In Texas, barbecue isn’t just food—it’s history. And every pit, every smokehouse, has its own unique story to tell.

Since our boys were young, we’ve made special road trips just for barbecue, with a side of Texas history along the way.

Since our boys were young, we made special road trips just for barbeque. Learning a little Texas history along the way would be a bonus.

One of our longest-standing traditions has been the hour-long drive to Elgin, just west of Austin on Highway 290. This has been the location of Southside Market since 1992. Southside Market was my first true taste of Texas barbecue—the sausage, brisket, and ribs that set the standard. We’ve enjoyed fantastic barbecue in other small Texas towns, but to me, Southside Market still holds the top spot.

William Moon first made his mark in 1882, selling fresh, smoked sausage door-to-door from a horse-drawn wagon. By 1886, he had opened his own butcher shop on Central Avenue in Elgin, where he served customers until selling the business in 1908.

The business changed hands a couple times since William Moon. In 1968, Earnest Bracewell Sr., a former U.S. Marine who served during the Korean War, purchased Southside Market. Previously a meat salesman for Armour, Bracewell expanded his business by selling to local grocery stores, which included H. E. Butt Grocery Company. Today, HEB still sells the famous Southside Market sausage in their stores.

Three generations later, the Bracewell Family still own Southside Market. In the last 10 years, other locations have opened in Bastrop, Austin, and Hutto. Yet, the well-worn, comfortable atmosphere of the Elgin store is why it’s my preferred location.                    

If You Want to Visit

Southside Market in Elgin is a 30-minute from Austin on Highway 290. This location is open Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 8 pm, and Friday through Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm. (Check the website for hours of their other locations).

As for many BBQ locations in Central Texas, visit early to avoid crowds! For lunch on holidays and weekends, lines get noticeably longer by 11:30 (including their drive-thru!).

What to Order

There isn’t anything you won’t like on this menu! Make it simple by choosing a meal plate, which gives you a choice of meat and sides, with generous portions. You can also order your meat preferences by the pound with the option to get singles or pints of a side. My sons can wholeheartedly recommend the mac and cheese, but I prefer their potato salad over other BBQ restaurants.

Be sure to save room for dessert—because they serve several flavors of Blue Bell, everyone’s favorite ice cream!

While there are many other choices for good barbeque in Central Texas and the Austin area, I’m confident that once you visit Southside Market, it will become your new favorite!