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Michelin Bib Gourmand-Winning BBQ Joint, Micklethwait, Relocates to 1940s Church in East Austin

After more than a decade in a trailer, Micklethwait celebrates its brick-and-mortar debut Feb. 1 with free beer, live music and food specials

The exterior of Micklethwait Barbecue's new location at 4602 Tanney St. in East Austin, housed in a renovated former church. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
The exterior of Micklethwait Barbecue's new location at 4602 Tanney St. in East Austin, housed in a renovated former church. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)

Micklethwait Craft Meats Barbecue has officially traded its longtime trailer on Rosewood Avenue for a permanent home in East Austin. Housed in a renovated 1940s church near Givens Park, the new location on Springdale Road offers a fresh chapter for the celebrated barbecue spot, combining expanded menu options with a cozy indoor dining space and a relaxed outdoor area beneath native pecan trees.

The move comes on the heels of Micklethwait earning a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand this year, recognizing the restaurant for its exceptional meals at a great value.

The Micklethwait team announced in a press release that their focus has evolved since opening in 2012. “We started out aiming to create the best barbecue plate—from scratch-made bread to house-made pickles and top-notch sides. Now, in our new home, we’re focused on delivering the best dining experience. Enjoying barbecue is as much about the food as it is about the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the feeling you get when you walk through the door,” the statement read.

The interior of Micklethwait's new location, featuring 1,200 square feet of indoor seating. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
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The interior of Micklethwait’s new location, featuring 1,200 square feet of indoor seating. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
The indoor seating area at Micklethwait Barbecue. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
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The indoor seating area at Micklethwait Barbecue. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
Micklethwait Barbecue’s outdoor patio, a dog-friendly space with seating for up to 120 people. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
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Micklethwait Barbecue’s outdoor patio, a dog-friendly space with seating for up to 120 people. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)

A holy new home

The former Greater Mount Moriah Primitive Baptist Church, which served the community from 1966 to 2008, has been transformed into a welcoming barbecue joint with 1,200 square feet of indoor seating and an expansive outdoor dining area. Guests can expect casual counter service, a dog-friendly patio and seating for up to 120 people.

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“After 12 years of serving up barbecue from our East Austin trailer, we moved into our forever home just two miles east of our longtime location. Beginning January 3, 2025, you can visit us at our brick-and-mortar off Springdale Rd. We’ve been renovating this old church into our new joint and we can’t wait to share it with you,” reads a statement on Micklethwait’s website.

Micklethwait's food and beverage offerings. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
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Micklethwait’s food and beverage offerings. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
Brisket Sandwich. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
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Brisket Sandwich. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
Micklethwait side offerings. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
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Micklethwait side offerings. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)

Micklethwait menu features

Known for its traditional oak-smoked brisket, sausage, and ribs, Micklethwait has expanded its menu to include West Texas-style barbecue from its new direct-heat pit, nicknamed Cowboy Curtis. Guests can look forward to dishes like chicken al carbon, pork steak, hand-cut chops and mesquite-grilled specials.

The side menu has also grown, adding items like braised greens with housemade bacon lardons and roasted green bean salad while keeping favorites like jalapeño cheese grits and citrus beet salad. Their bakery program remains a standout, featuring buttermilk pie, homemade Twinkies filled with chantilly cream and fresh-baked bread.

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Tom Micklethwait, owner and pitmaster of Micklethwait Barbecue. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)
Tom Micklethwait, owner and pitmaster of Micklethwait Barbecue. (Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee)

Grand opening celebration

To celebrate the move, Micklethwait will host a grand opening event on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festivities will include free beer from Meanwhile Brewing (while supplies last), food specials from the mesquite pit and live music by DJ Fajita Flats.

“We’ve worked hard to create a joint that honors that legacy while pushing the boundaries of traditional barbecue,” the Micklethwait team said in a press release. “We can’t wait to share the restaurant with you!”

Micklethwait Craft Meats Barbecue is located at 4602 Tanney St., Austin, TX, and is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., or until sold out. For more details, visit their website.

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