Distant Relatives

"There’s no shortage of great barbecue sandwiches in Austin, but the reason Distant Relatives takes our top spot isn’t even for the meat—though that’s also a high point—it’s for the sauce on top of it. It changes seasonally, but our favorite is when it’s a pickled green bean remoulade that adds some great texture and tang to cut through the fatty brisket and buttery brioche bun. But even if you find it topped with pickled cucumbers, cabbage, or something entirely different, we promise you’re going to enjoy whatever’s between that bun. What to get: Beef brisket sandwich" - nicolai mccrary

"Michelin and Eater have recognized this McKinney barbecue truck for its ridiculously great smoked meats. Pair succulent chicken, pulled pork, or brisket with tangy sauces, and add hearty sides like black-eyed peas and burnt ends. Distant Relatives is located at Meanwhile Brewing, a family-friendly brewery with lots of space to spread out on the sprawling shady lot or inside." - Erin Russell

"Pitmaster/chef/owner Damien Brockway and the team behind the McKinney truck at Meanwhile Brewing have quickly made a huge impression in the local barbecue scenes. It was named one of Eater’s best new restaurants of 2021 and Eater Austin’s food truck that same year, plus the pitmaster is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist (2022 and 2023). The menu honors and explores what modern African American fare really is with a Texas lens, which leads to items such as pulled pork served alongside tamarind barbecue sauce and brisket with a smoked mustard-butter sauce. Service-style: food truck-style service with indoor and outdoor dine-in areas courtesy of the host site; takeout orders can be placed in person. Days and hours: Wednesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. or until everything is sold out; noon to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday or until everything is sold out. Line situation: Minimal, but longer on weekends Recommended orders: brisket, pulled pork, chicken leg quarters, burnt ends with black-eyed peas." - Nadia Chaudhury, Erin Russell

"The McKinney food truck has grown into an essential Austin barbecue spot — there’s a reason Eater named it one of the best restaurants in the country and in the city in 2021. James Beard Awards semifinalist pitmaster Damien Brockway and his team showcase the foodways of the African American diaspora through a deceivingly casual menu. There are succulent chicken legs paired with a chile-vinegar dip, pillowy pulled pork with tangy tamarind-molasses barbecue sauce, and superb sides like burnt ends mixed with black-eyed peas. Takeout orders can be placed in person; host site Meanwhile Brewing has indoor and outdoor dine-in areas." - Nadia Chaudhury, Erin Russell

"A food truck at Meanwhile Brewing with a Bib Gourmand award, blending West African and Virginia roots with Texas barbecue." - Nancy DePalma