Austin's is a new arrival to Dallas' barbecue scene, but owners Robert and Valerie Austin aren't rookies in the restaurant business. Robert worked for the Baker's Ribs chain for more than 25 years, while Valerie tended bar at spots such as the Palomino at the Crescent and the Four Seasons. With an ideal surname for running a Texas barbecue joint, the Austins opened Uptown Bar-B-Que in the spot of the Old Warsaw last year, and they now have taken over the former Duke's Icehouse in Addison for their new namesake venture.

Austin's Bar-B-Que blends barbecue restaurant and neighborhood sports bar in the old Duke's Icehouse in Addison.
Chris Wolfgang
With a vibe that blends restaurant and sports bar, Austin's Bar-B-Que is no craft barbecue spot. But that's OK with us, and it's definitely OK with our wallets. We ordered a three-meat plate with sliced brisket, pulled pork and jalapeño sausage plus two sides for the bargain basement price of $13.95. Toss in a beverage, and it's entirely possible to enjoy a sizable barbecue lunch and still head home with change from a 20.
If you're looking for a heavy salt-and-pepper bark on your brisket in the highest of Central Texas fashions, Austin's brisket isn't for you. Instead, Austin's serves a more old-school barbecue experience. The brisket we ordered had a thin bark that comes naturally after hours bathing in smoke, and without the assistance of spicy rubs. The lightly smoky flavor of the beef is a winner, though it was a touch on the dry side.

Remember when a tray of barbecue like this was affordable? Austin's remembers, and they have priced this hefty meal at less than $14.
Chris Wolfgang
If your dining budget is more modest, Austin's has options for you. Any of their meats, except ribs or chicken, can be had on a bun for $6.50, or made into a basket with a side of fries for $8.95. If a burger is more your speed, Austin's offers one for $5.50, or you can make it a cheeseburger for 50 cents more.
Not all dining has to be of the expensive variety, and quite frankly, we can't afford to eat like 1-percenters at every meal. That's why small, neighborhood joints like Austin's Bar-B-Que will always have a spot on our list, where food that's kind to your mouth can also be kind to your finances.
Austin's Bar-B-Que, 16101 Keller Springs Road, Addison. 972-803-4383. 11 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday.