Visited Sam's BBQ in Austin, TX and it was a surprise. The BBQ ribs & sausage were great. The potato salad and baked beans were very sweet and the brisket was old and brown, not red with a great smoke ring. The green beans tasted like they came from a can, no bacon and onion flavor. The service was questionable! Me daughter & our friend would not visit this establishment again. read more

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I took my friend here on his birthday for some authentic BBQ; it was both of our first time here. I got the brisket BBQ sandwich with macaroni and collard greens and he got the Special with ribs & sausage with macaroni and yams. Everything was delicious! read more

Food was so Fresh and Meat was so Tender! The Service was amazing, the Owner/ Manager was so welcoming! My only regret was that I wish the side dishes were more plentiful, cup was really small. But otherwise, everything was Delicious and Food was Great!! read more

After reading in the paper about how a developer wanted to purchase this property to build a residential structure where the owner declined the offer, I wanted to come here and try his bbq. The area is changing demographically and noticed it driving on 12th Street from downtown. But people of any color still want to eat and hopefully this place continues to serve the needs in this community. As I approached Sam's the first look of the exterior looks old and weathered. It sits on a corner where I had to turn and drive to enter a gravel entryway leading to an area to park. No asphalt here so your just roughing it. Again the look from the back has serious age to it wandering how it can withstand Texas thunderstorms. Walking past a screened patio in searching for the entrance I pulled out my phone to take lots of photos not just the sign, but the artwork on the sides of this building. The motto here is "You don't need no teeth to eat my beef!". I found the entrance to find a line inside, 2 people, but waited patiently. Meanwhile took in the proudly displayed black culture mementos of photos, art, stickers and etc. the place was wallpapered with all of it on it. Sam's is definitely a shrine to the black community where only one person was running it. There may have been a second person where kept seeing a man entering and leaving this place through different doors. Some may think this neighborhood is scary or dangerous but constantly kept seeing millennials going by riding electric scooters. It was time for me to order and got the usual, brisket and pork ribs along with potato salad and macaroni & cheese as sides. Sam runs this place barebones where will not find luxuries like AC (fans only), fancy utensils (sporks only), paper towels, and disposable plates. No alcohol is served here, but he supplies a water jug and coke machine for drinks. You will also notice a pedestal sink next to where you order to wash your hands. The only modern day item are flat screens showing the news on one and sports on the other. Don't gripe about the furniture where some suburbanites may remember it as something they put to the curb but this place is all about the meat. You can sit inside with the fan blowing on you, in the screen-in patio, or outside on picnic tables. Now onto the meat where it looked and smelled terrific. The brisket was cut thick and super soft. You do not need teeth to eat his barbecue. It was not the usual Texas peppery flavor but more a soft broil like roast beef. It has seasoning so it brought out good flavor. Next was the pork ribs which basically same softness and just fell off the bone. So soft you could slurp it down like oysters. The potato salad was very tasty along with the macaroni & cheese. We enjoyed the bbq and atmosphere, and definitely return for more bbq. read more

The best BBQ I've had since being in Texas! The taste takes me back home in granny's yard!!!!! Great service as well!

Critically acclaimed and well worth it. When I think of local bbq gems this is what comes to mind because I had actually driven by this place many times and had no idea it was there but when I actually walked in and ordered those rib...omg the meat practically melted right off. Sweet potatoes were on point and frankly I was hypnotized by the smell of the food that I started eating before I remembered to take the photos. read more

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I like this place. I went on a good day when I was tryna' find somewhere to eat. Hey, that $23 dollars were worth it. I didn't have time to take pictures. read more

Great BBQ and welcoming space. There's a lot of history here and they've been serving up some great meats and sides for decades now. I only wish they'd fix up the place a bit as it looks and feels "run-down." read more

The food needs improvement. While the meat is tender enough to eat without teeth, the sauce and sides are terrible! If this place has been in business for 49 years with food like this, I just don't understand how. There were four of us dining here, and we were all completely disappointed. The sauce was watery, the baked beans were essentially just canned pork and beans (they could have at least cut up some hot dogs), the potato salad had a yellowish-green color, and the mac and cheese was so unappetizing that we considered going to the grocery store to show them how to make it properly. Eat here at your own risk! read more

I knew this "hole in the wall" would be DELICIOUS. 10/10 must try when you're in Austin! The owner is hilarious and has a few stories to tell if you eat in. read more

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Local East Austin classic, brisket so moist you don't need no teeth! Sam's been running the show for many years now and always outputs positive energy with a medium thick vinegar based sauce to go with it. read more

The chicken was over cooked, the turkey was very good, the Mac and cheese was bland but the green beans were ok. I also tried the lemon velvet cake which was so moist it was almost wet. Not at all worth the price and though it's nice to support a decades old institution I won't be going back. read more

Added to my list after reading about this place on news that a relator offered 5 million to vacate the place but the owner refused and stayed in the community. After a walk we headed to this place around 6pm and not surprised by the look of place coz I did see the pics earlier. The place is totally empty. We just ordered the mutton chops , potato salad and bbq beans with bread.It costed us $17.Got a coke from the vending machine. Mutton chops were amazing. The Meat just fell of the bone. Potato Salad and Beans on the side are pretty good which complemented the meat perfectly. Got a bit early to try other options. They sell out quickly. Pros: -------- Awesome Food( Tried Only Mutton Chops) Free Parking Not to far from Downtown Quick Service Friendly staff Cons: ------- None to Me Don't be Deceived by the shady Appearance . Their Tag line "You don't need teeth to eat their Beef " . Dint try beef . You guys try and let me know. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Do Not Visit This Establishment! Drove 2hrs. Only the pickles were good! Waisted time and gas!

Hands down the best food (all food taken into consideration) we've ever had!!! We stayed in an AirBNB near Sam's and walked in and have been back 3 times since. The BBQ is just ridiculous melt in your mouth tasty delicious!! Don't sleep on the sides either they are equally as good. I ate my weight in green beans. We will be back to Austin just for the BBQ at Sam's read more

Sam's is awesome. Great neighborhood bbq joint. We tried the ribs, brisket and smoked chicken. The ribs were insanely moist and just fell apart. The person slicing my ribs even gave me a freebie while I waiting. The brisket was tender and great as well. My daughter enjoyed the chicken. Can't wait to go back. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Ribs, brisket, yams, mac & cheese (green beans are from home) - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Green beans: The side to die for. I have teeth, but I wouldn't need them here because the meat melts in your mouth. Sam and fam bring it! Plus the chess board the booth was a sweet little bonus for our lunch here. Check and mate! read more

This place has got heart! Warm and welcoming, Sam's is the type of restaurant I trust with my soul - and my meat. Everything melts in your mouth. I particularly loved the potato salad and the sausage. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

It was late when we decided to try Sam's and pickup something to go. We were thinking everything would be gone but we took our chances and went over anyway. I'm so glad we did! They didn't have everything but what they had was fantastic! I ordered the 2 meats and sides plate with brisket, ribs, yams, green beans and banana pudding for dessert. The meat was so tender his slogan was right! You didn't need teeth to eat his meat!!! We went back the next day "early" and ordered chicken, sausages and more brisket and ribs this time by the pound. The owner was so personable and chatted with us while putting our food together. If it wasn't for the fact that I live in California I'd be eating at Sam's at least 3 times a week! Now I just gotta figure out how to get a shirt from there... read more

Fall off the bone ribs? Check. Moist brisket? Check. Sausage? Delicious. Mutton? Why, yes. And why not? All with fantastic flavor? Absolutely. The sides I've tried so far are not as impressive. Average baked beans, and the potato salad is more like mashed, and very sweet. Not my thing. The sauce is interesting and different from Texas standard. I like it. I will definitely be ordering again. read more

This is an old East Austin joint that I used to frequent in the past. The joint, is a true joint. I noted that a few old photographs, which are stapled on the walls were gone, but many new ones were there. Of course the 2 with me in them sitting with some blues musicians were among the missing. Sad. Now the food. The brisket is exactly like the Lady likes, very lean with the fat pad cut off after cooking. The sausage is good, but I still prefer it with more fat. The Q joint has serviced the East Austin neighborhood for years. The hipster invasion is a worry as the food may be in danger of changing and loosing flavor to appease that clientele. Hopefully that will not happen. I would hate to see a Whole Foods type of place built next door. My humble opinion. read more

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Would not come here again. Small portions got two ribs and brisket and two water down sides and they weighed it paid $20 for each plate. Place is dirty and they don't wash their hands. read more

Excellent!! Stopped by for ribs and sausage take-out, and the BBQ was amazing. Great potato salad and mac 'n cheese as well! read more

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When they say "you don't need teeth to eat my beef", its no joke: this is the best brisket I've had in my life. It literally melts in your mouth. And please, patronize Sam's: it's been around for over 50 years but with gentrification, it's one of the last black-owned businesses in the neighorhood. Sam's owner is literally turning down millions to keep it alive and prevent multi-million real estate firms from building luxury condos, so let's show some love! read more

I am in Austin for a long weekend and visited four bbq joints. This one was off my radar, but my nephew (a local) urged me to go. Glad I did. Sam's is a long established, black owned bbq joint in a rapidly gentrifying black neighborhood. Don t let that scare you. The bbq is stellar and the owners very friendly. Sam's is unique and famous for its smoked mutton--a rarity in these parts. My mutton ribs were unctuous, well spiced with bark, perfectly cooked, and needed no sauce. Sliced brisket was moist, tender, and served with a side of vinegary, not overly sweet, spiced red sauce that I would drink by the pint. Nice bark, nice smoke ring, expertly done. Sides were beans and potato salad, both fine. The storefront is a throwback to much earlier times--walls full of browning old photos, water cooler to the right of the counter (Sam's has no liquor license), bathroom sink for hand washing to the left. A few booths and tables in the counter area, with more tables in a side room. The facade out front says, "You don't need no teeth to eat my beef." Very true. Good pick-up line, as well. In some respects, Sam's was my favorite bbq joint of this trip. The owner was offered $5million by a real estate developer for the property. Sam's owner told them to go scratch. Don't miss a chance to eat here while you can. I hope it stays around for many return visits. read more

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Worth the stop in. Probably the most comfortable divvy place I've ever had the pleasure of eating in. And what I love about the beef BBQ sandwich is it's simple. But the sauce and the beef are amazing. Your bread options will be from a bag of wheat or white bread. You pick. And the sandwich is lovingly wrapped in tinfoil in front of you. There are no beverage options but chips are available to complete your meal. Cash is encouraged (wink), but they do take credit cards. Bring your change for the soda machine. Grab a seat in a well loved booth w a turquoise upholstered table top. Gaze up at the tv or multitude of lackluster who's who that have eaten, visited or entertained there. And enjoy the food. Afterwards you can avail yourself to the front counter sink to wash up. This locale is a paper towel dispenser on the table kinda place, which in my experience as a Texas BBQ neophyte...means SOME GOOD EATS!! Yes, this place is for Mavericks; because although it's full of hair raising code violations from the esthetic police, it has its optical charms to some. But keep an open mind if that kinda thing bothers you, don't go. But if you are of the type who wants advice about the food, read on! We were made welcome and even got a friendly greeting on our way out from the attached porch crew. Bring the love. Worth a stop in. Leave the attitude and pretense in the car. And be mindful how you exit as the parking lot is part BBQ pit, trailer home and unpaved backyard chaos. Your welcome. Can't wait to return!! Tell your friends!! read more

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Everything we got was just amazing. We got chicken, ribs, and green beans as our side. The chicken was so tender it was falling off the bone. Same with the ribs, so tender and easy to eat. The green beans were probably the best green beans i've ever had. The people there were also super nice and welcoming! Will be coming back read more

Amazing bbq with the amazing daiquiri shop right next door. Every time in Austin I will be visiting here!! 10/10 would recommend! read more

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This is a down home, family owned, passed down from generations style restaurant. It's tiny in an "interesting" part of austin but man, this food is the best BBQ I have ever eaten in my life. I am from Los Angeles, then Dallas for 10 years, and I bring everyone who visits me from out of town to this joint. The guys are always funny, and keeps us laughing every time I go. I love looking at the decades of pictures, articles and memorabilia that is the walls of this hole in the wall. I love the hot sauce at the table, the make it in front of you style and the overall atmosphere of this place. I feel like I am going to my uncles BBQ when I come here. They're loud, and will insult you if you get too picky or if you don't eat everything off of your plate (jokingly of course). Just can't say enough goodness about this place!! read more

When I was [much] younger, my uncle and his wife used to being me to Sam's because it was "an Austin staple". It was described to me as an example of what bbq should be. Then, decades later, the Sickness came and the world has been confined to its room, and made to wear masks to prevent death from colliding in front of our very eyes. In the midst of this dystopian future..er...present, I find myself moving across the country with my own family. Famished from braving the barren deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, I once again looked to the beautiful folks at Sam's to bring light to the shadows. And light they brought. Ribs, sausage, and brisket. I had all three, and my mouth and stomach have never been happier. Thanks Sam's, for brightening our day! read more

Friendly staff Generous portions Great sausage Great brisket Signs could use updating, but hey, I was there for the food not the signs read more

A rating of 1 is too high, if I could I would give this rat hole of a want to be bar que place a negative 1. The Austin Health Board should fine this establishment and revoke their food handling license. The owner is blind, I noticed he put his hand in the food while serving searching for the utensils. His wife was extremely rude and unsanitary. I don't know how this place have remained in business this long. read more

One of the best values in Austin. The prices are great for the amount of food and flavor you get. Their slogan is spot on too, you don't need teeth to eat the beef. The brisket was juicy and very tender. I got the two meat plate, ate my heart out, and still had to ask for a box to take my left overs home. Glad I went and will definitely be back read more

Came down to play SXSW and heard this was one of the hidden gems Austin. There is a saying that reigns true here "don't judge a book by its cover". We came here late night and contemplated a lot of things before entering but we decided to go and the food did not disappoint. I ordered the beef brisket and my god! I love sauce, so I'd recommend asking for extra sauce to drizzle on top but man o man that brisket was delicious!!!! The owners were awesome and helpful and gave us samples once we told them we were from out of towns. Truly a family environment. Do not go there if you are a health freak, they don't wear gloves which means there's extra love included . read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is average barbecue for Central Texas, though it would be five-star in most of the rest of the country. What makes it better is the atmosphere. You can almost smell the history in all the legendary rockers and twangers and techie nabobs who have stumbled in here late at night. Eating here at lunch, like we did, is kind of like seeing Lady Gaga out of costume. Or seeing a hot air balloon deflated on the ground. All the elements are there but they look oddly weakened by the bright sunlight. Brisket, sides and ribs were a-ok. Sauce is not good. It's an odd concoction that is not that far from a Chinese sweet-and-sour pork sauce. But if you're judging a barbecue place by the sauce that's a problem anyway. Mutton is interesting... tender meat parts are great, fat was a little burnt and skanky. Bonus plus: Sam's has some great art on the walls, hung or painted right on rough boards. Don't miss the porch, and don't depart without taking your complimentary personal lubricant from the jar on the windowsill. read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Mutton ribs at Sam's. - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

The best bbq ever. Great service historical vibe There's nothing else I can say. Words cannot describe how amazing this place is read more

I highly recommend Sam's and you are in East Austin, downtown, or near UT, Sam's is a must! The motto: "you don't need teeth to it my meat" is accurate and fitting. I had the special plate with chicken and pork ribs. The meat literally fell clean off the bone when I picked it up! SO SO GOOD!! read more

This place is awesome! People were SO friendly, so 5 stars for customer service. This place is deep rooted in history and they have all kinds of cool photos posted all over their walls to show for it. Such a cool spot! Now let's get to the food. I ordered the special and got the brisket and the sausage. Comes with two sides so I ordered potato salad and Mac n cheese. THIS FOOD WAS FIRE . Seriously, SO GOOD! Bbq sauce was awesome (I asked for it on the side.) Free parking was available on the side of the building which was a major plus. They offered canned drinks and were able to take credit cards. 10/10 would go again! read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Brisket, sausage, potato salad, mac n cheese, and BBQ sauce on the side. - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

Stopped in no hype ! good old-fashioned barbecue! Neighborhood stable should be landmark! Used to do my own briskets when The kids lived with me as a single dad haven't smoked a brisket in a while like to think the men and women who have served and are serving now our countries and borders read more

Sam's Bar-B-Que - Barbeque Near Me - Austin, Texas

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The brisket was undercooked and all gristle. Good people though so maybe just bad luck that day.