Let's Do Lunch: Luling City Market

The beef sausages ($3.00/link) are served in links and have a simpler, meatier flavor than you’ll be able to find most places. The half-chicken ($5.75) (did we mention we love the half-chicken?) is so flavorful that you’ll likely massacre the poor thing as you search for yet another spicy morsel. The pork ribs ($11/lb.) are understated and unburdened by the thick sauce that normally masks this cut’s natural sweetness.

The kicker, though, is the beef brisket ($11/lb.). The cliché about meat is describing it as “so tender you could cut it with a butter knife.” In our opinion, the brisket at Lulling City Market is so tender you could cut it with your eyes.

All treats come sans sauce, which means you can do the honors yourself. We like our sauces zippy and powerful (like Stubb’s Sauce) and we found this mustard-based concoction to be piquant, though slightly underwhelming. If you’re like us, you’ll pour it on between bites.

Like we said, this place is a one-trick pony, which means that you shouldn’t expect the side dishes to clear any hurdles. Eschewing the relatively complex and daring sides of Goode Company’s barbecue; such as the delightful Austin baked beans and jalapeño cheese bread, the meats are accompanied by predictably flavored beans, potato salad or Cole slaw and a slice of white bread straight out of the bag.

The plates range from $8.55 (sausage) to $12.20 (combo) and come with two side orders. We’d recommend getting a fourth of a pound of ribs with some brisket and a sausage link. It’s the same price and you’ll offer your taste buds more to think about.

If you like meat, you’ll love Lulling City Market. If you hate meat, why did you read this whole review?

Luling City Market
4726 Richmond Ave.
713.871.1903