Meats and Machines @ House Park BBQ

Join us for a special event at House Park BBQ in Austin, TX hosted by ourselves and The Broncos of Texas.....Mopars, Broncos, and more, oh my! This is to help kickstart the return of a longtime BBQ institution of Austin, returning after 4 years from a terrible fire. Matt Sullivan has worked hard to bring back his family’s heritage, and we’re only happy to help a fellow gearhead with supporting his business.

Noteworthy things to keep in mind:

• This is a SPECIAL event. House Park BBQ is not usually open on the weekends, Matt is opening up shop for this as a one-time deal.

• While the overall lot holds about 70ish vehicles, the location is shared with some other businesses. Aim to be there right at at 11 a.m. or slightly before.

• RSVPs ARE CAPPED. First come, first serve. We have parking but it is limited in capacity. RSVP = ONE VEHICLE/OWNER. Each RSVP can have 4 guests maximum.

Parking: this is the entire parking lot in and around House Park BBQ. We’ve been told by ownership that we have access to this lot, so this is what we’re rolling with:

House Park BBQ is a beloved institution in Austin’s Clarksville/Downtown area, with a rich history and quirky charm:

• Historic roots (since 1943): The same brick smoking pit built in 1943 is still in use, giving the BBQ a signature wood-smoked flavor (Foodways Texas).

• Family‑run legacy: Joe Sullivan, who grew up nearby, bought it in 1981, and in 2015 his son Matthew took over—continuing that “old Austin” feel (Chron).

• Survived a disaster: A grease fire in December 2020 forced a four‑year closure. The pit survived, and the venue reopened in November 2024 after extensive rebuilding, preserving its smoky character (KVue).

• Simple, lunchtime destination: offers brisket, ribs, sausage, sandwiches, and traditional sides like beans, cole slaw, and potato salad (Chron).

• Local character & acclaim: Regulars rave about its no‑frills, outdoor‑smoke‑soaked atmosphere—Tripadvisor gives it 4.1/5 with reviews noting, “real‑life‑in‑Old‑Austin barbeque” and tender brisket (Tripadvisor).

• Modern rebuild: The renovation added updated walls, a kitchen, beers and wines on tap, TVs, a mural, and delivery and private‐event options—while keeping the original pit as the centerpiece (MySA).

In essence: House Park BBQ is Austin’s oldest continuously operated pit‑barbecue joint, steeped in history and character. Though simple and limited to weekday lunches, it offers an authentic, wood‑smoked experience—and now refreshed for a new era.