Nothing more than a glorified wood-frame shack with limited picnic table seating and a minimal menu, Sam's is still an East Austin institution. Like most area barbecue joints, Sam's offers combination plates and sandwiches filled with chicken, beef or sausage, all served with a spicy and savory sauce that's been classified as a trade secret by the proprietors. If you're interested in extending your Sam's experience beyond a single meal, the smart money's definitely spent buying by the pound.

Extremely late hours make this spot a nighttime favorite of downtown club-goers and musicians (and it's easy to see from the decor that the owner has a distinct appreciation of Austin guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan). During the day, Sam's also attracts suited professionals working in the nearby offices of the capitol complex. One unsung menu item is the mutton, which is a point of distinction from local barbecue competition. -- Wes Simonds

Categories: Restaurants-Barbecue, Restaurants, Barbecue

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