Spread of barbecue at InterStellar BBQ in Austin.
Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA
Listen, going to an award-winning Texas barbecue joint on a Friday isn’t a recipe for success. Going during a major TV festival doesn’t help either. But this time we lucked out.
InterStellar BBQ has gained a horde of accolades since pitmaster John Bates launched the Austin outpost in 2019. From being a Top 10 Texas Monthly barbecue joint to earning Michelin Stars and partnering with London hotels, InterStellar has gained a reputation for stellar meats that has people lining out the door.
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Line out the door at InterStellar BBQ in Austin.
Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA
Menu at InterStellar BBQ in Austin.
Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA
How long is the line at InterStellar BBQ?
My uncle and I chose to pay a visit on May 29, the same day the ATX TV Festival was hosting the Friday Night Lights 20-year reunion. Arriving five minutes till noon, the line was already wrapped around the strip mall entrance, and we were stuck behind a group of 10 dudes who looked like frat boys that never grew up. We were worried there’d be no barbecue left after they got through ordering, but luckily everything was still in stock, including the specials.
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Waiting was a breeze compared to Burnt Bean. InterStellar has two sets of benches so guests can take a load off while waiting in line, as well as a water fountain for fans to stay hydrated on a hot summer day. It took us an hour and 13 minutes to get through the doors and then another 28 minutes to leave with our to-go order.
Spread of barbecue at InterStellar BBQ in Austin.
Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA
What is the best barbecue to try at InterStellar BBQ?
Right when we were about to order, the staff hit a pause as they counted how much meat was left in stock. Luckily a staffer gave us a sample of lengua to try, and we were shocked at how juicy and tender the meat was. Being behind on my Spanish, we asked what it was and realized we were eating beef tongue. I tell you, it was the best thing we tried all day. It was juicier than the brisket, it was more flavorful than the ribs, and the fire-roasted salsa picante added an extra kick that made it a standout special. It’s not served on the regular menu, so definitely get it when InterStellar is serving it.
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Spread of barbecue at InterStellar BBQ in Austin.
Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA
How does the barbecue taste at InterStellar BBQ?
The rest of the meal contained brisket, pork ribs, turkey, two types of sausage, creamed corn, one pork belly and a barbecue duck leg, another one of the daily specials. We were supposed to get a side of four cheese mac and cheese but somehow ended up with potato salad (not a fan).
The brisket was tender but not the best I’ve had. The turkey was also a little drier than I’d prefer. The pork belly was good, but pork belly relies on being heavily coated in sauce, so just the meat alone was better. If you want pork, go for the ribs because they have a good bite and are super flavorful. The sausages were also tasty; we tried both the Kiolbasa and the Polish, and each one had a nice snap to the bite.
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Unfortunately, we had no luck in terms of sides. We didn’t get the mac and cheese, and the poblano creamed corn was too spicy for us to enjoy. Maybe someone else likes spicy creamed corn, but it was too much for my taste.
Ironically, my duck-hunting uncle apparently doesn’t eat duck, so I got to enjoy the sorgum-glazed barbecue duck all to myself. I normally don’t like warm meat mixed with sweet flavors, but the glaze paired well with the flavorful duck. It’s always fun to eat a barbecue item you can’t get at most other smokehouses.
InterStellar BBQ in Austin.
Peter L. Scamardo II/MySA
Is Interstellar BBQ worth the wait?
If you’re willing to wait almost two hours for food, InterStellar BBQ is a decent option. When it comes to classics like brisket, ribs and turkey, there’s probably better spots, but the daily specials help make InterStellar truly stand out in a crowded barbecue field.
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Find it: 12233 Ranch Road 620, N Suite 105, Austin, TX 78750