Sweet on Sugar Shack

American by birth, Texan by the grace of God, barbecue is a way of life in Texas.  No backyard cookout is complete without the aromas from a hickory-wood smoker; and fortunately for the Avalos family, they happen to be related to the best pit master around. Move over high-priced, over-hyped and commercialized barbecue, The Sugar Shack is expanding once again and I, for one, cannot be more excited.

21st and San Antonio location

Owner Mark Avalos graduated from St. Edwards University in 2001. He had always loved cooking for family and friends, so in 2006, due to frequent requests, Avalos began catering events. A few years later in 2009, Sugar Shack opened for business at the original location at 268 W. 21^st St., situated right down the street from The University of Texas’ Main Tower, library and stadium. Only a year after, Sugar Shack expanded to it’s 21^st and San Antonio Street location. However, Avalos isn’t stopping there.

A larger trailer, twice the size of the original will be opening Saturday, April 2. The new trailer and property are much more spacious. Providing enough room for a smoking pit capable of holding 100 pounds of meat at a time, giving Avalos the ability to expand the menu to include items such as his strawberry-habanero glazed ribs.  Another feature to look forward to is the stage built on-site, allowing diners to enjoy live music on weekends.

"The Sugar Shack" by Ernie Barnes

The name Sugar Shack, which I thought was a unique name for a barbecue restaurant, has a fun story behind it. Avalos always loved the show "Good Times", which had a painting in the beginning titled "The Sugar Shack". "I loved the name of it," said Avalos, "but most of all, I liked how everyone seemed to be having a good time." 

However, moving on to the best reason for going to Sugar Shack: the barbecue! I have yet to find a better barbecue restaurant in Austin. Sorry Salt Lick, you’ve got nothing on Sugar Shack’s spicy barbecue sauce and succulent, tender meat. My two favorites on the menu are hands-down the Notorious P.I.G. and Texas 2-Step.

Notorious B.I.G. (left) Texas 2-Step (right)

The Texas 2-Step is piled high with chopped beef, juicy sausage and covered in very possibly, the best sauce I’ve ever tasted. It has such a nice, spicy kick to it, but doesn’t overwhelm the naturally smoky flavor of the meat. If pork is more your style, then try the best selling Notorious P.I.G. After trying it last semester, it has become my absolute favorite item on the menu. The pulled pork is unbelievably tender and again, covered in Avalos’s signature spicy sauce; but this time, its all on top of a bed of sweet coleslaw. The cool, sweetness of the slaw and the tangy, spiciness of the barbecue sauce complement each other so well, you must taste it to believe it.

So, get out this Saturday and head to the grand opening of the newest Sugar Shack, located on 1410 E. Sixth St. Listen to some live music, pick up a few FREE margaritas and beer and of course, chow down on that one-of-a-kind Texas barbecue.

You can get more Sugar Shack scoop by following them on twitter @SugarShackBBQ or 'like' them on Facebook.