Iron Works

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100 Red River St, Austin, TX 78701 (at Cesar Chavez Street E)
Austin, TX 78701

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(512) 478-4855
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Iron Works - Austin, TX
Iron Works - Austin, TX
Iron Works - Austin, TX
Iron Works - Austin, TX
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Reviews
( 39 )
( 21 )
( 2 )
( 6 )
( 11 )

Best

This is a pretty good BBQ place, even by Texas "standards". I'd rate it a 4.5 but there are no half-stars. It surprised me how few people in Austin have actually been here, when I...

Worst

I can't imagine who would think Iron Works has great barbecue except possibly someone from the NE. The regular sauce was terrible and the spicy sauce was OK at best. The briske...

Editorial review from Citysearch 10/3/2012

We were sad to find that an Austin icon has chosen to rest on its laurels. Being next to the convention center likely brings in fresh ?meat,? but for folks who know what both good and mediocre Texas BBQ is all about, this place was bottom of the barrel. more
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Tourist Trap 6/6/2011

Dear BBQ fans across Texas, more
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Very good bbq 3/20/2010

This is a pretty good BBQ place, even by Texas "standards". I'd rate it a 4.5 but there are no half-stars. It surprised me how few people in Austin have actually been here, when I talk with them about BBQ. Service is usually pretty fast, the brisket and sausage are great and never dry and of course you can ask for leaner or fatty cuts. It didn't make the Texas Magazine for 50 greatest BBQ's in Texas, but you have to know those ratings are not exactly spot-on. There is a nice big deck in the back and usually plenty of seating. It's right near the freeway, so its easy in-out here. Be aware its closed on Sundays and their parking lot is tiny, so you have to park across the street or down the street. These are probably the two worst things about the place. Pros: easy location, reasonable price Cons: not much variety more
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Very good bbq 3/20/2010

This is a pretty good BBQ place, even by Texas ""standards"". I'd rate it a 4.5 but there are no half-stars. It surprised me how few people in Austin have actually been here, when I talk with them about BBQ. Service is usually pretty fast, the brisket and sausage are great and never dry and of course you can ask for leaner or fatty cuts. It didn't make the Texas Magazine for 50 greatest BBQ's in Texas, but you have to know those ratings are not exactly spot-on. There is a nice big deck in the back and usually plenty of seating. It's right near the freeway, so its easy in-out here. Be aware its closed on Sundays and their parking lot is tiny, so you have to park across the street or down the street. These are probably the two worst things about the place. Pros: easy location, reasonable price Cons: not much variety more
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Best BBQ Downtown 1/14/2010

This place is MUCH better than Stubbs. If you're in downtown and have the choice, no question, go to Iron Works rather than Stubbs. Just be aware that you order at a counter and carry your food to the table, so don't expect to be waited on. I had the brisket plate and really enjoyed it. It wasn't quite as good as Rudy's is, but it was very good. The BBQ sauce is excellent. You have an option of original or spicy. I liked them both. I hear the ribs are great.. I'll try those next time. Pros: Good food, atmosphere Cons: Not quite as good as Rudy's more
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Best BBQ Downtown 1/14/2010

This place is MUCH better than Stubbs. If you're in downtown and have the choice, no question, go to Iron Works rather than Stubbs. Just be aware that you order at a counter and carry your food to the table, so don't expect to be waited on. I had the brisket plate and really enjoyed it. It wasn't quite as good as Rudy's is, but it was very good. The BBQ sauce is excellent. You have an option of original or spicy. I liked them both. I hear the ribs are great.. I'll try those next time. Pros: Good food, atmosphere Cons: Not quite as good as Rudy's more
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An Austin Treat 1/11/2010

Definitely an Austin treat for me. The best homecooking barbeque in Austin. Environment is Austin eclectic. Always dependable to be good and inexpensive. more
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No Frills, Good BBQ 11/12/2009

Iron Works is a no frills restaurant with great tasting bbq. You walk in, order off the menu on the board, and get a paper plate with your food and plastic tray to take it to the table. Nothing fancy about the decor and on a busy night expect to be seated family style at one of the long rows of wooden tables. The main attraction here is the food and it tastes great. Pork ribs were tender and juicy---not falling off the bone but still very good. I preferred their beef rib which was also tender and tasted great. Location-wise there is not much around it and the parking lot is small but there are lots across the streets. During my stay I went to Iron Works and Salt Lick in Driftwood (about 20-30 mins from Austin) and both were enjoyable for their own personalities. Pros: Beef Ribs more
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No Frills, Good BBQ 11/12/2009

Iron Works is a no frills restaurant with great tasting bbq. You walk in, order off the menu on the board, and get a paper plate with your food and plastic tray to take it to the table. Nothing fancy about the decor and on a busy night expect to be seated family style at one of the long rows of wooden tables. The main attraction here is the food and it tastes great. Pork ribs were tender and juicy---not falling off the bone but still very good. I preferred their beef rib which was also tender and tasted great. Location-wise there is not much around it and the parking lot is small but there are lots across the streets. During my stay I went to Iron Works and Salt Lick in Driftwood (about 20-30 mins from Austin) and both were enjoyable for their own personalities. Pros: Beef Ribs more
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Good but NOT GREAT 8/15/2009

We have read about this place for years and was really expecting it to be something really SPECIAL. NOT!! Pros: BBQ Sauce is Excellent, Pork Ribs are Excellent Cons: Brisket is over cooked and dry. Place needs Air Conditioner more
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Good but NOT GREAT 8/15/2009

We have read about this place for years and was really expecting it to be something really SPECIAL. NOT!! Pros: BBQ Sauce is Excellent, Pork Ribs are Excellent Cons: Brisket is over cooked and dry. Place needs Air Conditioner more
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Awesome Beef Ribs 7/1/2009

The BBQ sauce is excellent! Pros: Great Ribs more
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Awesome Beef Ribs 7/1/2009

The BBQ sauce is excellent! Pros: Great Ribs more
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C'mon It's Texas BBQ 2/3/2009

Not for dieters, unless your doing Atkins. The brisket is really good, and the sausage is dang good too. The beer is on ice, which is always appreciated. and you get sides of baked beans and slaw. Not too much in terms of air conditioning, but the beer, again, is on ice, so think of that as old school A.C. more
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Best tasting sauce 12/9/2008

They are most famous for their ribs here. I prefer the baby backs, but the beef ribs are also very delicious. Their sauce has lots of different flavors. The meat is very tender and very easy to take off the bone. It literally just slides off. I thought their decor was clashed. They had wooden walls and floors, which normally barbecue places had. However they had these cheap, metal chairs. It looked very weird to me, because I have been to many barbecue restaurants. Other than the decor, I really like this restaurant. more
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Really good BBQ, especially the beef ribs 11/24/2008

I was very pleased with Iron Works this past Friday night. Very much like some of the more remote BBQ joints around Austin, more of a lunch counter style with delicious beef ribs. Tooks the whole family plus so got to try different dishes. Hands down the beefs ribs were the winner, in fact I can hardly wait to go back to have more with the delicious sauce the have (both regular and spicy were excellent). The pork ribs were loved by all, although I thought they were a little over-smoked but that tends to be Texas BBQ fare. The sausage was good, but not great. Nothing the sauce couldn't liven up. Side dished were there, not really sure why every place in Texas has to have the bland watery chili bean side. Everyone has it and I dislike it at every place. So many better options out there for beans. I would have liked my food to be a tad warmer but that is pretty minor. Have to rank this as #2 on my list so far because they do have one dish far and above all others. Good stuff. Pros: Beef ribs, spicy BBQ sauce Cons: bean side dish more
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Really good BBQ, especially the beef ribs 11/24/2008

I was very pleased with Iron Works this past Friday night. Very much like some of the more remote BBQ joints around Austin, more of a lunch counter style with delicious beef ribs. Tooks the whole family plus so got to try different dishes. Hands down the beefs ribs were the winner, in fact I can hardly wait to go back to have more with the delicious sauce the have (both regular and spicy were excellent). The pork ribs were loved by all, although I thought they were a little over-smoked but that tends to be Texas BBQ fare. The sausage was good, but not great. Nothing the sauce couldn't liven up. Pros: Beef ribs, spicy BBQ sauce Cons: bean side dish more
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best ribs 9/14/2008

this place has the best ribs. The meat just falls off the bone. Truly cooked texas style. We enjoyed the decor as well. Pros: seated fast Cons: none more
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best ribs 9/14/2008

this place has the best ribs. The meat just falls off the bone. Truly cooked texas style. We enjoyed the decor as well. Pros: seated fast more
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BEST BBQ IN TOWN!!!!! 9/3/2008

This is honestly the best BBQ I've ever had in my life. Every time I have family come into town I bring them straight to Iron Works to eat their famous ribs. Everything is slow cooked to perfection so that it falls off the bone. It seems a bit whole in the wall, but once you learn about the history of the place you understand why. Just know that in the summer you'll probably be hot in their lack of air conditioning, and in the winter you'll probably be cold unless you're sitting next to their old fashioned wood stove. Nonetheless, this place is the epitome of Texas BBQ. if you don't mind eating on plastic table cloths and picnic tables, then I would HIGHLY recommend eating here out of any restaurant in Austin-- you'll be in absolute BBQ heaven!!!! more
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Menu for Iron Works


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Purveyors of smoked brisket to conventioneers, singers and Dubya.

Owner Message

  • In business since 1978, Iron Works Barbecue is restaurant and serves as a caterer of grilled food. Located in Austin, Texas, the eatery's menu comprises barbecue sauces, rubs/seasonings in chili, bean, khaki caps and barbecue products. The restaurant serves a variety of barbecue plates, including chopped beef, sliced beef, smoked pork, chicken, ham, sausage and turkey. Additionally, it offers pork ribs, ham/beef ribs, sandwiches, salads, custom smoked meats/turkeys, baked potatoes/desserts, including pies and cobblers. The restaurant also offers catering services, including music, flower arrangements, tables/chairs and decorations.. Restaurants

Editorial

  • In Short
    Housed in the former workshop of ironsmith Fortunat Weigl, this downtown eatery feels more like the camphouse of a Hill Country deer lease, with its pot-bellied stoves and...

  • 6/13/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
  • Payments: American Express, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: South River City, Greater South River City
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