If you've been mourning the loss of Trudy's original North Loop location, here's some news that might just ease the heartbreak — or at least give you something new to look forward to. Black's Barbecue, the legendary Lockhart operation that's been quietly building an Austin footprint, has snagged the original Trudy's space for its next expansion move in the city.
For those not deep in the Austin food lore weeds: Trudy's was basically a rite of passage for generations of UT students and longtime locals alike. Mexican martinis, stuffed avocados, that vibe. The original location closing hit different for a lot of people. So yeah, the address carries some serious sentimental weight.
But honestly? Black's stepping into that space feels like a pretty solid handoff. This isn't some out-of-town chain swooping in — Black's has been doing Texas barbecue since 1932. That's older than most of your grandparents' recipes. They've already got a presence in Austin and have been methodically growing here without losing what makes them a Hill Country institution.
Details on timing and exactly what the new spot will look like are still trickling out, but the acquisition itself signals that Black's is serious about planting deeper roots in Austin proper. And look, if a Lockhart BBQ legend wants to set up shop in a space that locals already love, that's the kind of development worth paying attention to.
Keep an eye on this one. Between the nostalgia of the address and the reputation Black's brings to the table — literally — this could end up being one of the more talked-about openings when it finally fires up the pits.