Just back fro Austin. Tried Snow's, Black's, Smitty's, the Salt Lick, and Rudy's.

Snow's was a cool experience, but the brisket I had was pretty dried out around the edges. I checked out the pits and I didn't see any mopping going on, although maybe I hadn't noticed. Great sauce. It was also fun to visit the nearby cattle market.

The Salt Lick was incredible with the open pit. Good smoke ring, great rub, and incredible sauce. I ate a bunch and took some home.

Smitty's and Black's in Lockhart both served really moist cuts that were a little on the fatty side for my taste. Smitty's had no sauce and even no forks!

My cut at Black's was probably a bit too fatty because I requested an end piece.

Finally, we went to one of the Rudy's and were pleasantly surprised. You could get a piece of brisket moist, lean, or "cutter's choice" in the middle. The sauce and rub were fantastic, and the service was great.

Conclusions:

All of the above places were visited by a mix of tourists AND locals. Rudy's seemed to be fantastic and very reliably good. The Salt Lick was my favorite of all.

Barbecue is an art form, and choosing the best one is like asking who is the greatest painter. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

If I lived in Austin, I would be regular out in Driftwood for dinner, but I would probably take my lunch breaks at Rudy's.