"A lot of the best barbecue joints in Lubbock look like they’ve been around since the ’60s, held together with plywood and corrugated metal. Evie Mae’s is a different story. Set in a shiny, modern building on the edge of town (technically, Wolfforth), it manages to feel both polished and unpretentious. There’s a cowboy trough full of free beers near the entrance, and a few minutes after making your way through the short line, you’re eating smoky, deeply flavorful turkey, snappy sausage, and pulled pork. The brisket might not be destination-worthy, but you’ll still want a slice or two to round out your plate. And since Evie Mae’s is closer to New Mexico than Central Texas, you’ll also find subtle regional influences, like hatch green chile in the grits and the sausage. It’s a reminder that great Texas barbecue can take many forms." - nicolai mccrary, kevin gray, nick rallo