Ruby’s BBQ, an Austin institution of nearly 30 years, will shut its doors forever by the end of February. Famous for their brick pit, oak-smoked barbecue, the eclectic spot near UT campus has been serving up reasonably priced, legit brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken for longer than most current college kids have been alive.

The sides have always been remarkably unique, too, with an evolving assortment of tacos and salads, notoriously spicy beans, vegetarian jambalaya, and other items that show off their Cajun flair – an ode to their Blues roots. Partly due to a changing local food scene, and rising costs, owner Pat Mares has made the difficult decision to close her restaurant. There are still a few weeks left to stop by and get your fix – and pick up a few bottles of their delicious sauce – but Ruby’s BBQ will be sorely missed.

Mares suggests revisiting their first official review from the Chronicle in 1989 to get a feel for Austin back in the early days of Ruby’s BBQ. Virginia Wood’s story offers a full history and quite a few photos. On both the personal and professional effects of the closing, and what the future may hold for the space, here is Mares in her own words: