Brisket With a Beat

Then we waddled over to the next stop, Iron Works BBQ. This establishment doesn't impress with atmosphere as there's no air-conditioning--even in the summer. Framed pictures of Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire, and Woody Allen attest to its celebrity, though. We tried a sampler plate with beef, sausage, and ribs--it was all tasty. I was especially delighted with the big-as-Texas baked potato loaded with chopped beef, while the firefighters preferred the ribs. Gary just liked everything.

Another worthy dive, Sam's BBQ, skips the white tablecloths and opts for paper napkins. It's a local place, explains fire specialist Gary Wilks. Evidently so, because musicians LL Cool J and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan are listed among Sam's followers. For something different from the normal 'cue, patrons enjoy the mutton here.

A Moving Feast
To add some tunes to our barbecue adventure, those in uniform said a visit to Stubb's Bar-B-Q was a must. Gary and I agreed. Known as one of the top venues in town, Stubb's features live music, welcoming everything from popular rock bands and country crooners to no-name artists about to strike it big. In addition to the fun evening concerts, Stubb's throws a Sunday gospel brunch that made us believers. With gospel singers onstage and a heap of food from the buffet, we were hollering "hallelujah" by noon.

They also serve up some mean meals. I, along with the firefighters, thought the turkey breast and chicken were delicious. The ribs were another pick. Gary said go with the sausage or don't go at all.

Another spot that beautifully combines entertainment and eating is The Broken Spoke. This honky-tonk legend is known as the dance hall visitors must see when in Austin. Live country music bands play here Tuesday through Saturday nights while folks chow down on barbecue.

Strap On Your Boogie Shoes
We let the firefighters return to doing what they do best, putting out fires, and hit the dance scene on our own.

Austin boasts tons of places to get down and strap on those boogie shoes, be they cowboy boots or Birkenstock sandals. We found a new name to add to our list and revisited an old joint that's as good as ever.

Speakeasy, our discovery, is the kind of place where you want to get "duded up." It features a smooth, swanky setting where you can catch live music inside or simply enjoy the view from the Evergreen Terrace.

One of my favorite haunts from my college days, Antone's, is as fun as I remember. Known as a blues club, Antone's remains an Austin tradition. At this hole-in-the-wall, the audience is mere inches away from the entertainers.