Ben's Long Branch BBQ - Austin, TEXAS

I am just not happy. I thought I was on a neighborhood roll. Most of the restaurants around my little eastside Austin home have proved to be good if not great …East Side Pies, Gene’s and Taqueria Chapala just to name a few. So when I went to Ben’s BBQ, it was like someone kicking me in the gut...literally. Located on the corner of 11th and Branch, Ben’s is easy to find with plenty of parking both behind and on the street.
Now, I took the time to read some online reviews and most were written before 2002 or just after Ben came back from his early retirement in 2004. I guess the folks that had leased the joint between 2002 and 2004 attempted to run the restaurant into the ground, and very nearly succeeded. But now that Ben’s back, business has picked up and things seem to be running well. So, when I read a Dale’s Table blog post from 2004 with Dale recommending the pork butt …what is a carrot to do but dive right in and go for the recommended best.

Before I go any further, I must tell you that I went back twice and tried the pork butt both times. I felt that I just had to be fair and make certain that I was not mistaken with my first experience. Señora Foodblog didn’t encourage this, but I had to just know for certain if my gut feeling was mistaken. I know that Andrew Zimmerman (Bizare Foods) would agree with me.
On my first visit, I thought the pork was great, juicy and smoky good. I even liked the sauce, which was thin and yet had great flavor. Sadly about three hours after my lunch I got very sick. Bad stomach cramps...need I say more. Ok I thought, maybe something else got me. Among my friends, I am known for a cast-iron stomach…I eat everything. That’s why I am a Food Adventurer.
The second time I visited Ben’s, the place was full with the lunch time meat-eating mob. I even spotted Bob Cole from the Sam and Bob Show lurking in the crowd. He too was at Ben’s for the pork (you are welcome to make your own jokes at this time). Anyway, I again got the Pork Butt plate to go and headed home to eat in the peace of my little house. OK, the pork was dry, and tasted like bacon. Gross! Very sad…I can cook better BBQ than this. I was very disappointed indeed. And while I write this, I am hoping that I don’t get sick and command a repeat performance of my first visit. The Pork Butt plate with 2 sides, bread plus tax… $8.65.

Señor Foodblog says One Spoon Down. Sorry guys, the pork butt is a no-no for me. I can’t remember such bad BBQ, or getting sick after eating at a BBQ place. Not even in Alabama (land of the worst BBQ in the world) did I get sick or dislike the meat so much. I am certain that I will go back to Ben’s and try the brisket and sausage in the not-to-distant future. I am just a little frightened off Ben’s for now. I think I will stick with Sam’s BBQ or Lewis’ as my regular eastside BBQ stops. Sorry Ben, I tried twice.

Ben's Long Branch BBQ
900 E. 11th Street.
Austin, TEXAS
512 477 2516

Gene's New Orleans Style Poboys & Deli - Austin,TEXAS

Never fear – your Orange Food Avenger is back and ready to eat. After a short time off, I am again ready to travel the food super-highway, seeking tasty treats, great service and easy parking. And what better place to start but one of East Austin’s corner-stone eateries, Gene’s New Orleans Style Poboys & Deli, located on the corner of East 11th and Rosewood, next door to the Long Branch. Parking is not a problem, with a lot in the back and plenty of room on the side of the street.

To tell you the truth, recently I have found myself addicted to the cold Roast Beef Poboy, small orders of fries and a can of icy cold root beer for only $7.40. Not a bad deal indeed. The large sandwich is served on a crusty French style loaf with pickles and some sort of crazy secret voodoo spread. Wooo, oh yea baby, this food make me a happy carrot. But Gene’s has a lot more to offer than just sandwiches. As a matter of fact, Gene’s may be one of the very last Blue Plate Specials served in Austin. Smothered pork chops, jambalaya, red beans and sausage and home made fried chicken (cooked without the skin) only add to this restaurant’s loyal and dedicated following. Gene tells me that he thinks he may be one of the only places around to serve Fried Chicken on demand, and man is the chicken good. The best part about eating at Gene’s is that you never know who will be sitting at the table next you…maybe even the Governor of Texas… Mr. Rick Perry.

Gene also tells me that he plans to add a second floor to the space. Rumor has it that Kevin and the guys at the Long Branch may also be thinking the same thing. Hmmmm…

Two Spoons up. I just love Gene’s. The chicken, oysters, sandwiches and the green beans are just wonderful. Now if I had to say any thing bad about Gene’s, it’s that it is a small operation and orders move slowly, for some this may be a bad thing but I always give myself a little extra time when I plan a visit. Check out the web site for complete listings of the Blue Plate and do yourself a favor, try the chicken.

Gene’s
1209 E.11th
Austin,TEXAS
512 477 6600 – Phone orders welcome
www.genesrestaurant.com

Pit BBQ on Burnet Rd. - Austin,TEXAS

With the influx of family/friends and an incredibly busy work schedule these past few weeks, I haven't had much time to eat out and explore the Austin foodie world. But as the family has left for greener pastures and the job is coming back under control, I took the opportunity to visit a BBQ place that I have seen for years but have never tried, Pit BBQ on Burnet Road. Hidden but well established, Pit BBQ has been operating for 40+ years. Small and unpretentious, the restaurant is easy to miss but hard to forget once you have tried it.

I arrived about 12:30pm to a crowed dinning room. With only a few booths and a couple of tables, space is a scarce at the Pit. Luckily I was able to get a place at the counter after I received my food. Everyday Pit BBQ offers a special, Mondays is Chicken. I decide to try a sample plate of brisket and sausage with two sides, beans and slaw.

The beef was tender with a nice smoky ring while unfortunately the sausage was not so hot. It just didn't have much taste. The counter help told me that the sausage comes from Austin's own Smokey Denmark, which is located on the eastside. The real let down was the sauce. I am not a big fan of BBQ sauce. I find I like my bbq plain most of the time. I may be way off base here but I swear I could taste liquid smoke. The sauce just didn't have a good flavor at all. The sides were both pretty good; I really liked the cold slaw. My total for the meal came to $10.

Senor Foodblog gives Pit BBQ one spoon up. Sorry folks, the sauce killed the deal for me. Parking was tight and the dinning room way too crowed for my comfort. Prices for the to-go meat were reasonable, with the lean cut brisket for $10.29 lb. Judge for yourself. I would eat at Pit BBQ again but this time avoiding the sauce, lunch crowd and maybe sitting outside at the lone table behind the business.

Pit BBQ
4707 Burnet Rd.
512 453 6464

Lewis' BBQ - Austin, TEXAS

Sometimes the new is the old. Like the magpie, we move towards shiny things, the new things; things that help us think we are moving forward in the world and with our lives. But some would also argue with great passion that is it important to remember our roots, to keep the past alive. Gain and learn from our past experiences whenever we can.

And so, The Gambler and I headed deep into East Austin, looking for what may be one of the oldest operating BBQ joints in Travis County. You may have seen the place; small, pink, on east MLK, close to Airport Blvd? Well if you haven’t seen it, start looking. Lewis' BBQ has been open and serving high-grade beef for about 100 years, I was told by the nice lady working the window.

As a rule, usually with my first visit to a new BBQ place I order a sample plate. I find this is an easy way to discover if the food is worth the money. For $7.25 I got ¼lb brisket, ½ sausage link, ¼lb mutton, small side of beans and a bottle of root beer. What!? Most places around town serve two meats for $8-10 a plate - I knew I had hit BBQ pay dirt. The brisket tasted like brisket, as Lewis' BBQ doesn’t soak their beef in smoke like some places around Austin. And the sausage comes from Elgin, need I say more. The mutton was wonderful. I am a giant mutton fan and was very happy to find a second place locally (along with Sam’s BBQ) that has the meat on the smoker. When I had finished my meal and it was time to leave, I felt sad. I felt like I was leaving an old friend. But I know I will be back soon.

Senor Foodblog gives Lewis' BBQ two spoons up. Great prices, great meat and no flash or fluff to distract you from the real work at hand, enjoying your food. Both The Gambler and I were very pleased with our meals. Primitive setup - all eating is outside on the covered patio, but comfortable. Lewis' is now part of my regular BBQ crawl. The old becomes the new and I feel reborn.

Lewis’ BBQ
1814 Harvey (@MLK)
512 473 2225

Riding Austin's Eastside Coffee Trail

As Austin’s dangerous crack-ridden eastside quickly becomes the land of condo-buying, young affluent hipsters, the local business landscape is changing very quickly. First thing I noticed were all the coffee shops opening up along the E. 6th Street corridor.


Café Mundi
Most locals already know about the eastside’s coffee oasis, Café Mundi. Open just a few yrs, Jessica and Hans have transformed what was an empty shell into one of Austin’s premier java stops. Serving not only what may be the most reasonably priced coffee on the eastside, but also a healthy selection of entrees and choice beers. With its newly expanded inside and lush relaxing outdoor patio, Café Mundi is an Austin coffee must. Movie night every Monday….don’t miss it.
1704 E 5th St # 100
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 236-8634


Dandelion Cafe
A little north of 6th on 11th, the Dandelion Café is slowly building a regular clientele with good food and strong coffee. Just west of the so very “in” Long Branch Inn, the Dandelion Café is hard to miss with its friendly outside seating area and large front windows. Senora Foodblog is a big fan of the cafes hot breakfast sandwiches and laid back, mellow atmosphere.
1115 E 11th St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 542-9542


Bossa Nova
Bossa Nova Coffee Shop and Bakery, only open for a few days, has helped fill the void on far East 6th Street. Just down the way from the Pedernales Lofts, on the corner of Robert Martinez and 6th, Bossa Nova is planning to make a real run at long term success. Offering not only coffee, but also fresh baked goods with a Brazilian twist, this place is perfectly located to serve the ever-expanding condo caffeine crowd. Stop on by and say hello to Ray, shake his hand and welcome him to the neighborhood. And while you are saying hello, try a carrot muffin or a meaty empanada/pie. Sorry folks, no web site yet.


Progress Coffee
Progress Coffee has made a real name for itself on the coffee drinker circuit. Located at East 5th street and I-35, Progress is quickly becoming a regular stop for the young creative crowd, looking to plug in the old laptop, drink some coffee and enjoy a good sandwich. Service is with a smile, a real plus for the downtown coffee crowd and a great addition to Austin’s eastside.
500 San Marcos St
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 493-0963