Dining Out: Po-Ke Joes BBQ

AUSTIN - One thing I like about Po-Ke Joes BBQ is that it is utterly without pretense. This aint no white tablecloth joint that puts on airs. They just put out piles of very serviceable Austin-style BBQ and hang up the welcome sign!

Owners Danny Haberman and Doug Bohne [along with papa Porky], a couple of genuine Texas boys, have been serving Austin since 1979. And were here today at their newest store at Brodie Oaks on S. Lamar, just across from the Texican café. Darryl Royals maxim: dance with who brung ya works at Po Ke Joess. No big changes, just consistently good food served by an upbeat crew.

That certainly works for me. The key to good BBQ is that you dont want to have to think about it. Just settle back and enjoy. And I enjoy the Pork Ribs. They are succulent, fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy, and just flat out tasty. Add more adjectives if you care to: theyre that good. And so are the Beef Ribs. These babies require precision in the kitchen and Po-ke-Joes does it right. They are huge and a little smoky yet very accessible. A Texas tradition if there ever was one.

The sausage at Po-Ke-Joes is house made. And why is that important: because sausage, to me, is the holy grail of BBQ. I like mine with a thin casing, great flavor, and staying power. And man does that describe Po-Ke-Joes sausage. They dont overwhelm it with herbs like some faux BBQ joints. Its just a little greasy and really tasty. And you can eat enjoy one after its been sitting out for more than a few minutes. Equally moist and tender is the Pork Loin. This is a great cut with that rich savory flavor that is common to the loin. Their sliced Brisket is also worthy of your consideration. Im not a big Brisket fan but its hard not to like the tender, aromatic and hugely flavorful slices that they dish out here.

And if beef or pork is not your thing, then try the ½ chicken of the turkey breast. Again, when it comes to cooking BBQ, the key to foul is to make it tender, smoky, and most importantly, texturally sound. All one has to do, and trust me, Ive done this, is dig into either one and youll agree with me: these birds fly with flavor!

You cant talk about this place without mentioning the sides. At many BBQ joints, the sides are kind of a throw away. Not at Pok-e joes. I am a fan of the Buttered Corn, the Broccoli salad [whens that last time youve seen one of those at a BBQ place?] and the really tasty Baked Potato casserole.
Hell, even a vegetarian could have a blast at Pok-e-Joes.

So slide down S. Lamar to the new Brodie Oaks location of Pok-e-Joes and join me for some rib-stickin lunch or dinner. This is an Austin owned and operated restaurant and you know how I love those.