5 /5 Mike Walsh: We went to Junebugs on a Friday afternoon just after 12 pm. Street parking was pretty full but we lucked out and had someone pull out after one lap around the block. I had searched BBQ in Fredericksburg to try something new. I have had Eakers BBQ (its good) but was catered so I havent been to their location. I wanted to try something different and chose Junebugs. We got turkey, OG sausage link, fatty brisket, and baby back ribs along with mac & cheese and potato salad as sides.
I will break down each component:
Sausage - I asked the guy in the window if this was mealy and he assured me it wouldnt be. It was not mealy, not dry and the casing had a good snap to it.
Turkey - tender and has a light smoke flavor to it. Slicked thick so it didnt dry out.
Brisket - cut very thick for brisket (2 slices = 1/2 pound). The top piece of brisket you can see in the pictures how thick it was cut. The flat of that piece was a bit dry but the rest of the piece was very tender. It had a really good bark on it as well.
Ribs (baby back) - this is one of the best ribs I have had in BBQ in a while. I prefer baby backs for BBQ but often only see spare ribs as baby backs tend to dry out so places dont make them. Not here, not Junebugs. The ribs were tender, had great bite and pulled off the bone without falling apart.
On to the sides - homemade or scratch made which is ideal. Definitely not premade delivered by Sysco.
Mac & Cheese - flavorful as M&C should be, pasta was al dente and not mushy, creamy but still a bit pasty. I prefer the cheese sauce creamy so it runs a little of the spoon or fork. I had to add pepper as well.
Potato salad - this one was spot on flavorful. Give one the pictures a zoom and you can see the mustard seeds in the dressing.
I am from Austin and have hit just about every BBQ place here since I moved here in 2004. This is a top spot anywhere you put it. If you are out in the area, it is for sure worth the stop. The only downfalls for me was it was outside seating only and they had mainly domestic crappy beers. We have plenty of Texas craft options to not have the standard domestics.