When you start talking about the top Austin BBQ joints, feelings can run high. There’s a whale of a lot of fine Austin BBQ. Besides, barbecue is a very personal thing. Perfect for one person might be too spicy for another. One person’s dry may be another’s succulent. It’s a little like taste in cowboy boots. There are those who swear by Lucchese Boots; others live and die by Old Gringo Boots. And who’s to say either one is wrong?

So it is with some trepidation that we put forward our top three Austin BBQ restaurants. You may disagree. But if you haven’t tried them yet, please do. You’ll thank us

Franklin BBQ, 900 E 11th St., East Austin. Franklin is consistently rated the top Austin BBQ spot. In fact, Bon Appetit declared it “the best BBQ restaurant in America.” In just a couple of years, Aaron Franklin has become the king of Austin BBQ. He starts with Meyer all-natural Angus brisket and uses a low-heat, slow-smoking method to produce meat that is savory and tender. Try the Tipsy Texan sandwich, which combines chopped beef, smoked sausage, coleslaw, pickles, and onions. My oh my.

Franklin’s hours are 11 a.m. until sold out, which can happen pretty fast. Plan to get there early and wait in line with other dedicated Austin BBQ lovers. You won’t regret it.

RUBY’S BBQ, 512 W 29^th St., North Austin. This is a long-time favorite of Austin BBQ fans. Ruby’s uses top-of-the-line grassfed, hormone/antibiotic-free beef. The brisket and Elgin sausage are fabulous, and the sauce is tangy-sweet with a real kick. Unlike a lot of Austin BBQ places, where the meat alone is the thing, Ruby’s sides are amazing, too—the potato salad, spicy beans, collard greens, and home fries are all A-plus. And save room for the bread pudding. If you have a friend who shuns meat, Ruby’s is the place because it also has terrific vegetarian offerings. It has a bluesy vibe and some of the coolest, friendliest staff you’ll find in any Austin BBQ joint.

ARTZ RIB HOUSE, 2330 S Lamar Blvd., South Austin. BBQ and live music make a natural pairing. And Artz has some of the best of both: finger-lickin’ BBQ and rollicking bluegrass and country music. Artz offers brisket, chicken, turkey, sausage, even grilled shrimp BBQ plates, all good. But you’ll notice that “rib” is part of the name. Snag the meaty baby back ribs or pork ribs: They’re the best in town. The mustard potato salad and tangy coleslaw are worthy sides. Top it off with the sweet potato pecan pie. Yum …

Iron Works BBQ, 100 Red River St, Downtown Austin. Located just across the street from the Austin Convention Center, Iron Works has lived to see a few decades in Austin. It is housed in the old Weigl Iron Works building, which was built in 1913. The water line from the great flood of 1935 is still visible and much of the original structure is still in tact. This Austin BBQ joint is a great pick for SXSW festival attendees, since it is very close to the festival hub and also offers a slice of original Austin history. Best brisket in Downtown! Don’t miss it.

JMueller BBQ, 1502 S 1st St. Austin. Last but certainly not least, JMueller’s BBQ brings the trailer food culture that South Austin is known for to another level. A true gem of the Bouldin Creek neighborhood, it is a a perfect dining spot for a beautiful day in the shade of a big oak tree. They are known for their pork chops and their brisket, so get there early because it goes fast! This is another good Austin BBQ joint for SXSW attendees (or other downtown festival goers) because it is located just outside of downtown, and once removed from all of the hubbub of ongoing events.

While you’re out in search of your Austin BBQ fix, swing on over to Allens Boots. Our South Congress boots store has all the Western wear and cowboy boots you need to enjoy your Austin BBQ in true Texas style.

Cowboy boots are a foundational wardrobe element for many Texans and other mortals. When you invest in a top-quality pair of cowboy boots, you want to make sure you can swagger proudly in them for many years. And that all comes down to you – to how you store and care for your boots. Here, we offer some tips that can help you keep your cowboy boots in tiptop shape.

Store ‘em properly. You wouldn’t put your horse away wet, would you? Then don’t do it to your cowboy boots either. And don’t store them in cold, damp, or hot places. Moisture can cause boots to mildew, which can ruin them. Heat and direct sunlight can degrade the leather.

When you aren’t wearing your cowboy boots, store them on boot trees. Boot trees will help them keep their shape and are well worth the cost.

Shun direct heat. If your cowboy boots get wet, allow them to dry at room temperature. Never dry them over a heat source or next to a wood stove. If your cowboy boots encounter water often, you might want to invest in a boot dryer, which uses warm air to dry boots without harming them.

Keep ‘em clean. This is the number one rule to ensure a long, lusty life for your cowboy boots. Dust and dirt are leather’s dire enemies. Keep a soft cloth (an old cotton t-shirt is perfect) in your closet, and make it a habit to wipe your cowboy boots every time you take them off.

For cowboy boots with heavier soiling, use a damp cloth to wipe them, then brush the leather well. Scuffs can usually be removed with a pencil eraser. Take off sticky stains with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Do not use harsh chemical cleaners on cowboy boots.

Condition ‘em. Once your cowboy boots are clean and dry, use a leather conditioner to protect the leather and keep it supple. A lanolin-based conditioner is best. Leather soles should be conditioned, too, to keep them from drying and cracking.

Apply the conditioner to your cowboy boots. Once it is completely dry, buff it with a soft cloth. A couple of thin coats of conditioner are preferable to one thick coat. Reapply conditioner every couple of months or after you give your boots a thorough cleaning, whichever comes first.

Shine ‘em up. Apply a cream-based boot polish to keep smooth leather cowboy boots shiny. Buff to desired sheen. For exotic leathers like ostrich or reptile, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Oils, waxes, and saddle soap are not recommended for cowboy boots. They will seal the pores, which over time could cause the leather to crack. They also attract dust. If you want the glossy shine that wax can give to cowboy boots, be sure to apply a cream polish first.

Buy the best. Think about it: Your feet carry you all day, every day. They deserve the splendid support of well-made cowboy boots, so purchase the best ones you can afford. They’ll repay you with years of good looks, style, and comfort.

Speaking of cowboy boots, we’ve got ‘em. Lots of ‘em. And we’re not talking just any ol’ boots – we’re talking the finest there are, from the likes of Lucchese Boots and Old Gringo Boots. So come on down to Allens Boots, y’all, and we’ll get you fitted out.

As the new year nears, it’s a good time to think about who you are and who you want to be. It’s an opportunity to evaluate and make some adjustments. So what do you think, men—is it perchance time to update your cowboy boots?

Your cowboy boots speak volumes about your attitude, your style, your approach to living. Think back to when you bought your current cowboy boots. They probably were perfect for then, but what about now? Everybody changes, be it ever so slightly. Maybe you’re a little bit bolder than you used to be, a little more daring. Perhaps your cowboy boots reflect a time when you were dabbling with a different image and you’re over that now. Maybe your cowboy boots are in the classic mode, and all you need is to refresh that look.

We’ve got a couple of ideas for cowboy boots that would make a strong personal statement in the new year. See if one of these is right for you.

Are you a man who likes to please the ladies? Then we suggest these black calf cowboy boots from Lucchese Boots. When you’re wearing these cowboy boots, made of smooth, supple calf leather, with that sexy cowboy heel, heads will turn. ‘Cause like ZZ Top, that little ol’ band from Texas, said, every girl is crazy ‘bout a sharp-dressed man.

Is conquering the world part of your plan for the new year? The Nevada Attila cowboy boots from Old Gringo Boots could be just the ticket. They’re rough and ready, with a stylish distressed look that just shouts “man of action.” Pull on these cowboy boots, and conquest is at hand.

Are you a laidback guy who chooses comfort over flash every time? Then these suede camel cowboy boots from Lucchese are for you, natch. They’ve got an easy roper toe and heel, which means these are the boots you’ll want to slip on every day. Plus, they’re made in Texas so these cowboy boots not only look good and feel good, but they’ll also enhance your Lone Star cred.

Make a resolution now to come into Allens—either our South Congress boots store or our Round Rock boots store—and get yourself fitted out in new cowboy boots. With over 4,000 boots on display, we’re confident you’ll find a pair that will inspire you and help you ring in the new year in your very own style.

High-quality felt cowboy hats like the Stetson 4X Gus hat are an investment. When you find one that fits well, you want to make sure you can wear and enjoy it for many years. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that your cowboy hats have a long and handsome life.

Handle with care. Felt cowboy hats are durable and made to last. At the same time, gentle handling is required to keep cowboy hats in their ideal shape. Both the brim and crown are somewhat delicate, so which do you grab to put on or take off a hat? The experts at Stetson Hats say to hold the brim in front and back; handle the crown as little as possible. And make sure your hands are clean–you don’t want to get dirt or oil on your hat.

Brush regularly. Felt cowboy hats benefit from regular brushing to remove dust and spots. Using a soft brim brush, start on one side of the crown and brush in one direction all the way around. Use the same stroke around the brim. For stubborn spots, try a felt hat cleaning sponge.

Store properly. The best place to store a cowboy hat is on your head. But when they’re not being worn, cowboy hats should be stored upside down, on their crown. Never leave a cowboy hat on its brim, which could cause the brim to flatten or warp. Between wearings, you can set cowboy hats on a clean shelf or hang them on a hat rack. For longer-term storage, cowboy hats should be kept in hatboxes in a cool, dry place.

Protect from the elements. Felt cowboy hats are meant to shield you from rain and snow, so if they get a little wet, it’s not a big deal. Just shake the water off. If your hat gets soaked, turn the sweatband down and stand the hat on the sweatband. Let it dry naturally. Do not use a heat source to speed up drying or you could shrink the sweatband. Heat and humidity are the enemies of cowboy hats, so don’t leave your hat sitting in a hot car or truck.

Go to a pro. Even when care is taken, cowboy hats can still lose their shape over time. If that happens to you, take your hat to a professional and have it reblocked. A pro can also remove dirt and stains, sometimes enough to revive a hat you’d given up on. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need specific recommendations.

Here at Allens Boots we’ve got a wide selection of cowboy hats from Stetson and Resistol Hats. A cowboy hat is a very personal item that you’ll live with for many years, so come in to find the hat that fits your style and personality. While you’re at it, you can also pick up some great boots and Western wear.

You’ve just met a great pair of cowboy boots—let’s say it’s these awesome Lucchese Ostrich cowboy boots. You turn a corner in Allens Boots, and there they are. They just speak to you. You have to touch them, pick them up. You feel a little shy at first, not sure they’re the right cowboy boots for you. But when you slide your feet into them, they embrace your soles. You stand straighter, prouder. It’s love. You buy them.

Now what? You can’t just tote your new cowboy boots home and put them in a closet. This romance is young: You need to take your cowboy boots out on the town, enjoy their company, strut a little. And there’s no better place to show your new cowboys boots a good time than Austin.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Austin in your new favorite cowboy boots:

• Listen to music. One thing you’ve got to do in your cowboy boots is take in some live music. After all, this is the Live Music Capital of the World. Check out the action at some of the hallowed Austin venues like the Continental Club, Stubb’s BBQ, or Antone’s. Or you could trot your cowboy boots down to Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater. Wherever you choose, your toes will be tapping.
• Go dancing. Cowboy boots are just made for two-steppin’, so why not take them out to a honky tonk? The Broken Spoke is the last of the real Texas country dance halls, a place where legends like Bob Wills, Ernest Tubbs, and Kitty Wells once performed. Heck, they say Willie Nelson still stops in from time to time for a chicken-fried steak. Your new cowboy boots will get a workout and have a whale of a good time.
• Go to a museum. Cowboy boots and football are both Texas icons, so your new cowboy boots are the perfect attire for “Texas High School Football: More Than the Game” at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. It’s about the teams, the tailgaters, the fans, the marching bands—all that things that make Friday night football such a defining part of life in the Lone Star State. The exhibit is on through January 22, 2012.

Don’t yet own the cowboy boots that inspire your passion? Then what are you waiting for? Come on down to our Round Rock store or our landmark South Congress store. With over 4,000 boots on display, we’re sure to have the cowboy boots of your dreams.

‘Tis the season to don your best western wear, boys: The holidays are nearly here. Time to brush up your cowboy boots, polish your belt buckle, and find just the right Western wear shirt for the parties you’ll attend. At Allens Boots we’ve got classy Western Wear that can take you in style from a pre-Christmas beer bash to a fancy-dress New Year’s eve banquet.

If your taste tends to the classic, look at the Robert Graham Eli shirt. Robert Graham makes some of our favorite Western wear because of their luxurious fabrics and beautiful tailoring. This shirt is a winner for all, but if you happen to have blue eyes, women will swoon.

Western wear goes uptown with the 7 Diamonds Wonderful Tonight shirt. In basic black with a subtle burgundy floral pattern, it’s the perfect blend of dress and Western wear styling. But beware, fellas: This is one the ladies will want to touch.

If you like your Western wear straight up, try the Scully Geometric Star shirt. This crisp black-and-white shirt echoes traditional Western wear styling but keeps it up to date. With its Lone Star embellishments, this shirt proclaims that your heart’s in Texas even if you aren’t.

Of course, Western wear is way more than just shirts. Here at Allens we’re the Western wear experts year-round, and we’re well stocked with the mens boots, belts, and other accessories you need to get slicked up for the party nights ahead.

If you’re in town, amble on into our South Congress Boots Store. Or stop in at our Round Rock Boots Store. Either place, we can set you up with the Western wear you need to get duded up for the holidays.

Now, some folks say real cowboys wear straw cowboy hats in the summer and felt cowboy hats in the winter. Some will even go so far as to say straw after Easter, felt after Labor Day. We consider that just a tad too doctrinaire. And far be it from us to tell anybody who dons a straw cowboy hat in January, a cap, or nothing at all that he’s not a real cowboy.

But we will venture is this: A felt cowboy hat is the way to go if you’re looking for a gift to keep your special guy cozy and fashionable this winter.

There’s a reason for the tradition of felt cowboy hats in cold weather: It’s because they’re warm and snug. Felt cowboy hats stop cold blasts of wind and repel snow and rain. Plus, if you need to give your horse a drink out on the range, a felt cowboy hat makes a dandy bucket. But bottom line: Felt cowboy hats just look so darn good. That’s why some men opt for them year-round.

When you’re ready to shop for cowboy hats, start with Stetson Hats . Stetson cowboy hats are made in the USA by neighbors over in Garland, Texas, using the finest furs, including beaver, mink, and chinchilla. Stetson is known the world over as the premier maker of cowboy hats. When you give the gift of a Stetson cowboy hat, you’re giving a quality product that will last for years, if not a lifetime.

Cowboy hats don’t get more iconic than Stetson’s “Boss of the Plains.” It’s the original cowboy hat style created by John B. Stetson way back in 1866, and yet it’s still handsome and stylish today and one of our top sellers. For the man with classic tastes in cowboy hats, this is the one.

Black goes with everything, so take a look at the Spartan cowboy hat from Stetson. It’s got a 3.5” brim and a generous 4 5/8” crown. Many men live in their black felt cowboy hats, and when they look this sharp, you can see why. This style is also available in silver belly.

Then there’s the Stetson Lariat cowboy hat in rich chocolate brown. This classy topper has a deep 4 5/8” brim, a 4” crown, and elegant silver detailing on the hatband. If your man likes his cowboy hats black or silver belly, those are options, too.

That’s just a little taste of what we have to offer. To really savor our wide selection of cowboy hats, cowboy boots , and western wear, stop in and see us. We can help you find the cowboy hat that will be your pardner’s favorite present.

Behind the scenes of the Small Business Saturday AMEX commercial

Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so it’s coming up this week on November 26. We invite you to get involved. You already know that Allens Boots is the best cowboy boots and western wear store in Austin (and probably the universe). Now we’re excited to let you know that our world-class cowboy boots and western wear store is featured in an American Express commercial for Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday is all about putting your money where y our heart is, in your own hometown and its locally owned businesses. Sure, the big-box retailers are offering lots of tempting deals on Black Friday. We’re not asking you to give that up. We’re just asking you to visit local retailers the next day and do some of your shopping there. Small businesses are the lifeblood of communities, and Small Business Saturday is about doing your bit to keep your community strong.

We trust you’ll think of us on Small Business Saturday because when it comes to Austin merchants, Allens Boots is one of the most enduring. We’ve got the latest and greatest from the best cowboy boots manufacturers in the business. We sell western wear to wranglers and sodbusters, rock stars and soccer moms alike. And they all get treated with the same knowledgeable, low-key approach that has made us an Austin tradition since 1977.

So come on down to Allens Boots on Small Business Saturday and get in the holiday mood with us among our racks of festive western wear. Browse our sprawling shelves of cowboy boots and western wear. Visit us at our landmark South Congress boots store or at our Round Rock boots store to find your perfect pair of cowboy boots and support local business on Small Business Saturday.

Spread the word so we can get the whole town out in support of locally owned businesses on Small Business Saturday. Just think: If everybody shopped small, the effect would be huge.

Heard any Christmas tunes in stores? You know what that means: It’s time to start thinking about the holidays. And when you’re ready to pick the perfect gifts for your family and friends, think Allens Boots. We’ve got western wear choices to delight everyone on your list.

Of course, Western wear starts (or ends, depending on how you look at it) with boots. We’ve got literally thousands of pairs from top manufacturers like Lucchese Boots and Old Gringo Boots. Just think how thrilled your honey would be to rip open a box that held a bitchin’ pair of boots. There’s no better way to show your love than by investing in quality boots that your partner can wear proudly for years to come.

We’ve even got a charming assortment of kids boots for the little buckaroos in your life. What child wouldn’t love to suit up in Western wear finished off with a pint-sized pair of cowboy boots?

We are the experts on Western wear for your feet. But we sell a lot more than just cowboy boots.

Like for instance, we’ve got:

• Shirts, including an extensive line of Western wear men’s shirts from Robert Graham Designs, which is noted for its sophisticated, eclectic designs.
• Women’s apparel, ranging from hard-working Western wear shirts to pretty frocks like the soft, feminine 3J Workshop Gaby Chemise.
• Jeans from Wrangler because they’ve got the style and fit that are the foundation of true Western wear.
• Belts, including a terrific selection of Western wear belts from Lucchese that come in different colors and leathers like ostrich and gator. And while you’re at it, you can add a personal touch by choosing from the great belt buckles offered by the likes of Vogt and Elk Creek Buckles.
• Hats, the crowning glory of Western wear, including world-class Stetson Hats.

Western wear never goes out of fashion. So when you’re ready to do your holiday shopping, come on down and see us at our Austin boots store, in the heart of the action on South Congress, or at our Round Rock boots store. Start here, and you might not have to go anywhere else.

When you think cowboy boots, you probably think brown or black, right? Lots of them are—nothing wrong with that. But cowboy boots come in a rainbow of colors, and in our humble opinion, red is tops. Just look at the Big Red Boot above our South Congress boots store!

If you’ve shied away from colorful cowboy boots in the past, we understand. But that was then. Maybe now it’s time to take a pair of red cowboy boots out for a spin. We’ve got some beauts in our women’s boots collection. Here are a few of our faves.

Where’s the fire? Right here, in these Nevada cowboy boots from Old Gringo. They’re one of our best-sellers, and no wonder. These boots are red-hot with attitude to burn. We love the intricate cream stitching and the almost-flickering color variegation in the leather. You can practically smell the smoke.

Who needs ruby slippers when you could wear ruby-red cowboy boots like Old Gringo’s Bonnie Vesuvio cowboy boots? They pack the boss attitude of traditional cowboy boots, but the delicate multi-floral stitch pattern softens their edge. They’re the ideal choice for girly girls who want to rough up their style just a little.

If you’re ready to walk on the wild side, take a gander at the Horn Back Croc cowboy boots from Lucchese Boots. Women’s cowboy boots don’t get much tougher than this, and yet they’re also super-chic, sporting stacked heels, red leather uppers, and hip-as-heck reptile-skin vamps.

Picture it—you in a fabulous pair of red cowboys boots. Tapping your inner wild woman. Tilting your everyday image. Kicking that darn fashion can way on down the road.

But hey, if red cowboy boots don’t trip your trigger, no sweat. We know cowboy boots, and with over 4,000 boots from 12 manufacturers in our stores, we can help you find boots that will spice up your wardrobe now and still be loved for years to come.