Some call this “tablecloth BBQ”. They usually don’t mean it in a nice way. I don’t think you need to be cooking in a dirt floor shack with an old pit to produce tasty BBQ. Case in point, Lamberts Downtown BBQ. Their slow roasted meats have an updated twist on old-style “Q”: Brown Sugar and Coffee Rubbed Brisket, Maple and Coriander Crusted Pork Ribs, Achoite and Lime Rubbed Chicken (Combo plates $12-$16). A trio of house made sauces come on the side. Unlike some other BBQ places that don’t even have forks, Lamberts has a full menu for those who prefer to munch on things that didn’t have hooves: Deviled Eggs, Green Chili Queso, Broiled Oysters, Soups and Salads.
My personal favorite is the Pulled Smoked Pork Cuban sandwich ($11). Stop me if you already know the details. Chunks of tangy, sweet pork on a grilled Ciabatta roll with crunchy pickles and gooey Jack cheese. Dangerously good. I get a side of Jicama and Carrot Slaw, to cut the richness of the pork. They don’t mess with it too much, which is the way I like it. Crunchy and bright.
Lamberts serves a very respectable house margarita ($10, ouch). Nice balance, not too sweet or tart. I could easily order two or three more, but my accountant counseled me otherwise. But, on the other hand, this drink looks pretty lonely.
They couldn’t have picked a cooler location. The Schneider Brothers building, standing stoically in the changing face of downtown Austin. New structures sprouting around and over it. It’s a perfect fit. Sophisticated, thoughtful BBQ in a historic setting.
Lamberts Downtown Barbecue : 401 West 2nd St. Austin, TX : (512) 494-1500
Happy Hour : 5pm-7pm, $2 off Drinks, ½ off Bar Appetizers
I’m a huge fan of Lamberts’ chickpea appetizer, and their bar also serves a terrific sazerac if you’re still in the mood for Louisiana-style drinks. I’ll have to try that Cuban sandwich – looks awful good!
Rachel, Sazerac seems to be the go-to drink lately in town. Just had one at Annie’s. Very tasty.
I work about 2 blocks form there. I’ve been there for lunch seceral times, dinner once and bruch once. I’ve never had a bad meal. Check out the weekend brunch sometime
Yummm, this place looks tasty. I’ve never heard of Lamberts and I actually checked out their website after to take a closer look. A little pricey, but these pictures you posted would drag me in I’m pretty sure. 🙂 Food blogs seem really jumbled and wordy, but I really like the way yours is set up. This post is one example. Straight to the point and what we want to know about…the food! I will surely keep this site in mind when I’m writing for my own blog about dating and relationships. Maybe I’ll get an idea from you on a delectable place to take a date!
Love the bar shot you got of Lamberts!
the food looks great – are they you own photos? if so nice work. That Cuban sandwich is mouthwatering
Thank you, yes. All the photography on the site is shot by myself. Lambert’s Cuban is one of my favorites.
Lamberts offers one of the best charcuterie plates in town. housemade rustic & whipped pates ( incl. foie gras ) plus lovely cheese selection & condiments. great deal at $18. also a fan of the green tomato and crabmeat salad. the place is pretty hard edged and noisy but dining outside is a treat.