Distant Relatives
Barbecue restaurant · Parker Lane
3901 Promontory Point Dr, Austin, TX 78744
Highlights
Modern African American BBQ with unique spice profiles & sauces
Modern African American BBQ with unique spice profiles & sauces
"Started by Damien Brockway as a backyard-inspired project in 2018, this Austin operation evolved from a 2020 home pop-up (with pickup coolers and Venmo payments) into a full food truck in 2021 and now employs about five people. The menu highlights the flavors of the African diaspora and modern African American cooking informed by smoked backyard meats, with an emphasis on large subprimal cuts and whole-animal use—tallow, smoked bones, and rendered fat are repurposed into sausages and sides to control costs. Despite being the sole investor to retain creative control, Brockway has racked up major recognition (Eater’s Best New Restaurants in America, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and two James Beard semifinalist nods) while managing tight margins typical of barbecue-focused trucks: roughly 35% food cost, higher operating costs from disposable service and limited beverage revenue, and tricky items like brisket that can draw customers but squeeze profitability. Early pop-up lessons forced him to formalize recipes and yields, and although past expansion and equipment purchases were costly, the business is now profitable and deliberately preparing to prove it can shoulder more debt before pursuing a brick-and-mortar location." - Eater Staff
"A lot of Austin barbecue spots try to stay “as Texan as possible.” Distant Relatives follows some of those rules, but it also pulls in techniques and flavors from the African diaspora. That means strong spice profiles, classic preservation methods, and a nose-to-tail approach that puts everything from spare ribs to hog jowl on the menu. Some of the sides and toppings change seasonally, which means that you might see your smoked brisket sandwich garnished with fermented cabbage, pickled green bean remoulade, or something else tart, preserved, and equally tasty." - nicolai mccrary, matthew jacobs
"The barbecue (and sides) at Distant Relatives aims to highlight the flavors and textures of the African diaspora in America. That means strong spice profiles, classic preservation methods, and a nose-to-tail approach that puts everything from spare ribs to hog jowl side-by-side on the menu. It’s creative and so consistently great that you’ll probably forget you just ordered from a trailer. Some of the sides and toppings change at the Meanwhile Brewing Company trailer change seasonally, but you can generally expect to see menu staples like pulled pork sandwiches and brisket in some form or another. They also make a smoked chicken leg quarter with chili vinegar dip that might be some of the best chicken we’ve ever had." - nicolai mccrary, raphael brion
"Michelin and Eater have recognized this McKinney barbecue truck for its ridiculously great smoked meats. Pair succulent chicken, pulled pork, or brisket with tangy sauces, and add hearty sides like black-eyed peas and burnt ends. Distant Relatives is located at Meanwhile Brewing, a family-friendly brewery with ample space to spread out on the sprawling, shady lot or inside." - Erin Russell
"Pitmaster/chef/owner Damien Brockway and the team behind the McKinney truck at Meanwhile Brewing have quickly made a huge impression in the local barbecue scenes. It was named one of Eater’s best new restaurants of 2021 and Eater Austin’s food truck that same year, plus the pitmaster is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist (2022 and 2023). The menu honors and explores what modern African American fare really is with a Texas lens, which leads to items such as pulled pork served alongside tamarind barbecue sauce and brisket with a smoked mustard-butter sauce. Service-style: food truck-style service with indoor and outdoor dine-in areas courtesy of the host site; takeout orders can be placed in person. Days and hours: Wednesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. or until everything is sold out; noon to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday or until everything is sold out. Line situation: Minimal, but longer on weekends Recommended orders: brisket, pulled pork, chicken leg quarters, burnt ends with black-eyed peas." - Erin Russell
