{"id":161855,"date":"2026-02-12T17:39:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T17:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/161855\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T17:39:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T17:39:15","slug":"down-south-texas-bbq-brings-neighborhood-cookout-vibe-to-north-austin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/161855\/","title":{"rendered":"Down South Texas BBQ brings neighborhood cookout vibe to North Austin"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOwner and self-proclaimed pitmaestro Rico Smith started sharing his barbecue skills with the community while he was working at Texas Roadhouse. Throughout the 2014 summertime, Smith crafted his meals in his apartment complex and his brother made deliveries.<\/p>\n

In 2017, Smith officially left the restaurant business and put his money together to buy the food truck which houses Down South Texas BBQ<\/a> on Howard Lane today.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople would tell me, \u2018Hey, it’s really good. You should open up a place,\u2019\u201d Smith said. \u201cI’d never listen to what they would say. I loved my job where I was. Eventually over time it does start getting to you and that’s when I took a leap of faith.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"GrandmaGrandma Joyce’s Texas Trinity features one pound of brisket, ribs and hot links with two sides for $35. (Dacia Garcia\/Community Impact)On the menu<\/p>\n

Taking a look at the eatery\u2019s menu, the item names pay homage to special people on Smith\u2019s barbecue journey. One of these people is his mother, Mama Y, who taught Smith how to make sides.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy best memories were when she used to be here with us,\u201d Smith said. \u201cShe would always get rib tips here and collard greens. … When you’re at a mom and pop’s place and you see somebody’s mom actually in the food truck or in the kitchen or working side by side with their son, it’s a whole different feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n

Diners can order meats by the pound, plates, sammiches, tacos, nachos and Southern sides. Available meats include brisket, spare ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey and hot links.<\/p>\n

Growing up with a Jamaican and Alabama background, Smith said it was important for him to bring some of his family\u2019s culture to the truck. One of the truck\u2019s unique items is its smoked oxtails, which take 16 hours to cook.<\/p>\n

The sides, which are mostly made by Smith\u2019s brother, include collard greens, macaroni and cheese, barbecue beans, potato salad and corn on the cob.<\/p>\n

\"Tanisha'sTanisha’s Lovely Brisket Nachos are topped with onions, cilantro, jalapenos and homemade green salsa, $18. (Dacia Garcia\/Community Impact)The atmosphere<\/p>\n

Smith said he wants to transport customers to the neighborhood cookouts he grew up in through the space he creates at the food truck. On Saturdays, community members can enjoy free beer and play pool in the food truck lot.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can come up, talk to a stranger and it’s like you\u2019ve known them for your whole life,\u201d Smith said. \u201cAnd when you have food involved, you\u2019re even happier.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"OwnerOwner and pitmaestro Rico Smith first started the barbecue business in 2014. (Courtesy Down South Texas BBQ)Looking forward<\/p>\n

Smith said he\u2019s currently enjoying his operation in North Austin and hopes to continue taking care of the community with his cuisine.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as we expand, the bills are paid and we’re taking care of the community, the community takes care of us\u2014that’s what it’s all about,\u201d Smith said. \u201cNot everybody’s meant to grow to a brick and mortar. Some people are good just doing a food truck. So we’ll see where God decides to take us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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