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    Central Texas Bar-B-Q

    4.3 (144 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 1 week ago

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    CENTRAL TEXAS BAR-B-Q ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    *ADJUSTED REVIEW* My initial review used the word "catered", as that is how our school leaders presented the luncheon to us at the start of our meeting. I received a message insinuating that I may have been mistaken about the restaurant that my school ordered a meal from since there was no catering or restaurant staff present to set up and serve the meal to us. Attached is the agenda introducing the name and menu to us which includes the name of the restaurant. I am not trying to troll or be rude, I was simply offering a review as I've done with several other restaurants and or businesses on Yelp based on my experience. I realize my review was not favorable, but it is not exaggerated or targeted, and simply addresses my first experience and impression of this business. It just wasn't great. My school had a catered staff lunch: ham, turkey, potato casserole, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and yams. The sides were all a miss in terms of both taste and presentation; green beans were lacking in flavor, the cheesy potato casserole was dry and almost tasted like instant potatoes, the macaroni and cheese was runny/soupy, and the color of the yams was very "bright". The turkey was ok, but didn't have the flavor or taste that barbecue/smoked turkey usually has and the ham was overly salty.

    Ordering food

    One of my favorite places to come for lunch their food is always spectacular. You walk through and order your food so the service is always on spot and it's been here forever and [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the ambience of the way. Everything is set up.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    2 meat plate, with extra side.

    This hole in the wall is easily missed, but shouldn't be! Outstanding food, and great staff. We were looking for a good BBQ place before heading to the airport and this place didn't disappoint. A two meat plate with an extra side was plenty of food for us to share.

    Brisket,ribs,potato salad and bake beans

    Food is awesome great customer service. Staff is always smiling. Always willing to offer suggestions

    Chop beef sandwich and homemade macaroni

    This is one of the best barbecue places in Houston. They have amazing food, homemade sides. Everything is very good. Their desserts are good too. The service you won't be disappointed. Take a pic of it like that.

    Baked Potato with Pulled Pork
    Carolyn C.

    Central Texas BBQ is the kind of dining establishment you can only find in Texas. Smiling staff are helpful and friendly. Meats are deliciously slow smoked, and portions are generous. Great stop across from Hobby Airport, especially now that Pappas BBQ is no longer at Hobby.

    Brisket 1 Meat and 2 Sides

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    3 months ago

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    Katherine L.

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks for coming in! Glad you found us!!

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    2 months ago

    Food was incredible! The staff were very kind! Overall it was perfect place to watch the World Cup and have lunch!

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Eli! Glad you found us. Hope to see you again soon.

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Gary! See you again soon.

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    11 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thank you for the review, David! See you next time! We will be here.

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    9 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks for the review Lana! See you again soon.

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    3 months ago

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    Katherine L.

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    8 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Karen! Great review and thanks for coming in.

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    10 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Melissa for the great review! See you again soon.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Jared! Glad you found us. See you again soon.

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thank you so much for the review! We hope to see you again soon.

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    11 months ago

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Guillermo! We love our customers. See you soon!

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    11 months ago

    Have done business with them for over 16 years. Always great food and service! Catering is highly recommended!

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    1 year ago

    Been all over Texas, and this is the best BBQ around. Get there early because they sell out daily.

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Warren! We are glad you found us. See you soon.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Thank you! See you again soon.

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    1 year ago

    Great food!! Awesome family owned business. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a great place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I will be back like always

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    Katherine L.

    Thanks Roxann! See you again soon.

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    1 year ago

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    Thanks Adrian! So glad you came in and loved it. See you again soon.

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    1 year ago

    great customer service and suggestions. Katie and Albert were such a help and Jenny took my order to perfection. will come back

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    1 year ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Well proportion. Delicious chopped beef baked potato. Fast takeout service. The restaurant has a lot history.

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    Katherine L.

    Thank you. We appreciate you coming in! See you again soon.

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Central Texas Bar-B-Q

    Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights

    Pinkerton's Barbecue - Heights

    4.4
    (1.8k reviews)
    11.7 mi
    $$

    The brisket was hands down the star of the meal, it literally melted in my mouth. It was so tender…read moreI could pull it apart with just my fork. Easily some of the best brisket I've ever had. They had run out of beef ribs, so we ended up getting the pork chop instead, and it was really good! The mac and cheese with bacon was rich, cheesy, and delicious. The potato salad was a huge surprise, I'm usually not a potato salad person, but this one was a solid 10/10. The only thing I wouldn't recommend was this French-style side (it looked like a giant turd ). It was a 0/10 for me. I took one bite and couldn't eat the rest. The peach cobbler was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it didn't really wow me compared to everything else. Overall, the food was incredible, especially the brisket. I'll definitely be coming back. 10/10, highly recommend!

    Finally got to try Pinkerton's! Thankfully we only had to wait 5 minutes to get in. The spread…read moreincluded bbq pork ribs (I got them glazed and they were delicious! Definitely my favorite of their meats), jalapeño cheddar sausage (super juicy), coleslaw, bacon Mac n cheese (creamy and goood), and the meats came with pickled jalapeño, onions, and pickles. We also got the beef ribs, which were good but a bit salty, and a mix of the lean and fatty brisket -I definitely preferred the lean cut since it was already super juicy. The potato salad was hearty and good. Slicing the brisket! The workers were all so friendly!

    Photos
    Bathroom
    Bathroom
    Jalapeño Cheese Sausage | Prime Brisket
    Jalapeño Cheese Sausage | Prime Brisket
    Jamalaya, Mac n Cheese, Tangy Coleslaw

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    Jamalaya, Mac n Cheese, Tangy Coleslaw
    Truth BBQ

    Truth BBQ

    4.4
    (1.4k reviews)
    10.7 mi
    $$

    Dang. They said it was good. That doesn't do it justice. It is OFF THE DANG CHAIN. Best bbq ever…read more From juicy brisket, pork, turkey and ribs, to sausages with glistening chunks of fresh jalapeño and creamy cheddar cheese. The meat is for real. But. The sides. Oh my goodness-that is far and away the best potato salad I've ever even been in the vicinity of-much less able to pound a spoon into over and over. The tator tot casserole is like a hug from the sweetest granny in the land, and the corn pudding and Mac and cheese are pure fire too. Have to say, not much of a fan of tipping for counter service-but this place DESERVES it. Once you sit down with your fabulous feast-there are the kindest servers bringing you everything you could possibly need-from to-go boxes to drinks to desserts and they are SOOO happy you're in their restaurant-had to pull out some extra cash (I did tip at the cash register) because these dudes deserved more for their genuine hospitality and friendliness. Bar looks legit but it was only 11 so I decided next time I'll do better and grab a drink with dinner. Yes the queue was long at opening but moved quickly and obviously was well worth it. Michelin, Texas Monthly and more are all totally right to make this a must eat destination for HTX

    Hands down, the best BBQ I've had in Houston so far…read more Brisket is brisket- you either dry it out or you absolutely nail it. They nailed it. Perfectly juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor. But what really puts this place over the top is the tater tot casserole. Great sides can make the meal, and this one absolutely does. It's ridiculously good... like I'd happily eat an entire bowl of just the casserole. We ordered the brisket, pork ribs, beef rib, both sausages, and, of course, a whole lot of tater tot casserole. While you're waiting in line, they hand out samples of the brisket so you can decide whether you want lean or fatty. Fatty all day for me. The beef rib was massive and had an incredible smoky flavor, but low-key, I think the sausages ended up being my favorite meat of the day. They were juicy, flavorful, and didn't get overshadowed by everything else. We got there around 11:00 a.m. on a Saturday and waited about an hour in line. It sounds long, but they make it easy with water and drinks available for purchase while you wait. The staff was friendly the entire time- from the people managing the line to the servers and the bussers making rounds through the dining room. Whatever you do... don't skip the tater tot casserole

    Photos
    MERCH!!
    MERCH!!
    2 Meat Plate Brisket
    2 Meat Plate Brisket
    Corn pudding

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    Corn pudding
    CorkScrew BBQ

    CorkScrew BBQ

    4.6
    (1.4k reviews)
    30.4 mi
    $$

    Did I get up at 7am to make the trip up to Spring for BBQ? Yes…read moreDid I get in line an hour before the opened? Also yes Was it worth it? Heck yes! A 2-year Michellin star BBQ joint was a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. My friends and I got there around 10am and were lucky enough to grab a number. The number secures your spot in line but don't worry if you show up and they run out, there's a spot on the porch where the non-number line starts. We ordered moist brisket, garlic sausage, and the beef rib. For sides, we went with mac and cheese and beans. Everything was superb! The brisket melted in your mouth, no knife needed. The sausage had a nice snap to it and get great flavor. The bark on the beef rib was *chef's kiss*. The mac and cheese was creamy while the beans had a nice sweet and tangy flavor. The service is also great! While we were eating, staff would regularly check all of the tables to check if anyone needed anything. The staff taking our order also chatted with us about other BBQ spots we've been to. Everything was such a great experience and the quality of the food is 100/10!

    I'm sort of embarrassed to say this is my first time here as it has become a staple in the…read morearea...But hey, I made it and I'm glad I did! I was mentally prepared for a line lol. I've passed by several times and the line has always deterred me, but this time I came with my game face and the patience of a saint. I arrived on a Friday at 11:03am to be exact. Yep, they open at 11am and yep there was already a line. I was shortly approached by an employee who handed me a paper menu and asked if I would like to purchase a drink while I wait in line. It was fairly hot outside but they had fans along the patio to give relief. The inside of the restaurant is not large but also not small, its first come first serve so get in where you fit in or opt to sit outside. I arrived to the front of the line around 12pm so it took about an hour of waiting in line. Ordering was smooth and it took no time for the food to be ready. Staff were friendly, and service was speedy. I ordered brisket(moist), pulled pork sandwich, mac n cheese, potato salad, beans, apple cobbler, and a baked potato. The potato salad was a pleasant surprise! It is not your traditional potato salad, but If you enjoy anything dill flavored, you'd love it! The brisket was moist and flavorful, melt in your mouth good!!! The other sides were just okay, not bad but nothing stood out. The cobbler was a bit too sweet and it did not seem as though the ingredients were mixed very well. It was like they dumped sugar on top and baked it without mixing it. Pulled pork sandwich was meaty and flavorful. Pretty good BBQ Experience!!!

    Photos
    Pick up here
    Pick up here
    The Dino Rib - humongous!
    The Dino Rib - humongous!
    Side porch of the restaurant. Covered outdoor seating is to t he left. Indoor seating is inside.

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    Side porch of the restaurant. Covered outdoor seating is to t he left. Indoor seating is inside.
    Brisket & Rice

    Brisket & Rice

    4.6
    (504 reviews)
    26.7 mi
    $$

    So I recently moved to the area and was surprised that there was such an infamous restaurant right…read morearound the corner. After doing my research and seeing food bloggers post online about this place, I decided to try it! We went on a Saturday afternoon at 2 pm - packed! There were no tables available inside and there were people inside and outside waiting for their orders. That's something to be ready for if you come on a Saturday. Our order didn't actually take that long. Or maybe it took a little while and we didn't mind waiting. Either way, it wasn't that bad! Luckily it's located in a shopping area so there's always parking. My main gripe is that they close at 7pm. I'm sure there's a good reason for that but I've wanted to try it multiple times before but they've been closed! I ended up going with the infamous brisket and fried rice. The brisket was super tender - I was able to pull it apart with my fork. I typically shy away from brisket because usually it's tough. But this was delicious - tender and had a nice smoky flavor. Not overwhelming or too salty. The rice had a great flavor too. There were chunks of meat in that as well and the rice had a nice smoky flavor. Not too salty or greasy. It also came with some accoutrements - pickled onions, fresh pickled cucumbers, jalapeños, bbq sauce and bread. The cucumbers and onions stole the show - very fresh and refreshing. We were surprised at the pickled onions - they were soo good! Overall - worth the hype! I'll definitely be back to try ribs, chicken or pulled pork sandwich. I heard everything is good here!!

    Came here on a whim bc hubby and I both wanted bbq. They did not disappoint!…read more Ordered: Brisket and steamed rice 5/5 Brisket with fried rice 5/5 House made sausage 5/5 Even the pickled onions and jalapeños were 5/5, done viet style. I'm viet and imo that's the best way to pickle anything. Restaurant clean, service friendly and very fast. You can tell they are a neighborhood favorite, so many people came in after us to pick up and dine in! Only thing to "improve" is it was a little warm in the restaurant. Not sure if the ac was struggling bc of this Texas heat or what but other than that, food was excellent and we definitely will be back. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    Inside (former location)
    Inside (former location)
    Brisket & Fried Rice
    Brisket & Fried Rice
    Mac-N-Cheese

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    Mac-N-Cheese
    Killen's Barbecue

    Killen's Barbecue

    4.2
    (3k reviews)
    6.7 mi
    $$

    Killen's never disappoints…read more Their beef ribs were just short of amazing. Juicy, succulent, tender. For a giant piece of meat on the bone, they worked wonders. You can ask to see the piece of rib before they cut it for you and they will happily oblige (patrons behind you might not be so thrilled with that move, but they'll live). Sides were excellent as were the mashed potatoes with white gravy on the side, green beans that were just tender enough, but also a bit crunchy. Perfect. They were seasoned with pork, so if that's not your thing, you might want to skip it. We also ordered their shareable onion rings, easily enough for three people that were huge, hot, and crispy. Let's get this out of the way, some of their prices are a little up there, but if you're anything like me, and don't frequent BBQ places often, it's a rare but enjoyable treat. Sometimes you have to splurge and live a little. Also, they have their regular sauce on tables, but you now have to ask the cashier for their sublime coffee BBQ sauce. Don't be shy, ask. It's worth it. Oh, pro tip: If you want beef ribs, the 'plate' is actually cheaper and a better deal than 'by the pound', so save a little money and get two sides.

    This establishment was recommended to me by an avid BBQ connoisseur + they have a Michelin star. We…read morewaited in line for about 30 minutes before getting to the counter to put in our order. The restaurant is cute and they do their best to keep the service consistent throughout the entire visit. The BBQ was a little dry but good. The disappointing part of the trip were the sides. 95% of the sides had pork in them which made the entire wait not worth it. This was my first time visiting and it will be my last.

    Photos
    Dining room after restaurant closed
    Dining room after restaurant closed
    Banana and Bread Pudding Combo
    Banana and Bread Pudding Combo
    The exterior

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    The exterior
    The Pit Room - Memorial

    The Pit Room - Memorial

    3.9
    (238 reviews)
    18.9 mi
    $$

    Houston has no shortage of barbecue, but this place understands that great barbecue doesn't have to…read morecome with a two hour line or a tray piled a foot high. The counter service keeps things moving while the food speaks for itself. The brisket was exactly what you'd hope for: a pronounced bark, a rendered fat cap, and slices that held together until they were pulled apart. The surprise for me was the brisket taco. Instead of feeling like a gimmick, it showcased the meat in a different way, balancing smoke, richness, and fresh toppings without masking the brisket. Good barbecue restaurants know their sides matter just as much as the meat. The mac and cheese was creamy, the sausage had a satisfying snap, and the house barbecue sauce complemented rather than covered the smoke. If you're visiting Houston, this is the kind of place that reminds you why Texas barbecue has earned its reputation. Efficient counter service, excellent brisket, and enough menu variety to keep you coming back.

    I had been craving BBQ for a couple weeks and decided to give the pit room a try. My husband had…read morebeen here before for work and he enjoyed it so I decided to try! The environment is super cool, plenty of seating, a bar, private rooms, a dessert bar. I enjoyed the atmosphere, but the workers spoke Spanish to each other the whole time until it was time to check out, so there wasn't much engagement. Which lead to a mix up of my order that we had to fix. What we are all here for, the FOOD: Chicken: Very juicy, tender, basic chicken, a great portion. I was grossed out by the amount of blood under the skin. (I KNOW it's an animal with blood but I've never had bbq with that amount of blood on the meat) but I'm not penalizing them for it. Def 7/10! Brisket: Super tender, melted in the mouth, great taste. 8/10 Green beans: Not greasy, tender (not mushy or undercooked). I think they may have spilled the seasoning into the batch they main because holy moly, a TON of pepper and salt. I'm heavy handed with my seasonings but that amount didn't seem intentional. I'd never thought I'd say this but the flavor would've been great with less seasoning. 5/10 Mac&cheese: Nothing special but definitely better than most bbq spots. I enjoy the texture and light flavor 7/10 Elote: Yummy but where's the beloved cilantro?! 8/10 Cornbread: Great flavor, not dry, and had jalapeno peppers in it! Super yummy 9/10. My only thing too, they had only 2 bbq sauce options, a bourbon coffee and their house bbq. To me, they were not good at all. I was extremely disappointed in that. Other bbq spots have like 8 different bbq sauces

    Photos
    Here is where you start!  Check out that variety on their menu.
    Here is where you start! Check out that variety on their menu.
    One of my favorite BBQ spots in Houston. Pork ribs, brisket, beef rib, turkey, venison sausage.
    One of my favorite BBQ spots in Houston. Pork ribs, brisket, beef rib, turkey, venison sausage.
    Cheeseburger

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    Cheeseburger

    Central Texas Bar-B-Q - bbq - Updated August 2026

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