Iron Works, Austin

When ironsmith Fortunat Weigl opened his foundry in 1935, he probably never envisioned that one day Austin's movers and shakers would gather here for power lunch. In those days, this was an ironworks shop where the German immigrant and his sons produced handwrought decorative items that were used in many stately homes and the Texas State Capitol.

In 1977, the ironworks closed its doors and the shop was transformed into a popular smokehouse. The building, complete with historic marker, is decorated with hundreds of brands, a reminder of its earlier life. Today diners fill the restaurant and its deckside picnic tables over the banks of Waller Creek to enjoy tender brisket, smoky ribs, and sausage, a spicy combination of beef and pork.

Location: 100 Red River, Austin

Tel. 512-478-4855 or 800-669-3602

Hours: Open Monday - Friday for lunch and dinner, Saturday for lunch

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