Second Helpings: Austin Barbecue

1. Louis Mueller Barbecue

206 W. Second, Taylor, 512/352-6206

Mon-Thu, 9am-8pm; Fri, 9am-5pm

Sat, 9am till they run out of food

In Taylor, the Mueller family has been serving barbecue practically unchanged for more than 50 years in a little storefront with a rickety screen door. Here, the legendary brisket, chicken, beef and pork ribs, tenderloin, and two kinds of sausage (jalapeño & regular) attract customers from all over. It's a no-frills kind of place: no plates, no trays, just butcher paper and meat. The Muellers shy away from sugar in all their food, so instead of a thick, sweet sauce, you'll be served a savory meat jus with every order and potato salad bursting with the tang of dill pickles and mustard. The newly expanded seating area makes a tastefully prosperous addition to an established business.