Biographical information courtesy of the Austin Chronicle.
See below for Austin Chronicle BBQ Links.

Ruby's BBQ on Guadalupe

29th & Guadalupe, 477-1651

Daily, 11am-midnight

Ruby's wouldn't qualify as an orthodox Texas pit, but the skull-clad smokehouse is just perfect for its location, both general (Central Austin) and specific (just north of UT campus mere steps from the Drag). Behind the faded Dr. Pepper sign that boldly misreads "Fajita Flats," Ruby's stands as the perfect nuevo 'cue joint where the key to success (and steady traffic) is a deep list of menu options not found at traditional old-school joints.

The beef at Ruby's is trumpeted as all-natural and hormone-free -- which when you get down to eating isn't nearly as important as the fact that it's tender, tasty, and perfectly juicy. The pitmaster also smokes and slices flavorful sausage from Elgin (our regional hotgut mecca) and a mean rack of crispy/moist pork ribs -- served against a backdrop of bulletproof white wax paper. Cover the carnage with paper shot-cups of cayenne-heavy sauce, and you have a serious meal on your hands -- and dripping down the front of your shirt. All meats can be ordered by the plate, the sandwich, or the pound.

Ruby's list of side dishes reads like the fine print on a rodeo disclaimer -- all the better for potential customers of the vegetarian persuasion. There are two kinds of beans (black and BBQ), a couple of slaw options, mustard- or mayo-dressed potato salad, home fries, collard greens, and (heaven help us all) garden salads on the menu, not to mention numerous chalkboard specials. It's a selection that ensures vegans or fat busters won't feel stranded as their friends dive headfirst into a brisket fest. It's one of the only barbecue joints that can serve the needs of strict herbivores and unrepentant disciples of the flesh. And just to hedge their bets, owners Pat Mares and Luke Zimmerman fill out their offerings with a few Cajun staples (chicken/sausage gumbo, red beans, and jambalaya) and a deep stable of homemade desserts.

The recent downtown relocation of Antone's has cut down on Ruby's post-club walking traffic, but the dining room still sports posters from the days when blues legends would duck in for a quick bite before, after, and between sets. Gone are the weekend 3am closing times, but yellowing posters from Maceo, James, and the gang are still visible from the ordering line. New students will remember the nearby joint as a video store/laundromat crossbreed, but they'll still take a quick hike north whenever they need solid walking-distance barbecue -- or the perfect compromise joint. --Pableaux Johnson