Ben’s Long Branch BBQ Credit: Photo By John Anderson

Ben’s Long Branch BBQ (4)

900 E. 11th, 477-2516

Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm

www.benslongbranchbarb.ypgs.net

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.

This article appears in March 2 • 2007.

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Mexico City native Claudia Alarcón has made Austin home since 1984. She worked her way through college in the local restaurant industry, graduating from the University of Texas in 1999. She has been a Chronicle contributor for 15 years and presents lectures and workshops on topics related to the foodways of Mexico, both locally and internationally.