Ruby's BBQ Near UT-Austin Set To Close

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Ruby's BBQ, an Austin institution for nearly three decades, will be shutting its doors by month's end, its owner said.

In its report, the Austin Chronicle takes a melancholy-filled inventory of the barbecue joint's beloved attributes: That famous brick pit, oak-smoked barbecue, the reasonably priced brisket, ribs and smoked chicken. The place has served untold numbers of UT-Austin students given its proximity to campus, including the current crop not even born when the place first opened.

Owner Pat Mares told the weekly it was a difficult to close after so many years in business.

"Over a year ago, I realized it was time to make some changes in my life," she wrote in an email. "The decision was not easy. Ruby’s has been my life, my family, my world since 1988. Staff has been abreast of the current situation since last June, because I’ve had previous offers – which fell through. At this time, it looks like Ruby’s will close around February 20 (but it could be a couple days before or after that). We’re still hammering out the details and trying to figure out what makes sense."

Ruby's is located at 512 W 29th St.

>>>Read the full story at Austin Chronicle

Photos by Tony Cantú