401 w. 2nd st
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 494-1500
Lambert's is fancy-schmancy BBQ in downtown Austin. Stephen and I happen to love going there – it’s really close to our house, the food is well-prepared, and it is creative. However, if you’re looking for classic, stick-to-your ribs, Texan BBQ, this is not the place for you. Even so, I would recommend checking it out at least once.
The restaurant is housed in the Historic Schneider Brothers Building that was saved from demolition during one of Austin’s recent building crazes. The interior is very well down, all-most hipsterish. It has exposed brick walls, long, green banquettes, and an old-timey bar. There’s also a small, live-music venue upstairs that has food service as well. Overall, it's a design coup.
Another thing that sets this BBQ joint apart is its wine list, or the fact that it even has one. It has a great selection by the glass, as well as by the bottle. Plus they also will have special wines on offer periodically – I had a great Viader recently. The cocktail list is inventive as well and involves the usual suspects – fresh fruit to muddle, hand made mixers and quality liquors. And of course there is a well-rounded, somewhat Texas-focused beer list. This is a nice place to grab a drink.
BBQ is more of an inspiration than even a guide for a lot of the menu. It has great starters and salads – the deviled eggs are fantastic and the achiote seared chickpeas and goat cheese are unexpected and a healthy/filling alternative. I will say that while I love the fried green tomatoes at Uchi, they are not that great at Lambert's. I would avoid. The main course section of the menu has undergone some revisions over the last few years. There are now two sections – oak smoked and oak grilled. I really like the brisket – brown sugar and coffee rub – and the jalapeno hot links. If you want to have lighter fare, the fresh market fish is always excellent and the cold smoked bandera quail is consistent as well. Lambert's does have that irritating habit of not providing enough veggies with their mains, and so there is a “family style sides” section. I usually will get the spinach or the collard greens, though you haven’t lived until you tried the green chili cheese grits. Quite frankly, I’m usually too stuffed for dessert, but I have managed to eat the fried pear pie, and it was nice but not stunning.I really love going to Lambert’s for brunch. It’s one of these all you can eat affairs. They have an amazing house-smoked salmon, and usually also offer a spicy, egg hash, as well as other breakfast regulars, BBQ staples, and lovely desserts. It’s a little pricey, but it’s worth it.
Head down to Lambert's to check out a little variety in your BBQ. The restaurant is fun just to see – it’s quite well-designed. The food is inventive and well-prepared and you could always just grab a drink and listen to some of Austin’s famous live music. Not a bad way to spend an evening…. ☆☆☆
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