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This summer, CNN's Defining America project is traveling the country with the CNN Express bus and iReport to explore the stories behind the data and demographics that show how places are changing. This week, CNN brings you coverage from Texas. Barbecue. In Texas, that's a word worth fighting for. Just ask the owner of City Meat Market in Lee County, Texas, where folks have been wolfing down beef, chicken and pork served on traditional pink butcher paper for nearly 70 years. Texas Monthly Magazine ranked it among the Top 50 BBQ joints in the state. In fact, Texas musician Lyle Lovett is a fan of the Meat Market and stops by the restaurant regularly. Willie Nelson has taken a seat here more than once. Turns out Lee County is almost a mirror of the entire United States, ethnically and racially. You can see that diversity in the faces of patrons at this classic meat-lover's paradise. So when CNN’s Defining America project went to Lee County to investigate the stats, we had to test out a meal of chopped brisket, sausage and ribs – with the accompanying white sliced bread, of course. Looking for sides? Try the potato salad. Dessert? Either the banana pudding or peach cobbler will make you sing. With so many different cultural influences, maybe Birkelbach is right about his being America’s best barbecue. But, of course, some folks in the Carolinas might have a bone to pick about that. |
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I think someone is trying to start another civil war. ;-)
Each region has its variation on BBQ. Each region claims to be the best. They are all good. His point about meat standing on its own I agree with. Pulled pork being mush? He hasn't had good pulled pork. Sauce is a side that only enhances the experience and should not distract from the true star of the meat.
As to what some claim as the "Mustard heresy of SC" they have not had a true mustard sauce. You never use straight mustard on BBQ but a sauce that uses it as a base and it it is good it makes the eating experience more enjoyable.
I've had the barbecue from Giddings' City Meat Market since the late 60's and it really is the best! ...
As usual the remarks reflect what Texans do best, bragging about anything to do with Texas. At least one guy was good enough to say that he hadn't had a chance to try many out of state places. Anybody had pride about their state but sometimes it just goes to far.
No brag,just Fact. Jealous much?
you jelly?
Texas BBQ is the best. Along with our women and cold beer!!!!
Yeah, Joe Cottens was good! Often a helicopter would be parked on the hwy meridian in front of the place
I liked The Smokehouse in Van Horn Texas It's way out in west Texas 1/2 way 'tween Laredo and Pecos Texas
Middle of nowhere?
They had old cars there
Both have burned down..... dammit!
I liked the analogy "bbq xxx is the best and the song xxx is the best
I cook brisket put it on mesquite then finish in slow oven or wrap in foil and it stays in pit etc
Like lamb pork chicken sausage fish and veg on 'skeet too
Haven't had the opportunity to try out very many out of state places
Whats the best BBQ sauce you can buy at a mainstream grocery store? Like Walmart, Kroger etc? Just curious. I know true BBQ aficionados would not even go buy BBQ sauce at these stores... they make it themselves or they go to a local BBQ/Meat market store and buy their sauce.... and yes I know if the meat needs sauce its not cooked right. I just want to hear what you all would say is good mainstream BBQ sauce if their is such a thing.
The best Texas BBQ is made in my parents' backyard by my Dad in San Antonio. He uses mesquite wood and one of those great big iron smokers. The men in the family help him out by grabbing a beer and offering advice. My Mom makes a bunch of sides and the extended family brings the salad. My cousin makes an emergency run for ice because it is still hot as blazes even though the sun is on its way out and should know better. We all eat outside at the picnic tables while the kids run around and play. It is always somebody's birthday or anniversary or graduation so the evening ends with a pinata and the most delicious cake ever. There is hardly enough meat left to call them leftovers. You can't get that any place else except home. I miss Texas.
Yeah I remember these days. My grandma lived in San Antonio and we would go down from DFW on holidays and a few times every summer. Swimming in the above ground pool watching out for giant Mesquite thorns and munching all kinds of meat. As the sun set the next door neighbor would sing and play Tejano. Half those people are gone now and it just seems families arent this close anymore. I think the innocence ended with the internet.
I live in San Antonio, so I'm a quick drive to the holy grail of BBQ in Central Texas: Black's, City Market, and Salt Lick. Snows is also pretty damn fine BBQ. I grew up on Texas BBQ...family legend has it that I cut my first tooth as a baby on a Luling City Market rib bone. I don't doubt it...
I had Ohio BBQ once... they smothered it in *sweet* BBQ sauce so much that you couldn't handle it with your hands, and could barely find the meat under there. That's not how you do BBQ! They do it right in Texas.
Too bad they didn't include Rudy's BBQ. Sure, it's a chain, but they cook their meat there and serve it to you the way BBQ should be eaten... with your hands. BBQ should be moist and cooked with rub so that you lick it off your fingers, but definitely NOT drowned in sauce. Especially sweet sauce. Blech.
I hear what you are saying and I know that thats true BBQ way and any BBQ snob would scoff at the sweet sauce like you just did but what's wrong with sweet sauce? You like sweet stuff don't you? You like meat-quality protein. Put the two together.... whats the problem? I'm not from Ohio im from Texas but just curious to know what the deal is. Thnx.
best in the world, THE SMOKEHOUSE in Lindsey Texas IT'S ALL GOOD. PLuse the French Fries are to die for.
Sandwich= Z-man at Oklahoma Joe's in KC, MO
Sauce/Ribs=Arthur Bryant's in KC, MO
Brisket/Sausage=City Market in Luling, TX
I love BBQ bull testicles!
Best smoked meats in the country? Broomfield Colorado at KT's. Now I Am Hungary!
I'll go with Texas for beef bbq, but it's Tennessee all the way for pork. Texans just can't figure out what to do with it.
Franklin BBQ is the best place for BBQ in Texas.
just get there early and be prepared to wait right?
There's a place in Ft Davis, TX in a converted house where the kitchen was turned into a pit and the rest of the walls knocked out for a dining room. The space heater is fed gas through an old water hose that runs across the floor. There's a laundry sink up against one wall and Heimlich maneuver posters over each table. It lacks sawdust but the brisket is good.
Their beef's fairly good but for the best pork barbecue, you either have to go to eastern N. Carolina or my house.
just remember, if it werent for a couple ole' boys from TENNESSEE, texans would still be saluting Santa Ana!
I used that dumbazzes peg leg to draw a line in the sand 'cuz the Boys from Tennessee couldn't figure out how to take it off.
Those Tennessee boys were there to defend slavery, which had been outlawed in Mexico and Texas was definitely a part of Mexico. Crockett died on his knees, begging for his life.
All Texans know that Davey went down swinging Ole Betsy against the heads of these taco benders. This was a tale from some scared azz Mexican who turned tail and ran instead of fight like the Brave men at the Alamo. Davey Crocket was trying to bide time while awaiting Janet Napolitano and Hillary Clinton(who were holed up at the Chicken Ranch in LaGrange,Texas) only to be killed because these two porkers were attending a Luv Inn.
to true Texan.....RACISM IS ALIVE AND WELL FOLKS. Where do yo get your truth from the back of a cereal box?
Texas BBQ is delicious.
One problem though. Too many restaurants serve it with GARLIC mashed potatoes. We are in the good ole US of A not in Eastern Europe for heaven's sakes.
True Texas BBQ consists of Meat,Sausage and white bread-This ain't Olive Garden. Your going to the wrong restaurants.
I tend to agree with Dick on this.
You'll seem to missing the mark. Louie Muller's in Taylor, TX is rather hard to beat but it beats anything in Lockhart hands down. There was a place out by Lake Travis that had in my opinion the best venison and pork hot link known to man, Jim Bobs BBQ, and most definitely in these parts and outside of Texas as well, but the owner had health issues and they closed. Now if you have to have pulled pork in these parts the Whole Foods smokehouse of 6th street is fantastic. LOL guys!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm heading to Taylor today just to prove why I live in this great state! Yummmmy
City Market in Luling, TX is one of my favorites!!
I grew up in KC, I live in Austin, so I think I can speak with some authority on this.
First, I prefer the best KC BBQ over the best Texas BBQ because I like pork ribs and burnt ends best–and those are, unquestioningly, better in KC. Best place in KC is the old Smokestack, now Jack Stack, down in Martin City.
That said, Texas has amazing brisket and beef ribs. Best place IMO here is Black's, in Lockhart, but there are two or three others at that level (e.g., Kreutz'). Salt Lick is fun but definitely a step down.
Salt Lick is much less expensive than the others you've mentioned. Taking your family of 5 out for BBQ? Of these, Salt Lick will allow you to keep some of your hard earned cash.
Truth is, it's the pit master that makes the BBQ great, not the state. Sure, you have concentrations of fantastic BBQ masters in Texas, Carolina's, Memphis, St. Louis, etc... but you can find awesome BBQ all over. I prefer dry rub ribs from Memphis and whole hog pulled pork with some Carolina mustard sauce.
Harolds BBQ in Abilene TX. Rundown shack of a place but the line makes an IN-N-OUT Burger grand opening seem like a blink of an eye. Amazing BBQ and amazing sauce.
BBQ isn't BBQ without the right wood. Mesquite is KING. Hickory is for amateurs.
Mesquite's only good for grilling, not barbecuing. For brisket, you want oak, hickory or pecan, although apple, plum or cherry work really well, too. I've seen too many pits permanently fouled by green mesquite.
Also, an awful lot of the mesquite in Texas is spayed with toxins very similar if not identical to Agent Orange. Mexican mesquite, too.
C'mon! That spray gives the meat its unique flavor and bouquet. In small amounts, it's not all that harmful.
I have an 18 year old pit that I made myself. It has never had a stick of anything in it besides mesquite. No fouling here. Any green wood will foul a pit. Any pit master worth their salt knows this. But I do have to admit, I would like to see more pork on the San Antonio menu than we currently have. And Sauce is a condiment!
Texas BBQ is entirely overrated. Go to Memphis (for dry rub) or the rural Carolinas (try Duke's in Orangeburg SC). Missouri isn't bad either.
Yeesh. You obviously have not spent enough time in Texas. Our BBQ is the best!!!
Kreuz' bbq with Rudy's sauce slathered on top. Cannot be beat. Sorry Carolinas, your "sweet" bbq is for the birds . . .
Rudy's sauce??? You're joshin' me.
Mount Zion Baptist in Huntsville, Texas. The BEST bar none!
If you want pork in Texas, go to Country Tavern between Kilgore and Tyler for big pork ribs. Best in the state, and better than Memphis.
Sooo funny I was reading through and just before I saw your post I thought, hey what about that place out in the middle of nowhere....? I was visiting my folks in Tyler a few years back, and we decided to go to Kilgore to see the oil museum. So on the way my Dad pulls into this beer joint, and I'm thinking...okay knowing my Dad this has to be a joke! Fall-off-the-bone-tender ribs, good stuff. 'Interesting' atmosphere for sure.
Texas BBQ is good. Tennessee BBQ is great. Eat at Nashville's Swetts BBQ and you will taste that Texas is for beginners. Even the airport BBQs in Tennessee are fabulous!
Louie Mueller's , Tay(ai)lor Texas...period
When I moved to NC from LA folks here insisted that I try the 'world-famous' BBQ. There are 2 camps: Lexington style and
'the other'. I've tasted both and cannot imagine why people eat the stuff, let alone brag loudly about it! Of course, it's pork (no beef brisket to be found in these parts). The recipe is simple: 99% vinegar, 1% something red. When I go back to LA for a visit I fill up on TX brisket!
There's three camps in NC and another in SC.
Okay so it's obvious that mid texas near austin has to lockdown on good BBQ in Texas AND country. What's the best spot in the DFW for great BBQ???? Anyone?
*the lockdown
Sonny Bryan's on Lemmon.
soony bryans on the west end? really?
D Magazine did a spread on DFW BBQ about a year ago. Easy to find on-line. I've not tried any of the ones they mention. I can recommend that you avoid Bubba's in Ennis, on 45 coming up to Dallas.
thank you! Surprised to know that most of those BBQ joints on that list are in or around Fort Worth. Looks like "Off the Bone BBQ" just south of fortworth took the top spot.
Kruetz or Smitty's (sister and brother) is the best, I've tasted many other's and there's nothing that comes close.
All i can say is that texas bbq is unique. its very moist, and juicy. there is alot of tradition that goes into making bbq whatever it is. whether thats brisket or ribs, or saugage. I have tried kruez market in lockhart and it s really good but not consistently good. I really want to try snow's bbq in lexington,tx and blacks bbq in lockhart. obviosulsy texas makes more beef and mephmis and kansas city make more pork. Alll i can say is that good bbq does not need a heavy sweet sauce to make it taste good. A rub is all you need. I want to tast the meat not the sauce. but i would like to try some bbq in different parts of the country! oh by the way texas makes a sauce for its bbq buts its vinegar based and really spicy like a this hot sauce. its made to enchance the meat taste and not hide the flavor of the meat.
Tough to find any beef in Memphis at all. Let's just say it's different...
Give me a break. Gerald Birkelbach is a typically ignorant, short-sighted Texan who doesn't believe anything outside his home State actually exists. Every country has its version of barbecue from Asada fires to the original Caribbean barabicu to Chinese slow-smoked duck to Hawaiian pit-roasted pig. They're all good.
"... Gerald Birkelbach is a typically ignorant..." A Nuran is an imbecilic highbrow-wannabe who knows nothing about class, dignity, nor social decorum. Go play in the street. Piles of human trash such as yourself should be dumped in the nearest landfill (hopefully nearby neighbors will be able to tolerate the stench).
Food isn't food unless an innocent animal dies. Pass the sauce.
Try soylent green–you will like it.
Your condescension is noted and appreciated. Try harder, troll. 1/10.
P.S. I'm from Texas. Yes, I'll have another helping of brisket, thanks.
Soylent yellow is on sale Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Many, many animals subsist by eating other creatures. It's the natural way!! Go natural – it's nature's way to live!
Meat slathered in sauce. Advanced people around the world laugh in your face. Good meat doesn't need any sauce. Try chilled raw meat in Japan for an example.
Kreuz is the favorite of George Strait....But Mine, JOE COTTONS BBQ IN ROBSTOWN TEXAS!!!!!!!!!Yeah it burned down a couple of months ago but JR. is going to rebuild and it will be bigger and better than ever!
I shot JR, don't you remember?
I remember, Mary Ellen. Have they caught up with y'all yet?
It's not real BBQ unless the place has burned down twice. That's why i like Hammonds in Glen Rose, TX.
Oh goodness, Joe Cotten's! My sister went to school in Kingsville, so I had the great pleasure of having that ridiculously fall-apart tender brisket from that place. I was seriously bummed out when we drove past its burnt structure after my sister's graduation. *Sigh*
The original Stubb's Barbeque in Lubbock,TX was fantastic (as were the regular Sunday night blues jam sessions).The current Stubb's in Austin is close to awful and the Stubb's sauces in the grocery stores are also second rate. CB Stubblefield was the man. He passed away in the 90's. I miss him dearly.
Lived in Texas all my life. Best brisket has to be at the Luling City Market. Sausage is a tie between Southside Market in Elgin and Kreuz in Lockhart.
Forgot to mention, nothing goes with BBQ like an ice cold Big Red soda.
That would taint the flavor like all get out. If you want sugary BBQ, try New Jersey.
RC Cola is more traditional. And a Moon Pie for desert.
People will quibble about the quality of the brisket at Kreuz-I seem to have gone there on their good days-but their sausage is uniformly outstanding. It's the best BBQ sausage I've ever had. (Franklin's always out of sausage by the time I get there) Has Franklin's quality changed at all after moving from the trailer to their new brick and mortar place?
you need to try Black's bbq for great bbq
Am I the only Texan who does not like BBQ?
Unless your a Vegan,the answer is YES!
No mention of Salt Lick?
We are talking about REAL BBQ places,NOT crap hole places like Salt Lick. I've had better food at the Alamo than that place.
Exactly...Salt Lick bbq tastes like soy sauce or something...not terribly bad, but NOT TX BBQ!
where is food served at the Alamo? in the basement?
SLB2121 – RIght next to the bicycle.
you all are making this mad Texas woman hungry. LOL.
best barbeque is @ Buzzy's Barbeque in Kerrville Tx.; they are closed on Mondays; they are a block in back of HEB which is on Main St.; Buzzy's on Schreiner St.; take a rt. on Francisco Lemos from Main; go two blocks and take a rt. into Buzzy's parking lot. You can also get their beef brisket sandwich at Kerr Trades Days on the 2nd and 4th Sat. of the month in front of the Courhouse.
THE B-B-Q CAPITOL OF THE WORLD (WHERE THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IS HELD) IS MEMPHIS ,TN.
And a Texan always wins,Thank You Capt. Caplock.
Smitty's is great – been there a few times. The Old Smokehouse, in a small line of strip mall like business units in San Antonio is also great (ask for burn ends – for a tip) is awesome most of the time. Avoid Bill Miller's and Grady's (franchise) because they are awful. Oh, The Salt Lick in Buta is pretty good – get their family style...
Can Texas get independence from USA?
When I become President,It will be done.
Sure! 6th highest poverty rate among the 50 states, top 3 for number of working poor, below average home ownership (which by the way is the reason the foreclosure rate is so low...much of the Texas population never was, and never will be in the homebuying "game") and low percentages of high school and college graduates, I can't see any reason why Texas wouldn't be perfectly fine if it seceded from the United States. Remember folks...Texas is open for business!
I have lived in Texass for 15 years and Gov. Rick has given me and my 4 wives,plus my 12 American born children better edukation than I can git in Mexico. Viva La Ricky-I will vote for hem.
Compares favorably with DC, which has the highest percentage in the nation of people living in extreme poverty. Leading the way! Losers.
It already had it once upon a time, gave it up soon after getting it, and became part of the U.S.A.
I've tasted some great barbeque in a lot of places in the country. Ya'll should really try Franklin Barbeque in Austin. Best brisket ever!
Franklin's is the best
shhh. It's hard enough to get through the line as it is...
Trailer trash in Austin,Texas. Rick Perry is not Happy.
Trailer Trash doesn't sell BBQ! They DO have a great selection of RVs and pop-up campers, though.
My vote for best BBQ in Texas is Black's in Lockhart, TX. Why? It is consistently amazing. The brisket, beef rib, sausage. Been there many times and I can count on that. There are other joints in TX that have good BBQ at various times, but they are rarely consistent in my experience. I concur with the fellow who mentioned Smoque in Chicago. Best BBQ in Chicagoland, and I'd place them number 3 or 4 of best BBQ in the US.
High Five my friend. Though I live in the Houston area,there are only two places that I can recommend for consistency and slow smoked and moist Texas Brisket–Snow's in Lexington,Tx and Black's. I have never been disappointed at either place and sauce is never needed.
there are no undiscovered herbs and spices. just creative ways of blending them. the same with coals and wood used to infuse smoke. trees don't grow any more floral in texas or anywhere else. i'm sure it's great. but, you can get excellent barbeque in georgia, memphis, new york, or new mexico and anywhere else where people cook. you'll never please everyone and you'll never change a person's mind. you like what you like and that's it!
Was in the place this weekend and the place would not pass any health inspection in any major city. The tables,floor. and counters were dirty. The same rag was rinsed in dirty water over and over to "clean" other table tops. The ice machine was open for all guests to stick their, and their children's dirty hands. As for the ribs, too salty. Potato salad, no taste, brisket, too dry, the only good part was the chicken. Try this place, but bring your own sanitizer.
The best BBQ in Texas is wherever Obama is being roasted.
Don't forget the watermelon and ice cold beer.
¡Viva Obama cabrones de San Antonio Texas! Wind's shifting in Texas boss...best get used to it...
Who farted?
What kind of flavoring do you get from all those Repblicans blowing smoke?
I always use a combination of mesquite and hickory wood for that Anus smoke. :)))
Along with Bush's baked beans.
All the regions Texas, Carolina, Memphis, Kansas City – have something to offer. If someone does it right and with passion, you can do good barbeque anywhere. Memphis Minnie's in San Francisco does one of the best briskets I've ever had.
Chuck's BBQ in good ole Evadale, Texas!
Sorry guys, but Luling Smokehouse is King of Texas barbeque...and their sauce is to die for!
Arthur Bryant's in Kansas City, MO
And those poor uncultured folks in Tennessee don't understand that pulled pork isn't the only meat that comes delicious out of a barbecue pit...
Tell me about it. I haven't found a decent brisket up here in Tennessee in 11 years. But having 4 real seasons a year sort of makes up for it.
We are Texas transplants to Tennessee. There are two places that have reasonable, at best, BBQ in Memphis–Jim and Nick's on Germantown Parkway (and they don't even specialize) and the Commissary in Germantown. Beyond that, the highly publicized tourist traps in Memphis are just that.
I have lived in Texas for 62 years and have eat BBQ all over the state. I have recently found a BBQ joint in Winnsboro, Tx (East Texas) that is absolutely the best that I have ever had. The owner told me yesterday that the President of the Kansas City BBQ Society was in there last week and told him it was the best BBQ he had ever ate. If your in the area check it out, peach cobbler every day except Sundays then it Blackberry cobbler.
So, what was the name of the restaurant?
Best in the state of Texas is Snow's BBQ in Lexington, LEE COUNTY Texas
I concur and get there early on Saturday or your not getting any.
Gerald learned from Tootsie Tomanetz
Actually, Tootsie acquired her skills from the previous owner and left. Gerald also learned from the master, but he decided to purchase City Meat Market. Snows is very good, but City Meat Market is the "original".
Ohhh snap. I've heard phenomenal things about Snow's, but 1) I live in Houston and would have to make a bit of a drive out to Lexington, and 2) I don't know if I could get up that early to wait in line for some BBQ! But sounds pretty damn good. :)
Tbone has got it right KCMO is the real bbq king of the country. Gates,Oklahoma Joes are absolutely amazing. Plus KC has more bbq joints per capoita than any where else in the world. Deal with it. Oh btw to allyou Texans out there, Alaska's Bigger!
Alaska is bigger; only until it melts.
all BBQ is awesome when it is done right...doesn't have to come from a certain Region to be good. I've been to all of these Regions and don't have a favorite, just love well prepared BBQ cooked with love & sweat & beer!
Texas is great for beef BBQ. But to many folks, pork is BBQ king, and you don't get much good pork BBQ in Texas.
Buford? Is that you, Buford?
It really is the best in Texas. I've tried BBQ all over the country and it simply doesn't measure up. And if you're in NYC looking for authentic Texas BBQ head on over to Hill Country Meat Market, it's owned by a fella from Texas and he's doing an excellent job.
Hill Country Meat Market isn't bad, but the sauce is wussified. Nowhere near enough fire to it.
I hate to admit it being a native Texas but actually the best brisket I have ever had is at Smoque in Chicago.
Smoque! Wassat? Smoke with amn attitude?
"an"
Exactly. Almost as big as your bad attitude in texass
Saying "Texas is THE best BBQ" is a lot like saying "xxx is THE best song". There are many different styles, cuts of meat, types of meat, sauces, rubs and methods of cooking that claiming a single absolute best is futile. To me, BBQ means Pork and grilling means Beef. What makes it all great is the variation and opportunity to try it all.
Now, where's the Fox Bro's BBQ?!?!?!
... which is a similarly easy conversation – "Stairway to Heaven."
Best Smell – "roses"
Best Color – "blue"
Best Sport – "football"
etc ... ain't it easy to get along with people?
Let's be specific, Best Color: Carolina Blue. That is why God made the sky that color :-).
Many fine BBQ places being talked about. I like the at Coopers but for me, Billy's Bbq in Bastrop rates high. what was said about songs is sure a good analogy, TX BBQ is tops for me (unless it' Rudys or The Salt Lick or Bill Millers or any of the other places that just say BBQ. There's some good flavors across the county but comparing pulled pork to good brisket is apples to oranges.
In my post I meant; The sauce at Coopers in Llano and across the Country not County. For many years Southside in Elgin was excellent, it's just too big now. Buy their raw sausage cook it yourself, low temp, heavy smoke, indirect heat with oak. yum yum, a cold beer...need I say more.
Having had the opportunity to sample both regions' fare, my vote has to be for the Texas BBQ. NC style seems to vary in flavor and texture too much even from county to county. No offense but I can't really handle the vinegar-based Eastern NC BBQ style. Cook it with a lot of wood smoke, either rub it or swash it with the flavoring and put it on the table. Don't get no better than that.
I live in Texas. I've lived here most of my 52 years, and I hate to be a traitor..... but the best BBQ is in Memphis!!!
sixth generation Texan and the only one living outside the state... in LIttle Rock... and I have to say that Memphis Dry Rub is my favorite. Don't tell my sisters in Luling
agree. brisket is ok..but give me memphis bbq anytime and that stuff from the carolina's..they can keep it.
Are there really any losers in this debate??? MMMmmmmm...Bar B Que!
If you want to make your own Texas BBQ, here's a great brisket recipe adapted from Texas' Perini Ranch Steakhouse...
http://mantestedrecipes.com/recipe/2811/king-beef-oven-brisket.aspx
Lockhart. Tx official BBQ CAPITAL OF TEXAS.
Absolutely!
Had it. No FLAVOR. Tastes like roast.
Although, Chisolm Trail BBQ not to shabby.
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience in Lockhart. If you have only been once, I'd give it another shot. I mean, let's face it, it is the official BBQ capitol of Texas for a reason. If you've tried it several times and don't like it, I guess your tastes for BBQ are just a bit different from most. I've had some good and bad brisket at Smitty's myself but more times than not, pretty darn good.
Kreuz Market in Lockhart, TX (old location was best!). Try it, you'll like it!
No, no, no! If you tasted barbecue in Lockhart that tasted like roast, you obviously didn't get any further down the highway than Kreuz Market. Typical Austin crowd! Why can't you guys just stay over at Salt Lick or up in Elgin? Cooper's is a nice hill country drive, and also worth it, but Smitty's and Black's in Lockhart rule the roost. City Market in LULING is also worth a nod.
The extent to which either of those places blows Kansas City and the Carolinas out of the water, just isn't even funny. The only place I've ever been that makes a product that even comes close is Memphis. We're talking vastly different styles, but I think they deserve respect as well.
Memphis,Texas?
We are Texans transferred to Memphis–Memphis has NOTHING on Texas!
Try Snow's in Lexington if you can get up that early. It's gone by noon on saturday.
The Market in Luling, Tx. has the BEST sausage hands down!
Ohhhhh mama. You could start heated debates over BBQ in Lockhart, TX alone! Kreuz, Black's, or Smitty's? I don't really care, just gimme some brisket!
Dagnabbit,another BBQ fight in Lockhart. We better call Chuck Norris for backup.
The funny thing is that, while Smitty's, Black's, and Kreuz are all fantastic, the best BBQ I've had in the area is in Austin, at Franklin BBQ. Hard to go wrong with any of them though, including either Luling City Marker. (Louie Mueller's in Taylor, isn't too shabby either). My solution is to bring an ice chest, and ask for the meat unsliced.
If you feel like standing in line on Saturday mornings, Snow's in Lexington, TX, is supposed to be great too. As for Houston, there are many options superior to Goode Company BBQ, although Goode Company is probably the best "restaurant" experience, as opposed to the best BBQ. Pierson & Company, Gatlin's, Thelma's (albeit you go there for the sauce and ribs), Baker's Ribs, the Brisket House, and Smokin' Mikes: all are much better than Goode Company. Still, it's all a matter of personal taste.
I have been to the Gidding's City Market mentioned in the article-it's right on 290 between Houston and Austin-and I have to say that I was disappointed with the quality of the BBQ.
Why? More cows there? I always thought Florida produced more beef than Texas.
One cannot say that one has had Texas BBQ until one has visited "The Big Three" in Lockhart - Smitty's Market (the old Kreuz), Kreuz Market, and Black's - and the City Market in Luling (forget those people in Houston, they're not the real deal). Everybody's got their faves - Louie Mueller's in Taylor, Franklin in Austin, Cooper's in Llano, Snow's in Lexington often top lists - but these are quintessential, and they're where I was introduced to the style (having grown up in pork ribs territory). I passed through Giddings recently, and was disappointed with how bland the pork loin and brisket were at City Market. Realizing that everybody has the occasional off-day, I'll try again the next time I'm down there.
Sorry to hear about Carolinas problem is but the bones aren't the best part. If it ain't from Texas, it ain't BBQ. (You too, Nashville!).
Any discussion about Barbeque more rightly belongs in the Religious section of the news :-).
Carolina (that political subdivision to our immediate South is "South" Carolina) was one of the original States and was eating barbeque when Texas was just a Mexican province. Calling roasted Cow "Barbeque" does not make it so.
Yeah but covering stuff in mustard immediately bars it from being called BBQ.
Having inhaled Texas barbecue brisket on several occasions, I can state with authority it is simply the best—the filet mignon of barbecue. Next time I'm down that way, I'd like to stop by Birkelbach's joint to check out his chow.
Everybody needs to stop talking and go to Gates and Okalhoma Joe's in KC, Missouri for some REAL BBQ. The home of the burnt end...
Agreed!
Oklahoma Joes is the real deal...good stuff, best in KC, but it ain't Texas BBQ. Gates was not as advertised – a converted Pizza Hut known for their ribs – not brisket...rather disappointing. Arthur Bryant's is really good...better than Gates. NONE hang with Texas brisket...make you want to slap your grandmother if you get it at the right place!!
Been there done that – FAIL – Texas BBQ all the way!!
I've had Kansas City barbeque. Good. But not as good as Goode Company in Houston. Not only is the tender barbeque better. . . but they offer delicious sides, jalapeno bread and pecan pie that cannot be rivaled. Consistently delicious.
Oh Puhleeeez–Tell me something I really don't know. Texas,Brisket and smoked sausage are the BEST,and you can put your elbows on the table. Hey Willie,throw me another Lone Star Buddy.
Shiner.
Make that two....they just started distributing here in NJ....made me ecstatic, I missed Shiner. Best Beer back home.
Make it three!
Better just make it a bucket.
And throw me another one of those beef ribs from City Meat Market of Giddings, Texas! The best. Simple. Basic. CityMeatMarket.biz.
Goode Company BarBQ in Houston, in the top 3 best of Texas
Goode Company Barbeque is the best. Period. Makes me glad I live in Houston!
Angelo's, Fort Worth.