Two beloved Austin establishments have joined forces to fill a gap in East Austin’s lunch scene. Salty Sow, the neighborhood comfort food favorite, and Waylon J’s barbecue trailer have launched “Smoke Break,” a weekend barbecue lunch concept that transforms the restaurant’s previously quiet daytime hours into a smoky celebration of Texas barbecue.
Creative Partnership Addresses Austin’s Lunch Scene
Located at 1917 Manor Road, Salty Sow’s spacious parking lot sat largely empty during lunch hours despite the restaurant’s popularity for dinner service. Executive Chef Harold Marmulstein recognized an opportunity to serve Austin’s barbecue-hungry crowd while collaborating with pitmaster Chad Deen of Waylon J’s.
The partnership emerged from a series of tastings at local Mexican restaurant Bulevar, where Marmulstein experienced Deen’s barbecue firsthand. Their shared commitment to quality ingredients and elevated comfort food created natural synergy. Like Rodney Scott’s recent Target collaboration that brought authentic barbecue to mainstream audiences, this partnership proves that quality pitmasters can expand their reach without compromising their craft.
Smoke Break’s standout offerings include:
• Prime brisket and classic brisket sandwiches served sliced (not chopped) with pickles, slaw, and au jus
• Sichuan bacon ribs showcasing bold flavor profiles
• Whiskey maple pork belly and house-made psycho sausage
• Smoked turkey alongside Salty Sow’s signature sides and desserts
• Grab-and-go beverages including beer, margaritas, and frozen old fashioneds
Meeting Austin’s Barbecue Expectations
Counter-service ordering keeps the experience casual, though guests can enjoy their meals in Salty Sow’s dining room or on the patio. The partnership also offers catering services with 72-hour advance notice, extending their reach beyond weekend lunch service.
Weekend warriors and University of Texas visitors now have access to authentic wood-smoked barbecue in a neighborhood known for limited lunch options and challenging parking. The concept operates until sold out, reflecting Austin’s appetite for quality barbecue.
This innovative partnership demonstrates how established restaurants can maximize their resources while meeting community demand. As Austin embraces innovation from Uber and Waymo’s autonomous ride launch to creative restaurant partnerships, Smoke Break represents the city’s evolving approach to solving everyday challenges through collaboration.
