Smoke Shack has closed.

While driving up 620 today in Austin, I saw that Smoke Shack has closed. As always, I hate to see BBQ joints go out of business. My best wishes to the owner, James.

Smoke Shack (Austin, TX)

Heading up Hwy. 620 last week, I saw smoke coming out of a trailer next to a food cart so made a quick exit off the road. Turns out it's a new BBQ trailer called Smoke Shack (don't know address; my guess is that it's about 4 miles N of Hwy 71 on 620). The guy that runs it (James, I think) told me he opened 7 weeks ago and that he already has a loyal following out in the Lakeway area. Anyone been? I didn't stop to eat, since I had just finished lunch. He told me the brisket wasn't quite ready yet but gave me a few small slices anyway. It wasn't ready. James (Someone, pls correct me on this, if I'm wrong about his name.) wants to bring some Louisiana flair to Texas BBQ, so he puts a Cajun rub on his briskets. Not sure about the other meats. Looking forward to having a proper roadside meal next time I'm in Lakeway.

Ranch Road 620 BBQ

I took my time heading up Ranch Road 620 from Highway 71 earlier today. Started off by dropping off a POP display and some cards to new Q-Card affiliate Buster's BBQ in Lakeway. Saw the pit, took some pics, and stayed for lunch. Then headed North, so I could take a scenic route back to Austin, and saw a BBQ trailer off to the right, just a couple of miles from Buster's. Smoke Shack has been open just 7 weeks. Took some pics and had some brisket. I didn't stop at Smokey J's at the intersection of RR 620 and RM 2222, but since I had a large Rudy's cup in my car, I stopped into Rudy's (just North of 2222) for a $1.08 Trophy refill of iced tea. So, by my count, if you're traveling along 620 between Buster's and Rudy's (10.6-mile stretch), you've got 4 BBQ options. And it's a beautiful drive, to boot. Enjoy.