If there’s one thing Austin does better than most, it’s BBQ. But every now and then a place comes along that feels a little different. We’re talking about a place where the food is on point, the atmosphere is just right, and you almost expect someone to whisper, “Dua Lipa was here last weekend.”
Waylon J’s BBQ doesn’t follow any hype. But the way this place serves ribs, brisket, and biscuits, you’ll probably find it anyway.
Waylon J’s BBQ: The New BBQ Spot Celebrities Will Love
The setup is simple: a BBQ pop-up hidden behind Salty Sow on Manor Road. Open Thursday through Sunday for lunch only, there are no frills and no chef jackets. It’s just smoke, fire and taste.
The Pitmaster is not a famous name from TV. Chad Deen grew up with the owner. He’s a Fort Worth barbecue artist with years of hands-on experience in smoked meat preparation, fire cooking, and pure dedication. When he cooks, he doesn’t follow a recipe. He paints with smoke and fire. This is the kind of cooking you remember because one bite reminds you of what real barbecue tastes like.
What you should order
You don’t have to try everything to taste great. The following are hit the hardest:
- First class brisket: Smoked for 12 hours and rich with a deep smoky flavor
- Korean pork belly: sweet, savory, kissed with orange peel and sesame
- Boss Hog: Smoked pork shoulder and crispy pork belly add richness and crunch
- Dino rib: big, meaty, over post oak, finished with lemon soju chimichurri
- Bury me in the smoke bowl: an entire tray of fan favorites: brisket, belly, turkey, boss hog, sausage, plus sides and biscuits (yes, there’s a lot to eat here)
Round that off with Frozen Andalusia old fashioned or the Visit Sweet-Corn Street-Style Queso Page. Throw in homemade buttermilk biscuit and some Deviled eggs with grill leftovers. Trust us, you will taste the difference.
Is this Austin’s next celebrity BBQ magnet?
Honestly, it makes sense. It’s low key, it’s on the east side and it’s damn good. This is the kind of place that doesn’t need a red carpet: just word of mouth and a perfectly smoked rib to turn heads. We all know that celebrities keep showing up The grilland this one feels like it’s next in line.
Come for the brisket. Stay for the cookies. What if someone famous comes up behind you? Try to act cool.
Thursday-Sunday
11am – 3pm (or until sold out)
Waylon J’s BBQ at 1917 Manor Rd (Salty Sow property).
