Terry Black's Barbecue — Review by Food Network
Austin, United States — Barbecue
Terry Black's Barbecue in Austin takes the number one spot for their legendary beef ribs, which are massive dino ribs with exceptional bark and tender, perfectly smoked meat. Run by twin pit masters Mike and Mark Black who carry on their family's barbecue legacy, the restaurant uses five 1,000 gallon smokers operating 24/7 to produce what is considered barbecue at its finest.
What was great: The beef ribs with insane bark, perfectly pink rosy smoke ring, unctuous tender meat that shakes off the bone, well-seasoned with salt and pepper, pure perfection
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of Terry Black's is their beef ribs, affectionately called dino ribs due to their massive size. These are essentially brisket on the biggest bone you'll ever see. The ribs are prepared simply but perfectly: a quick coat of mustard vinegar mix followed by plenty of salt and pepper before going into the smoker. The result is meat with an insane bark on the outside and a perfectly pink rosy smoke ring that indicates proper smoking technique. Inside, the meat is unctuous and tender, with collagen and fat that simply shakes off the bone. They're salty, peppery, savory, and absolutely delicious - described as barbecue at its finest.
The Experience
Terry Black's is operated by twin pit masters Mike and Mark Black, who proudly carry on their family's barbecue legacy in Austin, Texas. The Black family has been around for generations and are considered a royal family when it comes to Texas barbecue. The operation is serious and dedicated, running five 1,000 gallon smokers that are loaded up daily and operate 24/7 with fires that never go out.
Value & Pricing
The beef ribs are substantial at one pound each, offering great value for the quality of meat and smoking expertise involved.
Notable Moments
You see that perfectly pink, rosy edge from where the meat has been smoked, and then the meat inside has this unctuous, tender, like the collagen and the fat, everything is like, it just shakes off the bone.
This is like barbecue at its finest.
Barbecue is in our blood. We've been doing this our whole lives.
The Verdict
Terry Black's Barbecue ranks as the number one best barbecue in America according to Food Network's expert panel. The beef ribs are pure perfection and a must-try for anyone serious about experiencing authentic Texas barbecue. This restaurant is best for barbecue purists who appreciate the craft of smoking meat and understand that sometimes the simplest preparations yield the greatest results.