If you're chasing barbecue in Austin, there's a spot that doesn't get nearly as much noise as the big names but keeps people coming back. Distant Relatives has been smoking meat since August 28, 2020, and it's set up in a way that's hard to beat for a casual afternoon: its trailer sits right in the backyard of Meanwhile Brewing Co., so you can pair your plate with a beer from one of the city's best breweries without leaving the grounds. It's at 3901 Promontory Point Drive, out in the 78744 zip code, and it runs Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm, with both dine-in and takeout options. Expect to spend somewhere in the $20 to $30 range for a meal.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Austin and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
The reviews tell a pretty consistent story. With a 4.5-star average across nearly 300 ratings, the consensus leans heavily toward the meat being the real deal. Brisket and beef shoulder get plenty of love, but there's a running theme among the regulars: don't sleep on the chicken. One customer called it 'insanely good,' and another urged beef fans not to overlook it, calling it 'tops.' It's the kind of place where the chicken ends up being the sleeper hit of the menu, which is a good sign anywhere that takes its brisket seriously.
Beyond the meat, people appreciate the details that come with it. The bread is toasted just right, the sides are solid, and the staff gets a fair amount of praise for being welcoming. One reviewer noted that Distant Relatives considers every detail, from the toast to the accompaniments, which is what separates a good plate from a great one. It's not a fancy sit-down affair — it's a trailer in a brewery yard — but that's part of the appeal. You order at the window, grab a table outside, and let the beer and the barbecue do the work.
There's one practical thing worth knowing before you go: parking can be a bit of a scramble. It's the one note that pops up more than once, but the general feeling is that it's well worth the effort. If you're planning a visit, it's worth arriving a little earlier than you think you need to, especially on a busy weekend, so you're not circling the lot while the good cuts are selling out.
So, if you're in the mood for barbecue and don't mind a bit of a trek out to Promontory Point Drive, Distant Relatives is a strong contender. It's a straightforward, no-frills operation that lets the food speak for itself, and with Meanwhile Brewing Co. pouring right next door, it's an easy way to fill an afternoon. Just remember the hours — Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm — and maybe give that chicken a chance, since that's what everyone seems to be talking about.
