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Unpopular opinion: The brisket at that new place on Main Street in Austin was way too sweet...
I went there last Friday and the rub tasted like it had brown sugar in it, which just covered up the smoke flavor. The owner said it was their 'signature style' but it felt more like candy than real Texas barbecue. Has anyone else tried it and felt the same way?
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robin8362mo ago
The sweetness might be a play for the tourist crowd. A lot of new spots tone down the pepper to appeal to a wider audience. It's a business choice, but it sure changes the local flavor.
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rosew371mo agoTop Commenter
That "play for the tourist crowd" thing you mentioned really hits on something I've noticed in a bunch of different places lately. It's like everywhere you go, things are getting smoothed out to be more likable by more people. I see it in the music at coffee shops (all soft and samey now) and even in how people talk, like nobody wants to be too direct or opinionated anymore. There's this pressure to sand down all the rough edges so nothing offends anyone, and it honestly makes everything feel a little bland. I miss when local spots had that slightly edgy, imperfect character that made them feel real, you know?
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webb.jordan2mo ago
I get what you mean about the sweetness, robin836, but idk if it's just for tourists. Maybe it's a shift in what people actually like now, even locals. I've seen some places keep the heat but add a touch of sweet and it works. It doesn't always have to mean the flavor is gone, it might just be changing.
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