On the first Thursday of nearly every month, I meet a small group of people and make a short drive to the town of Lockhart, "The Barbecue Capital of Texas". The crowd varies in size month to month depending on who can make it. Today's group includes the founding members; Dave Bieser, who is kind of a "Big Shot" with Time Warner and Randy Merritt, a successful commercial real estate broker with whom I do business and share referrals along with me and our friend Kelly. When I say "Capital", it is no exaggeration as the town of 5,000 boasts four of the top BBQ establishments in the State of Texas. An estimated 5,000 people visit each week or around 250,000 people a year eat BBQ in Lockhart. Of course when you mention BBQ in Texas, you will always spark a debate on the merits of who serves the best.
Our destination is Smitty's which is home to our favorite BBQ in the town. Smitty's originally started as Kreuz Market in 1900 by Charles Kreuz as a meat market and grocery store. Many years ago to prevent wasting meat, the proprietors would cook cuts of beef and pork along with sausage in barbecue pits. Customers would buy their barbecue and sausage then purchase some items from the grocery store to go along the BBQ. The origins of one stop shopping! Charles passed the business along to his sons and son-in-law who ran it until 1948, when Edgar Schmidt, who had worked there since 1936, bought the market from the Kreuz's. In 1984, Edgar sold the business to his sons, Rick and Don Schmidt, and they ran the popular restaurant until Don's retirement in 1997.
Now I do not know the actual circumstances but in 1999, there was some sort of dust-up in the family business and one of the brothers decided to move Kruez's a quarter mile away from of the old location. There was even a ceremonial moving of a tub of glowing embers from the pits to the new location to preserve the fiery/smoky heritage. However the original location stayed open with only the name change to Smitty's marking the transfer. Honestly, I never realized that there was a change and continued to patronize the place I had first discovered in the mid 1970's.
Arriving at the back of the building and parking in a large dusty parking lot, we enter through the back door and the first thing you see is a huge L-shaped pit fed by an open fire on each end. In the middle of the room is a large cutting block table and a counter with two scales. Standing in line you order and the items are weighed and then placed on red butcher paper (fine china or even plates are not available) with either crackers or white bread. Paying for your items, you enter the main store and order pickles, onions, cheese, avocados along with potato salad or beans and you are ready to eat! In the old day you were given butcher paper for and the knives were actually chained to the long tables and there was NO BBQ SAUCE. Now days BBQ sauce is served for those who care to indulge. I like mine mixed with some hot sauce.
I have been thinking about this meal since I my morning run and have ordered all of my favorites; brisket,3 ribs and a hot link along with some onions and pickles and an avocado. I think my eyes were bigger than my stomach! I offer some avocado slices to Randy but he is a purist and says he does not want any "vegetables" today. I will say this is NOT a spot for vegetarians or as Anthony Bourdain describes them, "their Hezbollah like allies, the vegans!" 
This is always a good time with plenty of conversation from my "First Thursday" friends and more than enough of some of the best BBQ you can find in the state. Oh...and that white bread? It is the best thing ever to sop up the grease that is in ALL good BBQ. I keep meaning to try one of the other places in town, which I know must be good but it's never "convenient" to do so. Smitty's is only a short drive from Austin and you can make it out, eat lunch and back in about an hour and forty five minutes so if you do have some time, make the trip. You will be glad you did and take a friend too!
Great post...no road trip to Austin is complete without a prolonged stop in Lockhart. The brisket rules!
Russell, I am so in the mood for ribs, rubbed with spices, no BBQ sauce!! Yummy!
So now I am in the mood to have some great BBQ. See what you've done! :) I love places like that!
Hey EARLY BIRD!!! You must have been up at the crack of Dawn to post this and it looks yummy!
I also love Smitty's and would enjoy going along next time. Is it a men's group only? If so we could always go on the weekend!
Russell - What an excellent job at profiling Smitty's. It sound like an awesome Texas hang out!
Russell, Since moving to Austin, I have learned more about great places to eat and things to do by reading your blog! keep up the great work!
Keith Thanks for stopping by! It's true, when we head to the coast we stop there too! Iwill have to check out your blog!
Susan I am with you about the ribs..I like them dry with the rubbed spices! i enjoy a moderate amount of sauce with brisket though!
Jim I am a big fan of all thing BBQ and I am betting that you have some favorite places in the Atlanta area!
Mattie Indeed i was UP early. I just got an earlier than usual start today! And I am hungry for BBQ, even this early in the day!
Margaret Since you work during the week we will have to take a leisurely drive one weekend. maybe over the Christmas holidays?
Bill It really is a Texas "Institution" and it is strange that in such a small town there are so many GREAT BBQ outfits! it's sort of BBQ power spot!
Erin Now that you mention it, I have written about a lot of local places of interest especially the type that serves local fare! Thanks for dropping by!
What a great article about an amazing BBQ joint! Great pictures but as a suggestion, I would love to see a pile of the great looking BBQ in an up close picture!
Anne I noticed that earlier i had neglected to include a picture of the "Russell Platter" so just now went back and added it! Thanks, it's making me hungry again!
Noticed you mentioned Anthony Bourdain in your post.If Anthony Bourdain did this TV anagram game he'd have a <a href="http://leonaraisin.blogspot.com/2008/12/lethal-nerve-chant.html">[lethal nerve chant]</a>. I just posted this one on my blog yesterday.
Russell,
Great barbecue has somehow evaded Tucson; don't you want to move out here and open something like Smitty's?! I was in line at the Tucson airport, waiting for my flight to Dallas to board. I asked the couple in front of me if they were traveling on business or pleasure. "We're going to Dallas for the weekend to get some barbecue" was the answer.
Mike in Tucson
Russell: There is nothing fancy about good barbecue. We have a good BBQ place in Chantilly. Again, nothing fancy. Just good, simple food. ..lots of grease.
Great post on what continues to make Austin such a great place to be from. That picture of brisket says it all!
????? Hey leave your name, I always enjoy checking out anything by Anthony Bourdain!
Mike That's pretty funny because we do take BBQ seriously here in Texas. maybe I will consider opening a place in Arizona as a second career BUT I would have to keep running so i did not swell up like Jaba the HUT!
Chris Ann Hi my friend...you truly understand the entire concept of BBQ!
Hey Michael Thanks for dropping by. Yeah...just looking at that photo make me hungry!
Smitty's is the subject of many of my daydrea-what?...Yeah, Smitty's? Hands down favorite for character and flavor. Get there early and get a juicy pork chop!
See now I gotta head my butt down to Lockhart... you are a powerful word slinger my friend!
Hey Featured Man, I am glad to see you are on your way to three blogs this week! Although I noticed you did not get featured, whats up with that?!? You are still raking in comments/points hand over fist so who cares! I also have to admit I love Smitty's BBQ too. They are awesome!! If you don't have time for the drive Stubb's is wicked good too! They even have a "spicy" BBQ sauce!
;)
Smitty's is only a short drive from Austin and you can make it out, eat lunch and back in about an hour and forty five minutes so if you do have some time, make the trip. You will be glad you did!
Hey Russell,
My mouth is watering!
By the way, this post also hits my funny bone. Many years ago, my dear Dad suggested naming me Smitty. Fortunately, my Mom would have none of it. :)
For years we have gone there.. You have to be careful when you come in the back door, you could step in the firepit..!! Personally, I like the brisket ends that are kinda crispy but tender underneath.. The sausage is exceptional but do have plenty of napkins.. My old friend Wayne Allen and I would go there.. He was a vegetarian and would eat the tomatoes, avocados, block cheese and live vicariously thru me.. Thanks for the flashback Russell.. By the way, how do you get all that grease and crap outa your beard and 'stache..??
Goodness I'm glad I'm reading this close to dinner time. I've been running all day and haven't eaten since this morning. I'm a pasta-holic, totally addicted to complex carbs. HAHA, now I know why you have to run so much. LOL
You are so good at writing about local events and fare. I have never been to Lockhart but will add it to my list of places to try. You have never led me to a bad place! In fact I have become addicted to Amy's Ice Creams after learning about that particularly delicious part of tasty Austin weirdness!
Russell, I LOVE TEXAS BARBECUE!! It is actually very similar to the barbecue we had in Colorado & Kansas but when we moved to North Carolina it was a new world. I guess you like best what you grow up with and Texas barbecue is very similar to what I grew up with. LOVE IT!!
Russell, what a great article. I am impressed that you took this simple idea of a road trip and made it memorable. I didn't know I was having so much fun.
I love your reviews of events & places, you give something for everyone in all of them! Congrats on the feature! I started reading your post earlier and got side tracked (imagine that - while working?) and came back tonight & there you are featured! Congrats! You deserve it! KM
Hey, this is a great post. Thanks for the information about your area.
OMG....OMG......OMG!!!
Originally from GA I can appreciate GOOD BBQ! Ever since I've moved to the wonderful NW of Portland, OR - I JUST CAN'T FIND ANY GOOD BBQ! :( :(
Thanks for making me hungry! ;)
OK Russell, Can you ship to Va in the middle of the night? I'm starving now!! Thanks! Great Post!!
Richard When I am feeling especially decadent, I order one of those 2 inch thick smoked pork chops! Wow!
Codie Thanks for the compliment my friend and thanks for dropping by. Next time I head out there I will try and remember to bring home a to-go sack of the good stuff!
Betina Thank you and YES, I always enjoy STUBBS and also the music. They do have great spicy sauce! Hey, it's funny but I wrote this and went to work and got busy, then managed to reply to a few comments and when i got up this morning I was given a gold star! I never know if or when they are arrivingbut I am always surprised and flattered! There are just so many good bloggers here!
Not Yet Licensed Oh man, I always like it when you drop by and that;; funny that you almost ended up with that "moniker". Hey, I had lunch with Jason today and your name came up, in a very good way as always!
BusterI never knew that about Wayne! I used to run into him on the running trail and I always liked him and miss him to this day. He was almost as eccentric as me in a lot of ways (you would get a laugh out of some of them) and though we did not hang out as much as you would think, I considered him a very good friend too!
Gail, Gail, Gail Me too, I am a fan of all things tasty. My wife and I ran the Rome marathon about 10 years ago and i am a fan of all things Italian and yes, I gained weight there!~ I would seriously swell up like Jaba the Hut if I did not run! (and I would probably not be nearly as easy to get along with too!)
Scott I do not know if it's going to bring me any business but I am having fun writing about the stuff I like about Austin! Tanks for coming by and commenting on a regular basis, I appreciate the encouragement!
Russell ... yum, yum .. that looks way to good! pippa
Oh my goodness!!! Are you intentionally trying to make me hungry?? I'm about to jump in the car and head to Texas right now. Seriously...my mouth is watering. Okay...I'm calming down now. :-) ~GBU~
Russell - Who let you in here anyway? Great post, buddy. As always, I enjoyed our (three hour) lunch today. Talk to you soon!
I meant to mention that I haven't tried Smitty's before - then again, I guess I haven't been to Lockhart more than a couple of times, either.
Great review Russell, My mouth is watering like crazy up here in the cold Snow of Canada. I hope they send you some referrals.
Thanks
Bill
Russell - I'm not sure there are any posts that drive the hunger bug my way more than yours. Feel free to float any recipes my way:)
Marchel So good of you to stop by! I am with you, we do love what we grow up with but when in other parts of the country, I always try the local fare. It's cool that I actually found some of the best BBQ pork ribs when we lived in the Twin Cities in Minnesota while my wife was in school!
??? Okay, is this one of my BBQ pals? Yes, we do indeed have fun!
Kristin I appreciate your comment, I have the same problem but it's good that we are continuing to WORK! I always enjoy reading your posts too and Thanks for dropping by, it's keeps me writing about fun stuff!!
Brian You are very welcome, drop by anytime!
Catina I know what you mean and some of these places do actually ship (I don't know about Smitty's though!)
Will What an enthusiastic response! There MUST be some BBQ there(among the vegetarians), vegetarian Call my favorite person in Portland, Jennifer Bukaty...no wait she is a vegetarian too. ...hmmm...I see your dilemma! (Portland is a lot like Austin- in all the best ways!)
Gotta go to work, I will return later to reply Thanks to everyone for dropping by!
Hey! You made the front page! Congratulations on the feature and thank you for continuing to write such great posts about the area! It beats the heck out of those mega posters that just put up multiple, no content, no comment blogs for points only! Hooray for you!
Alright now i need to book a flight to meet you guys at Lockhart...Great pics and mouth watering food...I'm there!
Hi Russell! We're a HUGE BBQ state here in NC too and these old fashioned BBQ shacks are quite popular. You just can't get enough of that good sauce!
Congrats on the little gold star! This is a GREAT Localism post!
Russell you always write the most interesting posts aboput the Austin arae and you seem to pick out some of the best local places to eat!
Another great and mouth watering post! Ihope your business is doing well in the current climate; you are keeping our spirits up wuth you infectious enthusiasm for life in Austin
Pippa It's absolutely delicious and is yet another reason I have to run so I do not swell up like a balloon!
Elizabeth Okay, you got me there, that is pretty funny and I have to admit the pictures made me hungry when I was writing the post!
Jason I had to sneak in and I'm just glad they let me stay...SO FAR! I too enjoyed our conversation at lunch today and I hope we have the chance again in the near future! We are fortunate that we were able to manage that much time because we always have so much that we can talk about! Thanks again!
Bill Hello to you up north! I actually lived near Canada for a couple of very frigid years but never gave up BBQ! I will have to check out your blog and see what's happening in your part of the world!
Jason Hello my friend, I am always glad to see you dropping by and there will be something in the mail for you soon!
Mattie Thank you, Thank you! I was fortunate to be picked and yes I do enjoy the Localism posts as much as anything i do at Active rain. I am so enjoying this place and all of the great people we have met while here!
Tim Come on down and if you are ever in Austin, give us a call, now I need to check out your blog!
Debe My fellow star searcher! i know your area is full of great BBQ too and you should do a Localism post about some of them! I always appreciate you dropping by!
Jeannette I appreciate your compliments and always look forward to you dropping by this blog! Thanks!
Lynne Good to hear from you! I do enjoy Austin and all it has to offer. I will also get by your office next week with some Christies Great Estates magazines!
Russell,
Thanks a lot for making my mouth salivate in disappointment because it's a long drive from here. If we ever head your way we'll definitely stop in at Smitty's for a bit of tasty dining.
That looks AMAZING! It is driving me crazy because I have never been to Texas and have no excuse to go. I did get to go to Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City recently and if Texas BBQ is anything like that then I am EXTREMELY jealous.
Tht looks so good! You need to bring a to-go pack back to your friends at the office!!!
Hey there, just stopped by to say congratulations on the featured post. We always enjoy your blogging efforts and it is so good that you receive recognition for your excellent posts!
Russell, You are a master at promoting local businesse - I try, but can't match you, Karen
The Travel Channel did a great piece on Smitty's in their Barbeque Paradise.
Esko I hope you do get a chance to visit here someday but I have to tell you that we actually ave quite a few great BBQ places so you better plan on having time to exercise to work off all the extra calories! Thank you for dropping by!
Tony & Libby I have eaten at Arthur Bryant's many years ago and it definitely lives up to it's world reputation ans Smitty's is an equal in all ways! Thank you for dropping by and commenting, you obviously know BBQ!
Suzy I would be glad to bring some to the office anytime I am out that way!
Allysoun Thanks for the kudos! I always enjoy Localism posts and I have bee fortunate to be featured now and again!
Karen I appreciate your compliment and have to tell you that I wish I could do market & neighborhood reports that are as informative and entertaining as yours! I still need to get around to some on at least a quarterly basis!
Greg I would like to see that and will look it up, I just hope I did Smitty's as good a job as I am sure Discovery did!
Russell: Sounds to me like I need to go for a long-distance ride one of these days. Sounds pretty yummy to me. Thanks for sharing.
I am not a sausage eater but that picture looks good. Thanks for the post and good info.
Karen Anne - Come on down to Austin anytime! I do know for sure that y'all have some good BBQ in Ft. Worth too!
Dee Dee - Funny you should mention that but I do not eat that much sausage but just had a hankering for some that day! Thanks for dropping by and commenting!
Russell, great local article highlighting the best BB in Lockhart. I love a good BBQ restaurant. And who has the best BBQ ... definitely TEXAS.
Hi Russell, I just dropped by and noticed that you did include a picture of the "Russell Plate" and it looks delicious!
Gena Great hearing from you and thanks for your comment, I am glad to find a fellow BBQ aficionado!
Anne Someone pointed out that I had no pictures of the actual BBQ in the post and I remembered that I had taken a picture of the pile of BBQ that I managed to devour while there!
Now I understand why Texans sre so proud!
I had to stop by here and congratulate you on being featured again! It's nice that you get recognition, especially when you are highlighting a local event or establishment! I am hungry for BBQ just looking at the pile of food on your butcher paper "plate"!
From all the way in Miami... DAMN I MISS SMITTY'S!!!
Colleen proud...yes and full of it at times! LOL Thank you so much fro dropping by!
Scott Thanks for the kudos, I really enjoy writing about local establishments and events more than just about anything these days!
Sarah Wow, you are a long way from home! Thanks for dropping by and I need to check out your blog!
I also discovered Smitty's in the mid-1970s. Haven't been there since 1992.
Best wishes for health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in 2009.
Russell, that's just about the time I found it. Completely old school and still had the name Kruez's until the aforementioned family breakup when one of the brothers moved down the street and took the name with him. I still have not been there, preferring the same old building and ambiance!
Hi,
I'm including a link to this as an example of a good blog. I just completed teaching a webinar for Virtual RE Bar Camp on How to Become an ActiveRain RainMaker. I'll be posting it shortly at www.activerain.com/results. Hope this is OK with you. :-)
Michelle, I would be flattered to be included. I will check out your post this morning! Thanks!
Love Smitty's as well.. I like the end cuts off the brisket with all the spices and best flavor..
Put some hot sauce on the avocados and I am set.. This food needs to be eaten Caveman style..
Some little birdy told me you go into the restroom afterwards and shampoo your beard..?
Buster I agree that BBQ can get very messy at times. I just looked at the pictures of our recent trip to the Salt Lick and need to get busy on that post soon!
OK OK OK, NOW I HAVE TO GO. THIS IS THE THIRD OR FOURTH TIME SMITTY'S MENTIONED IN MY PATH!
MOVED TO WIMBERLEY, TEXAS, 3 YEARS AGO... JUST A STONE THROW AWAY FROM LOCKHART.
TAKE CARE AND GOOD LUCK IN 2010 REAL ESTATE MARKET, AUSTIN IS HANGING IN THERE.