The Taylor Cafe

In the state of Texas, which is 2.7 times larger than the United Kingdom, Barbecue Culture is most highly developed and surely King. Whether prepared in your own back yard over live coals on a simple grill, in an elaborate pit or smoker, or purchased already cooked at one of the regional Cathedrals of 'Cue, this delectable smoke-infused protein is not just a food in Texas, rather it is a way of life. Within a 65-mile radius of the capital in Austin, near the center of the state, are found numerous havens which serve the wonderful trinity of barbecue: brisket, sausage, and ribs. Local folks in Llano, Lockhart, Round Rock, Spicewood, Driftwood, Elgin, and Taylor will strongly defend the honor of their favorite "barbecue joint" but whenever the final history of Texas' barbecue is compiled, the Taylor Cafe in Taylor must surely be at the top of the list.

The Taylor Cafe has been owned, and is still operated, by Vencil Mares, since he returned home after WW II and started it in 1949. The location is in the original building Vencil purchased after a year of learning the barbecue trade in nearby Elgin's Southside Market. Few changes have been made over the decades since opening. There are two bars still in operation, a leftover from the segregation days. Bar stools are still bolted to the floor, several of the tops being replaced by vintage steel tractor seats. The pool table, juke box, and deer heads on the wall are still there. Several years ago, Vencil added his original recipe turkey sausage to the menu.

The Taylor Cafe and its barbecue are legend,and the owner Vencil Mares is an icon in the annals of Texas Barbecue Culture.

USA-Canada / USA-Texas

Lat: 30° 34' 4.22" N
Long: 98° 25' 34.38" W

Elevation: 547 ft.

→ maps.google.com [EXT]

Precision is: High. Pinpoints the exact spot.

Canon 5DII, Sigma 10mm (shaved), Nodal Ninja R1, PTGUI Pro 9.1, Pano2VR