Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, located in the 2nd Street District of downtown Austin, features modern Texas classics in a hiply restored historic building. With an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and all natural meats, produce, and seafood, Lamberts has invented "Fancy Barbecue." The beautifully restored Schneider Store, located on the corner of Guadalupe and 2nd streets, features an open kitchen and dining room on the first floor, with outdoor patio seating available. The upstairs bar and lounge features premium live music most nights and can accommodate large parties for private events. Since opening in 2006, Lamberts has been featured in Food & Wine, The New York Times, Conde Naste Traveler, and voted the 4th best new restaurant in Texas by Texas Monthly.
"Lamberts was, unfortunately, a negative Mother's Day dinner experience. Our party of eight (includes three children), cost over $300 for over priced underwhelming Barbeque. The portions were notably small. Service was spotty. No validation for parking. There is a reason why Lamberts was one of the few remaining restaurant choices for a late Mother's Day reservation."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had a reservation and the restaurant was practically empty yet the host tried to seat us at the worst table in the restaurant and then got offended when we asked him to move us."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We really enjoyed our dining experience at Lambert's. It is definitely a more upscale place than most of the bars and food trucks in Austin, which was a nice change, and the menu is extensive and creative. The dishes were creative and well-crafted, although the brisket, especially, could use some attention in the presentation and flavoring. The cocktails were ok, but not exciting, while the beer list was delicious. We especially enjoyed the side dishes. The scene is energetic to loud; we had several large, rather loud parties around us, which did not make for a very romantic dinner, but we did enjoy ourselves."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Wow, just visited from LA. What an amazing place. Great food, the brown sugar, coffee crusted brisket was unbelievable.. Cool patio. Tasty cocktails."
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"While we are deeply suspicious of any establishment that both serves barbecue and takes reservations, we had an outstanding lunch at Lambert's. Miss their Sunday buffet -- wish they'd bring that back! Great specialty cocktails and quite possibly the most attractive waitstaff in Austin. Like both the small patio area and the interior. Recommend!"
Dined on 04/28/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had an excellent time at Lambert's. The food was wonderful. The manager really went beyond the call of duty to make sure we had a wonderful experience. Thanks so much."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Amazing food but so loud it was difficult to have a conversation. When we left, our ears were numb from the noise and we had to shout to have a simple conversation with the person sitting nearby. The bar in the dining area was the main problem. The bar goers were standing close to dining tables and were shouting. There isn't enough room for a bar and a dining room. If it weren't for the amazing food and professional service, we probably would not have enjoyed it."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Our food and service were excellent. We had the fried boudin balls for our appetizer and they were rich and tasty. My wife had the cheese and meat tray from the appetizer section and a bowl of bean soup with sausage. Both were delicious. I had smoked pork ribs and waffle fries. The ribs were perfect--great smoked flavor, juicy and tender. I love Lamberts bbq sauce. I had an Austin Beerworks pint with my meal which was the perfect choice. For dessert we had the fried strawberry pie with ice cream. The strawberries were fresh from a small Texas town near Austin. The pie was amazing!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Iconic restaurant - great for locals and tourists. The crispy boar rib appetizer is amazing. For the main course my favorites are the hangar steak or the ribeye. And you must try the brussel sprouts. You really can't go wrong here. My only complaint is that I was not seated at the table that I requested when making my reservation on Open Table."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"There was an extremely loud party of 13 young men yelling at the top of their lungs across from us.The management should of asked them to keep it down. The poor couple setting next to them asked them to keep it down a couple times. The barbecue was very good, but not worth twice what you pay everywhere else. The sides were delicious and that is something you can't get at other barbecue places. But the noise level really effected my over all impression of the place and not in a good way. We were celebrating our son's birthday and it was almost impossible to talk and visit over the NOISE. I am hesitant to go back after our first experience, but maybe as time passes I will remember the good food & not the noise."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It is our annual tradition to go to Lambert's for brunch after the Capitol 10K. It is a short walk across the 1st St. bridge from the finish. This year the food was delicious as always. My only disappointment was that they no longer have a brunch buffet! The same food is available but it is all a la carte, so you can't sample everything you might like without getting a large portion and paying a lot more money. So we had to make some choices unfortunately. : ) But everything we had was delicious."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Like it alot used to LOVE their brunch but they recently changed it from buffet to made to order. Recommend the french toast and frito pie. Service was ok not over the top but not slow either. Overall never had a dish I didn't like. Gourmet bbq not your typical Salt Lick or Rudy's selection."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We could only get a brunch reservation on late notice and thank goodness they still serve their bbq! Pretty great bbq! The sides were delicious as well. I had the brisket, ribs, collard greens, waffle fries and the broiled oyster appetizer. No complaints about any of it! I'm not into waiting in line for 2 hours for bbq, so the fact that I could get a reservation and have some was wonderful."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Meat was really dry. And even though we had 5:30pm meal it was really heavy on stomach and could not sleep well from it, burping the sauce all night long. It was not the amount as I shared a plate it was the meat seasoned and dreaded sauce."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I've been to Lambert's a number of times now but this particular occasion was grossly disappointing. We were seated on the patio, a first, and if our experience was any indication, it will be our last (as we will opt to sit indoors). Once seated for a 1pm reservation (which wasn't crowded), we knew something was amiss when we waited 15 minutes for our orders to be taken. Secondly, after ordering, a small batch of Jalapeno Corn Bread muffins typically and steadfastly arrives. Fifteen minutes went by and I ended up having to ask the waiter for the complimentary item. Sad... Ten minutes later (25 total since our order was taken) our food finally arrived. Further check-ups from our waiter were unsurprisingly few and far between."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I had been there before and it's always good. This time I avoided the barbeque dishes they are known for and tried something else. It was excellent and I was glad I was more adventuresome. It is frequently crowded and can be quite noisy, so recommend avoiding peak hours if you can. Great place to begin a visit to downtown Austin."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"WOW! Honestly what else can I say?!? Lambert's was highly recommended to us for brunch the last day of our vacation and it made for a perfect ending to our trip. The food was fresh, tasty and original. Also the service was amazing and very friendly. Can't wait to go back to Austin and come back for lunch and dinner - and brunch of course!"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I feel that the management of Lambert's must have changed since the last time I was there. The previous visits to Lambert's the food was AMAZING and so well prepared. I would order my favorite drink (old fashioned Southern Comfort) and the bartender made it to perfection. It has also always been impressive that it is very difficult to get a reservation on a Friday night. Now let's fast forward to last Friday, the 22nd of March 2013- I booked a table for 3 on Open Table and was told that my only options were 5:30 and 8:45. During our dinner we noticed that there were MANY tables EMPTY- curious. I started my meal with my favorite drink order and was informed that Lambert's "doesn't carry Southern Comfort" WHAT????? Food=mediocre"
Dined on 03/22/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Phenomenal veal chop, moist red river fish and exceptional chocolate pudding with sea salt! Live music, of course. Enjoyed our first BBQ joint in Austin."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Two of us. With reservations, we were seated immediately. Waiter came immediately. Impeccable service. Had the Pork Spare Ribs. In my opinion they were soaked in SUGAR. Too much. They tasted too sweet. It's not a candy bar. Ribs should not have a "piggy" taste - but should also not be so sweet - They should have a smoky peppery tangy flavor and they did not. But the brisket was out of this world. Best I have ever had (and I have had a lot. Overall - a nice place - will come back - The steaks looked beautiful (just hope they don't soak them in sugar as well). I have to say that in over 80 countries I have had BBQ - nothing - nothing even comes CLOSE to Fiorella's Jack Stack in Kansas City. That's OFF THE CHARTS BBQ - where burnt ends rule !"
Dined on 03/20/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were hosting friends from LA who were in Austin for a special awards program. The restaurant was recommended to them by the Concierge at their hotel. They loved the food, the service, the ambiance, and finally, the coconut cream pie!"
Dined on 03/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Lovely place, great service, smelled great (nice and tangy/smokey) but honestly the ribs and brisket were nowhere near as tender as they should have been. The ceasar salad was really good, but would not go back for the bbq."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Good, pricey food. The service was good as always, and the food was well above average. They should not have stopped doing their brunch buffet though. The lack of the buffet really cut down on the value."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The service and food were fantastic - really fun spot with a fun energy. Looks like the bar upstairs would be really fun for a show too - would love to go back."
Dined on 02/28/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Normally Lambert's is spot on, but tonight was different. The service was amazing, the brisket was not. Tonight our cuts were fatty and everyone that ordered brisket left the bulk of theirs on the plate; the brussel sprouts were slightly under cooked as well. Everything else we ate and drank was delicious and the service was wonderful, but tonight Lambert's overall was just good."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We really enjoyed Lambert's. The food was outstanding. They had live music. It was a great night. My appetizer came after everyone elses and when I questioned, after a few minutes, where it was they kind of blew me off as 'it was coming.' However, when it did come it was so good that I have sort of forgiven them. We'll be back."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My parents were visiting from Seattle. Every time they come to Texas they have to eat BBQ. I am pretty sure in their three overall visits to Texas, they have been to 20 different BBQ restaurants. We treated them to Lamberts for their anniversary. My dad walked away saying it was the best one he'd eaten at. Thank you for making their trip and for allowing us to have such a special family dinner!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Lambert's provided us with several things. First, it gave us an option to actually get to try Austin BBQ without having to stand in line for two hours only to be told that there was nothing left. Second, it gave us the option of actually making reservations to further guarantee that we would get a table before they ran out of food: reservations seeming to be a comparative rarity in Austin.
To us, the BBQ was solid. Though, truth be told, the worst Texas BBQ is probably as good as the best that we have had, being from the upper Midwest. The brisket was tender and flavorful. The in-house jalapeno sausage was amazing. If you want BBQ while in Austin and standing in line for hours was not in your travel plans, Lamberts works just fine"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
Share:
+1point
1of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I enjoyed the brunch at Lambert's Downtown BBQ. I wish they still had the buffet but it looks like they took a lot of the items from the buffet and put them on the menu. The food we got was very well prepared and seemed to be a good value. I was disappointed by the Service though. It was not up to par. It seemed like we were bothering the waiter when asked for refills on coffee after the glass had been sitting empty for sometime. The restaurant was not all that busy either. The kids menu is non-existent and they really didn't make exceptions on prices either. For instance we ordered a fruit plate and mac & cheese each of which were $7 to 8$. We asked if their were kids portions and they said no."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Excellent meal wth great, friendly service. Great way to have some BBQ while in Austin without being too heavy or too much food. The coconut cream pie was delicious!!!"
Dined on 02/24/2013
2009
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"I've had a better experience at Lambert's in the past. This time at Sat brunch, though, the server was very unattentive and the pulled pork about half fat. I remembered it being to die for, but it was almost gross this time."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Enjoyed our second time at Lambert's. First time was for dinner, this time for brunch. Love the warehouse decor, service was fantastic & food was wonderful."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2008
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Lambert's food is always familiar yet unexpected. There is always this flavor, texture, aroma that takes what is a Texas standard and elevates it to a great dining experience."
Dined on 01/22/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.