Southside Market and BBQ, Inc., Elgin

Southside is one of the most recognized names in the Texas BBQ biz, at least when it comes to sausage. Not only well known throughout the Barbecue Belt, the Southside Market is definitely the biggest thing in the community of Elgin, located about 25 miles east of Austin.

In business since 1882, the market is known for its Elgin hot sausage, sometimes known as Elgin Hot Guts (no, we're not making this up).

For generations, Southside was located in a smoky den that spoke volumes about the history of barbecue. Sadly, the business outgrew its old home and now sits in a red tin building with a concrete floor; it cut back on the atmosphere but also on the long lines.

Spicy but not hot, the all-beef Southside sausage is the mainstay in many barbecue restaurants in Texas. Along with links, Southside sells brisket, pork and beef ribs, beef steak, pork, and even mutton. Plates are served with potato salad and beans.

Location: 1212 US 290 West, Elgin

Tel. 512-285-3407

Hours: Open Monday -Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

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