It's that time of year when we count down to New Times' Best of Miami 2012 issue in June. Until then, Short Order will serve up 100 of our favorite dishes in the 305. If you have any nominations of your own, please send them to [email protected].
As one of South Beach's newest eateries, many have yet to try the delectable barbecue selections at Austen's. The owner of the popular Liquor Lounge on 18th and Collins Avenue and Dewey's Tavern on Eighth and Alton opened Austen's in March with the vision of providing eager tourists the best barbecue on the beach."Our barbecue is extremely tender," said general manager Patrick Hughes. "The way we prepare it makes it fall right off the bone."
Austen's clearly does not take barbecue lightly. Pork, chicken and beef is cooked in a wood stove with no open flame at about 200 degrees for an incredible 24 hours. What results is an anomaly and absolute culinary enchantment -- meat that melts and seemingly dissolves in your mouth. Dishes are served with apple cole slaw, a popular Southern variation, and/or baked beans, accompanied by a variety of six delicious sauces. Our favorite is the Carolina Piggie, which comes as a platter ($11) or sandwich ($10) cooked in a surprisingly mild pepper vinegar sauce. It all comes on a slice of crisp Texas toast with a piece of sweet cornbread to complement the near bitter taste of the sauce. Your taste buds will quiver with excitement, then explode with delight.
The most popular dish is their classic combo, which features half a chicken and half a rack of baby back ribs served with apple cole slaw and baked beans. In addition, Austen's also has 12 beers on tap, mostly microbrews from macrobeer giants like Anheuser Busch. Short order suggests you try Murphy's -- a beer very similar to Guinness, but a bit less pungent.
Outdoor seating is available for pet lovers, and you may even get a free beef brisket bone for your dog (we did!).
100 Favorite Dishes
53. Salted Lime Pie at the Dutch
54. Chicken Parmesan at Vesper
55. Cheese Plate at The Cheese Course
56. Egg Salad BLT at The Daily Creative Food Co.
57. Strawberry Pie at Fireman Derek's World Famous Pies
58. Pork Belly and Clams at Pubbelly Sushi
59. Poached Duck Breast at Rusty Pelican
60. Bacon and Blue at Ms. Cheezious
61. Spicy Scallop Roll at Toni's Sushi Bar
62. Chicken Tikka Masala at Bombay Darbar
63. Empanadas at Go-Go Fresh Food Cafe
64. Gabby's D'Lorean Burger and Tots at the Filling Station and Garage Bar
65. Pear Apple at The Federal
66. Carne Asada Fajitas at Cinco Cantina & Tequila Bar
67. Tres Leches at Havana 1957
68. Corn Bread at Peoples Barbecue
69. Truffle Artichoke Soup at Villa Mayfair
70. Portobello Mushroom Sandwich at the Café at Books & Books
71. Grilled Wings at Shuckers Bar & Grill
72. Turkey and Prosciutto With Fresh Mozzarella at La Sandwicherie
73. Creamy Tahini With Hummus at Broken Shaker
75. Brie Mozzarella Sticks at the Local
76. Paleta de Elote at La Michoacana Paleteria
77. Strawberry Fields Roll at I Love Sushi
79. Pork Rillettes at Buena Vista Deli
80. Chicken Fricassee at Le Bouchon Du Grove
82. Wagyu Gunkan at SushiSamba Dromo
83. Grilled Tiger Prawns at Mare Nostrum
85. Porchetta Sandwich at Salumeria 104
86. Nitro Ice Cream at Haven Gastro-Lounge
87. Red Burger at Red Restaurant
88. Carnitas Torta at Mercadito's Taqueria
89. Bone Marrow Ropa Vieja at Eating House
90. Mushroom-Crusted Grouper at the River Seafood & Oyster Bar
91. Crispy Pork and Onion Salad at Hiro's Yakko-San
92. Moqueca Brazileira at Pearl Restaurant & Lounge
93. Corvina at Edge Steak and Bar
94. Spiked Frrrozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity 3
95. Egg Custard Tart With Black Truffles at Philip Ho
96. Soft Pretzels at Mister Collins
97. Serrano Ham Croquettes at Crazy About You
98. The Elena Ruth Sandwich at Sergio's
99. Chow Fun at Chow Down Grill
100. Grilled Artichoke at Peacock Garden Cafe
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