Ben's Long Branch BBQ

Ben's Long Branch BBQ (Photo By John Anderson)

Ben's Long Branch BBQ (4)

900 E. 11th, 477-2516

Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm

Ben's Long Branch is one of Austin's institutions and a must for those seeking the true taste of Texas 'cue. Ben has been smokin' quality meats for more than 30 years, settling at his current location in 1981. Thanks to recent efforts to revitalize the historic East 11th corridor near Downtown, Ben's has seen a magnificent resurgence. The hours of operation and menu have changed several times in recent years, and Ben's is now open during daytime hours only. This is an ideal place to savor some Eastside history and great barbecue washed down with a couple of beers in preparation for the night's festivities. The pork ribs are among my favorite in town, as is their succulent chicken. Side dishes – potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, and stewed green beans – are all delicious. Portions are large, prices inexpensive, and the atmosphere can't be beat. If you have room, try any of their homemade desserts, like banana pudding or peach cobbler.