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Freedmen’s Owner Opens New Hill Country Barbecue Restaurant

Texas 46 is now dedicated to smoked meats, along with music and drinks

Sandwiches from Texas 46
Sandwiches from Texas 46
Matt Lankes
Nadia Chaudhury is the editor of Eater Austin covering food and pop culture, as well as a photographer, writer, and frequent panel moderator and podcast guest.

Freedmen’s owner Cuatro Kowalski opened a new barbecue restaurant out in Spring Branch, Texas, found southwest of Austin and north of San Antonio. Texas 46 BBQ took over the former Texas 46 Bar and Grill on 2 Sun Valley Drive.

Chef and pitmaster Austin Fry smoked up meats in four thousand-gallon offset smokers. That means briskets, pork butts, beef ribs, and house-made sausage, available by the half-pound. Other dishes include updated takes on classic dishes like chicken fried steak burgers, poutine with pork ribs, skillet pies, and more.

Fry was previously the executive chefs of Roaring Fork and La Condesa, as well as the executive chef of Blue Smoke out in Hong Kong.

Over at the bar, Texas 46 includes draft beers, wines, frozen drinks (including a frosé), and cocktails.

Kowalski took over the 30-year-old restaurant last summer and updated the space, but kept the same easy vibe. It officially opened earlier in February.

Texas 46 BBQ is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Texas 46 BBQ

2 Sun Valley Drive, Spring Branch, Texas 78070 Visit Website