Saturday, November 15, 2008: Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor, Texas), Visit #2

As of our most recent rankings, Louie Mueller Barbecue (Taylor, Texas) held the top spot. With a Saturday morning wide open, we returned to LM for the first time since making our first trip there in early September (read our first review). I was the only one who had been to LM before, and my second trip did not disappoint. The others enjoyed their first. However, unlike the first trip, no one got the enormous beef ribs.

As I wrote after our first trip, you know you’re in for a treat when you step into Louie Mueller. Creaky wooden floors, ceiling and walls blackened from the pit smoke, hand-written menu taped to the wall. Not to mention the intoxicating smell of the meats. A nice thing that Lance (who, by himself, cuts all of the meats) does when you reach the counter to order is put a sample of brisket on your tray. Simple and effective. Smart businessman and an even nicer guy.

It was Matt’s first time to join us. He liked the food (“great”) and the atmosphere but wasn’t wild about the drive to get there (“I like the area it is in, except it’s too far away from Austin. If you lived in Round Rock, maybe it would be worth the drive. I'd say only go there if you happen to be heading that way or have a good amount of time to kill.”).

Greg’s thoughts: “Turkey – Amazing. I'm still craving it. Brisket – It was nice and tender but a little too fatty for my likes. Potato Salad – Good, not great. Beans – I’m not a huge beans fan, but these were good. Atmosphere – Nearly perfect. If it was warmer in there, it would have been. Overall – Awesome time and awesome food.”

Greg’s scores – Turkey: 9.99; Brisket: 9.2; Potato salad: 8.5; Beans: 9.3; Atmosphere: 9.8; Overall experience: 9.5

Matt’s scores – Brisket: 9.5; Atmosphere: 10; Location: 8; Overall experience: 8.5

Kalese’s scores – Turkey: 9.78; Sauce 4.5; Beans 6; Overall experience: 9

Brad’s scores – Pork ribs: 7.5; Turkey: 8.5; Chicken: 8; Sausage: 7.25; Ambiance: 8.75; Overall experience: 8.75

Drew’s scores – Turkey: 10; Brisket: 9.4; Pork rib: 8.8; Pork loin: 9.1; Atmosphere: 9.8; Overall experience: 9.6

Overall Man-Up Score for Visit #2: 9.07

Overall Man-Up Score for Visit #1: 9.6758

Overall Man-Up Score (average of both visits): 9.3729