Warehouse BBQ: A Hidden Gem in Burnet, Texas
Driving through Burnet, Texas late last year, I noticed what appeared to be yet another barbecue joint—one among many riding the wave of the Texas barbecue craze. The place was called Warehouse BBQ. When I returned to Burnet this spring and saw it was still going strong, I decided to give it a try. Let me tell you—it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
What I encountered was barbecue that was nothing short of excellent: brisket, sausage, pork ribs, and turkey, all boasting an incredible smoke flavor that outshone most places I’ve been to.
The Smoke Mystery
That “smoke” flavor was the first thing to grab my attention. It was bold yet smooth—not bitter or overpowering like poorly managed smoke can be. It wasn’t post oak, which is the wood of choice for many Texas pitmasters, but its complexity had me guessing.
My curiosity had me spinning theories. I started guessing. Mesquite? Nah, too sharp. Maybe a wild setup—like a very old, worn-out lazy Susan smoker with holes in it, twirling the smoke wrong yet in just the right way?
After finishing my meal, I decided to find out. I spoke with Joe Vann, who was slicing the meats fresh to order. He smiled knowingly and said, “Come with me.” He led me to the back, where I met the owner, Danny Lester, who was prepping for the next day. I complimented the smoke flavor and admitted I couldn’t figure out the wood they were using. Danny grinned and revealed the secret: live oak.
With proper fire management, live oak produces what he described as a “thicker smoke.” The result? A distinctive flavor profile that’s rich, smooth, and unlike anything else I’ve had.
The Meat of the Matter
But the smoke wasn’t the only star of the show. Each item I tried was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The brisket had great texture, with beautiful bark and bend. The pork ribs had a dry rub as opposed to being glazed. They had a wonderful taste and with a single bite, came right off the bone. And yes, absolutely, the sausage had a great snap to each link and was just loaded with juice. Finally, the turkey breast with the live oak smoke was moist and very flavorful. Just add in a few sides, and this fat boy was very happy. It was all so good, this could possibly be a potential barbecue power grab in the making.
The Crew and the Charm
Warehouse BBQ is more than just great food, it’s a labor of love run by passionate people. Danny, Joe Vann, and their crew are welcoming and clearly dedicated to their craft. If you’re lucky, you might even get to meet Jr. Morris, their 75-year-old pitmaster who’s still firing up the pits every day they’re open.
Plan Your Visit
Warehouse BBQ is located at 305 N. Water St. in Burnet, Texas. They’re open:
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
For call-in orders, you can reach them at 512.888.6068
And if you’re ever unsure whether they’re open, just look for the converted tractor smoker out front. Their slogan says it all:
“We’re Open If The Tractor’s Smokin’.”
So, what are you waiting for? Make the trip to Burnet and experience some of the best barbecue Texas has to offer. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
