Louie Mueller Barbeque, A Smoking Reputation In The Making Since 1949

We finished the grandchildren’s soccer games Saturday morning in Cedar Park, Texas and six of us hopped into to car headed to Taylor, Texas.  Our destination is arguably one of the best known BBQ joints in the Great State of Texas (here its referred to as "barbeque"). 

Located on the main drag through the town, Louie Mueller Barbeque has been shoveling ribs, brisket, sausage, poultry, steaks, and fixin’s over the counter for three generations.  It has a reputation for BBQ aficionados that’s been 68 years in the smoking.

It’s in a rustic old building that is loaded with so much character it ought to be outlawed.  A torn screen on the front door that most places would replace fits right at home within the “experienced” black frame.  Old neon beer signs and advertising art hold their spots on the walls.  A large display of yellowing business cards is a great place to mark your own attendance here.  A simple sign out front list the meats that are available today.  Mueller’s is subject to close when they run out of meat prepared daily. 

We were greeted with a long line of folks that had the same idea as us when we arrived at 11:30.  You see, you get in line and it crawls to the counter where you give your order and they hand it over.  In all we were in line an hour, give or take a few minutes.  This gave us an opportunity to chat up a nice couple that had retired to West Lake from upper New York.  This was their second go around here and they had brought some home state friends with them to back up their bragging rights.  

The line never go shorter as we slowly made our way to the counter.  When we left the two hours later the line was just about as long winding its way out the door and onto the sidewalk.  Don’t let that scare you.  The wait and the line are worth the time!  But, you can call in orders.  AND, they ship nationwide!  You can order off their web page.

The place lives up to its venerable reputation.  I felt like one stuffed turkey when I skinned my last rib!  I had made a mess of me and the table.  It’s my belief that all barbeque should be finger food.  And since Muellers doesn’t serve plates, I just rolled up my scraps into my serving paper, tossed it in the trash, and found a spot to clean up.

It’s not by accident that this place has been written up in the New York Times, Texas Monthly, and any publication worth its salt that ever prints anything on barbeque.  The Muellers have a formula and they stick to it, much to my taste and appreciation.  Do yourself a favor and make the drive and relax.  After all, you will be in the country.

PHONE

Restaurant (512) 352-6206
Office (512) 365-1700

LOCATION

206 W. Second Street
Taylor, TX 76574

HOURS

Mon-Fri 11am–6pm
(or until sold out)
Sat 10am–6pm
(or until sold out)
Sun CLOSED