Sam's Bar-B-Cue

At lunch time in the 90s this place would have a line out the door (I only say the 90s because that is when I had my first Sam's experience). The BBQ was top notch. At lunch today - I was the ONLY customer at 12:15 and it is because the food is horrible. It makes me sad to say it - don't get me wrong - but it was truly the worst BBQ I have had in a while. Beans - no flavor, Potato salad - store bought, Sauce - gross. The meat - all fat. They don't even serve drinks anymore - you have to get a coke from a coke machine for a dollar. I need sweet tea with my BBQ. Now the service - wonderful as always - couldn't be nicer. But service doesn't make up for poor quality food. Sorry Sam's your best days are behind you :( more

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas I been to Gabby's, Goode Co., Stubb's, Salt Lick, tons of BBQ restaurants. Let me tell you, this place is the lick! In a piece of BBQ, no matter where you go, you're looking for tender meat with lots of flavor and a tasty sauce. Folks, I didn't even touch the sauce, it's THAT flavorful. This joint is a total score for folks who want to get down on some real Texas BBQ. Damn. Pros: Down home Cons: Down home more

It started with the potato salad...ice cream scoop of Wal Mart quality .. Pros: The bread Cons: Very below average more

Sam's could use a little remodeling but even though the slightly run down exterior is the first thing a new visitor will see, the brisket served inside makes up for any aesthetic flaws the restaurant has. It's open late and it even has free wifi! more

Sams is the stuff of bbq for the most exquisite taste buds. I drive 30 miles and past countless other bbq joints in favor of Sams. The store is not much to look at yet it's filled with Texas flavor and decor. The folks working there are as warm as the bbq they are serving. If your looking to enjoy true country bbq right here in the capital of Texas...you've gotta go here! TWO BBQ THUMBS UP! Pros: Great food and service Cons: a little like eating at a backyard picnic. more

First, my wife and I have never been to the restaurant; we only tasted it at a party. But, that's the entire point. When you have no idea where the food comes from, you can taste with a non-judgmental palate. We are Bar B Q connoisseurs. We have had BBQ from Memphis, Atlanta, Detroit, Puerto Rico, Richmond, Jackson Ms, Cancun, New Orleans, Miami, Pensacola, Orlando, New York, Milwaukee, Chicago, all over Texas... you get the point. This restaurant's food was so good that she had to find out its name from coworkers. My wife was waxin poetic about the best BBQ shed ever put in her mouth. Before she could get the whole story out, several coworkers said, Oh! We know! On 12th Street? It is the best in the US. We are going tonight to get some. I will never be satisfied with any other BBQ ever. Nuff sed. more

My husband and I live in east Austin and are always looking for a new great hole-in-the-wall place. We read the reviews of this place on citysearch and were excited to try it. We arrived at 8 on a Saturday and were the only ones in the place. The employees were very friendly and the place had a lot of character. But, the food was aweful. It was not bad in the ""I like my bbq a certain kind of way bad."" It was just plain bad. The ribs were dry to the bone and burned and the sauce was terrible. The sausage was horrible. The beans were bad in a way hard to describe - too much vinegar? We really wanted to like it and maybe they make a new batch of food for the 2 am crowd that is much better than the stuff we got. Pros: Friendly Cons: Bad, bad food more

Of all the BBQ places (the real ones, not those generic ones) Sam's is the best. I always get the mixed plate, and I must say, try everything. The food is prepared for you right there and everytime I go there, the meat I order is always being taken out of the stove and ready to serve. The staff are very friendly and I love talking to the staff when I go there. I know many people may not feel comfortable about going to the location of where it's at late at night, but trust me, I have been there late at night after leaving 6th street and I have seen all walks of life from all over Austin(Westlake, South Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Manor, Northeast Austin, San Marcos, and other surrounding areas) stop by and get a plate to go. more

THis is nothing but good, moist, who cares about some grease BBQ. It reminds of me of a shack out in East Texas that I used to go for the best BBQ in that area. With Rudy's in mind, it's good there are still less generic BBQ places in the Austin Area. The meat and sauce is both sweet and peppery spicy at the same time. Good Stuff..... more

i love that chicken from sam's and i love the people there as well. Pros: food, people, tables Cons: room or space, more music amb., more new pics. more

I love Sam's! Talk about the best bbq no doubt in ATX. more

Sams is tops on my list of best BBQ places in Austin. There isn't much ambiance, but if you want good food, this is the place. Everything on the menu is good...I've tried it all, so feel free to try anything. The brisket and ribs are my favorites. The only possible downside to Sam's is the location. It's a small place, but the food and service is well worth the trip. Pros: Great food, friendly service Cons: small establishment, location more

Without a doubt the best barbecue in town! Hands down! more

Sam's is not the best place to eat after dark, but if you can, pick up a pound or two of their great brisket... some ribs... oh, and their delicious chicken. It is honestly, the best bbq that I've ever had. Note: If you mind a little grease, go elsewhere... more