South Austin restaurant and performance space closing after 2 decades

Austin’s Terry Black’s Barbecue is finally firing up the pit in New Braunfels. The rapidly growing chain will open the highly anticipated Hill Country restaurant on September 15 in the former home of Los Cucos Mexican Cafe at 1310 E. Common St.

“We’ve had our eye on New Braunfels for a long time,” said cofounder Mike Black via a release. “It’s a city with deep Texas roots, a strong sense of community and a lot of energy behind it. We’re proud to plant some roots here ourselves and can’t wait to start serving New Braunfels.”

Mark Black and siblings Christina and Michael founded the concept in Austin in 2014, naming the joint after their father, Terry. The concept, however, wasn’t just a paternal homage. The trio carries on a family tradition started by their grandfather, Edgar Black Sr., the founder of Black’s BBQ in Lockhart.

Although the chain now has eight locations, it has passed on shortcuts in favor of time-honored techniques. Terry Black's sticks to old-school Central Texas smoking, serving meats-by-the-pound like brisket, beef ribs, turkey, jalapeno cheddar sausage, and gargantuan dino ribs. Sides include Southern-style classics like coleslaw, mac ‘n’ cheese, creamed corn, and banana pudding.

Guests can see the pitmasters work on site.Photo courtesy of Terry Black's Barbecue

“I think the thing that really sets our family apart is that we take pride in every product we put out there,” said Mark Black in an earlier release. “You don’t come in here and get a set plate of food. You can order a slice of brisket, a rib, and a sausage link all at once to get a taste of each unique menu item, perfected after several hours of smoking and preparation.”

Although long-and-slow cooking is at the heart of the operation, Terry Blacks has made a few tweaks to adapt to on-the-go customers. The chain speeds things up with multiple cutting blocks and constantly loaded pits. Still, a selection of Texas craft beers and the restaurant’s signature frozen margarita rewards those who want to sit a spell.

The roomy $5 million space gives guests plenty of room to sprawl, including a large dining room and a two-story outdoor deck that will undoubtedly be packed in the fall. Private dining will become available in the upcoming weeks. Hours are 10:30 am to 9:30 pm Sundays through Thursdays, 10:30 am to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays.

With the New Braunfels location completed, Terry Black’s is next headed south on the Interstate 35 corridor. Construction is well underway on a plot at 2101 Broadway in San Antonio, which will eventually house two restaurants, a hotel, and a bathhouse.