A History of Pok-e-jo's: A local Austin BBQ Tradition

A brisket, two guys and a lotta smoke

It ain’t just legend, there is indeed a Porky and there is indeed a Joe. And one night back in 1970-somethin’, after an evening out over beers and so-so barbecue at a well-established, not-to-be named local barbecue joint, they declared that they could do better.

So after much experimenting with rubs and smoke and recipes and taste testings, these two friends collaborated with then recent UT graduate, and now co-owner Doug, and in June of 1979, they boldly opened up the very first PoK-e-Jo’s out on North Burnet road. To their utter delight, it quickly became a neighborhood favorite.

Like all good things, word got around and since that first restaurant, Pok-e-Jo’s has grown right along with Austin. Now Porky’s son Danny runs the business along with Doug, both sticking with the same idea that started the whole dang business: Do it better.

For a more in depth look at the founding and early days of Pok-e-Jo's, check out this blog post.