Bert's BBQ

If you want good quality bbq without all the crazy fancy flavors, this is the place. It's my first time here and I tried the chicken, pork rib, beef rib, and the pork loin. This bbq was out of this world. All of it was better than good! The bbq sauce is great too. Will be back for the brisket and T-Man!!

I have been coming here since I was a little kid! My parents have been coming since they first met over 40 yrs ago! The atmosphere is exactly the same since then and brings so much nostalgia when I walk in! Jay and Kid are so sweet! The food is the best BBQ around!! I recommend the T-Man special....yummmm!!

Bert's is an awesome local barbecue restaurant. They have great food, reasonably priced side dishes, which kind of steal the show. I'd recommend the jalapeño sausage when they have it. I really enjoy their chopped barbecue.

I really wanted to like this place. But...I just can't. I ordered an $11 frito pie. That's a bit much for a frito pie, but I wanted something simple and didn't want a big plate of meat. They don't put any cheese on it and it's an additional charge for that, and only a tiny cup of cheese. That's like ordering a pizza and then charging you extra for the cheese, and you only get enough to cover half the pizza. What the hell? Want jalapenos or anything else? Another charge. So my Frito Pie, with no drink, ended up costing about $15 somehow. It wasn't bad, but there's no way I'll be returning. Just absolutely absurd.

Great ol’ school bbq joint. Been there forever. I had the T-man. Excellent food. Thanks Jay!

This place was a breath of fresh air. Great BBQ at really great prices. A lot of places in Austin are overpriced for low quality food but this place is the opposite. I got the sliced beef sandwich and a sausage wrap for about $12. No complaints except I will be sure to request pickles and onions next time. Luckily, the meat and sauce was flavorful enough by itself. The smell and pictures definitely give you small town vibes in this big city. Workers didn’t talk much but that’s okay because the BBQ does that!

Excellent old school Texas BBQ! I just discovered this place down the street from me and will definitely be back.

Smelled great walking in! Ordered the combo plate and got pork ribs with jalapeño sausage. Both were unfortunately very dry 😪 😕 The beans was very good and coleslaw not too bad. Have had their T Man before which tasted great!

Folksy 50 yr old establishment. Bbq basics done right. UT alumni football champions gathering spot adds to the vibe. Generous portions of smoked meats and tasty sides.

I decided to check this place out and got here at the height of lunch rush-hour on a Thursday and found myself to be the first person in line. As a matter of fact, there were only three of us customers. As many yelpers have already pointed out this place is like stepping back into the late 70s with faded photos and13 deer head trophies on the walls. This is definitely a no-frills "kinda grungy" restaurant with no music playing overhead. They also pay no attention to social media since there are no owner responses for the last 16 years. I got their Thursday lunch special, which was a three meat plate and two sides. The only two sides they had were beans and potato salad which were pretty mediocre. Only bbq place I've ever been to that offers just 2 sides. They had no baby back ribs just St. Louis style and they only give you one rib. They do offer pickles and onions, however, there is no barbecue sauce available unless you get it at the counter when they're preparing your plate. The sausage was fairly lean and decent and the brisket was....just OK and the smoke ring was barely discernible. The star of the show was the pork rib which I would rank way up there. It was so good I got some ribs to go. I should mention, they do not sell any alcoholic beverages. The soft drinks that they do serve come from out of old dated equipment and old plastic tubs. I would stick with just getting the meat to go and avoid everything else. For the money, this place is not too overpriced and you pretty much get what you pay for and you won't have to stand in line for an hour to get it. Limited sides *, drinks **, brisket ***, ribs ****, sausage ***1/2, ambience**, overall ***1/2 Open 11-6 M-Sat.

What's up, y'all?! Just finished dinner and had to come and right up a review expeditiously. I had a hankering for some barbeque, and wouldn't you know it, T-Mobile (T-Life) had a coupon for $7 off a purchase at Bert's barbeque. Love the nostalgic feeling of the past of old pictures of UT football and other sports on the wall with many of them autographed. The smell of real wood cooking the meat hits you in the nose as soon as you enter this joint. I ordered a half pound of sausage for about $10 bucks and a dish they call the T-Man. It's a bowl loaded with some real good pinto beans, layered with brisket and sausage. I really enjoyed this dish and the price was very reasonable. The sausage has a real good flavor and the brisket melts in your mouth with that Texas smokyness and tenderness that has your taste buds thinking that there's a party going on in your mouth! I didn't catch the two guys names behind the counter, but they were very friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous. And get this..., you can even have Bert's barbeque your meats. For a dollar per pound, they'll smoke your chicken, turkey, brisket, and maybe even your squirrel! Put some South in your mouth at Bert's Barbecue, you won't regret it. I give Bert's Barbecue 5 out of 5 drinks. Cheers!

Gross. Horrible dry meat and awful sides. Place is beyond dusty and unkempt. Yikes. Never going back there ever again

Some things dont change, thank goodness Bert's is still as great as was back in the 80s when I was on the 40 acres. Today, Kid and team still deliver great bbq and outstanding service. Dining room full of great UT memories and help to create a great ambiance to the restaurant.

When you walk in, you feel like you're walking back a few decades! The place is nostalgic to say the least. I imagine when the gates of heaven are opened, it will be as though you're opening the door to walk into Bert's! lol

I have been coming here since highschool. It's so nice to see family owned places sticking around for so long. The bbq is great and I love the experience here.

I know this place has been around since 1970, but I'm not sure why it's popular. I ordered a chopped beef sandwich. I've eaten many such sandwiches in my life, and usually the meat is chopped quite fine and is very tender. This sandwich had chunks of dry tough meat along with too many cubes of fat. Ugh. The coleslaw was chunky and seemed to have no taste, no dressing. The potato salad was fine. My husband had the pork ribs plate and said they were "just meat". His comment on the beans was "just beans." It seems to be very popular with men at lunch -- I was the only woman in the place.

Have you ever just wanted some good BBQ that takes you back. Well this spot will do just that. You walk in and feel like you are back before smartphones Back to a time where food was king and simple was perfect. The menu -concise The food - delicious The staff -welcoming The space - nostalgic While waiting in line I have found my self lost in the photos and poster on the wall. It just fills a void that many of us don't know we have lol Now the food. Holy cow. Literally the meats taste heavenly Not to mention you can bring your own cuts to have them smoke for you. Bonus. So I challenge y'all go and let me know what you think. I for one will be going again very soon.

The place is a legendary old-school place for a reason. It smells glorious when you walk in the door. Is this "artisanal Michelin-star BBQ" made by a hipster who is getting James Beard mentions? Nope. But it IS classic, simple, Texas BBQ done well and done right. Get a two meat plate. Get a T-Man. Get a Turbo T-Man, if you're up for it. Soak up the atmosphere. If you want to take an out-of-towner to an authentic BBQ experience that will take them to an Austin that still exists in the right nooks and crannies, this is the place. Oh, and if you need a whole brisket....they'll smoke yours for $1 pound. That means they're practically doing it for free, so pick up some bbq to go, or sit down for a meal when you drop it off. Austin treasures dating back 50+ years are fewer and farther between. Experience this one. Put it into your regular rotation. You won't have to wait in line with 300 tourists from Belgium and Ohio -- you'll eat real Texas barbecue in short order, and it will make you happy. Eat at Bert's. Be happy.

Been enjoying T-Man's since middle school. They were out of big red, and need to turn the AC on! Other than that, awesome as always!

Brisket is always tasty. But today the older gentleman that took my order at the counter got overly defensive when I asked about why the television was not broadcasting a football game. Seems like he wanted to start an argument about it. I just got my food and left. Seems like a hostile environment to work in.

My favorite BBQ in Austin. Frito pie is my go to, but everything is great, including the staff.

T man is number 1. Delicious and consistent for my whole life. Service is fast and awesome as well.

I've been going to Bert's over 20 years and quality has really gone down. Ordered the chop beef sandwich and it just had a few pieces of beef on it that weren't really chopped. Really disappointed. Used to be great.

In the current environment, you need an escape into an earlier Austin and comfy food options. If you live in Northwest Hills, your escape option is clearly Bert's BBQ, which I've been eating at on and off since my dad brought me lunch from there when I was at Doss Elementary. Today, I needed that comfort food. And Bert's did what they do best. Frito pie with chopped beef, which I customized with cheese and no beans. It's not the current trend in BBQ, it doesn't come from a trailer, and it's not overly smoky. But what it does, it does well. It satisfies your hunger and it does so quickly and efficiently. The team here is friendly and I hope they keep this up for 50 more years. (By the way, Bert's has been doing the same BBQ for 50 years as of 2020...)

amazing service, great value. I got the plate with the beans, sausage, brisket. The employees were kind and I felt like I walked back into the 80's the way bbq restaurants were as a kid in Austin. Great place for just a man's meal.

I am so confused how people considers this to be good bbq. Went in for lunch. Got the turkey platter and Cole slaw as my 2 sides. I took two bites of turkey and dumped plate in trash. The turkey looked like a prison thanksgiving dinner. The cole slaw was bland. The fridge it was kept in was very dirty and old. The potato salad was sitting out and left in the same bucket they probably purchased it in. The bbq sauce was the most watery bbq sauce I've ever seen. The guy poured the sauce over my turkey and it was like the sauce was trying to run in the opposite direction. I mean, the sauce spread over the turkey like Moses spreading the Red Sea. It turned into a stream of bbq water rather than stick to the damn turkey. One of the worst bbq places I've ever been to in my life let alone in Texas. Absolutely the worst. And this was $10.77 and didn't include a drink. It tasted worst than it looked. Would give 0 star if I could. How in the &$?@ is this place in business????

It was aight. Feels like the place has been around since the recession. Food was good. Had the meat sandwich with potato salad and beans. Decent meal for the price.

For deer-heads-on-the-wall, local youth sports fanatics, and delicious barbecue, visit Bert's Bar-B-Q. This place screams old-school barbecue joint. Don't expect anything fancy, expect great brisket, ribs, and sausage served by friendly faces who have worked here for years. They slice everything to order. First time here? Order the two-meat combo with moist brisket and pork ribs. If you are looking for a go-to barbecue joint that is superior to any of the chain barbecue spots in town, give Berts a try.

Sentimental memories of BBQ are not the same as BBQ. Bert's is an entire archive of happy memories of BBQ - and the Austin that once was - in the 1970's and 1980's. Never mind the fact that you are in a strip mall on Far West Boulevard. You might just as well be in Texas Memorial Stadium and Earl Campbell is still running the football and punishing tacklers. There are photos of UT and Austin in the good old days. There is a Wurlitzer jukebox with Marty Robbins, Tony Bennett and the Bee Gees "Staying Alive". There is a portrait of the founder when he was a young man. There is a photo commemorating the tenth anniversary of Bert's Bar-B-Q. There is a banner commemorating the fortieth anniversary of Bert's Bar-B-Q. It has over a hundred congratulatory signatures. Next to it is a commemorative declaration from the State of Texas, signed by Rick Perry - who then was governor. There is a burnt orange banner commemorating the forty-fifth anniversary of Bert's Bar-B-Q. There is a photo of the Clock Tower in Orange Lights and Number One on the side. There are no fewer than eighteen stuffed deer heads or antlers on the walls. The wall also has the original photos of the deer being displayed after being bagged, along with fishers showing off some really huge fish. Nearly everyone in the restaurant dates from the era of these pictures.. Not counting the help, only one person in the store was younger than forty years old. * But time passes, and barbecue in Austin is a lot better today than it used to be forty years ago. The old classic places are being run by people who are not as good as their parents, grandparents or former employers. Mueller's, Southside BBQ and the former Lockhart establishments are shadows of their former selves. The new pitmaster-supremes are twenty-five to forty years old - are working in food trailers on the East Side - and are blowing people away with what they can do to meat. * Bert's sadly has been left in the dust. There is not a lot of smoke or heft to the brisket. It is just lean meat. The sausage needed salt desperately but was over-peppered. The beans were tasteless, the potato salad supermarket quality. They do offer whole wheat bread as an option - and that is good for soaking up their sauce. The BBQ sauce still has the fire and tang. However, let's not go too far in sending Bert's Bar-B-Q to premature retirement. There were about fifteen people in there when I was eating - and they had clearly come to Bert;s because Bert's is where they wanted to be. Most were silver hairs who would never think of waiting three hours for a sausage link at Franklin's but want good BBQ close to their Mesa-area homes. * And Texas BBQ is still Texas BBQ. There is only one Texas in the USA, and the BBQ here is like BBQ no where else on Earth. Even just ok Texas BBQ is a privilege to have. If this place were in Wisconsin, I would be eating at Bert's a couple of times a week. (Wisconsin food can be really boring. Texas food rarely is.) So Bert's is still maintaining a great Lone Star tradition. And you look at the walls (or the customers) and you feel tied in to an earlier time when Austin was a magical place, but it was a different kind of magical place. Eating at Bert's is like visiting your great-aunt at the home. Sometimes she still has flashes of that old sassy fire, and she was certainly a Texas Tornado in her time.

I absolutely love going to Bert's Bar-B-Q. I usually go to the one in west campus (since I'm a student at UT), but when that one was closed for 4th of July weekend but this one was open, I made the trip, and I was not disappointed. Friendly service, good food, and good prices. The decor in the restaurant is homey and really showcases the history behind the establishment. I'll keep coming back.

I've been going to BERT's for over 20 years, usually once a week. From the old location on MLK to 24th St. to Far West. Gary, Jay, James, Lewis, and all the crew are good people who put out a good product. I've also used them for catering and that was fantastic as well. There is a place for craft barbecue in Austin, but for my money I'll take an old Austin original and ORIGINAL style Texas BBQ.

I've only ever had the Frito pie and eclair dessert per a friend's recommendation. Both are delicious! I suggest getting cheese and extra Fritos and a few dashes of Cholula. Mmmmmm good. The eclair dessert was so tasty it has me researching recipes to make my own. I have heard those who order anything besides the frito pie are not happy so just stick with it. That is what everyone eats while here!

Great homemade sides and the chopped beef sandwich is the best ever. It's actually chopped beef and not shredded with a ton of sauce.

As others have mentioned, I also received that "outsider interrupting the campfire" feeling when I set foot in Bert's. It was pretty dead when I arrived but traffic quickly picked up for lunch. I had the 3 meat sampler. Ribs - their best meat today. Was tender and well cooked. I didn't taste much flavor or smoke though. Brisket - was inconsistent. Some pieces were moist, some cuts were dry. Small smoke ring. No real flavor or smokiness unfortunately. Turkey - When they pulled this out of the warming drawer I was worried as it appeared to look like a processed piece of turkey. I'm pretty sure I am correct, the turkey was flavorful and moist but it seemed like it was a processed piece of meat similar to a ham. Beans - nothing to write home about. Sauce - sweet, ketchup based. I should have had a beef rib instead of the turkey. Overall I marked them down for the blandness across all 3 meats and the turkey.

I struck out today to have a fabulous BBQ lunch at Bert's Bar-BQ with a fellow fan, Thomas. The stars were aligned, the sun was shining, and I got the front and center parking space. When we entered we picked up the menu to decide on which of the 3 specialties we wanted. Thomas was quickly heckled by Gary, the owner, as he was confused why Thomas would pick up a menu after ordering the same thing for over 20 years. We explained that we were doing research for manuptexasbbq, to direct people the correct way to order. Bert's is not a straight BBQ place, the joy lies in the "Specialty" items. 3 Specialty Items on the menu: Frito Pie (small or large), T-Man (small or large) and Turbo T-Man (Small frito pie+small T-Man). I have always ordered a small frito pie, Thomas has always ordered a large frito pie. This day, I wanted sausage on top, so I thought I wanted a Turbo T-Man. Gary quickly sized me up and said no, you want the small frito pie with sausage on top (i guess I didn't need the additional t-man to get the sausage)...Thank you BBQ Monger. We quickly ate our meal debating over UT football...Applewhite "Co-Offensive Coordinator" we think he should take on a signature hat to offset the "Co". My vote-the LBJ Cowboy Hat. Thank you Bert's for delivering the SAME amazing meal for over 20 years. I may get older, but the BBQ taste the same.

I really don't like giving low scores, but this had to be one of the worst bits of BBQ I have had since moving to Texas. It was bland, bland bland. The sauce tasted like tomato sauce to me, and had no texture of spice to it. Even the Slaw was disappointing and I like all kinds of slaw. The inside was not the cleanest looking place, very worn down. I will give them another chance in a year or two, who knows maybe I will be in the mood for food with no flavor. closed on Sundays fyi

I was debating I should give 3 stars or 4 stars. It's a really small BBQ restaurant. The menu is pretty simple too. Totally 4 staffs there including one cashier. I ordered one combo sandwich and one beef sandwich. They served my food very quickly, quicker than a fast food place. Good for lunch. One problem is he forgot to put sauce on the meat. So I went back for the sauce. And he was embarrassed. Another older guy (maybe the owner) gave him a look. I didn't feel bad about it at all. I think not many people ordered sandwich here. I don't know if I was hungry, I finished both sandwiches on the way quickly. I thought I could gave one to my coworker. Both of them taste good. Maybe only Texans know how to make BBQ. I wanted to give 4 stars because I want to support a small store with nice people.

Ahhh...Bert's...I remember going to the Bert's on MLK back in my high school and college days. Sadly, that location burned down in early 2007. I keep forgetting about this particular location, but I, fortunately, just happened to be in the neighborhood, spotted it, and decided I needed to visit even though I had reservations at Austin Land & Cattle Company in 90 minutes. Walking into the place, I was immediately struck by the familiar smell of wood and brisket. This is quite different from those burnt sugar odors emanating from mass chain restaurants that smell like they only serve the infamous McRib. While others opt for the typical BBQ fare, at Bert's, I've always ordered the Frito Pie, and I will always continue to order the Frito Pie. Once you've lived outside of Texas, you will realize how rare a treat it is to experience something so amazing and unique. Even in Dallas, I have yet to find this delectable dish. Yesterday was no different...getting it to-go, I drove back to my parents' house in a huge hurry, unwrapped it like a Christmas present, and proceeded to devour it with some white bread, noting the nuances between the sweetness and smokiness of the meat and the crunchiness and saltiness of the Fritos with the bread and beans helping to bridge the gap. Needless it say, is it the best BBQ I've ever had? Probably not. But, to me, it reminds me of happy times when all I had to worry about was homework the occasional test, and dodging curfew. Gourmet it isn't, but it is and will forever be comfort food.

I was channeling my inner-Red State today, so I decided to stop by Bert's to see how they've been keeping the T-Mans in my absence. The verdict? Still as delicious as ever and still as good as the old location. (We miss ya ol' MLK location with your signed pictures of Rick Perry, faded UT football posters, and wooden picnic tables sporting signatures from all over.) One funny note: I saw someone order the ribs today. Hey newb, if you're not ordering a T-Man or Turbo at Bert's, you're not eating lunch!

This place is great. Old-timey bbq spot with a ton of Longhorn posters and memorabilia all over the interior. The two guys behind the counter know most folks by their name and if they dont know you, they make it a point to make you feel welcome. The food was great and reasonably priced. I got the T-Man which was awesome. It is a great lunch or dinner spot for anyone in the area.

Amidst all the trendy and high-dollar BBQ joints, Bert's quietly dishes good Q at a great price. You won't get a lot of style points with paper plates and styrofoam, but some delicious pork ribs and some unique specialties like the T man. If you want some no frills quality BBQ without waiting 2 hours, Bert's is your place.

Absolutely the best BBQ around! I think they invented the bbq frito pie. This is that place where every time you go it seems to be the best time ever. The service is great and prices more than fair. I would recommend trying it.

Alright food with alright service. If it weren't so close to where I was living I would not return. A little pricey for the quality of food you get.

While it has a "working class" "hole in the wall" "old time" "laid back" vibe, it's been around for 50 years and the folks there nice, all of which is totally cool, it can't make up for pretty mediocre meat and execution. I guess if you're in the area and are looking for a barbecue lunch, this would be an alright option.

I like the texture of the turkey: more like ham. I don't know what's up with the sauce, either. It doesn't seem to adhere to anything. But, I come for the protein, which they sell, and for the nostalgia, which is free. I walked into the Bert's off MLK as an idiot 18-year-old UT freshman in 1996, and, feeling I had no place in that long line of football fans and regulars, asked "what's the T-Man?" After nearly 20 years, I saw this location in a strip mall, shocked. I couldn't believe it. I walked in, and there were the animal heads, the faded, hand-corrected menus.. and seemingly the same people behind the counter. I felt like I'd been asleep for 20 years, or had become unstuck in time. Where I had I been? What had I done with my life? I've never had anything hit me like walking back into Bert's did. I don't feel any different, but the time is gone, and I'm just as confused and unprepared. Now an idiot Austin citizen of 37, I was in line, disoriented, asking, "what's in the T-Man?"

When Rudy's closes it's eyes, it pictures itself being Bert's. Is it the best BBQ in the city? No. It is, however, something that warms my heart. They've sponsored umpteen million kids through little league over the years, and, in the category of Fast Food BBQ (yeah, I've invented that category) Bert's leads the way. This place is what small, independent businesses are all about. When you're there, try the Turbo con queso. Fritos, sausage, beans, brisket and sauce with shredded cheddar cheese on top. I ate one in 8 minutes once. Then I slept for days.

Well thought I'd try bbq in a strip mall. And I got what I thought. Disappointment. Walked in and one customer in store. Walked up to counter and told the man was my first time. He told me " well there is the menu" so I rolled the dice on a sliced beef sandwich, PO, and sauce. What I got was greasy over fat mess, and the bare on meat, the cutter was weighing the meat and cut off till just right. The kicker was pay, ask for a tea, and the guy checking me out, takes my money, then reaches in the ice chest, were the ice scoop is to get my ice. My gosh! I didn't even drink it. Place was clean, but warm, ac wasn't on or not working. It is funny how two women come in while there the manger is all about helping them make choices and talking how great chopped beef is,even though it's the kind sitting in sauce all day, Sloppy Joe is what it is, at least change the pan out. Instead of leaving it all day and it's burning in got the pan. Also manger checked on guy at table, talked about baseball. Never said a word to me if I was ok. More worried bout the ladies and stacking stuff for a catering job in Westlake. Stacking it in the dining area. Poor, Poor, Poor.

I love getting the turbo. It's my favorite. What else can you want. Brisket, sausage, beans, Fritos, cheese onion and pickles. It can be a bit messy, but it hits the spot every time.

I'm always afraid when my work orders in lunch for us. I'm know places can be hit-or-miss but honestly whoever is choosing the places we've been eating is missing. They obviously don't know what Yelp is =P. To keep it short... I ordered a simple 2 meat combo plate. It didn't exactly blow my socks off. It had exactly TWO slender pieces if brisket and TWO slender pieces of Turkey.... uhhhh am I gettin ripped off here or what?? The portion aside the brisket was ok but turkey was pretty soft and tasty. Beans were pretty watery and bland. Potato salad was average fare. I just honestly don't know what brings people to eat at this place versus Rudy's.

Every time has been wonderful customer service and food! I rarely give 5 stars but think they deserve a higher average rating! Close by and quick!

Bert's is pretty OK for in-town, fast-food BBQ. I can't say that I've ever participated in that whole Turbo con Queso thing, but I've had the brisket and it's not bad. The sauce isn't bad as well. It's a quick meal and it's not too expensive. Next time I go, I need to try their Frito Pie. But I just ate a burger so that's going to be a while...

This past week my husband and I went to Bert's BBQ and had the absolutely worst lunch ever. He ordered the chicken plate and I opted for the sausage plate. A total waste of $19+. His chicken was so dry that he couldn't even chew it. My sausage was inedible. We threw our meals in the trash and left.

You haven't had Austin BBQ if you've never been to Berts. The Frito Pie will change your life. Fritos, beans, chopped beef and sauce. Sounds simple but it will rock your world! I add sausage to mine for an extra kick. LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!

I went there today for a sandwich to go. The line moved quickly. They have bbq so good that you will be slapping the table. They accept credit cards. The parking lot was fine at the time I went, which was around 12:30. I deducted a star/point because their dry erase board shows that the turkey sandwich was $4.50 but in actuality, it is currently $4.95. I did not have the heart to tell the guys their prices on their white board did not match their flyers...and people can change their prices anytime, anyway, I just wish they would pay some attention to that, especially for the sake of the newcomers. Their brisket looked great! The bbq sauce is just right for how they prepare their meats. I enjoyed my turkey sandwich. I will return sometime.

I love brisket. And here, I find the brisket very bland. This place has been in business for a million years and isn't going anywhere no matter what the reviews are and no matter how rude or indifferent the staff are. (Yes, they are). Once in a while I give it another try (this would be about my fourth) and I am disappointed every time. It's edible Texas Bar-B-Q but better can be found within just a few minutes' drive. I like Rudy's just fine and it's just down the road so I will do that next time I get my brisket craving.

Great bbq like my daddy made. They still use real wood to smoke their food. Brisket is tender and full of season. Wait staff is friendly. The only place I get my barbecue.

It's sad for me to have to give only 2 stars to Bert's. Bert's is an Austin institution. When I was at UT, I used to practically live at their original 19th Street location that burned down in '07. There is no denying Bert's has great meat. Their sliced beef and pork ribs are some of the best around. The T-Man and the Hot-Gut are two of the most unique things you'll find at any restaurant. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to Bert's and find out. The main problem I have with Bert's has to do with their sides. They're terrible! Now, if you're only talking meat, I'd have to give them 4 stars. Since I'm reviewing the whole restaurant, they only get 2. They don't even try to hide the fact their potato salad is from Sysco or Sam's. It's kept by the cash register in its own cheap plastic container. Trust me, it's really awful. The slaw is the just as bad. It's so runny that you could literally pour a cup of slaw juice off your plate after they slop it on there. Just the fact alone these sides are so bad is reason enough to lower their rating, but these are the only sides they have, besides their plain ol' canned pinto beans with a few pieces of beef thrown in. I know there are BBQ places that pride themselves on having no sides (Kreutz's in Lockhart for example), but these guys try to be more of a restaurant. There's no excuse for serving such low-quality sides, especially when you consider how easy it is to make potato salad or cole slaw. The other thing is they're almost always out of pork ribs. If you go for lunch, you'll have no problem. If you go for dinner, there's at least an 80% chance they'll be out of pork ribs. I know bbq places serve food until it's gone, but you'd think after being short on ribs so often they'd realize they need to smoke a few more slabs. Bert's is still an Austin institution but there are several other local bbq places that have Bert's beat by a mile. Texas Rib Kings, Martin's, Sam's and even Pok-e-Jo's are better IMHO.