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12/31/2024

Austin's Michelin-Starred BBQ Joints

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Texas BBQ Smokes the Competition: Michelin Stars Awarded to Four Lone Star State Joints
The Michelin Guide has finally arrived in Texas, and in a historic move, it has awarded its coveted stars to four American-style barbecue restaurants. This is the first time in the world that Michelin has bestowed this honor upon barbecue establishments. Even more surprising, all the winners are in Texas – one in Spring (near Houston) and three in Austin.
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Austin's Michelin-Starred BBQ Joints:
  • Interstellar BBQ: Known for its innovative approach to barbecue, Interstellar BBQ has garnered a loyal following. Chef John Bates' decision to close his popular Noble Sandwich Co. to focus on Interstellar seems to have paid off.
  • La Barbecue: This iconic Austin establishment, now led by Ali Clem after the passing of her wife and business partner LeAnn Mueller, continues to serve up mouthwatering barbecue that honors its legacy.
  • LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue: This South Austin food truck turned brick-and-mortar impressed Michelin inspectors with its high-quality meats and creative sides.
Other Austin BBQ Recognition:
While the stars went to those three, a number of other Austin barbecue restaurants were recognized by the Michelin Guide:
  • Recommended: Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen, Terry Black’s Barbecue
  • Bib Gourmand: Briscuits, Distant Relatives, Franklin Barbecue, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, KG BBQ, and Micklethwait Craft Meats
Drama at the Awards Ceremony:
The Michelin Guide’s inaugural Texas awards ceremony was not without its share of drama. Organizers saved the barbecue star announcements for last, leaving many pitmasters in suspense. The emotional reactions of the winners were a highlight of the event.
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What's Next for Texas BBQ?
This recognition from Michelin is a significant milestone for Texas barbecue. It acknowledges the dedication, passion, and culinary artistry of these pitmasters. With increased international attention, it will be interesting to see how these restaurants continue to evolve and innovate while staying true to their Texas roots.
The ceremony itself was not without its dramatic moments. As the emcees announced the winners alphabetically, some pitmasters began to worry they had been overlooked. John Bates of Interstellar BBQ admitted, “I thought I was going home without anything. I was really worried.” This tension built until the very end, when the barbecue joints were finally revealed, much to the relief and elation of the winners. Will Buckman of CorkScrew BBQ, upon receiving the award, confessed, “Up until about five minutes ago, I felt like I was being punked.”
For Ali Clem of La Barbecue, the award was particularly poignant. Carrying on the legacy of her late wife and business partner, LeAnn Mueller, Clem was overcome with emotion. “I honestly didn’t expect this,” she shared. “I will share this with my crew.” The award is a testament to their dedication and a tribute to Mueller's contribution to the barbecue scene.

The significance of this recognition extends beyond the individual restaurants. It signifies a shift in perception, acknowledging the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting truly exceptional barbecue. Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, who received a Bib Gourmand, reflected on this evolution, stating, “It’s so cool to see so many barbecue joints recognized.”

The Michelin Guide also recognized several other Austin barbecue establishments in the recommended and Bib Gourmand categories. Recommended restaurants include Mum Foods Smokehouse and Delicatessen and Terry Black’s Barbecue. Bib Gourmands were awarded to Briscuits, Distant Relatives, Franklin Barbecue, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, KG BBQ, and Micklethwait Craft Meats.   

Looking ahead, the starred restaurants are preparing for the increased attention and business that the Michelin recognition will undoubtedly bring. While some are still considering how to mark the occasion on their menus, Clem, with the weight of the Michelin star in mind, declared, “It better all be a Michelin platter.”
This historic event has solidified Texas's place as a barbecue mecca, proving that the state's pitmasters are capable of producing world-class cuisine worthy of international acclaim. 


Text generated with the aid of AI. Sources & Related Content: 
https://www.texasmonthly.com/bbq/texas-barbecue-joints-michelin-star/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=cm-traffic&fbclid=IwY2xjawHg5kdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSlETjRAVkCoPap9AcqM77zqvfxKiE8i7ZO9KyiWWHymDGxuJ1m9_H_VpA_aem_0vWIloN1f4YeYQc6jTxJzQ


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  • Home
  • Contact
  • Properties
    • Austin Vibe East 2nd St Downtown
    • The Aviary: East 9th St Downtown
    • Green Star: East 2nd St Downtown
    • The McKinley Inn Elgin, TX
  • The Austin Tourist - Blog