friendly, food got to our table quickly and tasted out of this world. I had the pulled pork sandwich, and my husband had a smoked turkey club type sandwich with a side of chili and mashed potatoes. We asked the waitress about other options like their crawfish étouffée and gumbo. When our food arrived there were samples of both! Étouffée was mind blowing and my husband LOVED the sides. His smoked turkey sandwich tastes so clean and lean.

I don’t know where everybody else was eating, but this place was stunningly unremarkable.
Yeah, the interior’s kinda cool and funky, but there’s tons of places in Austin that are cool and funky. I came here to eat and man, was I disappointed.
Ordered the two meat platter: brisket and ribs. The brisket looked great, but was lukewarm and had clearly been sitting around for the better part of the day. «Dry» doesn’t even come close. It just sort of collapsed when I tried to cut into it. No thanks.
Then there were the ribs. Not a lot of meat, and what there was was pretty tough. Also room temperature. But the biggest sin of all was the unforgivable mistake of LEAVING THE SILVER SKIN ON. Who does that? Talk about amateur hour.
Sides were baked beans, which were really more like a searingly spicy chili (?) and a run of the mill coleslaw. Homemade pickles, however, were outstanding, and truly the only thing I’d come back for.

Disappointing. We have many better options in Austin. Anyhow, the brisket was okay, the mustard potato salad and collard greens were okay. The sauce was okay. The toilet in the mens bathroom must be at least 60 years old. It reminded of the toilet in my grandparents house because of the faded paint on the seat. Its on campus, so theres nowhere to park. Now onto the good things; the interior of the place looks kinda cool, the staff was nice and helpful, and they have green habanero hot sauce and a delicious fancy mustard on the tables.

I am sorry… where are these people eating BBQ that give it 5 stars? The brisket was dry and the sausage was beyond ‘crisp’. When the guy brought my tray out I noticed I was given the wrong bread, I pointed that out and got a «Oh, yeah… huh huh.» Never saw him again. At $ 16 for a combo plate I was really hoping for much better, including the bread I asked for. The sides were quite good and that is why it got two stars, but I do not go to BBQ places for sides. Sorry Rubys, there are too many places in town that are competitively priced that will get my BBQ dollars from now on.

I came hear while visiting University of Texas late one night. It looks a bit rough on the outside, but being from Chicago, I was looking for that hole in the wall type barbeque restaurant. I ordered the most inclusive plate available that featured sausage, beef brisket; and ribs. NEVER in my life had I eaten better barbeque. I highly recommend the beef brisket and sausage. The ribs were still good, but nothing compares to that smoked flavor of the brisket and sausage. The sides and bread were also great and I left absolutely stuffed. I will never forget this place and have considered making a trip back down to Austin just for more good barbeque like this.

There really is nothing to complain about at Ruby’s. Well, other than the sarcophagus sized bathroom without a mirror, but it serves the purpose.
In the age of Über, celebrity BBQ and paying an under-​employed hipster to stand in line for your food, Ruby’s remains true to its roots and defiantly continues to serve well above average BBQ in the west campus neighborhood whose increasing rents have seen the demise of icons like Toy Joy, Einstein’s Arcade, Tower Records (and Sound Exchange and Technophilia) and — happening sooner than later: Hole in the Wall (a tear just ran down my cheek) — among countless others. Why El Patio remains viable and in business is a topic for another discussion, and my New Years resolutions included being nice, so let’s move on.
I want to call out that Ruby’s has upped their game. At one point in the last decade, I had decided that (and mind you, this was before Austin’s ridiculous BBQ demi-​god worship boom began) Ruby’s had lost a step. Something happened since then and the meats, sides and experience have returned to the level of what I look for in a ‘cue joint. No frills, no hype and reasonably priced locally sourced smoked meats. Love the variety and quality of their sides, the pickles, onions and japs and the no-​nonsense, no-​attitude experience.
One minor nit to pick on the food side is the chicken. I love me some smoked bird, and the flavor of Ruby’s is wonderful. The meat is tender and almost always perfectly done — BUT — something in the process renders the skin inedible. It takes on a paper like quality that is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. I’ve worked for BBQ places, been responsible for loading the pit and served/​bussed/​washed dishes — and I’ve never seen a bird turn out with skin like this. It’s just kind of odd. Am I just delusional? I’m willing to accept that I might be, but I get off track…
Ruby’s is an Austin institution. Their product is up there with any of the LA BBQ, Fr***klin, and Stiles Switch or Mueller’s (presuming he’s in business on any given day) in the city, and you’re not going to have to wait in line or act cool to eat there. Recommended. Eat at Ruby’s because we don’t need another corporate chain or failed up-​market clothing store at that corner. I don’t think I can bear to see it.

Ruby’s has the best chopped beef ever. Just thinking about it now makes my mouth water. Their vinaigrette cole slaw is delicious and a variation on garden variety cole slaw that I haven’t seen elsewhere.
Also, the ribs are worth the wait.
My best friend swears by the chicken salad and always gets extra for home when we go.
Finally, try the iced tea. I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s got a great, subtle herbal quality that I’ve yet to find anywhere else. I love it.

This place is rad! The beef brisket was so tender that it fell apart when I tried to stab it with my fork– now, that’s good bbq. The mustard potato salad and mac and cheese are the bomb. Wasn’t too keen on the creamy coleslaw, though– too much poppy seed. Will definitely return.

I’ve been looking for ribs as good as the ones in Racks in Manila, Philippines, for about half a year now since I returned from Asia. Today I found Rudy’s, next door to one of my favorite study spots, the Spiderhouse Café and Ballroom.
Serendipity.
Rudy’s slow cooks their meats, and this requires more work than the other methods, but the result is… bliss.
Fantastic service, fantastic location, and fantastic BBQ sauce also.

The brisket, sausage, and ribs are all good choices, as are the mustard potato salad and creamy coleslaw. Everything was cooked well, tasted great. Good portions all around. Unlike some other barbecue joints Ruby’s doesn’t make you wait, and there seems to be enough food for everyone. The tables were clean, dining area was comfortable, and service was prompt and welcoming.

Why did it take me 8 years to try this place?! Holy cow I’ve already been in Austin for 8 years?!
Walking into Ruby’s you know this place has been here for a while; it has that old historical feel, the outdoor seating walls are covered in posters, and the smell of bbq makes me feel like I’m in the countryside.
Usually I’m not a fan of bbq sausage, however the staff suggested I get the sausage and man were they right! After the first bite I was hooked; the brisket and ribs had nothing on the sausage. I’m also a big fan of their creamy coleslaw and honey mustard potatoes sides.
Definitely a place worth trying if you haven’t been.

Came randomly for lunch for the first time.
There was a group of 5.
All together we tried the ribs, chicken, pulled pork.
The ribs were tasty as well as the chicken.
The pulled pork was a little spicy for my little sister, but it was very good.
We also had the creamy coleslaw, both kinds of beans and the mustard potato salad.
I loved the potato salad reminded me of deviled eggs.
We tried an order of the jambalaya which I thought was tasty.
I would def come here again.
The prices were about $ 12 a person
Nice décor
Friendly staff

If this were in any other state, it could get 4 – 5 stars. But we’re in Austin, TX. BBQ was dry. Chicken skin was plastic-​like, almost unchewable (we’ll see tomorrow if it was digestible or not.)

The chopped beef is spicy and tangy, don’t forget to put potato chips on it to add a crunch. The sausage is from Elgin and has a delightful snap to it. The smoked chicken is great, adding the bbq sauce to the mayo gives it a twang. The mustard potato salad and cole slaw are creamy and fresh, and the greens are spicy and full of ham.
They have vegetarian options as well: black bean tacos piled high with cilantro and cheddar, and veggie jambalaya that makes beg for more.
Friendly faces and great music. This place is the my first stop when I’ve been away from Austin too long.

The customer service gets 5 stars and the $ 7.49 chicken meal was a good value. The skin on the chicken was hard to chew, the ribs were dry, the mac and cheese was clumped, but the beans and mashed potatoes were good. I had to douse my ribs with sauce to get any flavor. Maybe this was just an off day for them, but I’ll try other places in the future.

Lauren is my favorite! someone ought to write a song for this girl.
Kurt, Joe, Joey, Hooker, and the dude who plays in the metal band (EDIT: his name is Dave) are all splendid too!
i love Ruby’s!
i also love Townes Van Zandt.

I was in Austin for the day, Franklin’s had too long a wait, and La BBq was closed. found Ruby’s in the top 10 list of Austin bbq’s, and on my way out of town.
the brisket was fantastic, melt in your mouth good. I think I detected a hint of Cherry in the BBQ sauce, which was a bonus, It was quite good. Had a side of Jambalaya with it. that too was just right! the service was friendly and fast.
if I can get back to Austin, I am sure I will go back to Ruby’s.

In the last two days I’ve come here for lunch to try their chicken, sausage, brisket and ribs. Chicken and sausage one day with brisket and ribs the next day. The only side I ordered was the collared greens which were absolutely Devine. The smoked chicken had a dark Amber color and the meat was juicy and tender. The Elgin sausage had a nice crisp but the filing was tender and the smoke gave it a distinct flavor. But I was disappointed with their ribs; they were dry and tough. The brisket overall had a thick smoke line which added a good taste, but the lean was dry and needed a knife to slice it. The moist side was juicy and more flavorful but it too was dry. Ruby’s is still a good joint for brick pit BBQ. It offers great sides all wrapped in a old-​timey vibe filled with classic country and blues music in the air.

Right now, my favorite BBQ in Austin. The ribs are always good and the brisket is also good. Depending on who’s cutting, the brisket can even approach sublime. Their mac ‘n cheese is among my favorite.
With their late hours, friendly help, and lack of a line, this could very easily be my favorite if the brisket was slightly more consistent.

Friendly service and reasonable prices but just average BBQ, nothing more.
Though they do serve beer if that helps.

Passed by this joint on biz trip and it looked pretty authentic so I circled back at dinner time on a Sunday. Quaint and cozy typical BBQ dining area. Very friendly cashier and staff. Got the brisket plate with sides of okra with tomatoes and collard greens. Nice portion of brisket, tender and very little fat. Love the flavor– doesn’t even need sauce but the little cup of spicy vinegar based sauce was a great complement. Complementary white or wheat bread and onions/​pickles. Throw a beer into the mix and what could be a more authentic Texas experience for the Minnesota boy. I was hoping they’d have fried corn on the cob like at Pappys in St. Louis, but that must be indigenous to STL. Still loved it — I’d happily return and heartily recommend Ruby’s.

Craving some BBQ with GREAT side dishes? Ruby’s has tasty, home-​style side dishes, although their BBQ is average by the awesome standards of Austin. Let’s get this straight. Ruby’s has good BBQ. But if it’s just the meat you are after, there are better choices. But if you are looking at a Total experience, Ruby’s is a great choice for BBQ and memorable sides in a local place.
Ruby’s was friendly, and we loved sitting with locals and listening to the fun jazz background music. We shared the mixed combo for $ 17.95, which comes with ¾ lb. of BBQ, plus 2 sides. We added a 3^rd side for a reasonable charge.
Chicken, brisket, and baby back ribs are the BBQ items we chose for our combo. We both liked the chicken best! Yum! The ribs were ok, although I’ve had better ribs elsewhere. The brisket was lean and it was ok. The sides were AWESOME!
The collard greens were yummy and spicy, and they are made with ham hocks, so they have plenty of flavor and a good, tender texture. The mustard potato salad was awesome… it rivals my Mom’s excellent potato salad! The spicy BBQ beans were hot and DELISH. We tried 2 different kinds of potato salad, and preferred the mustard potato salad.
When I revisit Austin, I’d happily return to Ruby’s. Next time I’d probably order the BBQ chicken with 3 yummy sides. Everybody knows that Texas has some of the best BBQ in the country. But at some places, the sides are an after-​thought. But at Ruby’s, they take pride in their sides! We also enjoyed good beers with our relaxing meal.

Pretty darn tasty — not my favorite in Austin, but it beats some of the other competitors.
The sauce is a bit interesting, maybe too tangy for my liking. I ordered the meat place with sausage, brisket, and ribs — I loved the brisket and ribs– full of flavor and juicy. The sausage was a bit dry and lacking excitement. My sides were delicious — mustard potato salad and beans — yeah buddy, those were terrific.