Louie's was the great surprise of our Austin-area barbecue safari. When we saw their location and trailer, we did not have high expectations, but the food was excellent. We ordered brisket, ribs, and sausage. Each was some of the best we enjoyed during our trip. Even the pickles were great. You order at the trailer and sit outside at picnic tables. This place is definitely a hidden gem. read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Brisket, ribs, and sausage. - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

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TLDR: Louie's BBQ serves solid, satisfying Central Texas barbecue with a Tex-Mex tilt and fair prices. An easy recommendation. Overview: Louie's BBQ is a small trailer operation tucked into a strip of shops in Buda, just south of Austin, where pitmaster Luis Vasquez has finally found the audience that eluded him in the city. The setup fits the small-town feel: a food truck that is a bit hidden, a casual lot, and a relaxed vibe that contrasts with the big-name Austin lines. Parking can be difficult. On my visit around 11:30, I had no trouble grabbing a spot in front of nearby shops, but you can see how it could get tight as the day goes on. There was just one person working during my visit, but the operation still felt efficient; my food was ready in about ten minutes. Food: The brisket was the best item on the tray. The slices were nicely moist with a good hit of beefiness, a noticeable but not overbearing smoke, and solid seasoning. The pork ribs leaned sweet, with a glaze that pushes in that direction without going candy-like. They were tender and well-cooked, easy to bite through. The sausage was also good: moist and seasoned well. Taken together, the meat lineup is consistent and enjoyable, but not destination-level. The sides show more personality. The pimento-style mac and cheese is very rich and extremely creamy, with a sweetness up front and a small kick underneath. The sauce is so thick that a single serving is plenty. The coleslaw hits a nice middle ground: creamy dressing, good crunch, and enough freshness to cut through the heavier bites. The tres leches corn is the most adventurous item I tried, a sweet creamed corn with cinnamon notes that leans dessert-ish. I am not convinced the concept fully clicks, but it is not bad, just more of a curiosity than a must-order. Dessert comes in the form of a banana-forward banana pudding with soft Nilla wafers. It delivers exactly what you expect and nothing more, which matches the theme of the meal: good, but not quite exceptional. On value, Louie's is top tier. With brisket at $34/lb, ribs at $22/lb, and sausage at $5-$6/link, it is well under many of the better-known spots in the greater Austin area, especially when you factor in that you are not paying with an hour in line. Portions are fair, and given the quality, it feels like an easy place to over-order without blowing up your budget. Final Thoughts: Louie's BBQ is not trying to be the next Franklin or a Texas Monthly pilgrimage stop, and that actually works in its favor. What you get is steady, well-executed barbecue, some fun, sweeter-leaning sides, and a bill that does not sting. I would not tell someone to plan an entire trip around it, but for folks in Buda or anyone already south of Austin who wants quality smoked meat without the big-city hassle, Louie's is one of the better stops in the area. read more

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This BBQ spot is so much better than I anticipated! I love that it's close to me too. The brisket and sausage are my favorite! Their sides are also really good! Service was fast! We got the food Togo so we didn't sit there and eat it, but they have seating! Definitely check it out if you're in the area read more

Super excited to try this place. Didn't even get to try the food. Went on a Friday evening around 6 o'clock. Ready to try the baked potato with Mac and cheese. When we walked in the area to order, nobody was there except for the cashier sitting at the picnic table playing on his phone. Typically I wouldn't mind, except for the annoyed look we got upon entering. We got the truck ready to order the food. I ordered the baked potato, and the kid says they are out of potato's. After that, I settled with the brisket sandwich. Next, I ordered the side of Mac and cheese. The person said he had to go ask and see if they had any left. To be expected, there was none ready and there wouldn't be anymore for the day. With it being a BBQ place, it's expected to run out of meat on busy days. The problem was they had meat, but nothing else on the menu. Also, it wasn't busy. Pretty sad driving 30 minutes to try this place out and walking out empty handed. read more

We happened upon this place today after already having eaten breakfast. We stopped for 1 brisket taco. It was the best taco. The tortilla was homemade, super soft and so tasty. The brisket was juicy, and flavorful and the best thing I have tried in the last two days. We will be back before we leave town. read more

Louie's is fire! I always get the bbq bowl, I either do turkey or brisket or both, depending on how hungry I am. The brisket and turkey are so delicious and the bowl comes with corn, cole slaw and beans topped with bbq sauce and some other sauce that's gas!!!! It's literally like a bbq plate, rolled into one, in a bowl! Sign me up. I got a bowl last night and didn't finish it so I brought it home and had lunch just now. It's a huge bowl. I'm ready for them to open an actual restaurant but for now, we'll hit up the food truck in dt Buda! read more

5 stars aren't enough for this taco! If you go here , and you get the brisket tacos, as they come, and you don't lose your mind.... I don't know what to tell you, but this is the greatest taco on earth read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

Very average meat and some of the worst potato salad I've eaten from a BBQ joint. The ribs were decent but the brisket (the most important aspect of a Texas BBQ joint) was not very good. The potato salad was basically a soup with boiled, soft potatoes in it. It was absolutely dead on a Friday at 6pm which surprised me; now it makes total sense. Aside from improving the food quality, replacing the corn hole boards would be a cheap way to improve this place. read more

Good bbq! The food came out really fast, there's ton of outside seating (no indoor because it's a truck). Still cute little outdoor area. The bbq is a little over powering, meat is delicious. read more

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Amazing tacos love the sliced brisket and a good tortilla filled up with some great topping and sauces. Taste great fresh hot and well balanced flavors. Can't go wrong here. read more

Amazing BBQ!!! Love this place. Can't go wrong with the brisket taco it's just phenomenal!

So this is a food truck and they have a cute little outdoor seating area. They were so nice there and you want to recommend. Also very polite they would tell you thank you and you're welcome for anything which I found very appreciative of them. We got a mix of meats. Also, some sides and it came with pickles, jalapeños, and pickled onions, which were phenomenal. In my opinion that they should sell these pickles by the jar. I will say the ribs were delicious the meat which is fall off of the bone. The brisket was so good and they were very thick slices. I have to say the sausage is OK was a little dry for me but the seasonings and it was good. We also got turkey breast. I didn't try it, but my friends said that it was really nice and smoked flavored. As for the sides, we got the mac & cheese, which was really good tasting cheese, but I do feel the mac & cheese needed a little bit more flavor. This street corn was good and very flavorful. Lastly, they do give you barbecue sauce. It was sweet and tangy, which was really good. I am more of a spicy barbecue person. I don't know if they had any since I didn't ask, but that would be my only consideration having a spicy barbecue sauce. I would definitely go again and try one of their sandwiches and other sides as well so definitely if you're in the area I would go check them out because they are really good barbecue. read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

Since their menu changed Louie's hasn't been my go to. I enjoyed their spuds when they had queso in it. Their mac n cheese isn't creamy anymore (huge let down) and I dislike their change to their rice. I enjoyed their Mexican rice. Guess I didn't go enough for them to change their menu like this. read more

The food is amazing!!! One of the Best BBQ spots around. Really juicy, tender BBQ. I only have ordered Delivery and every time it comes warm and really well packed. I am definitely turning into a loyal customer read more

One of the most flavorful BBQ spots around! Highly recommended! My friend had never eaten brisket before and had Louie's as his first experience - he's now a HUGE brisket fan......and Louie's has set the bar very high! read more

Brisket: 4 Ribs: 3 Turkey: 3 Jalapeño queso sausage: 3 Mac n Cheese: 4 Mexican rice: 3 Overall = 3. Solid spot. If you lived in the town, I could see why you'd come. If you venture out, many other options to prioritize and frequent. read more

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I ordered a brisket Sando and had favor pick it up and run it over to me. I paid $18 for the sandwich and $6 for delivery. This is the amount of brisket that isn't fat or have the black ends. It tastes good but I use sweet baby rays sauce instead of theirs. Just wish so much wasn't fat or blackened. read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Fat and black ends - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

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We were staying with friends in Kyle and had plans to get a more well-known named bbq in Austin but we woke up late and were too impatient. Best impatient outcome ever! I've waited for 6 hours for Snows BBQ and traveled all over Texas to tiny towns and cities alike in seek of brisket and jalepeño sausage. (and unfortunately, I've eaten bbq in other states who claim to have bbq--lies). But, this was in my and my spouse's top 5. Some of my other favs are Stanley's (Tyler), Desert Oak (EP), Salt Lick (austin). Totally unexpected and a complete joy. Brisket, like butter. Homemade bun worth an extra (erm or 5) miles of running. The house made pickled onions and cucumbers were the perfect addition to cut the rich butter, I mean brisket sandwich. You can get lean or regular for those wondering. Our only complaint is that we don't like sweet sauce and theirs was a bit sweet. I like more pepper. However, my sandwich didn't need sauce, so no biggie. But also I really love sauce so this is my plea to them to make a spicy or more peppery sauce as a 2nd sauce option. Love love love! 200 stats Omg how did I forget to tell you--Get the queso. Just do it. No hem hawing. Just do it. read more

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The stars: Angus brisket, Smoked Turkey sandwich, pulled pork potato and creamy Mac n cheese!! The sidekicks: the bread slices were good toasted, the bbq sauce was tasty, and the pickles and onions on the side sealed the deal. They lost a star because Mexican rice and corn salsa was just awful. Like nobody ate it. They both had way too much seasoning or something. I usually love both items from other places but not this time. Aside from that - delicious bbq and we will be back!! read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Turkey sandwich - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

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Man, Louie's is our favorite BBQ place. The BBQ is dependably delicious. It's not far off of Franklins for a flavor profile. They then also do unique specials like Burn Ends, giant ribs, Nachos, and baked potatoes. Louie's isn't flashy but they don't have a 3 hour line, the workers are friendly and they always treat our family well. Plus they have giant tea and limeade to wash it all down. read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

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Louie's. Probably the best trailer I've ever been to. Extremely underrated as a BBQ spot. Tucked away off f Buda's Main Street and the crew there are all super friendly. It's outdoor seating so I always just takeaway but if you're strolling around Buda you'd enjoy the ambience of the tall trees and local feel. My go to is the brisket potato. I've never once eaten the whole thing in one sitting. Usually it takes 2-3 meals to get through one potato. Their brisket chili is also phenomenal but a couple of times I've gotten a lot of fat on the brisket and little meat. The flavor is unbeatable though. Their Mac and cheese is one of my all time favorites. They have fantastic tacos and pulled pork as well. I actually prefer their tacos to Valentina's, please don't hurt me. All in all, a wonderful spot, fairly priced, epic portions. read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Chopped Brisket Potato Mac and Cheese - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

Had multiple great experiences here until this evening. My complaint this time is for the food and lack of attention to detail. Meats very dry - almost not edible and surely not enjoyable. Seems as if they've been sitting out under a warmer for quite some time. Ordered and paid for a side of Mac n cheese that never made it in my to go order. I also stood there at the pickup window for a bit while the young kid working inside played on his phone and didn't even notice I was standing there. Had this been my first experience here, I would definitely not return. 3 stars only for the pleasant experiences I've had here previously. Maybe they've gone downhill? Maybe the kids working inside are too preoccupied on their phones? read more

Great bbq potato's, breakfast tacos, and beef tallow tortillas. Very yummy! Our kids like the Mac n cheese!

I really wish my arteries could handle brisket every day, cause if they could I'd be at Louie's on the regular. Nestled in downtown Buda, Louie's is a casual, chill backyard Austin BBQ joint that I have gone back to twice since coming the first time. I love walking into their dining area and smelling nothing but smoke and beef. Service is friendly, patient and fast! I loved their brisket. Loved it. I could have eaten it all night. Their pulled pork was equally delicious and tender. Great smoke flavor and perfectly seasoned. Neither were too salty which we appreciated, but both were gone in 2 minutes! The ribs. Oh my goodness. They have some kind of brown sugar glaze situation going on that I was not expecting, and YES. YES PLEASE. While I did like their sauce, none of it needs it as all of it is great as is. Really well done, simple, makes smoked meats look easy to make when I know it isn't. But those ribs? Eaten in one minute. We had to tear the rib bone away from son! We are so excited to have Louie's so close to where we live and can't wait to go back again and again! read more

This is delicious, Texas barbecue! It is consistently yummy! I always get it 'to go' and everyone LOVES it!!!

I love Louie's BBQ so much. Their chopped brisket baked potato is one of my fave meals on earth. I just need to remember that if I have it for lunch, a long siesta is required that day. They have lots of shaded seating now, which is great. And you can order online for pick up. No waiting for BBQ in line in the hot sun for this cowgirl! Louie's Mexican street corn is the best I've ever had. All their sides are great, actually. And the brisket is melt in your mouth heavenly. Very very lucky to have them so local. I've even bought a cooked ham from them one Christmas (or was it Easter ) which was superb. Lovely friendly people, fast service, laid back atmosphere. A true gem of a place! If you're considering it... GO! read more

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Wow amazing little gem here... Not from the area but the gentlemen behind the counter recommended me a delicious turkey bowl honestly so dam satisfying Thank you food came out in less than 3 minutes so tasty!! read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Turkey bowl + sausage - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

Brisket and sausage are out of this world good! They have fast, friendly service. I love getting the brisket bowl with corn, beans, greens, and brisket with crema on top. It's a huge portion, good enough for two meals. So awesome! Never disappoints - ever! Their Mac-n-cheese is decadent and delicious. They have great specials and their buns for their bbq sandwiches is excellent- really tops off the whole meal. Love this place and so glad they're in Buda! We take our out of town visitors here every time! read more

Delicious bbq right in downtown great old buda Texas! Huge outdoor seating with covered benches to tear up those ribs and enjoy some sunshine read more

Great BBQ without the wait, especially since it's easy to pre-order online. I've gotten takeout a couple of times and have tried the sausage, ribs, barbacoa, and sliced brisket sandwich. I love the slaw (it's not creamy nor heavy - I'm not a mayo fan) as well as the elote. Reasonable prices for quality meat. I'll be back! read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Sliced brisket sandwich - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

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I'm glad I gave this place another chance! While a previous experience included some very dry pork, I have since had several enjoyable meals from Louie's. I believe myself a Mac n' cheese connoisseur and they have some of the best I have had outside of a soul food restaurant. Their Mac n' cheese is cheesy, flavorful, and full of queso Blanco cheese. And their sweet chili barbecue beans and jalapeño potato salad are bomb. If you want some delicious barbeque this is the place to go! read more

This little hole in the wall is the Best BBQ place in Buda. Try their loaded baked potato it's delicious and full of flavor and yummy. They have a cute seating area in the back and it's covered if you want to eat there. Buda needs to keep this place in business and keep returning. I absolutely love this little spot and highly recommend this place to anyone that is visiting our sweet little town. The service is spot on and always greeted with a smile. The best hidden food secret in Buda. read more

Good but overcooked a bit. Service was fast. I would come back. It's a bit expensive tho. 7/10. Tea was Extra sweet if you're into that. read more

Louie's Craft BBQ - Brisket Taco - Food Trucks Near Me - Buda, Texas

I'm continually impressed with Buda and Louie's was no different. This place has everything you need-incredible bbq, a multitude of options, picnic tables galore, and bags. (Also known as cornhole) The guys serving up the food we're super helpful in deciding what to get and they even bring it over, which is a nice switch up to having stand near a typical food truck to hear your order called. The portions were ginormous, totally worth every penny. I also love that they thought about the kids and have games and a play place to keep them busy. Family friendly, spacious and the wood burning fireplace has the whole spot smelling fantastic! We will be back Louie! read more

Y'alllll I'm in LOVE. We're staying with friends in Buda and this place came highly recommended--definitely lives up to their glowing rec! We got the chopped bbq sandwich, taco combo (one pulled pork and one brisket taco), potato salad, and elote. The sourdough bun on the bbq sandwich was incredible on its own, add in the fact that the entire thing is HUGE and the slaw makes it mouthwatering, it's an excellent option. Also, there is SO much meat on this sandwich you could bring it home and make an amazing omelette in the morning with it The tacos were also incredible, the homemade beef tallow tortillas brought the already great meats to a new level. The jalapeño sauce and Mexican crema on top are *chefs kiss*. I personally preferred the pulled pork taco. Their potato salad really hits the mark, I'd recommend at least a small side to try a bit out. Perfect texture. The ELOTEEEEEE. A total must order, I even got an extra order to go before we left. We got our food to stay and sat at their picnic tables. The vibe is solid and I enjoyed eating outside in the shade, such a relaxing eating experience on those bright blue tables with cute string lights throughout the trees read more

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Awesome place the location is a true barbecue location. Great food, great service cool atmosphere.

WHOA!!! I just experienced the best loaded baked potato of my life. Called The Texas Trinity, it was truly a spiritual moment of divine dining piled high with pulled pork, brisket, sausage, cheese, sour cream, and bbq sauce. The potato was big enough to share but "not today", I wanted to be selfish and save some for later. Thanks again, Matthew for running our order across the street. Your potatoes were meat masterpieces. read more

Great bbq. The brisket is awesome, I've had it a few times and it never disappoints. You NEED to try the chopped smoked turkey baked potato, it is sooo tasty. Definitely going back to try more items. They are expanding their little spot with covered tables and some activities for the kids. read more

I've lived in Central Texas my whole life and know good BBQ. The things this joint has going for it, is location, and service using takeout Favor service. I smoke my own queue using post oak. One of the things they do is light a pit, so that you can smell the aroma of classic central Texas Que. The brisket is tender, and of higher quality meats. The big issue here is, if you are gonna have a pit lit, the brisket better be served at 175. The sides were meh. The beans are bland and need lots of work. Don't even bother with the elote corn. Tasted like overcooked raw corn dribbled with some fancy sauce that did nothing. The bun used for the brisket sandwich was super fresh, and served wirh 1/2 pound lean brisket. It's average priced and below my expectations of Texas BBQ. My wife said the salad was ok, but average brisket. Our kid loved the baked potato, Spent $50 on these three items, side of elote corn and two canned sodas. read more

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Finally tried Louie's this past weekend and am kicking myself for not going sooner! We tried the chopped brisket sandwich, moist brisket, smoked turkey breast, coleslaw, and mac&cheese. Everything was amazing. I've never had slaw quite like that and all I can say is wow. That turkey and brisket were some of the best I've tasted too! After some underwhelming trips to Lockhart and other local bbq spots, this will be my new spot for sure. read more