512 BBQ, Austin

An Englishman walks into a Texas BBQ. That sounds like the setup of a corny joke. But when twang-free British meat lover Jason Dennis took the reins of the former Chisholm Trail Icehouse & BBQ, added new recipes to its established menu, and reincarnated it as the new BBQ 512, there was no punchline. Just lines of barbecue fanatics drawn in by the the wavering aromas emanating from Jason's meat smoker. To boast the “best ‘que in the 512" is a mighty big boast in any Texas area code, but Jason and his gregarious staff put their money where your mouth is when it comes to their generously-portioned meats and sides. Plates and sandwiches come packed with your choice of brisket, pork loin, turkey, pork ribs, and sausage, and savory sides such as squash, potato salad, and mac and cheese make up for the fact that pork doesn't grow in gardens. Much more than a meat shack, BBQ 512 also sports a homey sports bar with brew specials for big-game watching, and caters to events such as weddings, tailgates, and gatherings of relapsed former competitive eaters.