Not true..
many of the places near Austin have been on a downward trajectory
for a while.
The original Salt Lick in Driftwood was great for _years_. Now
they are all about the $$$ and the quality has suffered.
Coopers in LLano was _awful_ last time out (and rude to motorcyclists)
There are quite a few good places in the Houston area if you are willing
to drive.
Try Larry's yourself on the weekends before you take my or others
opinions. Their smoked stuff is never bad..
These are some other good places people don't know
about.. (in no particular order)
#1 T-bone Tom's in Kemah. Good sausage, decent ribs, good chopped
beef. -- sauce on the side. They have some of the best fried seafood
in TX too..
#2 Red River BBQ in Clear Lake/Dickinson area. Good grilled style pork
ribs, good chopped beef, quality sausage, good sauce.
#3 Luling City Market in Houston. Richmond/610 galleria area. Great
sausage in natural casing, good brisket when not overdone. Great
mustard based sauce -- limited sides.
I am not a fan of chains..
These are the most overrated
#1 Killens, killens, killens,
#2 Goode Co.
#3 Any Papa's BBQ
Yes, it is unfortunate. Unless you wait 2 hours and pay a lot for Killens