Rudy's Bar-B-Q, North Lamar
99 people recommend, 20 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/austinfood, r/Austin30 comments cited below
The comments cited below are a sample of the full tally across 43 threads.
What people say, in short
Rudy's earns recommendations across its Austin outlets, including North Lamar. Supporters treat the chain as a dependable, comparatively inexpensive barbecue option, with brisket, turkey and sauce recurring in praise across those branches. Others regard it as passable rather than destination barbecue. Branch differences matter: a commenter in the North Lamar discussion prefers the southwest Austin outlet, and another fan reports uneven quality at Lamar. Diners also describe short queues and successful evening meals.
Address
Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q, 3914 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
At a glance
- Price
- Budget
- Signature dishes
- Brisket, Turkey
- Best for
- Budget
- Opinions divided
- Yes
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Rudy's Bar-B-Q, North Lamar, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/Im_hi_rite_now in r/austinfood · Nov 2024taste
Loves Rudy's moist brisket deal and has always loved their sauce.
- Caveatu/formercotsachick in r/Austin · Apr 2024taste
A visitor from Milwaukee found the barbecue unremarkable despite arriving very hungry.
- Recommendsu/julieruinsghost in r/austinfood · Nov 2024
Says Rudy's deserves more love; praises the half chicken, beans and pudding.
- Recommendsu/kemiyun in r/austinfood · Nov 2024consistency
Finds it consistent though not the best, and not too expensive.
- Recommendsu/Best_Tangerine4699 in r/austinfood · Nov 2024consistency
Having tried both, this diner prefers the southwest Austin location by a wide margin.
- Recommendsu/dampheat in r/austinfood · Jul 2026
Suggests going to Rudy's instead if hitting barbecue chains.
- Recommendsu/kosherhalfsourpickle in r/austinfood · May 2024taste
Recommends the St Louis ribs.
- Recommendsu/MidsummerNight787 in r/austinfood · Nov 2024
Great for quick barbecue flavor; enjoys the chopped beef, turkey and sides.
Show all 30 cited comments
- Caveatu/EqualDish9383 in r/austinfood · Jul 2026taste
In a blind taste test against two other spots, Jim's Smokehouse won decisively.
- Recommendsu/Tweedle_DeeDum in r/austinfood · Mar 2026taste
After sampling barbecue everywhere, this family keeps requesting bottles of Rudy's original sauce.
- Recommendsu/DidYouDye in r/austinfood · Nov 2024variety
Urges people not to forget the creamed corn.
- Recommendsu/ascootertridingataco in r/austinfood · Nov 2024
Considers it solid and a fun place to bring out-of-towners, better than northern options.
- Recommendsu/OTN in r/austinfood · Mar 2024
Names Rudy's as the answer.
- Recommendsu/onlythepossible in r/austinfood · Mar 2024
Perfectly good B+ traditional barbecue served all night.
- Recommendsu/Distinct_Studio_5161 in r/austinfood · Mar 2024taste
Recommends the cream corn at Rudy's when asked for the first BBQ place that comes to mind.
- Recommendsu/WallyMetropolis in r/austinfood · Jan 2026price
Calls Rudy's the best inexpensive barbecue.
- Recommendsu/TurdMcDirk in r/austinfood · Jul 2025
Lists Rudy's as having barbecue later in the day.
- Recommendsu/Artistic-Tadpole-427 in r/austinfood · May 2024consistency
Calls Rudy's underrated, reliable, with short lines and meat always available.
- Recommendsu/Full-March-4700 in r/austinfood · Mar 2026taste
Says Rudy's has the best sauce
- Recommendsu/factorplayer in r/Austin · Aug 2024value
Says Rudy's has way better value.
- Caveatu/papertowelroll17 in r/austinfood · Jun 2025taste
Uses it as an example of merely passable, okay barbecue.
- Recommendsu/ApartmentAutomatic59 in r/austinfood · Mar 2026taste
Seconds Rudy's, calling it underrated
- Recommendsu/Fr0hikeTravel in r/austinfood · Nov 2024taste
Says their turkey is so good.
- Recommendsu/FindSpencer in r/Austin · Aug 2024
Says both are good in reply about Rudy's.
- Recommendsu/Monki5225 in r/austinfood · Nov 2024consistency
Says it is always good and sometimes excellent.
- Mixedu/Halcyon512 in r/austinfood · Mar 2026taste
Claims worst BBQ tends to have best sauce, so Rudy's excels at sauce
- Caveatu/singletonaustin in r/austinfood · Nov 2024consistency
A Rudy's fan says this location is not company owned and its food quality sometimes disappoints.
- Mixedu/angryslothbear in r/Austin · Nov 2025taste
Fine when nothing better nearby but not in contention with Texas mom-and-pop barbecue.
- Caveatu/Icy-Telephone-7028 in r/austinfood · Sep 2024
Suggests skipping Rudy's.
- Mixedu/ExistenceNow in r/Austin · Apr 2024taste
Commenter likes Rudy's but calls it low tier barbecue for central Texas.
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Freshness
Details last checked 9 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.