Texas BBQ (1 Viewer)

[BigJohn]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

I gave it go today and they didn't disappoint. Had to wait in line for about 20 minutes. By the time we got to the front they were out of sausage, pulled pork and ribs... I was there for the brisket so I didn't care. Had some Wagyu brisket. Super moist and fatty. Really good and great smokey flavor the bark was really tasty. Mac and cheese was good, beans were just ok and the okra wasn't all that. Overall it was real good, but Lockhart's Smokehouse is great too, not much difference between the two. I'd probably give a slight edge the Pecan Lodge on the brisket, but the burnt ends at Lockharts were my fave. Also I didn't have to wait at Lockharts.... End of the day they are both really solid options for briskest in Dallas.

PL is now a cluster ####. It was just a matter of time before they were found out I guess and good for them. they have to look at opening a storefront now.

Wow, I'm an idiot. I've been buying meat from Rehoboth in that shed since you told me about them over a year ago. I've walked past Pecan Lodge at least 2 dozen times and just always assumed it was a pecan store. After reading this thread I tried to go there last Saturday evening but they were sold out of everything.

I tried to tip you all as the food blogs started picking it up. Didn't take long to go from Defcon 1 to Defcon 5 there.

Saw PL on DDD last night. Show aired on 5/21. This may explain the explosion in business.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Heading to John Mueller's new place tomorrow - heard some pretty amazing things.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Texas Monthly's once-every-5-years top 50 BBQ joints in Texas

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Franklin looked amazing on No Reservations tonight. Made me think of this thread.

come down Aaron, we'll get in line at 9 or 10 am and hang to pass the wait just like we do when Joe comes down

 

[culdeus]

They are really reaching with some of the DFW ones.

 

[whoknew]

Heading to John Mueller's new place tomorrow - heard some pretty amazing things.

I went there about a month ago. He was sitting outside giving everyone in line a Lone Star as we walked up.

The beef is the way to go - both ribs and brisket. They are outstanding. I didn't much care for the sausage.

 

[Rodeojones]

Texas Monthly's once-every-5-years top 50 BBQ joints in Texas

That link appears to require a subscription. This link works without. The List...

 

[Abraham]

I would bet large sums of money that Chisholm trail in Lockhart would annihilate city market in giddings in any type of taste test. So would smittys for that matter.

 

[matuski]

Two Bros. in San Antonio is awful.

 

[cosjobs]

I would bet large sums of money that Chisholm trail in Lockhart would annihilate city market in giddings in any type of taste test. So would smittys for that matter.

I love a place that's 95% as good as Black's but costs half as much. If I were an out-of-stater on a pilgrimage, I can see paying the extra, but all the locals go to Chisholm Trail

 

[culdeus]

How did they overlook Angelo's BBQ in Fort Worth?

Because it sucks. They reheat and their ribs are basically sawdust. When you are known for your chopped beef sammich it isn't a good thing.

 

[culdeus]

How did they overlook Angelo's BBQ in Fort Worth?

Because it sucks. They reheat and their ribs are basically sawdust. When you are known for your chopped beef sammich it isn't a good thing.

I will further add that Angelos set back DFW BBQ 3 decades and is the main reason it has been so hard to bring back the cuisine to the area with any credibility whatsoever. People pointing out "Why Not Angelos" just makes the job hard and the effort not worth it for many. No offense.

 

[psychobillies]

I've never eaten at any of those places. I have been to the Salt Lick several times. I'm genuinely asking, does the Salt Lick not make any of ya'lls top 50? I thought it was pretty damn good. I was surprised it wasn't on the list. You can't hardly get in there on the weekends.

 

[culdeus]

I've never eaten at any of those places. I have been to the Salt Lick several times. I'm genuinely asking, does the Salt Lick not make any of ya'lls top 50? I thought it was pretty damn good. I was surprised it wasn't on the list. You can't hardly get in there on the weekends.

Purists hate Salt Lick. It will never find itself on any serious list. They use gas to fire their smoker. Avoid at all costs.

 

[psychobillies]

Wow. Had no idea. Thanks for the info. Still pretty good grub though. Again, I really don't have any basis for comparison, but I find that to be very interesting.

 

[whoknew]

I've never eaten at any of those places. I have been to the Salt Lick several times. I'm genuinely asking, does the Salt Lick not make any of ya'lls top 50? I thought it was pretty damn good. I was surprised it wasn't on the list. You can't hardly get in there on the weekends.

I don't know if it would make top 50 - I've obviously not been to all of them. But I can tell you that the following (that I've been to) are all better than Salt Lick:

Luling City Market

All of the Lockhart places

LA Barbecue

Franklin

John Mueller

Louie Mueller

Stiles Switch BBQ

These are all ... well, just better.

 

[joffer]

Still like Rudy's

 

[Abraham]

I've never eaten at any of those places. I have been to the Salt Lick several times. I'm genuinely asking, does the Salt Lick not make any of ya'lls top 50? I thought it was pretty damn good. I was surprised it wasn't on the list. You can't hardly get in there on the weekends.

Purists hate Salt Lick. It will never find itself on any serious list. They use gas to fire their smoker. Avoid at all costs.

I happen to like the Salt Lick. Driving out there is fun, it has a good atmosphere, and the food is done in a way that you can stuff your face. I doubt it would be as popular if it wasn't all you can eat.

That said, there are easily 10 better spots within 45 minutes of Austin. Maybe 15 if I really thought about it.

Franklin

Blacks

Smittys

Chisolm Trail

Kreutz

Lloyd Muellers

John Muellers (haven't eaten there but probably better)

Snow's

City Market in Luling

Lamberts

 

[Sup_Yo]

Franklin miles ahead of Salt Lick.

 

[Sup_Yo]

Only thing Salt Lick has over Franklin is virtually no wait by going the "take out" way and then eating at their outdoor picnic tables.

 

[Rodeojones]

While Salt Lick may not have the best q, for out of staters they have a great setting (Driftwood location). Large oak trees and bringing in your own beer made it a great experience for our family. The best q I tasted was Kreuz Market.

 

[cosjobs]

I've never eaten at any of those places. I have been to the Salt Lick several times. I'm genuinely asking, does the Salt Lick not make any of ya'lls top 50? I thought it was pretty damn good. I was surprised it wasn't on the list. You can't hardly get in there on the weekends.

Purists hate Salt Lick. It will never find itself on any serious list. They use gas to fire their smoker. Avoid at all costs.

I happen to like the Salt Lick. Driving out there is fun, it has a good atmosphere, and the food is done in a way that you can stuff your face. I doubt it would be as popular if it wasn't all you can eat.

That said, there are easily 10 better spots within 45 minutes of Austin. Maybe 15 if I really thought about it.

Franklin

Blacks

Smittys

Chisolm Trail

Kreutz

Lloyd Muellers

John Muellers (haven't eaten there but probably better)

Snow's

City Market in Luling

Lamberts

 

[Major]

While Salt Lick may not have the best q, for out of staters they have a great setting (Driftwood location). Large oak trees and bringing in your own beer made it a great experience for our family. The best q I tasted was Kreuz Market.

This. You can't beat the ambience and setting of The Salt Lick in Driftwood. All you can eat + BYOB + the best damn BBQ Sauce = win

 

[Sup_Yo]

While Salt Lick may not have the best q, for out of staters they have a great setting (Driftwood location). Large oak trees and bringing in your own beer made it a great experience for our family. The best q I tasted was Kreuz Market.

This. You can't beat the ambience and setting of The Salt Lick in Driftwood. All you can eat + BYOB + the best damn BBQ Sauce = win

Their BBQ sauce is too salty.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

First impression of John Mueller Meat Company:

Brisket - On a par with Franklin's and if you look upthread, you will know that this is something I wouldn't say casually. More intense - thicker bark, more pepper. Just as perfect fall-apart buttery goodness. Much like the first time I ever had Franklin's, the rest of the pound that I got is calling to me from the refrigerator and I'm already thinking about how I can get back there early next week.

Sausage - Probably the best I've had. The contents are loose, crumbly, like the stuff in the stuffed Creole bread at Jazzfest. Not a gelatinous chunk. Tremendous creeper spice and snappy casing. Almost as compelling as the brisket, which is mind-blowing.

I have to go back soon to get more of both and try the beef and pork ribs. I also have some turkey in the fridge and will report later.

 

[cosjobs]

I went to Lamberts in Austin.

I enjoyed it.

Lambert's is okay for hoity toity downtown cue, but its not top 50 in our state and certainly not as good as Chisholm trail and maybe even Salt Lick.

My wife raved about Lambert's after she went for some company luncheon there, so we tried it three times after that and were very disappointed.

I guess a lot about bbq is quality control. I.e., do you hold onto meats too long and they lose quality. ANY of these places have the capability to produce outstanding bbq, but when they don't sell the briskets or ribs soon enough, how long and where do they hold them? That's also why places that sell out everyday are so consistently good. No penny-pinching owner is going to try and reheat that brisket and pork one more time the next day.

 

[Abraham]

I went to Lamberts in Austin. I enjoyed it.

Lambert's is okay for hoity toity downtown cue, but its not top 50 in our state and certainly not as good as Chisholm trail and maybe even Salt Lick. My wife raved about Lambert's after she went for some company luncheon there, so we tried it three times after that and were very disappointed. I guess a lot about bbq is quality control. I.e., do you hold onto meats too long and they lose quality. ANY of these places have the capability to produce outstanding bbq, but when they don't sell the briskets or ribs soon enough, how long and where do they hold them? That's also why places that sell out everyday are so consistently good. No penny-pinching owner is going to try and reheat that brisket and pork one more time the next day.

Agree completely. The best placed make their best BBQ every day and then they sell out of it. That is why I think Rudy's does deserve some credit. Is it the best ever? No. But it's never bad and they almost never run out. Even the best BBQ guys will tell you that aometines the wood isn't right or whatnot. Rudy's is consistently better then average.

 

[cosjobs]

I went to Lamberts in Austin. I enjoyed it.

Lambert's is okay for hoity toity downtown cue, but its not top 50 in our state and certainly not as good as Chisholm trail and maybe even Salt Lick. My wife raved about Lambert's after she went for some company luncheon there, so we tried it three times after that and were very disappointed. I guess a lot about bbq is quality control. I.e., do you hold onto meats too long and they lose quality. ANY of these places have the capability to produce outstanding bbq, but when they don't sell the briskets or ribs soon enough, how long and where do they hold them? That's also why places that sell out everyday are so consistently good. No penny-pinching owner is going to try and reheat that brisket and pork one more time the next day.

Agree completely. The best placed make their best BBQ every day and then they sell out of it. That is why I think Rudy's does deserve some credit. Is it the best ever? No. But it's never bad and they almost never run out. Even the best BBQ guys will tell you that aometines the wood isn't right or whatnot. Rudy's is consistently better then average.

Yeah Rudy's and Salt Lick both have huge volume, so they can always serve fresh product. What they lack in sophistication, they make up for in freshness and consistency.

The best excel places with both.

 

[zander_s]

No McKensies or New Zion out of Huntsville??

 

[Abraham]

No McKensies or New Zion out of Huntsville??

Zion was best on earth 30 years ago.

 

[bentley]

No McKensies or New Zion out of Huntsville??

New Zion was specifically mentioned as a place that has fallen apart recently in a follow-up article on the website.

 

[cosjobs]

No McKensies or New Zion out of Huntsville??

New Zion was specifically mentioned as a place that has fallen apart recently in a follow-up article on the website.

Yeah my Huntsville connections tell me some of the business people shuffled off the old church ladies and it went down the drain. The church ladies couldn't keep books and the bookkeepers coundnt bbq

 

[Abraham]

When I was a kid in Huntsville, we would get BBQ from Zion on Friday and then go roller skating after school finished. It was awesome and "pure". A bunch of church folks sitting around picnic tables and "oh hey boy...have a little more. Bless you." My dad still works in town and says the place now resembles nothing about what made it special then. It used to be a church with a BBQ stand to help run things. Now it's a proper BBQ restaurant and no one cares.

MckenZies was still pretty good when I are there a year or so ago. I really like their sauce. Sausage is good and ribs are really good with a "hard" crispness on the outside. Brisket is just okay.

 

[Anarky]

First impression of John Mueller Meat Company:

Brisket - On a par with Franklin's and if you look upthread, you will know that this is something I wouldn't say casually. More intense - thicker bark, more pepper. Just as perfect fall-apart buttery goodness. Much like the first time I ever had Franklin's, the rest of the pound that I got is calling to me from the refrigerator and I'm already thinking about how I can get back there early next week.

Sausage - Probably the best I've had. The contents are loose, crumbly, like the stuff in the stuffed Creole bread at Jazzfest. Not a gelatinous chunk. Tremendous creeper spice and snappy casing. Almost as compelling as the brisket, which is mind-blowing.

I have to go back soon to get more of both and try the beef and pork ribs. I also have some turkey in the fridge and will report later.

Is the line like Franklin's? It was worth the 2+ hours, but I don't feel like doing it again.

 

[Buckfast 1]

Pecan Lodge is being found out. It is just a matter of time before they get national pub. It really stacks up against anything, anywhere IMO at this point. I'm dead serious.

I love Pecan Lodge. I was in Dallas for a work conference last summer, and I waited nearly an hour on a Sunday afternoon. The Wagyu brisket was phenomenal and worth every second of the wait. It was probably the best brisket I've ever had. I've been trying to come up with an excuse to go back to Dallas just to go to Pecan Lodge.

 

[Joe Bryant]

When I was a kid in Huntsville, we would get BBQ from Zion on Friday and then go roller skating after school finished. It was awesome and "pure". A bunch of church folks sitting around picnic tables and "oh hey boy...have a little more. Bless you." My dad still works in town and says the place now resembles nothing about what made it special then. It used to be a church with a BBQ stand to help run things. Now it's a proper BBQ restaurant and no one cares.MckenZies was still pretty good when I are there a year or so ago. I really like their sauce. Sausage is good and ribs are really good with a "hard" crispness on the outside. Brisket is just okay.

That's too bad. I was there a couple of years ago and it was still very good. And the vibe was definitely still good. Older, kind folks seemed very much in tune with the customers and caring. Too bad if it really has gone downhill.

J

 

[Joe Bryant]

While Salt Lick may not have the best q, for out of staters they have a great setting (Driftwood location). Large oak trees and bringing in your own beer made it a great experience for our family. The best q I tasted was Kreuz Market.

This. You can't beat the ambience and setting of The Salt Lick in Driftwood. All you can eat + BYOB + the best damn BBQ Sauce = win

In my opinion, there's nothing about Salt Lick's food that is much above average. And certainly nothing of their food is "best" for me. But what they do create, probably better than anyone in the state (which means world) is a great BBQ Ambiance. You walk in and see this http://gallery.photo.net/photo/14464223-lg.jpg Which might be one of the most beautiful things ever.

But that pit says a lot. The BBQ is all cooked in the back on a bunch of giant gas fired Southern Pride cookers. It's a gas oven with a small fireplace off to the side to get some smoke flavor. But for the customers, they show the BBQ on this beautiful pit to give an entirely different feel.

The rest of the interior is great http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3190/2326362484_8a158455a9_z.jpg

And the exterior is classic Central Texas http://image.motorcyclecruiser.com/f/29058470/1010_crup_04_o+texas_barbeque+the_salt_lick_bbq.jpg and tons of trees and shade with picnic tables http://www.followmefoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Salt-Lick-BBQ-July-22-2.jpg

It's hard to eat with all that not like the food.

They do a great job with the experience. But it's far from great Texas BBQ in my opinion.

J

 

[Battles]

Feel like I need to give an update on Louie Mueller's since I live here. I was a little down on them a year or two ago, but it's back to being top notch. They've added some new items under what seems like a little bit of an updated philosophy. The mango (I think) jalapeno sauce that comes with the baby back ribs is outstanding on all the meat. I might even put it even with Kreuz, my previous favorite.

 

[Abraham]

Feel like I need to give an update on Louie Mueller's since I live here. I was a little down on them a year or two ago, but it's back to being top notch. They've added some new items under what seems like a little bit of an updated philosophy. The mango (I think) jalapeno sauce that comes with the baby back ribs is outstanding on all the meat. I might even put it even with Kreuz, my previous favorite.

What's the new pit like after the fire?

 

[shuke]

Franklin.

The end.

 

[Rodeojones]

Gonna be in Austin and San Antonio for 5 days end of June. My to do list is as follows:

1. See Two Tons of Steel at Gruene Hall (Two Ton Tuesday's)

2. Float down the Guadalupe River with my wife and a cooler of Lone Star

3. Watch a Round Rock Express Baseball Game

4. Eat at one of the "hot" bbq joints.

Franklin or John Mueller? I don't mind waiting a couple hours in line...

 

[eoMMan]

Where was Famous Daves on this list?

 

[bigbottom]

2. Float down the Guadalupe River with my wife and a cooler of Lone Star

I try to do this once a year. Really laid back, good time. And Gruene Hall is a cool joint to catch live music. BBQ is certainly a must, but I also like catching dinner (chicken fried steak) at the Gristmill before the night at Gruene Hall when I'm visiting.

 

[whoknew]

Gonna be in Austin and San Antonio for 5 days end of June. My to do list is as follows:

1. See Two Tons of Steel at Gruene Hall (Two Ton Tuesday's)

2. Float down the Guadalupe River with my wife and a cooler of Lone Star

3. Watch a Round Rock Express Baseball Game

4. Eat at one of the "hot" bbq joints.

Franklin or John Mueller? I don't mind waiting a couple hours in line...

If you don't mind waiting, then Franklin. John Mueller is great but Franklin's brisket is unbelievable. It melts in your mouth.

 

[Major]

2. Float down the Guadalupe River with my wife and a cooler of Lone Star

I try to do this once a year. Really laid back, good time. And Gruene Hall is a cool joint to catch live music. BBQ is certainly a must, but I also like catching dinner (chicken fried steak) at the Gristmill before the night at Gruene Hall when I'm visiting.

Cosign with BB - eating at Gristmil is a must while in Gruene. Really cool restaurant with good comfort food.

I'd stop at The Salt Lick on the way to Austin for the ambiance. I rarely will drive out to Driftwood but if I'm coming back from San Antonio or New Braunfels, this is a must stop. You'll be hard pressed to find a gem like this in the middle of nowhere. Unless you're a BBQ , you'll love this place.

 

[zander_s]

Where was Famous Daves on this list?

Maybe in the chain restaurant category?

 

[bentley]

Gonna be in Austin and San Antonio for 5 days end of June. My to do list is as follows: 1. See Two Tons of Steel at Gruene Hall (Two Ton Tuesday's)2. Float down the Guadalupe River with my wife and a cooler of Lone Star3. Watch a Round Rock Express Baseball Game4. Eat at one of the "hot" bbq joints. Franklin or John Mueller? I don't mind waiting a couple hours in line...

Not sure which part of the river you are going on, but check with your outfitter if any part of the trip is in the city limits of New Braunfels. They've adopted a lot of rules regarding containers to cut back on the drunkenness and litter.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

First impression of John Mueller Meat Company:

Brisket - On a par with Franklin's and if you look upthread, you will know that this is something I wouldn't say casually. More intense - thicker bark, more pepper. Just as perfect fall-apart buttery goodness. Much like the first time I ever had Franklin's, the rest of the pound that I got is calling to me from the refrigerator and I'm already thinking about how I can get back there early next week.

Sausage - Probably the best I've had. The contents are loose, crumbly, like the stuff in the stuffed Creole bread at Jazzfest. Not a gelatinous chunk. Tremendous creeper spice and snappy casing. Almost as compelling as the brisket, which is mind-blowing.

I have to go back soon to get more of both and try the beef and pork ribs. I also have some turkey in the fridge and will report later.

Is the line like Franklin's? It was worth the 2+ hours, but I don't feel like doing it again.

not yet, however they opened at 1030 and were sold out by noon

 

[whoknew]

First impression of John Mueller Meat Company:

Brisket - On a par with Franklin's and if you look upthread, you will know that this is something I wouldn't say casually. More intense - thicker bark, more pepper. Just as perfect fall-apart buttery goodness. Much like the first time I ever had Franklin's, the rest of the pound that I got is calling to me from the refrigerator and I'm already thinking about how I can get back there early next week.

Sausage - Probably the best I've had. The contents are loose, crumbly, like the stuff in the stuffed Creole bread at Jazzfest. Not a gelatinous chunk. Tremendous creeper spice and snappy casing. Almost as compelling as the brisket, which is mind-blowing.

I have to go back soon to get more of both and try the beef and pork ribs. I also have some turkey in the fridge and will report later.

Is the line like Franklin's? It was worth the 2+ hours, but I don't feel like doing it again.

not yet, however they opened at 1030 and were sold out by noon

I went today. Got there at 10:37 and I had an hour wait. They cut off the line at ... maybe 11:15.

 

[dparker713]

Gonna be in Austin and San Antonio for 5 days end of June. My to do list is as follows: 1. See Two Tons of Steel at Gruene Hall (Two Ton Tuesday's)2. Float down the Guadalupe River with my wife and a cooler of Lone Star3. Watch a Round Rock Express Baseball Game4. Eat at one of the "hot" bbq joints. Franklin or John Mueller? I don't mind waiting a couple hours in line...

Not sure which part of the river you are going on, but check with your outfitter if any part of the trip is in the city limits of New Braunfels. They've adopted a lot of rules regarding containers to cut back on the drunkenness and litter.

There's also the Comal River to tube down, but I think it has similar issues. Plus, don't forget to check the river levels, if they're in a drought it might not be worth it to go.

I'd also add Zilker Park/Barton Springs to your list. Place is pretty awesome.