Ron F.
Yelp
Review: The Joint That Earned Its Texas Top 5 Spot
Having heard the buzz--specifically the honor of being named a Top 5 BBQ Joint in Texas by Texas Monthly--we had high expectations stepping into this establishment. From the innovative menu to the extremely friendly and attentive staff, it's clear this isn't just a barbecue pit; it's a culinary experience that absolutely earns its high placement.
The staff immediately set the tone, describing all the options in detail and offering continuous check-ins throughout our meal. The indoor seating area is large, though a few outside seats are available. We started with the "Texas Two Step" three-meat deal, adding an extra sausage link and, crucially, making room for dessert.
The Meats: Smoke, Glaze, and Innovation
The traditional meats were excellent, but the house-made sausages truly shone:
* Pork Ribs: These were stellar. They featured a beautiful, sweet glaze and were perfectly tender. The meat offered that ideal balance--it was nearly fall-off-the-bone, yet still maintained a perfect pull.
* Brisket: The star of Texas BBQ presented with a nice smoke ring and a good smoke flavor. While the slice was a little dry compared to the ribs, the overall quality and depth of flavor were still quite high.
* Jalapeño and Gouda Sausage: An absolute showstopper. Every bite delivered an excellent kick of jalapeño paired with oozing Gouda cheese. It's a must-try for any fan of spicy, cheesy goodness.
* Chimi Queso Sausage: We had to sample the in-house, double-ground Chimi Queso link--a testament to their commitment to innovation right on the meat board.
Next-Level Sides
Forget simple coleslaw and beans; the sides here are complex, delicious, and stand on their own as main attractions:
* Pork Belly Fried Rice: This side delivered a nice spice and was packed with satisfying pieces of pork belly. The final flourish was a great sauce topping that added a wonderful depth of flavor to the rice.
* Maple Roasted Sriracha Brussels Sprouts: A perfectly executed dish. The Brussels sprouts had a nice char, and the addition of peppers and a subtle maple flavor was simply fabulous.
* Roasted Jalapeño Creamed Corn: This was perfectly balanced--nice and spicy but retaining a comforting, slightly creamy texture.
Desserts: Over-the-Top Indulgence
The dessert menu is where this establishment goes from Top 5 to maybe number one. These aren't just afterthoughts; they are culinary converts:
* Honey Butter Cornbread: Oh my. I generally do not like cornbread, but I have been completely converted. It was given to us complimentary, and I can confidently say this is a dessert in its own right--over the top delicious.
* Hog Fat Smoked Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie: This was declared the best chocolate chip cookie ever. The "bacon" fat (hog fat) adds an incredible depth of flavor to the already decadent chocolate. This cookie is truly to die for.
* Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding: A smooth, comforting finish with doughy and rich chocolaty flavors, topped off with a fantastic caramel topping.
Final Verdict
The "Texas Monthly Top BBQ awards" got it right. This place is well-placed as a top 5 Texas BBQ restaurant based on its exceptional quality, unique menu selections, and innovative culinary approach. Combine the stellar food with a staff that is genuinely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, and you have a truly unforgettable dining experience.