Bill Miller's - Anywhere, TX

This is a Bill Miller Bar-B-Q. If you've ever driven south of Austin down into San Antonio you have probably driven by a Bill Miller. They're not as popular in central Texas, but the further south you go the prevalent they become. In fact, I'd go so far as to say they must be the most popular barbecue restaurant in San Antonio. If it matters to you, the one in the picture is located off I-35 in far north Austin, just past the Wells Branch exit. The location, however, should not matter. I have dined in at least 4 Bill Miller's and they're all pretty much the same.

It's not that there's anything bad about Bill Miller's. In fact there are quite a few things that are good. They have the best sweet tea I've ever consumed and they give you all the free bread (which is baked fresh in their bakery) you can eat. Plus they have the most delicious hash brown potatoes (fried just right with plenty of onions) you can imagine. I know, it's strange to offer hash browns as a side at a BBQ restaurant, but trust me - if you ever find yourself in a Bill Miller's you have to try those potatoes.

The trouble with Bill Miller's is that nothing's that good. The sausage is so-so, the pork's just downright bad, the turkey's okay and the brisket is solid, although not really overwhelming. I don't ever recall eating any ribs there. Perhaps they're the greatest meat on the planet. I don't know. But, judging from my experience with the other selections, I kind of doubt it. I don't really have any big gripe with the meat. Stay away from the pork. It's that strange solid pork loin you get in some Texas BBQ joints. It's sort of dry and after a couple bites you don't really want to eat it. Oh, they also have ham. I'm not sure what the deal is there because I'm talking about the kind of ham your mom used to serve on Easter. And while the Kid once thought the idea of any meat bbq'd was a terrific one, he kind of draws the line at ham.

Probably the only big complaint I have with Bill Miller is they don't put sauce on the table or at the condiment bar. They do have their spicy sauce out for you to pour all over their mediocre meat, but if you want any of the regular sauce you have to go to the counter and ask for more. This seems silly to me and a bit of a time-waster as well.

Because the restaurant has a bakery, they have a great selection of deserts including peach cobbler. The cobbler is decent, but I'd recommend the pecan pie. It's pretty awesome. Also, I should note they sell fried chicken. This one kinda strikes me like the ham. Why is a bbq restaurant selling fried chicken? Perhaps their original goal was to be the ultimate Texas eatery. If this is the case, they need chicken fried steak and fried catfish as well. I suppose I'm happy to report they sell neither.

The ultimate verdict on Bill Miller is that it will do in a pinch. If you're in the need for some 'cue and you can't find anywhere else to eat, don't hesitate to eat here. The prices are reasonable and the food won't make you regret eating there. However, in a perfect world, if you're hungry for the 'cue, you would be able to do better than Bill Miller - unfortunately, sometimes, that's not the case.