Louie Mueller Barbecue

I realize Mueller isn’t actually in Austin proper, but it’s an easy 40 minute drive to Taylor, TX, and it’s well worth your time. Mueller is to Central Texas barbecue what Malnati’s is to Chicago deep dish: the standard by which all followers have based their original recipe. Aaron Franklin was inspired by the pits here, and 3rd generation owner Wayne Mueller has had some famously public disagreements with his siblings (who have opened their own pits in Austin) about how to carry on the legacy. It comes down to this: you want to eat brisket, short rib and hot links like a local? Head to Taylor.

Louie Mueller Barbecue

206 W. 2nd St, Taylor, TX 76574; (512) 352-6206