John Mueller: Austin, TX

In Texas, the Mueller family name means barbecue. We visited Louie Mueller Barbecue yesterday, La Barbecue "Cuisine Texicana" Thursday, and John Mueller Meat Co. today. All of those spots have a true Mueller name connected to them. The Muellers have also been mentors to or outright trained some of the most successful pitmasters in Austin. A family tree of this would be a pretty cool image.

John has a reputation (he's been called "irascible" among other things) and and I got to experience it firsthand. But in the end, I think he's a straight shooter. Good or bad, at least you aren't guessing where you stand with him. When it comes to his 'cue and sides, I was impressed. Highlights for me were the beef and pork ribs, sriracha slaw, and creamy yellow squash. If you're chasing BBQ in Austin and find John Mueller, dodge the right jab and counter with a BBQ purchase and a smile....that ought to soften him up. Or just bring my friend Dan Baker along, everyone seems to love him! #chasingbbq