News Summary
Austin, Texas, has embraced a new dining experience with the opening of Black Gold, a restaurant owned by chef Mems Davila. This establishment combines classic barbecue traditions with upscale culinary twists, showcasing smoked brisket, pork ribs, and an exquisite German-style sausage selection. The restaurant features custom-built smokers named after legendary musicians and offers a refined atmosphere with full table service. Black Gold aims to redefine the barbecue experience, making it convenient and consistent while honoring Texas’s rich culinary heritage.
Austin Welcomes a New Twist on Classic Barbecue: Black Gold
Austin, Texas, known for its vibrant food scene and love for barbecue, has just upped the ante with the opening of Black Gold, a restaurant that puts a gourmet spin on the cherished Texan barbecue tradition. Owned by the talented Mems Davila, who serves as both chef and pitmaster, Black Gold thoughtfully merges classic flavors with a touch of upscale innovation.
Where Tradition Meets Culinary Creativity
At the heart of Black Gold is a deep appreciation for Texas’s rich barbecue heritage, deeply inspired by Davila’s roots in the Rio Grande Valley. The name “Black Gold” serves as a nod not only to Texas’s booming oil history but also to the exquisite bark created on perfectly smoked brisket—a true treasure of the BBQ world. This unique blend of honoring the past while stepping into the future is what makes Black Gold truly stand out.
Smokers and Star Power
Walking into Black Gold, you can’t help but notice the trailer-mounted smoker in the parking lot, which acts as a welcoming beacon for barbecue lovers. Inside, two impressive 1,000-gallon offset barrel smokers, affectionately named “Jimmie” and “Stevie Ray” after legendary Austin musicians, command attention. These smokers are at the core of their cooking process, shaping the flavor profiles of the meats that grace their menu.
A Menu that Celebrates Classic and Upscale
Black Gold features all the crowd favorites you’d expect from a Texas barbecue joint, with a focus on the barbecue trinity: beef brisket, pork ribs, and a mouthwatering selection of German/Czech-style sausage. However, what sets it apart is its upscale offerings. Enter the “Wunder Chop”, a meticulously brined, double-cut pork chop that is smoked to perfection and reverse-seared, providing an unparalleled flavor experience. If you’re in the mood for something unique, try the crispy duck, which is served with savory poblano crema and a zesty mango-habanero sauce.
Drinks that Dazzle
Complementing the food is a drool-worthy drink menu crafted by bar manager Marcus Calderon and his consultant Wyn Vida. Guests can unwind with craft cocktails that elevate the dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional beef rib, indulging in pulled pork, or savoring turkey, the beverage options only enhance the deliciousness of the meal.
Casual Daytime Fare to Adventurous Evening Dining
The dining patterns at Black Gold tell a story of their own. During lunch hours, most diners lean towards the classic barbecue offerings that have made Texas famous. As the sun sets, however, the atmosphere shifts, with patrons opting for bolder choices like the pork chop or duck—all while enjoying attentive, full table service. This is a contrast to the usual counter service seen in most barbecue spots, showing that Black Gold aims for a more refined experience.
An Elegant Dining Experience Awaits
The restaurant’s elegant design enhances the experience. From the beautifully arranged dining room to the inviting bar area and cozy patios, every detail reflects a commitment to creating a comfortable yet upscale environment. Patrons are encouraged to make reservations and look forward to personalized service from a dedicated waitstaff.
Convenience and Consistency
Conveniently located at 1521 W Anderson Ln. in Austin, Black Gold is open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant truly sets out to redefine what dining in a barbecue joint can look like, combining classic Texas flavors with elevated service that feels like a treat. The success of Black Gold illustrates that sometimes, the best meals are those that honor tradition while embracing innovation!
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Additional Resources
- Houston Chronicle: Black Gold BBQ in Austin
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Texas Monthly: Pachuco’s Unique BBQ
- Google Search: Texas BBQ
- Eater Twin Cities: Best BBQ Restaurants
- Google Scholar: Barbecue Culture
- STL Mag: A Touch of Texas BBQ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Cuisine
- Globe Newswire: Dickey’s BBQ Pit Anniversary
- Google News: Barbecue Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
