Talking BBQ with Arlo
Snow's vs Ruby'S BBQ
Here's a detailed comparison between Snow's BBQ in Lexington, Texas, and Ruby's BBQ in Austin, Texas.
Both represent classic Central Texas-style barbecue—oak-smoked meats with simple seasoning—but they deliver vastly different experiences.
Reputation and Prestige
Snow's BBQ stands as a true Texas legend.
Opened in 2003 in the tiny town of Lexington (population around 1,300), it earned #1 BBQ joint in Texas honors from Texas Monthly in both 2008 and 2017. It consistently ranks in the Top 50 (often top 10–30 in recent years, including 2025 and 2026 lists) thanks to the artistry of 90-year-old pitmaster Tootsie Tomanetz—a James Beard Award semifinalist, Barbecue Hall of Fame inductee, and star of Netflix's Chef's Table: BBQ.
Owner Kerry Bexley and pitmaster Clay Cowgill round out the team. The place draws international pilgrims, with visitors from Scotland, Brazil, Japan, and beyond.
Ruby's BBQ, family-owned since 1988
Near the University of Texas campus, earns praise as a reliable local favorite. It offers solid, consistent Texas barbecue without the statewide hype or major "best of" list appearances.
Reviewers call it underrated and dependable rather than transcendent—perfect for everyday cravings but not a bucket-list destination.
Edge: Snow's for prestige and cultural icon status.
Location and Accessibility
Snow's sits about an hour east of Austin in rural Lexington—remote and charming, with a small-town feel complete with cattle auctions nearby. Ruby's enjoys a convenient central Austin spot in the campus area, making it easy for locals, students, and visitors to drop in without a long drive.
Edge: Ruby's for convenience.
Hours, Atmosphere, and Experience
Snow's operates Saturday only, opening at 8 a.m. and selling out often by early afternoon (sometimes noon–1 p.m.). The ritual involves arriving extremely early—lines can form by 4–5 a.m., with people bringing folding chairs, sharing beers, chatting with fellow enthusiasts, and even participating in raffles for coolers.
It's a full pilgrimage: part community event, part adventure.
Once inside the modest wood-frame building, you might snag a photo with the legendary Tootsie herself. The limited schedule adds to its mystique but requires serious planning.
Ruby's offers regular daily hours with a casual, no-fuss vibe—sit-down or takeout without marathon waits. It's approachable for groups, families, or spontaneous meals.
Edge: Snow's for memorable adventure; Ruby's for ease and predictability.
Food Quality and Menu
Both use post oak (or oak) for classic Central Texas smoking: tender, smoky meats with a peppery bark and minimal sauce.
Snow's excels at peak quality. Standouts include astonishingly tender brisket, meaty pork spare ribs, juicy chicken with mop sauce, and the signature pork shoulder steak—often called one of the best bites in
Texas barbecue.
Sausage shines too. Sides stay simple (beans, slaw, banana pudding). Meats earn raves for moisture, flavor, and balance; many call it competition-level or "otherworldly."
Ruby's delivers reliable all-natural brisket, ribs, and chicken, plus greater variety: homemade sides (traditional and creative), vegetarian options, and some Cajun influences. It's flavorful and satisfying without extremes—great for those seeking consistency over perfection.
Reviewers generally rate Snow's meats a clear notch higher, especially unique items like the pork steak. Ruby's shines for accessibility and accommodating diets.
Edge: Snow's for top-tier excellence.
Price and Practicality
Pricing falls in the similar $$ range (meats by the pound). Snow's can mean disappointment if you arrive too late and miss favorites. Ruby's proves more predictable for larger groups or last-minute plans. Both welcome takeout; Snow's even offers online meat ordering for shipping on some days.
Bottom Line
If you're a serious barbecue enthusiast seeking a legendary, rite-of-passage experience with world-class smoked meats and Texas lore, make the trek to Snow's BBQ—it's worth the early wake-up and drive for many.
Plan ahead, embrace the line, and savor the atmosphere.
For convenient, consistently good barbecue without hassle—especially if you're in Austin with a group or short on time—Ruby's BBQ delivers hearty satisfaction and more menu flexibility.
Serious fans often do both: grab everyday classics at Ruby's any day of the week, then treat
Saturday as a special event at Snow's. Either way, you'll taste authentic Central Texas barbecue rooted in tradition, smoke, and passion. The Lone Star State's BBQ scene thrives on these contrasts—hype versus reliability, pilgrimage versus practicality.
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