Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew

[Set the Controls]

Anyone been there yet? N. Lamar by the Yellow Rose. Run by the guy who used to work at Louie Mueller.

Went for lunch today. He talked me out of the brisket because he said it wasn't up to par today. Instead I had a beef rib, not quite as tender as JMueller but still among the best beef ribs I've had. Nice peppery bark. Potato salad was mustardy and good.

They also offer 3 types of sausage, pork ribs, and a pork steak that looked really good. 14.50/lb for brisket, 13.00/lb beef ribs, 7.50 for the pork steak. Beer selection could be better. Draft beers are all domestic light beers plus Shiner Bock, Dos Equis, and Austin Amber. Didn't pay much attention to the bottle selection.

[jt]

very curious as to how this place does. i know the owner a little bit and have zero confidence he knows what he's doing. seems like a $#@!ty location too.

[wherzwaldo]

My wife and I went there tonight upon the recommendation of someone who said it was better than both Louie Mueller's and Franklin's. We didn't try everything, but we got 1/2 pound of fatty brisket, 1/2 pound of lean brisket, 1/2 links of all three types of sausage, and a pint of macaroni and cheese. And just for a frame of reference when reading my opinion, both of those places are my favorite BBQ places, even more than the Lockhart or Elgin places.

Apparently Mueller's has been raising some hell about this place trying to piggyback on their success. Based only on our experience tonight, I don't think Mueller's has anything to worry about.

Brisket - Honestly, I would put it about on par with Pok-e-jo's brisket and it certainly has no business demanding a higher $/lb. It didn't have a lot of flavor, both the fatty and the lean were a little on the dry side, and even the fatty brisket was really tough; when I bit down on it I had to tug on it pretty good to gnaw a bite off. Contrast that with the fatty brisket from Mueller's, Franklin's, Smitty's, Kreuz, etc. where the brisket is almost falling apart when you pick it up off the plate and practically melts in your mouth. In general I thought the brisket was a major disappointment and as of right now doesn't belong in the discussion with the rest of the established BBQ joints.

Sausage - I've been spoiled by the sausage at Mueller's which, although greasy, has a lot of flavor (we especially like the chipotle). In that context, the sausage at Stiles Switch was also a letdown. All were pretty dry and also lacking in a lot of flavor. Neither of us could taste the difference between the "original" and the "Thorndale" sausage. The jalapeno sausage had the most flavor although even it tended to be more mild-tasting.

The macaroni and cheese was excellent, though, and I am a mac & cheese snob.

I know that this place just opened, that BBQ places in particular can have good days and bad days, and that we went late in the day and may not have gotten their best meat. Still, Overall, I find it a little outrageous that they are charging almost 50% more for their meat than Mueller's when their product is clearly inferior, but I guess they can get away with it since they're inside the city limits. Personally, I work just a couple of miles south of Stiles Switch, but at this point I would sooner take a long lunch and make the drive to Taylor or wait in line at Franklin's before going back.

[drunkfan#1]

Some of the most bland dry brisket I have ever had. And it was $14.50 lb! The sides sucked as well. I actually think the location had potential, but this place won't last long.

[Mr.Dolemite]

Much appreciation with the feedback, you saved me a trip.

[jimthompson]

full report on day one at stiles switch http://chowpapi.com/wordpress/wordpr...dpress/?p=1824

[Stu]

Went today. As much as I wanted to like this place, I just didn't. Very bland brisket and had an off putting (new pit maybe?) flavor. I'll probably go back in a few months to see if they get it fixed. Might still be working out the kinks.

[jt]

From facebook:

More local favorites just added on tap today at Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew .... (512) Brewing Company - IPA & from Live Oak Brewing Company HefeWeizen & Big Bark! Coming soon Thirsty Planet's, Bucket Head IPA & many, many more! Stop by this evening and help us test em out....Holiday Bowl kicks off at 7pm and we have the BBQ, Brew, and Bowl Game LIVE!

nice to see aggy isn't afraid to cash in on the longhorns.

[American Swindle]

Had it today and thought it was good. My BBQ pallet has been inactive to really compare to the Franklin's of the world, but I liked what I had. Worth a go if you don't want to wait in line at Franklin's. Apparently the pitmaster had worked with Aaron at some point in time.

[NCAAFBALLROX]

Had it today and thought it was good. My BBQ pallet has been inactive to really compare to the Franklin's of the world, but I liked what I had. Worth a go if you don't want to wait in line at Franklin's. Apparently the pitmaster had worked with Aaron at some point in time.

With Aaron (Franklin) or with John (Mueller)?

[pchTexas]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

[HenryJames]

You sound like you work there.

[HRMaddie]

The Real Deal

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

You sound like you work there.

^^^^this^^^^ - First post

[4UT]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

So you liked it?

[Crabman]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

This isn't Yelp.

[Bottlecap]

well, now i'm really not going. $#@! those yelp homos.

[PhatAtUT]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

[The Tres Leches]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

What a joke.

[El Guapo]

Dude, seriously? Couldn't you at least try not to be so obvious?

[bentleybrau]

Why is that dude's rep not red yet?

[Brisketexan]

I also recently ate at a great place in the neighborhood. The new hamburger joint, McDonald's, is incredible. The burgers are perfect and juicy -- everything you could want from a burger. They even have a super humungo burger called the "Big Mac" -- it has TWO patties, a special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, all served on a sesame seed bun. It puts all other burgers to shame. But there's more! They have the tastiest, crunchiest chicken nuggets I have ever had . . . which is what you should expect from a place where they invented the them! (at least that's what the manager I talked to told me). The atmosphere as as family-friendly as you could want -- they even have a playground! I won't even take time here to talk about the cool, crisp and delicious salads, or the BEST barbecue sandwich I have ever had (hint: they call it the McRib). You just have to go try this place out for yourself.

- Ronald M.

[smoky b]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

What time is your shift. If I go to this new, rockin place with a vintage feel, I'd like to avoid when you're working.

[immamac]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

You just committed suicide on this board. Congrats, no one is ever going to eat at you bbq joint from here.

[5280]

This isn't Yelp.

loll

[Jack Straw]

Why is that dude's rep not red yet?

needs a 4 to 1 ratio of red bars to posts asap

[judge roybeanbag]

Cut the guy some slack. Everybody likes to pimp their ride.

[Crabman]

ABW, Hops & Grain and others on here have a nice, subtle (i.e. shaggy-forward) way of pimping their "ride." This guy, not so much...

[erniefromclass]

i went there yesterday and there was a band-aid in my bbq.

today there was a toenail.

[TPCJ007]

The band-aid was holding the toenail on.

[wherzwaldo]

I gave this place another go yesterday. Brisket was slightly improved but still very tough and nowhere near Mueller/Franklin quality. Beef rib was good but also very tough.

I'm not going to bother going back when JMueller is about as convenient to get to.

[TXSooner518]

you better have some serious $#@! to be charging $15/lb for brisket, equal to JMueller and Franklin, the two best purveyors of brisket on the goddamn planet.

[PhatAtUT]

did those guys kill your horse or something? that seems a little over the top for one douchy post pumping themselves up.

[jt]

did those guys kill your horse or something? that seems a little over the top for one douchy post pumping themselves up.

this. wth rox?

[Traffic]

$#@! post, roflbox. you should ask that it be deleted.

I hope you were drunk when you posted that almost 3 in the morning.

[SPII]

This place is the real deal. Went with a bunch of buddies off the recommendation of a friend yesterday for lunch and was really impressed. The pit master studied under "the" Bobby Mueller for 9 years...a Texas BBQ Legend and man it shows. Brisket, Beef Rib, and the Switch Original sausage all rival the Central Texas best. This is def gonna be a regular on my rotation of spots in town. Atmosphere is rockin too..love the vintage feel and great beer selection w/lots of TVs for watching games.
Two thumbs up from me...cool place, outstanding BBQ, and awesome top notch group running this joint. Stiles Switch is a welcome addition to the North Central neighborhood.

haha, awesome. i'll be sure to NEVER go. if you want more customers, just make good food.

[wherzwaldo]

haha, awesome. i'll be sure to NEVER go. if you want more customers, just make good food.

Or charge a price that is fair for the quality of the food, i.e. knock about $5-6/lb off.

[Mr.Dolemite]

Harsh post, should remove that $#@!.

[equinox]

Awe, look...Roflbox is trying to do one of those Google Bomb things. How cute.

[NCAAFBALLROX]

did those guys kill your horse or something? that seems a little over the top for one douchy post pumping themselves up.

this. wth rox?

$#@! post, roflbox. you should ask that it be deleted.

I hope you were drunk when you posted that almost 3 in the morning.

Harsh post, should remove that $#@!.

Awe, look...Roflbox is trying to do one of those Google Bomb things. How cute.

Craig James killed a buncha hookers, right? I mean, that's what I read over on another thread. Allegedly killed 'em. Allegedly.

[El Guapo]

Despite the glowing shag review, I gave this place a try last night. Actually, it's not that bad. I found the brisket (mix of lean and fat, which the guy called "marbled") to be somewhat similar to Rudy's (yeah, I know, I'm in the "Rudy's is usually decent" camp so take that fwiw). Maybe a little dry but it was more like "late in the day" dry, and the flavor was good. Sausage was not good. I had the original and the Thorndale; don't bother. If there's a next time I'll get a couple of ribs instead.

The building is kinda cool. I guess this was the pool hall from Dazed & Confused? For some reason I always thought that was on Burnet, but I guess that's because I assumed it was near Top Notch.

Respectable selection of local beer on tap (Live Oak Hefe and Big Bark, 512 IPA, Circle Irish Stout, one more I forgot, maybe Firemans?) and a lot of bottles.

They're not there yet, but they have potential. Throw a little love their way - they're trying. Would be a good place for a happy hour, just sayin'.

I couldn't help looking at the guys there and wondering "which one of you dipsticks wrote the review on Shaggy?"

[El Guapo]

Correction: the fifth beer was Independence Amber, not Fireman's.

[Horn21]

I will save a review of the actual food, and just drop these 2 pics in here. I went in for a "sample" last week after work.

[El Guapo]

Yeah, i can't argue that it's overpriced for the quality. By no means is this even in the ballpark of Franklin or Shoeless Joe.

If it's any consolation, I think I saw that draft pints were $3.75, which is reasonable. So there's that.

[wherzwaldo]

[Bottlecap]

haha awesome

[Horn21]

awesome.

i will say that the beef rib (singular) was tasty. but $8.19? not that good.

2 ribs and 2 slices of brisket + tax cost me $19.18. wat?

[u2-horn]

Four stars on Full Custom Gospel

http://fcg-bbq.blogspot.com/2012/02/...-brew.html?m=1

[BigLeonard]

Had it last week. Brisket had near perfect texture, but tasted like nothing. I detected some pepper, but no salt. Pork ribs were inedible. Honestly, the worst I've ever had. Could've used at least 2 more hours on the pit. Sausage was very average. Half of the beef rib was just ok, but a few bites were chronic.

Overall very average, but there's some potential. Cool building too.

[Stu]

I've been back a few times over the past month or so. The beef and pork ribs are really good. The sausage is ok. The brisket is cooked really well, but please Lance... please if you're listening.. salt the $#@!ing brisket more! How many people need to complain about the lack of seasoning before you do something about it? It has improved quite a bit though.

[jt]

just had lunch there. not bad at all.

.5lb brisket - pretty good. good enough that i was down to my last 2 bites before i'd realized i hadn't tried the sauce yet. good flavor, good bark, nice and moist. will get again.

original sausage - damn good flavor. i like a coarser grind, but the peppery flavor was great. will definitely order again.

thorndale sausage - meh.

coleslaw - apparently they have two types and i got the lemon vinaigrette variety. meh. i'm a coleslaw guy and wasn't a fan. i'll try the mayo based one next time.

good iced tea, but lemon in packets? c'mon man!

need to go back to check out both variety of ribs and the jap sausage.

as much as i dislike that part of town, i'm glad they are doing something quality w/ that space - it was nothing/crap for YEARS.