Iron Works Barbecue

Had a fantastic lunch here and went with the Chicken Plate perfectly smoked, juicy, and full of flavor. The sides hit the spot, especially the slaw and corn. Service was friendly and fast, and the whole place has that authentic Austin BBQ charm. Great food, great vibe, definitely worth a stop!

Great barbecue spot in downtown Austin. Atmosphere was cool and the service fast. Food was great. Could decide who got the sampler platter. My favorites were the brisket and the sausage but it was all really good.

Had lunch at Iron Works BBQ in Austin and it did not disappoint! They serve truly authentic Texas BBQ – the brisket was tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. The portions were generous, and the sides hit the spot, but the real surprise was the cobbler – sweet, warm, and the perfect way to end the meal. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and food that speaks for itself. Definitely a must-try when in Austin!

The brisket was bone dry. Pulled pork was weird, kind of sour taste, tried a few bites but that was it. The cream corn and slaw were excellent. The service was good and the place looks like the old school BBQ joint. Really hope that my food was bad just because it was late in the day. But won’t be coming back for sure.

Visited on a Friday night and was surprised the place wasn’t full for a BBQ restaurant. Unfortunately, the food explained why. The baked beans looked and tasted like they came straight out of a can. The bread was being taken right out of the plastic bag, which makes it obvious there’s no real effort in the food. The mac and cheese looked microwaved, honestly, Kraft’s version tastes better. And the meat was completely tasteless, which is the biggest disappointment for a BBQ spot. Save your time and money and go somewhere else. To the owners: please cook with love so it shows in the food. Very disappointed.

The staff is respectful! I wanted a 2 meat plate which don’t have you either get a 1 meat plate and add the other meat only how they serve it! Cool so I just got the brisket plate today! It is extremely dried out and I’m not even certain it’s brisket as it has a taste like wild game deer 🦌 meat type taste!! I would not recommend this place and will never go back

This place has been serving BBQ since the early 70s. The building is old and has an even older history. I love that they have kept inside and out as original as possible. The service here was good with the staff being helpful and courteous throughout my visit. The food especially the brisket is tremendous. Sides were very good also. The only downside is the price has gone up and the value vs quantity ratio has dropped over the years. Overall great BBQ but pricy.

Had a BBQ plate and it was very good 👍. Nice staff and cool atmosphere. Right in the heart of the city which is building all around this little place.

Great old style BBQ place. It used to be in an undeveloped area but now there is construction all around it. Food is great! very rustic environment. its in an old barn type structure so it gets hot in there in summer but to me its well worth it. My fav is the chopped beef sandwhich and the potato salad. One big perk is you get free jalapenos and crackers! great place! Parking is limited. There used to be a large dirt parking spot across the street but that was developed. I really hope this place can survive. it yet another "old austin" place in danger because of the developing downtown.

Not gonna lie, looking from the outside I was a bit skeptical. With my hotel being across the street, I'd pass by several times and didn't notice much activity. I'm so glad I decided to check the Yelp reviews because it was worth stopping by. The meats were well seasoned (not overly or bland). While the ribs weren't falling off the bone, they were tender and had some bite. I should've gone up for another order. The bristket was tasty, with the tiniest bit of fat (yum for flavor). The potato salad was also delicious. The mac and cheese could have used a bit more cheese but was still fine. I also tried their sweet tea, which I really liked. This may sound weird, but something about it (maybe the mouthfeel) reminded me of coconut water. Overall, really good experience!

Maybe this is my bias, but this was my first time having in Texas barbecue, and I can truly say I was blown away. I arrived here with about 20 minutes to spare before they closed, and since I had never had Texas barbecue before, I just ordered the sampler plate, which came with sliced beef, a sausage, and a smoked beef rib. The portion size was big, and so were my sides, but again, this is Texas so I shouldn't have been surprised. Service was pretty basic, but again they were closing so, I didn't need much from them. I do wish I was able to come here a bit earlier in the day to get a better feel of the ambience, but it was definitely giving homegrown southern Texas, which is nice. It's exactly what I expected as someone traveling from the northeast. For my drink, I washed it down with something new, a Shiner Ruby Redbird. Overall, I'd return to Iron Works BBQ to get more of their authentic Texas BBQ.

First time trying this place and everyone was so nice and the food was so delicious! The price was reasonable for the amount we were given.

Highly recommend the Iron Works experience. Rustic, quick service and tasty BBQ. We had the brisket and half chicken, Coleslaw and chunky potato salad. All yummy. Wish we had a larger party as I wanted to try the beef and pork ribs.

Where do I begin? Taste-tested a number of slow cooked bbq joints in the Austin area. The chicken was far the BEST at Iron Works hands down! For three people, skip the plates. Instead, get a couple of half chickens, pint of mac n cheese, and beverages of choice. It has a super casual atmosphere, and the staff are as sweet as the peach cobbler.

Really good Chopped Beef Sandwich! Love the sauce and vibe of the restaurant. When there is a line you know it's good! They also offer pickled jalapeños that are serve yourself!

Try: Sampler Plate Why: Tons of meat, which I ended up sharing with a friend! I thought the ribs, brisket, and sausage was good. Ribs were my fav. Also came with Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Onions and Pickles. The sides were nice but the main event was of course the meats. Notes: Conveniently next to convention center so friends and I had dinner there after work as we were craving some BBQ. Plenty of tables for a group and napkins to clean your hands! Bathroom was small and hot but I only needed it to wash my hands. Fun TX BBQ experience! We left very full!

Great little spot next to Fairmont Hotel and Convention Center. We were in Austin for a huge Elk convention, and the staff here took on the challenge! BBQ was wonderful. Older building with no air conditioning. However, there were large fans blowing and lots of cold beer and drinks to cool you off! Brisket is the best choice here!

Iron Works BBQ is charming in down home, old school, vintagey fixer-upper kind of way. Which in a way is kiiinda what you want in a bbq place - no muss, no fuss, just good meat and bangin' sides. And Iron Works almost hits the mark! Don't let the tool shed vibes scare you off - it's actually kind of cute inside. And they've got a back patio overlooking a small creek that is awesome. We got Sampler Plates - brisket, sausage, and a beef rib. They're apparently known for their brisket - and for good reason. It is fire! The sausage was less fire and more day old coals. And the rib? Ya, the rib is not it. Rib meat should fall off the bone. I had to battle that rob for the meat - and I think the bone won. If I go back I think id just get the brisket - it's seriously delicious!!

Awesome! I had some ribs and sausage (I'm pretty simple, I didn't even get to the sides). Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the ambience was great! I'll be back!!

Was really looking forward to some Texas brisket. Took me a minute to decide between just the meat or the meal. Lol. The pecan pie was good. Not overly sweet. The brisket. . . Well. . . it was very dry. Missing that nice fat cap to keep it juicy. Flavors were good. I wanted to buy a T-shirt but the gal didn't charge me said she'd have to go look for the size and it was kinda busy so she didn't have time. Really wanted a shirt. Oh well. . . it was super hot that day and I was sweating up a storm. Luckily my hotel was just across the street. I do want to go back and try the ribs and sweet corn.

The food was delicious. Good value. Casual and relaxed vibes. The location will be great when the Riverwalk is done with construction.

I had just arrived in Austin and checked in at my downtown hotel. It was 10:30 am and I was starving, so I went for a walk to find something -- anything -- to put in my belly. Iron Works BBQ was the closest place open in the area, so I went inside. I figured, hey, I'm in Texas and it's BBQ, so what could go wrong. Answer: A LOT. The short of it is: this place sucks. There was a line of sketchy customers and by the time I got to the counter to order, the staff seem to have had enough of everyone's foolishness. They were far from friendly, but I figured I'm not here to make friends so I didn't really care. I ordered a brisket plate with two sides and my friend got a brisket and sausage plate with a side of fries. We paid the nice cashier and took a seat. The food wasn't super pricey, especially for downtown Austin and barbecue, but the quality was utter crap. The brisket was tough and super fatty (like GROSS fatty). The green beans were straight from a can, and the macaroni was an embarrassment. The sausage and ribs were mediocre. At least the fries were hot. The meat quality was absolutely atrocious. I'm still in shock with the awful quality. We also found the portions to be inadequate. We were starving so the food filled our bellies, but I had more gristle and fat on my plate than meat in my stomach. The iced tea was super strong and freshly brewed, so at least that was a plus. The bbq sauces on the table were tasty, too. Neither of these positives are enough to make a good restaurant, however. Iron Works Barbecue is just terrible. It's a true dive that looks legit from the outside, but the food is anything but. Do not waste your time and money here. Spend the dough and hop at Lyft or Uber to one of the far better options a bit further from the city.

was excited to eat at this place but honestly everything wasn't that great. meat was tough, corn was bland and it was all really spicy. To top it off, went to enjoy my peach cobbler and there was a long, black hair in it. Ruined my appetite and i threw everything away. Wouldn't recommend if you're looking for authentic barbecue. however, the customer service was wonderful and they were really sweet.

Giving 2 stars because I was expecting an actual wrap, not a piece of sausage on a slice of bread. This was my first time having Texas bbq and I was disappointed. Inside was even hotter and more humid than outside. Not worth the $6 for a wrap. The sausage had good flavor though, but not worth it in my opinion

We took a quick trip from San Antonio to Austin for some friends before they headed back to California. We needed to find BBQ... Other places were recommended, but were closed.. We were at the stoplight outside of IWB and the smell was good enough to lock us in and wait 30 mins in the parking lot for them to open. Walk in and the place is FREAKING COOL, old school and historic looking, and the smell SMACKS you right in the face! we got the BBQ Sampler, Sausage, brisket and a Dinosaur Rib, 2 sides, another pulled pork sandwich and banana pudding. Ive never had better BBQ In my life, it was so good down to every last bite! What is wild to me is, there are other places that are said to be the best in Austin, but quite honestly, Im not sure I have to try another place. Not only were they OPEN on a Monday and a holiday but the food was so GOOD and the staff so friendly, this will be the go to for bringing others to Austin for BBQ. You just got a customer for life!

Good barbecue at a decent price. The place was packed with local construction workers. I was satisfied with my order and will return. The beef rib was huge!

This joint is old school, baby. Felt like an authentic smoke house, for sure. My BBQ beef sandwich was pretty solid. Absolutely worth a pop in.

Let's get down to it. Legendary bbq. Been here for 30 years at least. Simple basic bbq. Great little venue. Excellent meat. Beef ribs!! Skip all that nonsense gourmet whatnot. Go OG

I had the sliced brisket sandwich and it was ok--but a bit too much fat for my taste. The potato salad was ok (mustard based if that's your preference). Mainly self serve. The ambiance inside was ok--very rustic and open. The ambiance outside was construction zone--they had a creek in the back that right now is a big pipe and a lot of earth moving equipment, but that will eventually be over.

Stopped by here for dinner on the way to Rainey St. The meat was delicious! Got a brisket plate with potato salad and macaroni and cheese. Brisket was super good and tasted even better with the BBQ sauce on the table. Mac n cheese and potato salad were also good but standard. Would come here again if in the area. They were out of corn break when we were there 30 mins before closing. The ladies working weren't super friendly although they did give us free fries before we left. Good location and BBQ and decently priced.

I thought the meats were good. Brisket was definitely the best and the ribs were huge! Sides could be better, I got the Mac and cheese and cream corn. The pecan pie was delicious. I do wish they had more / better sauces. The bbq sauce good, and the hot version tasted the same. Overall though, I still enjoyed my meal!

This restaurant is a very no-frills old style place. You order at the window and they serve it right there. You pay, then sit. The chicken was great. Their sauces (spicy and regular bbq sauce) are really good. The chicken had a nice little kick to it and I would eat it again. The sides, however, were extremely underwhelming and super basic. Honestly, I wouldn't come back here and would try to find another better bbq place. I'm sure Austin has more to offer.

While in Austin for a conference, I decided to visit this establishment since it was across the street from my hotel, Fairmont Austin. This place is nothing to look at, but the food is incredible. When I tell you that the food is INCREDIBLE, it is INCREDIBLE!!! I ordered the beef brisket, green beans, Mac & cheese, and potato salad. Man!!! The brisket was sooooooooo tender and juicy I called a realtor trying to find a new home! I can't eat anybody's brisket again other than Iron Works. All of the sides were exceptional. The green beans were fresh and had pieces of pork in them. It was as if I knew the pig firsthand. Whoever made the potato salad put their foot in it. That was some of the best potato salad that I had ever eaten. Now the macaroni and cheese weren't bad, but compared to the others, it will have to step its game up. The service was excellent. The staff was friendly and courteous. The ambiance was excellent. Very down home. Overall, I am willing to fly from VA to Austin, TX, for another excellent meal there.

While in town for a VB tournament and wrapped early on the last day our large group of kids are parents were especially hungry. With Iron Works so ridiculously close to the Austin convention center we checked in and were relieved they could cater to our large group of 24. At first glance you'd think it's a mill or factory of some sort but that's just part of their whole vibe. Place your order and wait at the pit counter for your plate, pay at cashier and head to your seat. Great Texas BBQ the brisket was delish. The bread together with their Mac and cheese were good but what hit it out of the park was their brisket. The kids seemed happy as it was all smiles at their table.

The BBQ was amazing! Brisket was nice and juicy perfect combination of fat and lean. The Beef rib was season perfectly and the pork ribs are also amazing. The sausage was nice too peppery.

Soooooooooo good!!!! Love this place! The food was amazing! I got the bbq plate that had basically everything, brisket, sausage, beef rib, corn, and Mac and cheese! Of course my eyes were bigger than my stomach but I took the little I didn't finish back home and made tacos with my leftovers and the flavors were still just as delicious as it was when I first ordered it. While I was there me and my girlfriend sat on the covered outside deck. We enjoyed a nice lone star and shiner bock. Everything was perfect! Recommend this place 100%!

Must try BBQ spot(s) in Austin On my first trip to Austin, I visited a friend and we did a blind Austin BBQ taste test between three different local restaurants. Terry Blacks, Ironworks, and B cooper. Below is a ranking how they fared, with my favorites ranked in each category. My one caveat is that we got the food to go. If I return I will update my review with how the restaurant stacks up. Ironworks - Iron works had stiff competition when it came to its local competitors, but it held its own in a few categories. The one area that I felt that it outshines the competition was in terms of its barbecue sauce. If you'd like barbecue sauce, and you put it all over your barbecue food, then you're going to be happy when it comes to flavor of this sauce. Where it stacked up average against the competitors was its mild sausage and brisket. I thought it was very tasty and it went neck and neck with Terry Black's but I gave Terry Black's the edge here. The areas that it fell a little bit behind was the sides. The beans seem to be cooked well, but maybe because they weren't suspended in a liquid, they tasted a little dry once they got home. Again, nothing pouring a little barbecue sauce over them doesn't fix but wasn't my favorite. The pickles were good, middle of the pack. Overall, in my Texas experience I put ironworks as my second favorite barbecue spot, just behind. Behind Terry Black's. I would love to return and have an in-person visit for my next trip and I will re-review!

Absoutely the worst BBQ I have had in a long time. Brisket, pork ribs and beef ribs were dry and tasted like they were day old. After 30 years od going to IW, we will never go back. The BBQ should have never been served. They knew what they were doing, and figured they could pass it on to people that did not know any better. When I talked to the manager he said lunch was slow and the BBQ was from then. It was older than than. Shame on you Iron Works. So much for that $100.

Got the sampler with 2 sides - green bean and creamy corn. Our favorite was the beef ribs, very tender and full of flavor. Shared this between 2 and still had leftovers.

This place seems like a hidden gem! There's a lot of famous bbq around, and this place definitely holds its own! I went for dinner on a Monday night, and it wasn't busy. I got the sampler plate with brisket, sausage, and a beef rib. All of the meats were great! I really liked the beef rib. The Cole slaw and Mac and cheese were very good, too, the sauce at the table was delicious!

Giving two stars I think is generous. The lady behind the counter does not want to be there, the food lacks flavor and any sort of seasoning, and we found hair in the green beans and the potato salad. There aren't very many options for BBQ sauce, the meat isn't tender, and the sides feel a few days old. With so many options in Austin, I'd skip.

This is exactly the kind of place you're looking for when you're looking for authentic Texas barbecue. You know it's gonna be good when you look around and the local construction workers are eating lunch. They are fast, efficient, and the fact that they have a jalapeño bar where you can self serve yourself. Some of the most delicious jalapeños I've ever had in my life makes this place some thing I'm gonna come back to you each and every year.

Wow, wow, wow!!! Best bbq beef ribs I ever had. I don't understand some of the lower rated reviews. This place is amazing.

I like it. I popped in her for lunch and the menu looks like a million other BBQ places around Austin but that's ok. I only had the Briskit but it was tasty. Moist and delicious. It's just a old barn type setup but it's perfect. Set up for a big crowd so I am sure depending on timing the place can get crowded. Just one BBQ Sauce on the table but it's good. A touch sweet, a bit tangy. No heat. It's good. As I was leaving I saw some bottles of spicy BBQ but I didn't get a chance to check it out. I would come back for sure but I'm not sure this place sits head and shoulders above other BBQ places though. It's counter service so it's not like I'm expecting fine dining but the people, while not ride are just sort of there. Nothing really impressed me there. As of this writing, a half pound of brisket was 15 bucks. Pretty standard for meat prices these days I would say.

I could eat this barbecue every day for the rest of my life! I had a chopped beef sandwich, with a side of Mac & Cheese. It was so delicious, moist and tangy! I have a smoker at home and wish I could replicate what I tasted at Ironworks, but they have 44 years of practice. The Pecan Pie was what has been missing from my life, and the banana pudding was over the top! And last but not least The Dr. Pepper! The real one, made with real sugar in it! When the person at the counter said "The Dr Pepper is only available here and one other place in Texas," I thought for sure I could find it elsewhere! I could not have been wrong!!! Not only did I search all over Texas for 10-2-4 Dr. Pepper, I searched all over the South! Ironworks' is authentic old school Barbecue. The ambiance is warm and inviting. Best of all, the food was delicious and of course the Dr. Pepper was good enough to enjoy at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM!!! I will be back!! God Bless Y'all!

Foood was fantastic!!! The service was perfect and they were friendly. Ambiance cool and very cool scenery.

If you're looking for the shack style restaurant that serves great food - you found it. The BBQ is unbelievably plentiful and flavorful and the service was lightning fast. I come from NC so I am already hesitant of others BBQ but I enjoyed Iron Works and would likely go back if ever I am in the area. The dining area is very hot and stuffy so plan for that, especially summertime.

Wow Where to start.....: Ok the service - amazing they where happy to have us. They went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect! The food Texas bbq and was great! The atmosphere was a bbq shack! Loved it! This was an unique place for an great lunch with friends! We will be going back!

All about those beef ribs!! Oh man after searching for BBQ options opened past 6pm we stumbled across this place and nan it was a solid choice. Everything was great the ribs stole the show but the creamed corn was awesome too. The ribs didn't even need any sauce they were perfect as is. Service is quick style where you order, then handed your meal then pay. Cant beat it.

Never underestimate a restaurant known locally as a "hole-in-the-wall", they can be hidden gems. Although Ironworks BBQ is in an 87 year old building site, the restaurant has been perfecting smoked meat for 44 years. I suggest first-timers order the combination meat platter, it has brisket, house-made sausage (my fave) and a huge beef "dinosaur" rib with any two sides of your choice. Chase it down with an ice cold brew then finish it off with some homemade peach cobbler, now that's what I'm talking about. Texas is known for its world class BBQ and you can find many great places throughout Austin, just make sure that you don't pass up this king of BBQ dressed in pauper's clothing - you won't regret it.

Brisket was dry, but beef ribs oh so flavorful! It was also still juicy, tender and ultimately falling off the bone for the smuckering m Outdoor seating is quite nice while devouring these juicy meats! Jalepeno, beans, coleslaw and potato salad sides were spot on! Bbq sauce for the win on flavor here! Get my meat eating on here! Yum!

During one of our many bike rides around town, we saw this fairly unassuming. low slung building set next to a ravine with a bunch of overhanging trees. Went back later in the evening for a very good & very filling barbecued chicken with sides of potato salad & mac & cheese, including huge slices of onion & pickles &, of course, barbecue sauces. We sat on the enclosed porch that feels almost like it is in the treetops because of the many trees right off the porch. Bric-a-brac, black and white prints & barbecue related sayings & photos adorns the walls, food is served directly on trays, servings are huge, the staff is friendly & accommodating, and there are good, cold sodas & beers to wash down your well seasoned meals & dry rubs to buy so you can try your hand at this at home.

First off, it's very hot in here which I think they want for the experience of feeling like a real southern BBQ shack but got very unpleasant soon. The brisket was pretty good. Crunchy flavorful outside, melt in mouth inside. Some bits were a little dry though. The sides were pretty small with a slice a stale, dry, white bread which was not the best and I didn't eat it. To balance the grease and amount of meat, sides should be more generous. Service was quick.

I reeeaaallllyyyy wish I had a pic of my food. I had the sampler with pork ribs. It had 1 HUGE beef rib, brisket and pork ribs. Came with 2 sides. I couldn't even finish it. The pork ribs were sooo good and the brisket was perfect. I tasted some of my beef rib but gave it to someone because I was stuffed. Try the hit bbq sauce and but the dry rub yo take home. The macaroni wasn't spectacular but the green beans were on point. Definitely give it a try if you're in the Austin area.

Loved Iron Works!! The vibe of the restaurant is amazing, smells delicious (of course) and the throwback country music they played was fun!! The staff are so nice here! & of course the bbq... I had the potato salad and the pulled pork sandwich! Delicious!!!

Not the first time I've been here. Convenient to the hotel o was at both times. Ambiance is decent if it is reasonably cool out and you sit outside... not when it's 104F! The food is OK. I travel a LOT so compared to some places I've eaten in other states it's amazing, but this is Texas. I lived here for nearly a decade, and visit often, so regularly get good BBQ. All the food I had this time was dry, ribs were dry and tough, and the brisket was dried out. Sausage was salty but lacked much else in the way of seasoning. Nothing was particularly smokey. The sides however, were really good. Slaw, potato salad, and cream corn all hit the mark. Beer was cold, but the soda fountain pumped out flat beverages, and when brought to staff attention, we were treated with indifference. Bottom line, it isn't "bad", but there is better.

Cute place and decent service but the bbq was really sub par. Got the brisket plate with Mac and cheese. Brisket was dry and lacked flavor and the bbq sauce offered was pretty bad. Mac and cheese was fine, very sticky mouthfeel that was a little unpleasant. Would not go back.

Try their mac and cheese! Their BBQ is not the best around as the brisket on my sampler plate was a little dry, and the beef rib was not tender (it's more chewy). However, they have really good mac and cheese, and I usually don't enjoy eating such food! The ambiance of the place somehow makes up for the BBQ and provides a good dining experience. I like the interior of the restaurant, which showcases the age of the place (a BBQ place that seems to have stood the test of time), and some tables also offer a nice view of the river. Additionally, the staff was accommodating and offered their suggestions on what to try.