Monday, March 23, 2009: Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q (Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, Texas)

All of us eat pretty regularly at Rudy’s, but this was our first Rudy’s meal as a group in 2009. And, I gotta say, 11 was quite the turnout for a Monday night. Yours truly stepped out of his half-chicken-and-three-slices-of-pork-loin comfort zone and ordered baby-back ribs for the first time (and three slices of pork loin; I mean, let’s not get crazy). The ribs were flavorful, but the pork loin was drier than usual. Atmosphere was great, as usual. Always consistent, Rudy’s was a crowd pleaser.

Amber keeps it short and sweet: “Jalapeno sausage: just because I couldn't finish it, does not mean I didn't love it. Getting to order lots of sides without fear they'd go to waste: priceless.” Russell writes: “Brisket – Cutter’s choice was as usual very consistent and high quality. Turkey – Very moist and flavorful. Pork loin – Very moist and flavorful, as well. Sides – Love their cream corn and slaw. Overall – Great group of friends, including the bro-in-law, and very friendly servers. For a chain, Rudy’s is about as good as it gets.”

Fresh on the heels of the bang-up job he did reviewing Spring Creek Barbeque, Bo shares his thoughts:

“I don’t know if each Rudy's store is franchised out, but each store should be considered a different restaurant. I have had the pleasure of eating at several different Rudy's locations (360, 620, 183, Waco, North San Antonio, and the original in Leon Springs) and each time the BBQ had a unique and defining taste. Maybe it’s just Rudy's way of keeping it interesting and having you always wanting to try Rudy's no matter where you are at - cause you never know what you are gonna get. The thing about Rudy's is that it’s always dependable, and the price is just about right. Caveat - the original Rudy's in Leon Springs, I feel, is worlds apart from the others and ranks up there with many of the more famous Central Texas BBQ places.

That being said, here is my review for the Rudy's off 360 recently visited with the Man-Up group:

Brisket: A tad bit disappointing. The brisket at Rudy's is always dependable, never fantastic. But this time it seemed extra dry. Ribs: I had the St. Louis style ribs because they ran out of pork ribs. Seriously? A BBQ restaurant in Central Texas out of pork ribs? Nonetheless, the St. Louis style ribs were tasty with a good pepper flavor. Again, Rudy's is dependable. Sweet Tea: 10. It’s sweet tea, any can do it, everybody must have it in the South. Sauce: There are many different styles of BBQ sauces and are almost impossible to actually compare. However, Rudy's BBQ sauce is one of my favorites.”

Brad’s scores – Brisket (extra moist): 9; Atmosphere: 9; Overall experience: 9

Drew’s scores – Ribs (baby back): 9.5; Pork loin: 7; Atmosphere: 9.4; Overall experience: 9.3

Russell’s scores –Brisket (cutter’s choice): 9.1; Turkey: 9; Pork loin: 9.1; Sides (cream corn and slaw): 9.3; Atmosphere: 9.4; Overall experience: 9.3

Amber’s scores – Ribs (baby back): 9.4; Sauce: 9.8; Jalapeno sausage: 9.5; Turkey: 9; Overall experience: 9.11

Bo’s scores – Brisket: 7.5; Ribs (St. Louis style): 9; Sweet tea: 10; Overall experience: 9

Overall Man-Up Score: 9.14