Distant Relatives: East Austin Barbecue on the Water

Distant Relatives sits on Promontory Point Drive in East Austin, a barbecue restaurant built on a peninsula that juts into Lady Bird Lake. The location alone sets it apart from the crowded barbecue joints clustered elsewhere in the city. You get brisket and ribs without feeling like you're standing in a warehouse or strip mall. The restaurant opened to capitalize on both the Austin barbecue boom and the relatively underdeveloped stretch of waterfront real estate in this part of town. It's become a destination for people who want smoke and views in the same visit.

What the Kitchen Is Known For

The barbecue here follows Texas traditions closely. Brisket is smoked low and slow, and the kitchen has built a reputation for consistent results across its meat selection. You'll find ribs, pulled pork, and sausage on the menu alongside the brisket. The sides tend to include the expected offerings: beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread. Burnt ends show up seasonally depending on brisket availability and the pitmaster's schedule.

Most days the restaurant sources its meat from regional suppliers, though specifics about their current purveyors shift. Ask your server what's selling out fastest on the day you visit, since that's usually a good sign of quality and freshness.

Atmosphere and Setting

The waterfront location is the biggest draw. You can eat with a view of Lady Bird Lake, and depending on the season and time of day, you might catch sunset light across the water. The space itself is casual. Expect picnic tables, outdoor seating, and the general feel of a barbecue spot rather than a fine dining room. On warm days the place fills quickly, and on cooler evenings it's often quieter.

The building itself sits on a natural peninsula, which means wind and weather change the experience considerably. Spring and fall offer the best conditions for lingering over a meal outside.

Reservations and Waits

Distant Relatives does not take reservations. You order at a counter and find a seat. On weekends and during peak lunch hours, expect to wait between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the day and season. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded. If you arrive after 2pm on a weekday, you'll often skip the line entirely.

Price Tier

This is mid-range barbecue. You're not paying fine dining prices, but it's not a bargain basement spot either. Meat plates cost more than budget barbecue joints, but less than upscale restaurants. You could eat a full meal here without spending what you'd spend at a sit-down restaurant with table service.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable outdoor dining. Mornings are quieter than afternoons and evenings. If you want to avoid crowds, go on a weekday between 11am and 1pm. Summer is hot and the patio can feel crowded. Winter is fine but lacks the appeal of the waterfront setting on a cool, clear day.

Good to Know Before You Go

• Cash and card both work at the counter.
• There is parking on site, but it fills during peak hours.
• The restaurant is outdoors or mostly outdoors, so weather matters. Bring sun protection in summer.
• Restrooms are available on the property.
• The location is accessible by car from downtown Austin in about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.

Neighborhood and Location Context

Promontory Point Drive is in East Austin, near the water treatment area and less developed than central or south Austin. The neighborhood around the restaurant is quieter than the downtown barbecue corridor. You're close to Lady Bird Lake, which makes this spot popular with people biking the hike and bike trail or spending time at nearby parks. The area has seen gradual development over the past decade, but it remains more open and less congested than other parts of the city.

Who This Is For

This restaurant works well for people who want Texas barbecue without the tourist crowds of the most famous joints. It suits groups, families with kids, and solo diners equally well since seating is casual and you order at a counter. If you're visiting Austin and want barbecue with a view and breathing room, Distant Relatives delivers. It's less of a scene than some competitors and more of an actual meal. Expect straightforward smoke, decent sides, and a chance to sit by the water. This is not the place to hunt for innovation or rare cuts. It's the place to get fed well on a nice day.

FAQ

• Do I need to make a reservation? No, Distant Relatives operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You order at a counter.
• How long is the typical wait? Weekends and lunch hours can mean 30 to 60 minutes. Weekday afternoons are usually much faster.
• Is there outdoor seating? Yes, most of the seating is outside on the waterfront. Bring sun protection on warm days.
• What should I order? Start with brisket if you're new to the restaurant. Ask the counter staff what's selling out, as that indicates freshness.
• Is this place family friendly? Yes, casual seating and counter service make it accessible for families with kids.