Wow. No new entries since July of last year.
After sampling six different BBQ joints in Central Texas last week, we still had enough gas in the tank to make our usual BBQ Thursday jaunt at lunch today. This time we ate at
Stiles Switch in DNA. (For those who aren't locals, DNA = Deadly North Austin.)
I arrived at 12:15 PM and there were about 10 people in front of me. The line cleared quickly and I was seating myself across from
Mackieman before 12:30 PM. YMMV on how fast you get served and seated. This place seats about as many as Texas Rib Kings and has a similar feel to it.
I ordered brisket (fatty/moist side with plenty of bark), pork ribs, a link of two kinds of sausage (Thorndale & Switch Original), and a side of corn casserole.
The brisket was very tasty; moist, peppery (but not overly so) with a nice layer of smoke. The pork ribs were meaty, tender, and came off the bone easily (but not as easily as the ones at Franklin BBQ).
The Switch Original sausage was a drier sausage than Thorndale, spicier and made with pork and beef. The Thorndale was a pure beef sausage, from what I could tell. Less spicy, but very tasty. I liked it the best, but
Mackieman preferred the Switch Original.
They offer one sauce which reminds me of some places in Kansas City. It is tomato-based and thin with a hint of vinegar and very slightly sweet. It did not take away from the meat, but neither would I have missed it if it wasn't there.
The corn casserole was something I've never seen at a BBQ joint, but it was okay. I'd order it as a side again, but it didn't wow me. Both
paranoiatx and
Mackieman commented that there was not much excitement surrounding their mac and cheese sides either.
I had heard that their banana pudding was very good, so I went back and was given a half pint for free since it was the last serving. I picked up some extra spoons to share and
Mackieman and I agree that it was a very good homemade banana pudding (they serve it right out of the Pyrex dish).
So, I put this place up there with Black's in Lockhart as far as the brisket goes. The ribs are better than what we get at Texas Rib Kings and that's sayin' something, IMHO. And, the sausage passes the test as well.
Always nice to find another acceptable BBQ joint right here in River City to spend a BBQ Thursday lunch.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]