Posse members enter Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew for our fourth tour stop. (Photo ©Chris Wilkins/Texas BBQ Posse)

We had a few surprises on our lightning BBQ tour -- 400 miles in 13 hours -- to Austin and back Wednesday. Among them, the great pork ribs we had at Stiles Switch BBQ and Brew.

"That was the best rib I've had in a long time," Posse member Bryan Gooding said. He said the rub had a "wonderful" flavor and the meat was juicy, firm and cooked perfectly. Several other Posse members agreed.

Located in a small shopping center about 5 miles north of the state capitol building, Stiles Switch was our last stop of a very stout day of chasing Texas smoked meat. We also ate at Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue and John Mueller Meat Co.

We think Austin has replaced Lockhart as the capital of Texas barbecue and, to test that case, we wanted to sample the best joints all on the same day.

Stiles Switch has been open about a year and a half. Pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick formerly ran a restaurant, called Mimosa, in Taylor. He also has worked for Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor.

Many Austin joints close when the meat runs out. But Stiles Switch owner Shane Stiles said his place has made a commitment to remain open throughout the day, minimize lines and never run out.

"I waited in line at Aaron's [Franklin Barbecue] a few times and it was just more than I could handle," Stiles told us.

Opening at 11 a.m., Stiles Switch doesn't close until 9 p.m. on most weekdays, 10 p.m. on weekends. The place has a large dining area and plenty of easy parking, both welcome after a long day on the road.

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew, 6610 N. Lamar, Austin, 512-380-9199. Open Tues-Thur & Sun 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm.

The pork ribs at Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew. (Photo ©Chris Wilkins/Texas BBQ Posse)

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew pitmaster Lance Kirkpatrick. (Photo ©Chris Wilkins/Texas BBQ Posse)