[azkitch]

I was driving back from HOME (Maryland/DC) and was on a shoestring budget. Stopped in Armadillo, TX--OK, Amarillo--and a local (who was driving a near identical car--and turned out worked for the same company as I!) recommended a new place called Rudy's. All the BBQ sandwiches were $3.99, and many choices. Plenty busy in mid afternoon. Guys pulling large hunks of meat outta the big smokers behind the counter. I grabbed a sammich, enjoyed it SOOO much, I grabbed another. When I finally got back here, I e-mailed a rave to the mothership. I received a hand written card of thanks--and a gift card! Sure, it's only for five bucks, and sure the nearest one is in Albuquerque, but cheeze! Anyway, very impressed with the whole experience. So if you're ever goin' thru ABQ or Armadillo or Austin, College Station (I think) and Norman, OK give 'em a try.

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

Great to hear.  We always like to hear about where the great BBQ places are throughout the States.

I am actually planning on going to Austin here soon, so I will make sure to check them out. 

[RangerJurena]

I was driving back from HOME (Maryland/DC) and was on a shoestring budget. Stopped in Armadillo, TX--OK, Amarillo--and a local (who was driving a near identical car--and turned out worked for the same company as I!) recommended a new place called Rudy's. All the BBQ sandwiches were $3.99, and many choices. Plenty busy in mid afternoon. Guys pulling large hunks of meat outta the big smokers behind the counter. I grabbed a sammich, enjoyed it SOOO much, I grabbed another. When I finally got back here, I e-mailed a rave to the mothership. I received a hand written card of thanks--and a gift card! Sure, it's only for five bucks, and sure the nearest one is in Albuquerque, but cheeze! Anyway, very impressed with the whole experience. So if you're ever goin' thru ABQ or Armadillo or Austin, College Station (I think) and Norman, OK give 'em a try.

Rudy's is a chain thats started as a store and gas station and added BBQ in the late 80's. The BBQ concept is based off some of the finer BBQ establishments in central Texas. Luling City Market, Kruez Market, Louie Muellers and Coopers In Llano.  The concept is meat and more meat, sold by weight on butcher paper and served "dry".

The sandwich is good, but next time, order up the sliced brisket if thats what you like, 1/4 or 1/2 pound. They give you free bread and the onions, pickles and jalapeno's are on the bar.  Sauce is on  the table. Sausage links are good as well. You can buy potato salad and beans if your interested as well as baked potatoes.

Order at the counter, meat is cut and weighed, bread tossed onto your butcher paper( Rudy's has the butcher paper in a plastic milk type carton for ease of carrying) and off you go.  Typically, they have long picnic tables running the length of the place and on busier day's you'll be eating next to other folks, makes for good conversation.

I'm heading to ABQ this weekend to watch the Aggies play UNM and I'll be sure and stop in to see if its as good in New Mexico as it is in Texas.

If you ever roll by one in the mornings, they have great brisket breakfast tacos. Azkitch is correct, its worth stopping in if you see one.

[Mike (AZBarbeque)]

WOW, now you have me hungry. 

Have fun at the game this weekend.  There just isn't anything like College Football games.  If you tailgate or stop at the restaurant, take some photos and post them for us all to enjoy.

Maybe I need to come visit you both and try out these restaurants..

[RangerJurena]

Great to hear.  We always like to hear about where the great BBQ places are throughout the States.

I am actually planning on going to Austin here soon, so I will make sure to check them out. 

If you are going to Austin, you will be pretty close to the heart of BBQ country.  But, here is one that is worth the trip:

www.saltlickbbq.com

See pics of the meat here:
http://www.saltlickbbq.com/food.htm

The Salt Lick is awesome!  Its out in the country in an old farm house that started in 1969.  Everything is served "family style" which is basically all you can eat.

On the weekends, plan on waiting for a substantial amount of time.  There are normally sheriffs there directing traffic.  Its in a dry county so BYOB is acceptable and you will normally find a tailgate type environment while folks wait for their table.  Its a great experience.

I will say the urban sprawl of Austin is creeping towards Driftwood and Dripping Springs, so its not as in the middle of no where as it used to be.

If you fly into Austin, they were selected to serve the BBQ there so if you can't make it to Driftwood, you can grab a plate while waiting to fly out.