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BBQ Restaurants (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Joe Bryant
- Start date
whoknew
Footballguy
Had friends in town who are big fans of Chef's Table so this morning, we got up before dawn and headed out to Snows.
We got there about 445am and we were number 55 in line. It opened just before 8am. And we got our food around 840.
We ordered some of everything -
All in all, while it was very cold and very early, it was still a fun time. And worth it ... once.
We got there about 445am and we were number 55 in line. It opened just before 8am. And we got our food around 840.
We ordered some of everything -
- Brisket - terrific
- Pork ribs - fantastic
- Pork shoulder - incredible
- Sausage - fine. Not great.
- The sides were nothing to write home about.
All in all, while it was very cold and very early, it was still a fun time. And worth it ... once.
That's great. I'd agree it's mostly the experience. I haven't been in a couple of years and it's good to know it's still that busy.
I've often thought if I ever did a BBQ restaurant, I'd do it like that and only be open on Saturdays. It's just so much work. It's a terrible business model and has virtually everything going against it compared to other businesses. (most of which aren't great models either but they're a zillion times better/easier than BBQ).
Glad you got to go. Tootsie and Snows are a great ambassador for my adopted home state of Texas.
Cowboysfan8
Footballguy
Why do people go there for smoked meats and sides for breakfast ?
It's not that they want breakfast. But it opens at 8 and closes when it sells out which is about 2 or so. So if you're going to make the trip, you get there early.
Franklins is different as it opens at 11:00. The line there starts forming about 7. Kind of ridiculous. But worth doing once. It's also a fun vibe in the line. They have chairs and it's like a tailgate. You're with a bunch of other BBQ nerds who love it like you do so it's not as bad as it sounds to wait that long.
Bogart
Footballguy
Finally made a pilgrimage to Franklin's on Saturday. Got in line at about 9:45 to make it to the counter by noon and everything available (although we did take the next to last beef rib that was on special).
The brisket and the beef rib are world class. Not sure I have had any better (Cattleack and trailer era Heim come closest). Sausage and turkey were amazing. Pork Ribs and Pulled Pork were way above average. Only three sides available (beans, potato salad and cole slaw). All are fine with the cole slaw being the best IMO, but you are there for the meats. The Sauces were also amazing, esp their special Espresso sauce, but you didn't really need them at all.
Didn't need to hear any of this from me, just another satisfied customer.
Barbs B Q in Lockhart and la Barbecue in Austin are next on my list to try.
The brisket and the beef rib are world class. Not sure I have had any better (Cattleack and trailer era Heim come closest). Sausage and turkey were amazing. Pork Ribs and Pulled Pork were way above average. Only three sides available (beans, potato salad and cole slaw). All are fine with the cole slaw being the best IMO, but you are there for the meats. The Sauces were also amazing, esp their special Espresso sauce, but you didn't really need them at all.
Didn't need to hear any of this from me, just another satisfied customer.
Barbs B Q in Lockhart and la Barbecue in Austin are next on my list to try.
Zegras11
Footballguy
Huge fan of Phil's when I lived in so cal
-jb-
Footballguy
@Joe Bryant , sorry to deliver this news...Oakland's going through some stuff these days.
Oakland's Horn BBQ torched in fire, defaced with graffiti
Oakland's renowned Horn Barbecue was vandalised by graffiti and devastated by fire. Owner Matt Horn won't let that get him down. He's holding a turkey giveaway despite his double setbacks.
Judge Smails
Footballguy
Went to Myron Mixon's place outside of D.C. Disappointing. Pretty empty and the brisket was tough. Wasn't asked if I wanted fatty or lean or combo. Just gave me lean. Very dry. Smoked turkey was excellent though. Juicy.
Had a cool experience 2 weeks ago. They had a special pop-up in LA at a restaurant called HomeState. Guess the owner is from Austin. Very popular, they do high end tacos and more. Aaron Franklin came for 4 days to partner on "the best breakfast taco on the planet". Charity event - $1 was donated for every taco sold. Tortillas made on site, cage free eggs, salsas, avocado and Aaron's brisket. Lines were down the block until they ran out. Had to get a number to ensure you'd get max 2 tacos per ticket. It was legendary. Aaron was there and walking around talking to everyone. Had a great chat. Told him his BBQ Manifesto is my bible and he dug that. Took pictures, got autographed posters, etc. Very cool guy.
Had a cool experience 2 weeks ago. They had a special pop-up in LA at a restaurant called HomeState. Guess the owner is from Austin. Very popular, they do high end tacos and more. Aaron Franklin came for 4 days to partner on "the best breakfast taco on the planet". Charity event - $1 was donated for every taco sold. Tortillas made on site, cage free eggs, salsas, avocado and Aaron's brisket. Lines were down the block until they ran out. Had to get a number to ensure you'd get max 2 tacos per ticket. It was legendary. Aaron was there and walking around talking to everyone. Had a great chat. Told him his BBQ Manifesto is my bible and he dug that. Took pictures, got autographed posters, etc. Very cool guy.
nirad3
Footballguy
Sigh... so bummed. A local BBQ joint here near my house shut down as of yesterday out of the blue. They had endured a lengthy renovation at the center they were at AND Covid, but recently the center owner was doing construction near where they were and had a big chunk of the parking lot blocked off. BBQ place said the parking situation was negatively affecting business, although I'm not sure this was the only reason. Pretty much any time I'd go in there they were at about 20-30% capacity. But man I loved going in there on a Saturday, late afternoon, to watch some football, have some super cold and CHEAP craft beer and some brisket mac n' cheese. I discovered this place maybe 7 years ago and became a semi-regular, got to know the owner and servers a bit. I am going to need to find a new local hole in the wall to eat at. Very sad.
FiredMartz
Footballguy
name of place????
Don Quixote
Footballguy
I’m in Alexandria, where Mixon’s place is. I’ve never been as have not heard good things about it. Definitely some better BBQ options around here.
Beef Ravioli Part 2
Footballguy
What are the better options? I’m south of Alexandria a bit, but get up that way frequently and would make a trip for good BBQ.
nirad3
Footballguy
Hambone's.... in Huntington Beach. They have another (original) location in Lakewood I think, but I'm not driving all the way up there just for BBQ.
culdeus
Footballguy
Still haven't done it. Costs of the top tier BBQ places are just out of control at this point. He's above 40/pound now on brisket? At some point you just go to a steakhouse.
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Think I might hit up Rudy’s again on my next El Paso trip. Surprisingly good for franchise gas station BBQ
Rudy's is outstanding for a franchise. Still cooked with all wood. Better than 99% of BBQ you'll find anywhere.
@Joe Bryant , sorry to deliver this news...Oakland's going through some stuff these days.
Oakland's Horn BBQ torched in fire, defaced with graffiti
Oakland's renowned Horn Barbecue was vandalised by graffiti and devastated by fire. Owner Matt Horn won't let that get him down. He's holding a turkey giveaway despite his double setbacks.www.ktvu.com
Aw Man. That's terrible.
BBQ businesses in my opinion are the most difficult to keep going. Just so much work and obstacles. Restaurants are difficult enough, but I think BBQ is nearly impossible.
Bogart
Footballguy
Excellent point. Last Wednesday, went to the Christmas Tree lighting in Sundance Square. Decided to hit up Riscky's for the first time in forever. It was a perfectly good, acceptable BBQ experience for half or a third of what Heim, Lockhart or Cattleack would have been. Ironically, as we walked around the square, my date and I decided we needed to make a list of the best steakhouses/fine dining places in the area that we haven't been to, and make an effort to try each one. That might be where the value is right now over craft BBQ.
nirad3
Footballguy
When I lived in Austin Rudy's was my go-to. Never even went to Franklin's. Rudy's turkey and brisket were/are outstanding and can't beat the pricing (at least when I was there).
jamny
Footballguy
There's a new champion in Idaho: Smokin' Iron BBQ
They're up from Texas and immediately became my favorite BBQ with just one visit. And honestly in the running for the best I've ever had. I've travelled the country extensively and always try the local BBQ joints.
They could use some improvement on their interior though.
Must try if you visit Boise.
They're up from Texas and immediately became my favorite BBQ with just one visit. And honestly in the running for the best I've ever had. I've travelled the country extensively and always try the local BBQ joints.
They could use some improvement on their interior though.
Must try if you visit Boise.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Hit up Terry Blacks on Monday. Very good stuff 
ConstruxBoy
Kate's Daddy
Rodney Scott's is very good but I like Lewis better, especially the brisket.Of all my trips to Charleston I have never been to Lewis BBQ. I've been to Rodney Scott's a couple of times and it was good. @Ron SwansonLast July 4th I had the pleasure of passing through Hemingway SC and stopping at Scott's BBQ. The pulled pork and the ribs were both fantastic. I need to get back.Got an add on Facebook the other day that they actually will ship too. Haven't been there since the last weekend before Covid started up
I've heard some good things about Brown's BBQ in Kingstree SC. This is a buffet but you can also order off the menu. Well today is the day that I get to try it out for lunch. We'll be stopping by on our way from Florence to Charleston on HWY 52.
#NoBreakfastForMe
In The Zone
Footballguy
Well since I made that post I've tried all of the ones I mentioned. Been to Lewis twice and that brisket is it. Their housemade sausage hit as well.Rodney Scott's is very good but I like Lewis better, especially the brisket.Of all my trips to Charleston I have never been to Lewis BBQ. I've been to Rodney Scott's a couple of times and it was good. @Ron SwansonLast July 4th I had the pleasure of passing through Hemingway SC and stopping at Scott's BBQ. The pulled pork and the ribs were both fantastic. I need to get back.Got an add on Facebook the other day that they actually will ship too. Haven't been there since the last weekend before Covid started up
I've heard some good things about Brown's BBQ in Kingstree SC. This is a buffet but you can also order off the menu. Well today is the day that I get to try it out for lunch. We'll be stopping by on our way from Florence to Charleston on HWY 52.
#NoBreakfastForMe
A newer place in West Ashley gets good reviews. Palmira Barbecue.
I want to go when they have the Dino Beef Ribs.
nirad3
Footballguy
For those of you around central-coastal Orange County, CA... or just passing through, my new go-to BBQ spot is Hole Smokes BBQ on Adams Avenue in Costa Mesa.
They are an offshoot of the Hole Mole chain here in SoCal. Apparently one of the offspring of the Hole Mole family was really into BBQ and spent a few months traveling around Texas to understand the process top to bottom.
It's a little expensive but well worth it.
Hole Smokes BBQ
If you ever wanna try it out, hit me up on PM here as I live about 10 minutes down the road in Huntington Beach and always up for some smoked meat and cold beer!
They are an offshoot of the Hole Mole chain here in SoCal. Apparently one of the offspring of the Hole Mole family was really into BBQ and spent a few months traveling around Texas to understand the process top to bottom.
It's a little expensive but well worth it.
Hole Smokes BBQ
If you ever wanna try it out, hit me up on PM here as I live about 10 minutes down the road in Huntington Beach and always up for some smoked meat and cold beer!
psychobillies
Footballguy
That $5 happy hour looks pretty good.
nirad3
Footballguy
When I went for the first time, it was "Restaurant Week" and they had some deal for I think it was like $45 for an appetizer (I got the brisket queso & chips), 3 meat / 2 side platter and a dessert (fried ice cream). I was absolutely stuffed but for that good of a deal I couldn't pass it up. I haven't looked at their Happy Hour. Gotta check that out!
Dan Lambskin
Footballguy
Hit up Terry Blacks on Monday. Very good stuff
Can’t remember if I mentioned it in here, I stopped at the one in Austin and ended up having to turn in a $100 expense report for my dinner there.
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Florida has to be one of the worst BBQ states in the Union
Honestly, there isn't a good spot anywhere around me.
I go to this place called Park Avenue BBQ or PA BBQ as locals call it, they have a few of these...very basic
I went to Austin. TX and ate at many of the places you all mention in here, Terry Black was great
My favorite though was when we drove to San Angelo to see my son graduate high school and along the way we stopped at Cooper's BBQ, the original and OMG OMG OMG...they have a pit of meat you just tell them what you want, best BBQ I've ever had and I'm sure there are others that top that one.
But for a nobody from Florida that never had good BBQ, it was eye opening.
These nice folks in Texas eat BBQ for breakfast, lunch and dinner so it stands to reason they might know what they're doing
Honestly, there isn't a good spot anywhere around me.
I go to this place called Park Avenue BBQ or PA BBQ as locals call it, they have a few of these...very basic
I went to Austin. TX and ate at many of the places you all mention in here, Terry Black was great
My favorite though was when we drove to San Angelo to see my son graduate high school and along the way we stopped at Cooper's BBQ, the original and OMG OMG OMG...they have a pit of meat you just tell them what you want, best BBQ I've ever had and I'm sure there are others that top that one.
But for a nobody from Florida that never had good BBQ, it was eye opening.
These nice folks in Texas eat BBQ for breakfast, lunch and dinner so it stands to reason they might know what they're doing
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
Cooper's in Llano is truly an experience. They do "cowboy" style BBQ and their "point at what you want in the waming pit" is a great experience. But, if we're being honest the BBQ itself is a very different style than modern CTX. Certainly not bad but the quality isn't as high. The experience helps sell it for sure. And the variety of meats on the pit. You won't find mutton, cabrito, venison, lamb ribs, etc. at too many places but they are pretty common at the original Cooper's.
"Cowboy Style" generally refers to burning the wood in a separate pit until it is coals and then shoveling it under met vs. cooking on indirect heat from logs. Franklin's, Louie Mueller's, La Barbecue, etc. all cook indirect over wood. Snow's is an exception in that they do a mixture but a lot of cowboy.
And, in TX BBQ is traditionally a lunch food. The good stuff sells out before dinnertime rolls around. If there are any leftovers, tacos in the morning at the taco truck down the street are the way to go.
And yes, FL BBQ is terrible. There are a couple places in Jax that give it max effort and aren't as bad as most but they aren't world class.
Klimtology
Footballguy
belljr
Footballguy
Tell me more on this. I'm naturally leery when the pics show tons of sauce covering everything. But I'm interested.
belljr
Footballguy
Well it is in the middle of nowhere. Outside a rundown hotel ready to be demolished.
We only ate there once and it was pretty freaking good. You pick your sauces but everything we ordered came without sauce
Here is the Google link check out street view
4020 Georgetown Rd
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
Thanks. I thought it was in Lexington?
Lexington isn't a huge city, but it's several hundred thousand people.
belljr
Footballguy
It's not downtown, it's on the outskirts, it was off a road we took to play golf
Ron Swanson
Footballguy
@Joe Bryant New episode of Life of Fire stars Wayne Mueller.
Joe have you been to White Manna in Hackensack NJ yet? I remember a thread many years ago. It's not barbecue but the place that white castle imitated.
Total dive with old building and circle bar chairs at the counter.
Line outside to get in.
Brat pack and all these old stars pics on the walls.
Legendary burgers
Total dive with old building and circle bar chairs at the counter.
Line outside to get in.
Brat pack and all these old stars pics on the walls.
Legendary burgers
Nice!
My pleasure
I think you'll love it. Even just googling it is interesting.
On my agenda is Shoney's but in OKC. I've had it before in TN but supposedly it's a little different for OKC.
I see the owner every now n then on 1045s YouTube channel with Slay. He reminds me of your BBQ threads.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
A well known Tennessee restaurant opened up a location in OKC some time ago and I keep meaning to go and....just saying it's on my personal list.
When the owner is on the radio, he talks about having to alter the menu based on the locations and I find it fascinating. We do have tastes we all like and yet also some are specific to geographic areas and...it's interesting.
I think they're pretty big and more of a chain now
Desert_Power
Footballguy
Idiot Boxer
Footballguy
I live in the middle of NC BBQ country, and it's great...but I wish there was a good place around to get decent brisket or beef ribs.
Hit up both Franklin and Terry Black’s in Austin this past weekend. Both were excellent and well worth the time.
Didn’t get in line at Franklin’s until 11:45am on Sunday. Only one order/checkout counter makes the line take longer than you think it would. Made it through the line to order at about 1pm and they still had brisket, pork ribs, and jalepeno cheddar sausages. All were excellent, but the brisket was elite. Love me some brisket.
Terry Black’s ordering process is a well oiled machine in comparison. Same length line took about 20 minutes to get through. Separate counters to order sides, beverages, and (3x?) meat slicing/checkouts was awesome. Had a similar spread of food here, and actually liked their jalepeno cheddar sausage a bit better. Amazing.
Wish there was something comparable in Minnesota.
Will be in DFW in September, so let me know if anyone has recommendations there.
Didn’t get in line at Franklin’s until 11:45am on Sunday. Only one order/checkout counter makes the line take longer than you think it would. Made it through the line to order at about 1pm and they still had brisket, pork ribs, and jalepeno cheddar sausages. All were excellent, but the brisket was elite. Love me some brisket.
Terry Black’s ordering process is a well oiled machine in comparison. Same length line took about 20 minutes to get through. Separate counters to order sides, beverages, and (3x?) meat slicing/checkouts was awesome. Had a similar spread of food here, and actually liked their jalepeno cheddar sausage a bit better. Amazing.
Wish there was something comparable in Minnesota.
Will be in DFW in September, so let me know if anyone has recommendations there.
nirad3
Footballguy
If anyone's ever in or around Costa Mesa, CA, I can't recommend Hole Smokes BBQ enough. Apparently there's also one on the north side of Huntington Beach, too.
Offshoot of the Hole Mole franchise; apparently the owner spent several months touring Texas to get the process / flavors down pat. They do a great job.
Offshoot of the Hole Mole franchise; apparently the owner spent several months touring Texas to get the process / flavors down pat. They do a great job.
