Sam's Bar-B-Cue

EAST AUSTIN. A mainstay on the local barbecue scene, Sam's is an institution, thanks to its late hours and its perfectly smoked meats. For years, musicians have frequented the place after gigs, and Stevie Ray Vaughan was a longtime patron. Choose from beef brisket, chicken, sausage, and ribs, or go for the gold with a mixed plate. Old-school barbecue fans also appreciate the fact that Sam's still serves mutton, whose distinct flavor is something of an acquired taste. Rated best barbecue in Austin proper by locals in the "Austin Chronicle."