Saturday, March 27, 2010: Duke's Smokehouse (Georgetown, Texas)

While several in our posse made another visit to Lockhart, Brad and I decided to hit up a place we’d never been: Duke’s Smokehouse in Georgetown, a short drive up I-35 from Austin. Duke’s resembles a big, red barn and has a large yard out back, perfect for a party or event. It was a beautiful day, so we ate outside on the back deck. The inside decor is casual, if kitschy, with dozens of Texas license plates that line your path to the counter. Service was friendly.

The food was so-so. My half chicken was pretty average, the chopped beef was overpoweringly heavy on something I couldn’t place, and the broccoli salad was solid. Brad’s pork ribs had barely any meat on them. From my vantage point two feet away, they appeared to be nothing but bones. It was the most glaring instance of “paying for the bone” we’ve ever seen. At least Brad liked the (free) soft-serve ice cream.

Brad – Brisket: 6.7; Pork ribs: 4.25 (“might have well have just sucked on a bone”); Green beans: 8; Ice cream: 9; Atmosphere: 8.25; Overall experience: 6.35

Drew – Chicken: 7; Chopped beef: 4.5; Atmosphere: 7.75; Overall experience: 6.75

Overall Man-Up Score: 6.55