2017 - J. Leonardi's BBQ

Texas Passions - J. Leonardi's BBQ.  Season 2, episode 6

A look at the barbecue served at J. Leonardi's BBQ in Austin, Texas.

A friend called me up and asked me if I would like to go to lunch.  I told him there was a barbecue joint in east Austin that I wanted to try.  I had been hearing good things about it and needed to check it out for myself.  He said yes and I said yes, so off we went to J. Leonardi’s BBQ.  I sure am glad my friend called. . .

J. Leonardi’s opened in 2016.  They are located just behind a gas station and serve barbecue out of a trailer at 1149 ½ Airport Blvd. at the intersection of Oak Springs Drive.  My friend and I were driving south on Airport trying to find them.  I was about to keep going when my buddy spotted smoke coming from a smokestack.  As we walked up, we were surrounded by the sweet aroma of mesquite and oak.  If the smell was any indication, we were in for some good barbecue.

I ordered my usual half pound of moist brisket and a couple of pork ribs.  These were served with a cup of sauce and some pickles and onions.  The brisket was superb: great outer bark, deep smoke ring, meat so tender you could easily cut it with a plastic fork.  Really good.  The baby back ribs were meaty and tender, with a sweet glaze on them.  The meat easily pulled from the bone when I bit into it.  Their sauce was a thick, sweet red sauce that was a good compliment to the meat.

My friend got a two meat plate with brisket and sausage.  Like me, he really enjoyed the brisket.  I stole a bite or two of his sausage.  Very tasty, as were the side of beans he had gotten.  After we finished eating, Jerome the pit master gave me a quick tour of the pits.  At the time, he was cooking smoked cabbage.  My friend and I had never tried that, so Jerome was kind enough to give us a free sample.  Peppery with a deep smoky flavor.  Delicious.

J. Leonardi’s has several covered picnic tables to eat at.  They have a small stage where live music is served up.  We were enjoying music from James Brown as we ate our lunch and talked with Jerome and other members of their crew.  Their prices are very reasonable and the smiles are free.

J. Leonardi’s – great barbecue, super friendly staff, good music to enjoy.  A hidden gem in the Austin barbecue scene.

I rate this barbecue two Hook ‘Ems!