Black Iron Eats

Brotherton's is about a mile off IH-35. It sits in a small strip center located on a side road. It was difficult to see as you approach, and I relied on my GPS. Once in the parking lot, there are signs at the top of the building exterior facade. I arrived at about a quarter till noon on a Thursday. The parking lot is not huge, but there were several available spots. I walked in and was pleasantly surprised to see no line. The staff were very friendly and ordering was straight forward. I had tried their boudin at the Houston BBQ Festival and knew I wanted more. I also ordered brisket, a rib, and jalapeño cheddar sausage. I went with collard greens and the green chile mac n cheese for sides. I also got a couple more boudin links, brisket, and a pulled pork sandwich to go. I made my way to the main seating area, which is located on the other end of the building. It was a nice area that belied the building's plain exterior. Though there aren't a ton of tables, seating was ample, and I didn't see any one wait for a seat. The seating area was neat, clean, and had a cool retro feel. I liked looking at the hats from other barbecue joints that were on shelving at the top of the walls. The moist brisket was excellent, flavorful and, well, moist! The rib was also excellent. It had a sweet flavor and was also moist. The jalapeño cheddar sausage was also very good! I was a little disappointed in the boudin, as it was a little on the dry side. It wasn't bad, but was a notch or two below the other meats. The collard greens looked really good, but had a little bit of a bitter finish. The mac n cheese looked a little dry on top, but once I dug in, I found it moist, with a fantastic creamy cheese flavor! By the time I finished, I knew I had to go back through and order another jalapeño cheddar sausage link and another rib to go. I told the staff how much I liked the rib and learned they use a mango habanero glaze. The ribs, brisket, sausage, and mac n cheese were definitely the stars of the show! My wife had the pulled pork sandwich later that day and she said it was very good. By the way, the restroom was also clean. The greater Austin area has so many great spots, including several great barbecue spots that I likea lot, but this one is well worth a visit! I'll certainly be back!

We checked this place out after we saw they were listed in the Top 50 BBQ list. Meats we’re good, sides not so much. Greens had way too much vinegar in them. Staff seemed rushed although it wasn’t busy. No bbq sauce was provided with our to go order. I really wanted to like it overall but definitely wasn’t worth the price. I may give them another shot and try out their burgers and a dessert, I’ll update then.

Stopped in for lunch today. The brisket I had was tasty but needed more flavor. The atmosphere is nice and welcoming but the food could be better tasting. The green beans were ok but needed more seasonings. I thought the pickles were bland too. The details matter! Maybe next time I'll try other meats to compare.

Based on recommendations I had lunch at Brotherton’s Black Iron BBQ. I decided on the three-meat sampler and went with Brisket, Jalapeño Cheddar Sausages, and Ribs with green beans and tater tot casserole. Easiest way to describe this meal…IMPRESSIVE. The meats were delicious, the bark on the brisket perfect, and the ribs were fall off the bone YUM, and the sausage…incredible. The cheese oooooooozing out of the meat and the spice was perfect…the BEST Jalapeño Cheddar Sausages I’ve ever enjoyed. The tater tot casserole was good but the green beans were “Thanksgiving Dinner” delicious. Overall great food and excellent service. In Texas where BBQ is everywhere, this place stands well above the crowd!!!

Great bbq restuarant. Brisket is smoked perfectly. Has a nice peppery bark. Way above average brisket. Sausage also was above average. Don't know if they make their tres leches cheesecake or not but it was dry and tasted like it was a day or two old. Stick with the meat. Didn't get a chance to try any sides. Staff was friendly and helpful.