The things I do for the two loyal readers who remain... To my own potential detriment, a special trip was made to Chef Tim Love's new restaurant, the Woodshed Smokehouse, so that the eaters of Fort Worth can finally decide whether or not to eat there. Sometimes the burden is so great... This was not one of those times.
Showing posts with label BBQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BBQ. Show all posts
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Smokey's Ribs
You can always tell a good place by its clientele. A full parking lot is a good sign; an old place is a good sign; and obese people are usually a good sign. Smokey's Ribs on East Lancaster has all of these. Why? Because the food is fantastic.
Two friends took me here months ago and have harassed me long enough that I finally decided to post about the restaurant. You're welcome guys.
Smokey's has good bones - and I don't just mean ribs. The place is in an old Dairy Queen and has rows of long tables so you are likely sitting with/nearby strangers. This makes for a very familial and comfortable atmosphere. Every time I've been the tables have been filled with happy, BBQ sauce covered people, smacking on delicious ribs, tender brisket and the best sides on all of East Lancaster.
Some of you may have recently read that the area around Lancaster, just east of Downtown, is considered one of the nation's most dangerous. I'm not going to comment on that (since we all know I'll get cut for insulting the area), but worry not. Smokey's is beyond that area and is almost to Arlington. It is probably one of the safest areas in town because all the people are stuffed full of BBQ and sides.
Your order options are limited to plates with different quantities of meat. You can get ribs, brisket, sausage and probably chicken. I have tried the ribs and brisket. At the same time! Once you place your order, you can move to the sides bar. This area is loaded with delicious potato salad, coleslaw, spicy and flavorful BBQ sauce, bread and butter pickles, pickled peppers, pickled okra, beans, etc. By the time you've loaded up on sides and extra sauce, your food will probably be ready. There seem to be limits on sides but nobody really concerns themselves with limitations like rules.
I've had the ribs twice now. The first time they were tender with a great crust and delicious flavor. They were so good that the second time I went I recommended them to a friend. They weren't so great the second time and I looked a fool. They were drier than before but still had the great flavor and crust. The ribs are worth getting though they may be a bit inconsistent. Go talk to somebody who has already ordered some before committing.
The brisket has been fantastic both times. It has always been tender, well flavored and delicious. The brisket, along with some of their deliciously unique bread make a fantastic sandwich. Whatever you think you're going to order - make sure it includes brisket. If you don't get the brisket, you are just in everybody's way. And I mentioned this above, but I need to reiterate the importance of the bread. I'm not sure what it is, but its really good and you'll probably remember it longer than you'll remember this review.
If you're looking for a good BBQ joint on the east side of town, check out Smokey's. It's past the stand alone Foot Locker and farther than you can imagine, but its worth it.
Smokey's is located at 5300 East Lancaster. I have given it 4 hole rating for location, look, and family style seating.
Have fun and let me know what you think.
Two friends took me here months ago and have harassed me long enough that I finally decided to post about the restaurant. You're welcome guys.
Smokey's has good bones - and I don't just mean ribs. The place is in an old Dairy Queen and has rows of long tables so you are likely sitting with/nearby strangers. This makes for a very familial and comfortable atmosphere. Every time I've been the tables have been filled with happy, BBQ sauce covered people, smacking on delicious ribs, tender brisket and the best sides on all of East Lancaster.
Some of you may have recently read that the area around Lancaster, just east of Downtown, is considered one of the nation's most dangerous. I'm not going to comment on that (since we all know I'll get cut for insulting the area), but worry not. Smokey's is beyond that area and is almost to Arlington. It is probably one of the safest areas in town because all the people are stuffed full of BBQ and sides.
Your order options are limited to plates with different quantities of meat. You can get ribs, brisket, sausage and probably chicken. I have tried the ribs and brisket. At the same time! Once you place your order, you can move to the sides bar. This area is loaded with delicious potato salad, coleslaw, spicy and flavorful BBQ sauce, bread and butter pickles, pickled peppers, pickled okra, beans, etc. By the time you've loaded up on sides and extra sauce, your food will probably be ready. There seem to be limits on sides but nobody really concerns themselves with limitations like rules.
I've had the ribs twice now. The first time they were tender with a great crust and delicious flavor. They were so good that the second time I went I recommended them to a friend. They weren't so great the second time and I looked a fool. They were drier than before but still had the great flavor and crust. The ribs are worth getting though they may be a bit inconsistent. Go talk to somebody who has already ordered some before committing.
The brisket has been fantastic both times. It has always been tender, well flavored and delicious. The brisket, along with some of their deliciously unique bread make a fantastic sandwich. Whatever you think you're going to order - make sure it includes brisket. If you don't get the brisket, you are just in everybody's way. And I mentioned this above, but I need to reiterate the importance of the bread. I'm not sure what it is, but its really good and you'll probably remember it longer than you'll remember this review.
If you're looking for a good BBQ joint on the east side of town, check out Smokey's. It's past the stand alone Foot Locker and farther than you can imagine, but its worth it.
Smokey's is located at 5300 East Lancaster. I have given it 4 hole rating for location, look, and family style seating.
Have fun and let me know what you think.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Cooper's Old Time Pit BBQ
If you will recall, FWHITW and some of its friends did an extensive Fort Worth BBBBQ review. Many delicious places were discovered and the review was a culinary and literary success. People cried at its brilliance. That was before one of my favorite places in the state came to town.
Cooper's Pit BBQ comes from the Hill Country and has begun its chainification and Fort Worth is home to the largest location. At 15.4 million square feet, a patio the size of Rhode Island, and enough BBQ pits to cook the Stock Show's Champion Steer and all of his family and friends ("happy cows make good brisket"), this is the place to eat BBQ in town. Of course every real Texan has his or her own opinion on BBQ, but they're all wrong if they differ from mine.
Most BBQ places focus on a rich sauce that is typically thick and red. Cooper's has a vinegar-y sauce that is light and your meat is dipped in it (upon request) for ultimate flavorfulness. If you choose not to have your meat dipped in the sauce, that's completely acceptable and the crew will not look you up and down as a possible yankee. But if you're a non-dipper, take your clam chowder, latte and subaru back to where you belong.
When you enter you'll see two large pits with foil pans full of meat. These pans are filled with the meats of Angels. Amon Carter once said, "Fort Worth is only as good as the Angel meat it eats." Speaking of Amon Carter, lets bring back some dallas hate. As of this writing, Fort Worth has the least amount of indictments for former city council members, the number one blog in the metroplex according to Urbanspoon, and now, the best BBQ place in the 'plex.
Back to the meat. Tell the guys at the pit what you want and they'll cut it off the hock of meat sitting in front of them. Want some brisket, sausage, turkey, roasted chicken, or cabrito (spanish for "the brito" which is a small feral cat)? No problem. Want all of it? Less of a problem. They also have ribeyes and pork. Here's a hint on what to order: get a medium sized portion of something you know you like and then order a small portion of something unique. I get the brisket and cabrito (both dipped in awesomesauce). You can't go wrong unless you skip this place and go up the street to McDonalds, or to dallas.
After you order, your food will be put on a tray. Go inside and they'll weigh your food, wrap it in paper and give it back. Here is where you can get potato salad, cole slaw, cobbler and some other things. But don't over do it. Remember, you've just picked up eight pounds of meat and the beans are still waiting for you. Oh yeah, unlimited beans, patiently waiting for you beyond the cashier's area. After getting weighed, go pay, get your cup for some Big Red or sweet tea and go to the fixin's station. There you can get pickles, jalapenos, onion, more sauce, and beans.
The beans are served family style (big brother eats first and you wait behind him). Get beans or you've wasted your trip. It would be like going to Billy Bob's, grabbing a sprite and then playing sudoku on your phone all night long. On my recent trip the beans were a bit undercooked, but the flavor was there.
What about the meat, you're wondering. As expected, the brisket was so tender that I could have cut it with my wit.... The flavor, enhanced by the sauce, was terrific and smooth. I also wrapped a little white bread around some pieces to add some "nutrition". The cabrito was tender, flavorful and surprisingly moist. I ended up with about 6.3 cubic tons of meat and ate most of it. I would have eaten more but I filled up on beans and Big Red.
The people I ate with had brisket, sausage, a ribeye and a potato with brisket on top. All were reportedly delicious and many have made return trips since then.
I am generally pretty positive about places, but I'm telling you that this places is a must go. Take the family and let them run around tripping cowboys. Or go with adult friends and have a couple beers, sit on the covered patio and enjoy that famous Stockyards fresh air whilst tripping over kids.
Cooper's gets One Hole on the Hole-Scale. It's big, bright, clean, fresh, and not at all intimidating. The restaurant is located at 301 Stockyards Boulevard just north of Billy Bobs. Boots are not required, but yankees should consider them as a cover.
Let me know if you've been and what you think. Since we're about to get into road trip season, I'd encourage the Coopers fans to head down to Llano to visit their other shop and check out the Harley riders.
Cooper's Pit BBQ comes from the Hill Country and has begun its chainification and Fort Worth is home to the largest location. At 15.4 million square feet, a patio the size of Rhode Island, and enough BBQ pits to cook the Stock Show's Champion Steer and all of his family and friends ("happy cows make good brisket"), this is the place to eat BBQ in town. Of course every real Texan has his or her own opinion on BBQ, but they're all wrong if they differ from mine.
Most BBQ places focus on a rich sauce that is typically thick and red. Cooper's has a vinegar-y sauce that is light and your meat is dipped in it (upon request) for ultimate flavorfulness. If you choose not to have your meat dipped in the sauce, that's completely acceptable and the crew will not look you up and down as a possible yankee. But if you're a non-dipper, take your clam chowder, latte and subaru back to where you belong.
When you enter you'll see two large pits with foil pans full of meat. These pans are filled with the meats of Angels. Amon Carter once said, "Fort Worth is only as good as the Angel meat it eats." Speaking of Amon Carter, lets bring back some dallas hate. As of this writing, Fort Worth has the least amount of indictments for former city council members, the number one blog in the metroplex according to Urbanspoon, and now, the best BBQ place in the 'plex.
Back to the meat. Tell the guys at the pit what you want and they'll cut it off the hock of meat sitting in front of them. Want some brisket, sausage, turkey, roasted chicken, or cabrito (spanish for "the brito" which is a small feral cat)? No problem. Want all of it? Less of a problem. They also have ribeyes and pork. Here's a hint on what to order: get a medium sized portion of something you know you like and then order a small portion of something unique. I get the brisket and cabrito (both dipped in awesomesauce). You can't go wrong unless you skip this place and go up the street to McDonalds, or to dallas.
After you order, your food will be put on a tray. Go inside and they'll weigh your food, wrap it in paper and give it back. Here is where you can get potato salad, cole slaw, cobbler and some other things. But don't over do it. Remember, you've just picked up eight pounds of meat and the beans are still waiting for you. Oh yeah, unlimited beans, patiently waiting for you beyond the cashier's area. After getting weighed, go pay, get your cup for some Big Red or sweet tea and go to the fixin's station. There you can get pickles, jalapenos, onion, more sauce, and beans.
The beans are served family style (big brother eats first and you wait behind him). Get beans or you've wasted your trip. It would be like going to Billy Bob's, grabbing a sprite and then playing sudoku on your phone all night long. On my recent trip the beans were a bit undercooked, but the flavor was there.
What about the meat, you're wondering. As expected, the brisket was so tender that I could have cut it with my wit.... The flavor, enhanced by the sauce, was terrific and smooth. I also wrapped a little white bread around some pieces to add some "nutrition". The cabrito was tender, flavorful and surprisingly moist. I ended up with about 6.3 cubic tons of meat and ate most of it. I would have eaten more but I filled up on beans and Big Red.
The people I ate with had brisket, sausage, a ribeye and a potato with brisket on top. All were reportedly delicious and many have made return trips since then.
I am generally pretty positive about places, but I'm telling you that this places is a must go. Take the family and let them run around tripping cowboys. Or go with adult friends and have a couple beers, sit on the covered patio and enjoy that famous Stockyards fresh air whilst tripping over kids.
Cooper's gets One Hole on the Hole-Scale. It's big, bright, clean, fresh, and not at all intimidating. The restaurant is located at 301 Stockyards Boulevard just north of Billy Bobs. Boots are not required, but yankees should consider them as a cover.
Let me know if you've been and what you think. Since we're about to get into road trip season, I'd encourage the Coopers fans to head down to Llano to visit their other shop and check out the Harley riders.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Pit Barbeque
Note: Since this review was posted, the Pit Barbeque has closed down.
After six or seven gentle hints to get to Deer Creek, I finally made the journey to West Fort Worth. Heading down Camp Bowie, I had one thought: I've just used a half tank of gas travelling the 80 miles it takes to go down Camp Bowie - this place better be good. As my anticipation and hunger grew, I began to wonder what strip center BBQ would taste like. My last experience with strip center BBQ was Cousins and I wasn't a fan. But, one of my most frequent commentors has continuously praised it and he's been right before, so I was excited. Well, I have no validation yet. They were closed for pit maintenance (I'm picturing a hound licking the grates).
So now that I was out in Abilene or however far I was, I began the slow trip back into town, looking for lunch places. My stomach didn't give me the sign until I hit Henderson and White Settlement. There, across the street from Thai Tina's is The Pit BBQ. The Pit BBQ has been in this place for a long time. However, it masqueraded as a few other things for a while. Its back, and the menu says they've been there since the Trinity formed.
If you haven't been up this way in awhile (Henderson, north of Downtown), The Pit BBQ is a very casual place with an outdoor seating area, outdoor bathrooms, a front porch and a small interior seating area. They also play some good old country tunes that make you feel like you need some BBQ. According to the guy behind the bar, they are also adding a patio outside with some shade and an area for a band. This place has potential.
Without really reading the actual menu options I ordered a sliced beef sandwich, onion rings and potato salad. After ordering I realized that onion rings are nearly five bucks. That means one of two things: gold covered onion rings; or a pound of onion rings. It was the latter. But that's ok, especially when they're homemade onion rings. They have a batter similar to that used on long john silver's fish. Its not the super flaky, almost tempura batter you see at a lot of places and it was good. Plus, I tested this for you all. If you like onion rings but don't like onions, you can take a bite out of one, then completely pull the onion out of the opening.
The BBQ sandwich was great. The meat was piled high and was very tender. You have a choice of rye bread, Texas toast, or a regular bun. I stuck with the bun since I'm watching my weight. I also ordered the potato salad and it was good without too much of a sour taste. All in all - good food.
If you will all remember, I did a comprehensive BBBBQ review of the Fort's BBBBQ back in early April. Since then, I haven't been real hungry for any sort of slow cooked meats. But now that I've had the summer to get excited, I was craving it. The Pit BBQ met my need. My only complaints would be that the bigger onion rings were a bit undercooked and the food was not given to me for free. Other than that, I'll go back.
Another interesting thing - they have sliced watermelon on ice.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
After six or seven gentle hints to get to Deer Creek, I finally made the journey to West Fort Worth. Heading down Camp Bowie, I had one thought: I've just used a half tank of gas travelling the 80 miles it takes to go down Camp Bowie - this place better be good. As my anticipation and hunger grew, I began to wonder what strip center BBQ would taste like. My last experience with strip center BBQ was Cousins and I wasn't a fan. But, one of my most frequent commentors has continuously praised it and he's been right before, so I was excited. Well, I have no validation yet. They were closed for pit maintenance (I'm picturing a hound licking the grates).
So now that I was out in Abilene or however far I was, I began the slow trip back into town, looking for lunch places. My stomach didn't give me the sign until I hit Henderson and White Settlement. There, across the street from Thai Tina's is The Pit BBQ. The Pit BBQ has been in this place for a long time. However, it masqueraded as a few other things for a while. Its back, and the menu says they've been there since the Trinity formed.
If you haven't been up this way in awhile (Henderson, north of Downtown), The Pit BBQ is a very casual place with an outdoor seating area, outdoor bathrooms, a front porch and a small interior seating area. They also play some good old country tunes that make you feel like you need some BBQ. According to the guy behind the bar, they are also adding a patio outside with some shade and an area for a band. This place has potential.
Without really reading the actual menu options I ordered a sliced beef sandwich, onion rings and potato salad. After ordering I realized that onion rings are nearly five bucks. That means one of two things: gold covered onion rings; or a pound of onion rings. It was the latter. But that's ok, especially when they're homemade onion rings. They have a batter similar to that used on long john silver's fish. Its not the super flaky, almost tempura batter you see at a lot of places and it was good. Plus, I tested this for you all. If you like onion rings but don't like onions, you can take a bite out of one, then completely pull the onion out of the opening.
The BBQ sandwich was great. The meat was piled high and was very tender. You have a choice of rye bread, Texas toast, or a regular bun. I stuck with the bun since I'm watching my weight. I also ordered the potato salad and it was good without too much of a sour taste. All in all - good food.
If you will all remember, I did a comprehensive BBBBQ review of the Fort's BBBBQ back in early April. Since then, I haven't been real hungry for any sort of slow cooked meats. But now that I've had the summer to get excited, I was craving it. The Pit BBQ met my need. My only complaints would be that the bigger onion rings were a bit undercooked and the food was not given to me for free. Other than that, I'll go back.
Another interesting thing - they have sliced watermelon on ice.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
BBBBQ Review
Who cares about the citizens of the Fort enough to subject his body (and that of his friends) to heart disease, obesity and awesomeness? I do. In the name of truth and honor, I have reviewed the BBBBQ in the great Fort so that you, my loyal reader (yes, thats singular) may know exactly where to eat when the fat bomb is craving ignition.
If you'll recall, I set out to try the numerous BBBBQ places throughout a 100 mile swath in order to provide you with the greatest places for BBBBQ. This will no doubt cause many to be upset, but it will cause many others to be relieved. Now you don't have to bother eating bad BBBBQ. I am going to announce the top three, and then I will comment on the remaining. In order to protect the hard working families that run many of our places, I will not disparage a place by crowning them as "last" place. There's also a "Best Place for a Friday Afternoon" and "The Place you must go on Saturday". I made these up as I was typing.
Myself, two lawyer friends, and sometimes my wife and I attempted to eat BBBBQ across the Fort and rated them on the following characteristics: sliced beef sandwich, ribs, beans, one cold side, cobbler (if its cheap), beer availability, overall cost, ambiance and overall intangibles. We missed out on a few of these, but seriously...what did you do for us? So we're even now.
Here it is:
Second runner-up:
Tie. Yep. It's a tie between Railhead and Angelo's. Is it a cop out? No, here's why:
Angelos: The other reviewer's favorite place of these two. Had one of the best BBBBQ sliced sandwich. Has the history and ambiance and is affordable. However, it has beans that taste similar to what the styrofoam it comes in tastes like. The potato salad tastes comparable to the beans. This is never a good quality. Plus you have to ask for BBBBQ sauce. I want that stuff on the table. It stayed in the top three because of its sandwich, beer and history.
Railhead: This was my favorite of these three. The sandwich meat was a bit drier than Angelos, but the sauce, fries, cold beer and patio kept Railhead in the top three. A cold beer with ice crystal foam is pretty helpful on a hot Texas summer day. Plus, this place has some great ambiance. The ribs got a good score here as well. I would say the beans and potato salad are good here, but don't mess with that, get the fries. Overall, this is the place I would be most likely to go but I'm not sure my reviewers would agree.
Railhead -
Angelo's -
First Runner Up:
Wilson't BBBBQ - 5633 Lovell Ave, just south of the Camp Bowie and Horne intersection. One of the best all around meals with great potato salad, beans and wonderfully flavored and tender meats. The ribs weren't that good and the brisket was sliced a bit thick, but the juicy-ness and flavor of the brisket made up for it. You will smell like BBBBQ when you leave. I think they cook it in the back of the building without a vent. Whatever...if every breath after lunch tastes like BBBBQ, thats fine with me. It almost makes you want to jog just so you can breath more BBBBQ. But lets be honest...who jogs and eats BBBBQ? Commies. Thats who. When you order a sliced BBBBQ sandwich here, you're given a plate of BBBBQ and two slices of white bread. They lose a few points because of a lack of bun, but they made up for it with the odd stares from the lady taking orders (thinking we were lost) and the deliciousness. I don't think they serve beer, but you can probably get some next door.
First Place BBBBQ in the Fort:
I'm going to preface this with this statement: I rarely feel scared in the Fort, but waiting for my friends before eating here, had my wondering how fast my truck could get out of the parking lot.
Mom's at 1509 Evans Ave.
This was recommended by a reader and was the unanimous favorite. The brisket, ribs, beans, and potato salad were all tops. I don't think they serve beer, but food was cheap. Also, ambiance scores are high because of how scared we were. We were forced to give high ambiance scores. Along with all the greatness, the BBBBQ sauce was one of the favorites with a nice vinegary flavor.
Ok, so thats the top three. I want to thank my reviewers for their help and perseverance. We ate at more BBBBQ places in the last few weeks than I care to think about. We're all plumper and happier for it though. Immediately below are our honorable mentions. Below that is a general review of a few of the other places we ate at but is by no means a comprehensive list of every BBBBQ place in the Fort. I have separated these portions because the reviews below contain more of my personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of my fellow reviewers.
Best Place For a Friday Afternoon award goes to Railhead. With the patio shaded by trees, the big center bar just waiting to serve you an ice cold beer .... And the fries... Does it get any better? The beer is notorious for its ice coldiness and the patio is famous among its patrons. There is a friday club called the "FARTS". Or something like that. Its old guys that decided to make hats to commemorate a restaurant. I have already submitted an application for admittance.
The Place You Must Go On Saturday Award goes to Hard Eight. This award was limited to places within 100 miles and Hard Eight falls into the category, by being in Stephenville at Hwy 67 and Hwy 281. Tacky interior, great beans, country music and great BBBBQ that you order outside from a giant pit then they weigh inside. The sweet tea is delicious and doesn't give you a headache from over sweetness (I'm from Texas, not Georgia). I would also recommend getting a turkey sandwich with the jalepeno bread. Delish. Thats a word you should not say here. You will be taken out back.
General Reviews:
Baileys - downtown on Taylor. If you could eat smell, you'd be getting a good deal. The BBBBQ is fine but not really worth a special trip.
Feedstore - Southlake - White Chapel - The brisket was a bit grity to me, but the sides were decent and the sauce was good. I like to go in and pretend like I'm really rich and then look down on all everybody else. Then I eat my BBBBQ with a specially designed silver fork and talk about Jeeves.
Hard Eight Coppell - You know how you felt about the first Kincaids to open outside of the Grocery Store? Yeah...its the same thing.
Jasper's - Plano - Upscale BBBBQ. I know, I know. But I have to give it some props (because thats what lawyers do). The meat is tender and the flavor is good. But its in Plano so...you know...yeah. Forget I put this on here.
Sonny Bryan's - Great sauce, original BBBBQ place over in Dallas is worth a trip because it satisfies the hole in the wall criteria. The consistently good BBBBQ in a dirty place makes you almost forget you're in that other city.
Cousins - McCart, south of I-20. I was skeptical when I found out that it was in a strip center. Skepticism founded. The brisket was good, but this tasted like every catered BBBBQ meal I had ever had. Not really my style, but it seems popular. Plus, bottled Big Red is pretty cool.
Longoria's - The BBBBQ is loved by many and has good flavor but the real key here is the brisket sausage. I don't know how it works but its awesome.
I know there are more places in the Fort, but do you need more? I gave you the top three...
Please give me your thoughts on the state of BBBBQ in the Fort.
If you'll recall, I set out to try the numerous BBBBQ places throughout a 100 mile swath in order to provide you with the greatest places for BBBBQ. This will no doubt cause many to be upset, but it will cause many others to be relieved. Now you don't have to bother eating bad BBBBQ. I am going to announce the top three, and then I will comment on the remaining. In order to protect the hard working families that run many of our places, I will not disparage a place by crowning them as "last" place. There's also a "Best Place for a Friday Afternoon" and "The Place you must go on Saturday". I made these up as I was typing.
Myself, two lawyer friends, and sometimes my wife and I attempted to eat BBBBQ across the Fort and rated them on the following characteristics: sliced beef sandwich, ribs, beans, one cold side, cobbler (if its cheap), beer availability, overall cost, ambiance and overall intangibles. We missed out on a few of these, but seriously...what did you do for us? So we're even now.
Here it is:
Second runner-up:
Tie. Yep. It's a tie between Railhead and Angelo's. Is it a cop out? No, here's why:
Angelos: The other reviewer's favorite place of these two. Had one of the best BBBBQ sliced sandwich. Has the history and ambiance and is affordable. However, it has beans that taste similar to what the styrofoam it comes in tastes like. The potato salad tastes comparable to the beans. This is never a good quality. Plus you have to ask for BBBBQ sauce. I want that stuff on the table. It stayed in the top three because of its sandwich, beer and history.
Railhead: This was my favorite of these three. The sandwich meat was a bit drier than Angelos, but the sauce, fries, cold beer and patio kept Railhead in the top three. A cold beer with ice crystal foam is pretty helpful on a hot Texas summer day. Plus, this place has some great ambiance. The ribs got a good score here as well. I would say the beans and potato salad are good here, but don't mess with that, get the fries. Overall, this is the place I would be most likely to go but I'm not sure my reviewers would agree.
Railhead -
Angelo's -
First Runner Up:
Wilson't BBBBQ - 5633 Lovell Ave, just south of the Camp Bowie and Horne intersection. One of the best all around meals with great potato salad, beans and wonderfully flavored and tender meats. The ribs weren't that good and the brisket was sliced a bit thick, but the juicy-ness and flavor of the brisket made up for it. You will smell like BBBBQ when you leave. I think they cook it in the back of the building without a vent. Whatever...if every breath after lunch tastes like BBBBQ, thats fine with me. It almost makes you want to jog just so you can breath more BBBBQ. But lets be honest...who jogs and eats BBBBQ? Commies. Thats who. When you order a sliced BBBBQ sandwich here, you're given a plate of BBBBQ and two slices of white bread. They lose a few points because of a lack of bun, but they made up for it with the odd stares from the lady taking orders (thinking we were lost) and the deliciousness. I don't think they serve beer, but you can probably get some next door.
First Place BBBBQ in the Fort:
I'm going to preface this with this statement: I rarely feel scared in the Fort, but waiting for my friends before eating here, had my wondering how fast my truck could get out of the parking lot.
Mom's at 1509 Evans Ave.
This was recommended by a reader and was the unanimous favorite. The brisket, ribs, beans, and potato salad were all tops. I don't think they serve beer, but food was cheap. Also, ambiance scores are high because of how scared we were. We were forced to give high ambiance scores. Along with all the greatness, the BBBBQ sauce was one of the favorites with a nice vinegary flavor.
Ok, so thats the top three. I want to thank my reviewers for their help and perseverance. We ate at more BBBBQ places in the last few weeks than I care to think about. We're all plumper and happier for it though. Immediately below are our honorable mentions. Below that is a general review of a few of the other places we ate at but is by no means a comprehensive list of every BBBBQ place in the Fort. I have separated these portions because the reviews below contain more of my personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of my fellow reviewers.
Best Place For a Friday Afternoon award goes to Railhead. With the patio shaded by trees, the big center bar just waiting to serve you an ice cold beer .... And the fries... Does it get any better? The beer is notorious for its ice coldiness and the patio is famous among its patrons. There is a friday club called the "FARTS". Or something like that. Its old guys that decided to make hats to commemorate a restaurant. I have already submitted an application for admittance.
The Place You Must Go On Saturday Award goes to Hard Eight. This award was limited to places within 100 miles and Hard Eight falls into the category, by being in Stephenville at Hwy 67 and Hwy 281. Tacky interior, great beans, country music and great BBBBQ that you order outside from a giant pit then they weigh inside. The sweet tea is delicious and doesn't give you a headache from over sweetness (I'm from Texas, not Georgia). I would also recommend getting a turkey sandwich with the jalepeno bread. Delish. Thats a word you should not say here. You will be taken out back.
General Reviews:
Baileys - downtown on Taylor. If you could eat smell, you'd be getting a good deal. The BBBBQ is fine but not really worth a special trip.
Feedstore - Southlake - White Chapel - The brisket was a bit grity to me, but the sides were decent and the sauce was good. I like to go in and pretend like I'm really rich and then look down on all everybody else. Then I eat my BBBBQ with a specially designed silver fork and talk about Jeeves.
Hard Eight Coppell - You know how you felt about the first Kincaids to open outside of the Grocery Store? Yeah...its the same thing.
Jasper's - Plano - Upscale BBBBQ. I know, I know. But I have to give it some props (because thats what lawyers do). The meat is tender and the flavor is good. But its in Plano so...you know...yeah. Forget I put this on here.
Sonny Bryan's - Great sauce, original BBBBQ place over in Dallas is worth a trip because it satisfies the hole in the wall criteria. The consistently good BBBBQ in a dirty place makes you almost forget you're in that other city.
Cousins - McCart, south of I-20. I was skeptical when I found out that it was in a strip center. Skepticism founded. The brisket was good, but this tasted like every catered BBBBQ meal I had ever had. Not really my style, but it seems popular. Plus, bottled Big Red is pretty cool.
Longoria's - The BBBBQ is loved by many and has good flavor but the real key here is the brisket sausage. I don't know how it works but its awesome.
I know there are more places in the Fort, but do you need more? I gave you the top three...
Please give me your thoughts on the state of BBBBQ in the Fort.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
BBBBQ News
Apparently this was in Friday's Startlegram, but I caught on today. Cooper's BBQ from Llano, Texas is opening a location in North Fort Worth.
If you've never been, Cooper's, to me, is the quintessential Texas BBQ joint (even though you don't see them everywhere in Texas). I can remember going to Cooper's and similar places (Hard Eight) back when my dad and I would go to Acuna or to West Texas for any number of reasons.
When you get to one of these pit BBQ places, you don't go inside first. You go to a giant pit smoker with a guy there in an apron and a camo hat. He'll ask what you want. Point to whatever type of meat you want in the pit and he'll cut you off an appropriately sized piece. Take that inside, where a sweet lady with a drawl will weigh it and ask if you want some sides.
Every decent pit BBQ place has free beans, so don't look like a fool by ordering some. Get your sweet tea and have a seat. You'll have a hunk of meat on a tray, some white bread at the table, some beans, and maybe some potato salad. It all looks manageable, but its not. It doesn't really matter though, because you'll be obese soon enough so fill up, you'll need the fuel.
For the vegetarians out there, I'm sure they have goat. Does that count?
Anyways, this place is opening in North Fort Worth and I've got mixed feelings. Its kind of like how you probably felt when Kincaid's starting expanding. You're happy for the owner but you know the replicas will probably fail in comparison. So if you go to Cooper's in Fort Worth and you don't like, go down to Llano and give it another chance.
If you've never been, Cooper's, to me, is the quintessential Texas BBQ joint (even though you don't see them everywhere in Texas). I can remember going to Cooper's and similar places (Hard Eight) back when my dad and I would go to Acuna or to West Texas for any number of reasons.
When you get to one of these pit BBQ places, you don't go inside first. You go to a giant pit smoker with a guy there in an apron and a camo hat. He'll ask what you want. Point to whatever type of meat you want in the pit and he'll cut you off an appropriately sized piece. Take that inside, where a sweet lady with a drawl will weigh it and ask if you want some sides.
Every decent pit BBQ place has free beans, so don't look like a fool by ordering some. Get your sweet tea and have a seat. You'll have a hunk of meat on a tray, some white bread at the table, some beans, and maybe some potato salad. It all looks manageable, but its not. It doesn't really matter though, because you'll be obese soon enough so fill up, you'll need the fuel.
For the vegetarians out there, I'm sure they have goat. Does that count?
Anyways, this place is opening in North Fort Worth and I've got mixed feelings. Its kind of like how you probably felt when Kincaid's starting expanding. You're happy for the owner but you know the replicas will probably fail in comparison. So if you go to Cooper's in Fort Worth and you don't like, go down to Llano and give it another chance.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
BBBBQ in the Fort
Spring is approaching, our winter fat is melting away and its time to show some skin. But seeing as how we're from Texas, our bodies need to match our identity. That means its time to load up on BBQ and put on our "summer coats" of blubber.
BBBBQ - Best Bar B Que in the Fort. The extra B is for BYOBB. That extra B is a typo (you saw that coming didn't you?).
A suggestion by one of the lawyer friends spawned an idea. What if a few people tried a bunch of BBQ places in the Fort and then reported their findings. A no holds bar (b que) showdown.
Spring is approaching which means summer is almost here. These times always make me think of BBQ and driving around the Hill Country and listening to some Texas Country and wearing boots and tubin' and all that good stuff. So, somebody in this town has to get off their duff and let everybody know where to go. Off my duff I'll go.
I've already compiled a small list but I need more recommendations. Let me know if you have a favorite place or if you have heard of a place. Anyplace within 100 miles of downtown is fair game. I think 100 miles is fair because its close enough that I would be willing to go on a Saturday, but not so far that you'd drive all day long (we may have different perceptions of what a long drive is but this is my blog). We'll have a side article about places beyond that scope, but for now lets focus on places accessible with ease. Let me know if your place has a specialty that we need to try.
The current list I have includes the following: Railhead, Angelos, that small place downtown, Risky's, Longorias, The Smoke Pit, Hard Eight (Coppell), and The Feed Store (Southlake). I know there are more so give me what you've got. I would prefer to stay away from the big chains but if they have roots in Fort Worth, they're fair game. The only rule is that we have to be able to eat at the original (it must be w/in 100 miles). We're looking for BBQ places, and not places that just happen to have BBQ on the menu. BBQ needs to be the focus. Don't recommend Cracker Barrel, because then I'll be forced to write some polite reply that isn't sincere.
The judging will be based on the following: Chopped or Sliced beef sandwich, ribs, beans, one cold side (probably potato salad), cobbler (if its cheap), beer availability, overall price, ambiance, and intangibles. Intangibles are really wrapped into the ambiance, but we're going to separate that out so that we can point out some of the neat things these places have.
So, give me your suggestions within the next month or so. We'll have a full report out in early April so you've got plenty of time. If you eat at a place when they're catering for an event, get me their location because I want to eat at the actual restaurant and review it based on that (Longoria's at Rahr doesn't count).
I will continue to have other updates, but this is a side project I'll be working on with the help of some hungry friends. Feel free to rate the above items on a scale of 1-10 and we'll include those in the results.
If you're afraid of posting comments please email me at fortworthholeinthewall@yahoo.com
BBBBQ - Best Bar B Que in the Fort. The extra B is for BYOBB. That extra B is a typo (you saw that coming didn't you?).
A suggestion by one of the lawyer friends spawned an idea. What if a few people tried a bunch of BBQ places in the Fort and then reported their findings. A no holds bar (b que) showdown.
Spring is approaching which means summer is almost here. These times always make me think of BBQ and driving around the Hill Country and listening to some Texas Country and wearing boots and tubin' and all that good stuff. So, somebody in this town has to get off their duff and let everybody know where to go. Off my duff I'll go.
I've already compiled a small list but I need more recommendations. Let me know if you have a favorite place or if you have heard of a place. Anyplace within 100 miles of downtown is fair game. I think 100 miles is fair because its close enough that I would be willing to go on a Saturday, but not so far that you'd drive all day long (we may have different perceptions of what a long drive is but this is my blog). We'll have a side article about places beyond that scope, but for now lets focus on places accessible with ease. Let me know if your place has a specialty that we need to try.
The current list I have includes the following: Railhead, Angelos, that small place downtown, Risky's, Longorias, The Smoke Pit, Hard Eight (Coppell), and The Feed Store (Southlake). I know there are more so give me what you've got. I would prefer to stay away from the big chains but if they have roots in Fort Worth, they're fair game. The only rule is that we have to be able to eat at the original (it must be w/in 100 miles). We're looking for BBQ places, and not places that just happen to have BBQ on the menu. BBQ needs to be the focus. Don't recommend Cracker Barrel, because then I'll be forced to write some polite reply that isn't sincere.
The judging will be based on the following: Chopped or Sliced beef sandwich, ribs, beans, one cold side (probably potato salad), cobbler (if its cheap), beer availability, overall price, ambiance, and intangibles. Intangibles are really wrapped into the ambiance, but we're going to separate that out so that we can point out some of the neat things these places have.
So, give me your suggestions within the next month or so. We'll have a full report out in early April so you've got plenty of time. If you eat at a place when they're catering for an event, get me their location because I want to eat at the actual restaurant and review it based on that (Longoria's at Rahr doesn't count).
I will continue to have other updates, but this is a side project I'll be working on with the help of some hungry friends. Feel free to rate the above items on a scale of 1-10 and we'll include those in the results.
If you're afraid of posting comments please email me at fortworthholeinthewall@yahoo.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
Rahr Brewery
I had a beautifully crafted, humorous post about the Rahr Brewery, its tours, and free beer on Saturdays. The event where the hippies, yuppies, bikers, homeless man, and me show up to enjoy the facilities.
Then I became concerned with my description and I feared that it might give some people the idea that it is a kegger and not a tour, followed by tastings of a selection of Rahr Beers. I would hate to give somebody the wrong impression. Particularly the TABC.
So, I will just say that everybody should go take a tour of the Rahr Brewery, and enjoy four free samples of some great beer. You may also purchase a commemorative glass and get four free larger beers. You can also buy BBQ by Longoria if you bring cash. If you don't bring cash, you can stare at the BBQ sandwich your friend eats in front of you. Jerk. Also, they don't always have food. And when they do, it may not always be pizza. But two weeks ago I saw a guy with a pizza there. So apparently you can get a delivery.
A note about the glass. If you walk in un-glassed, you receive four free small samples. However, if you purchase a glass, your four samples come in that glass. As a finance major, I know all about investments. This is an investment.
You're thinking, "why would I pay $5 for beer that I can get for free after a tour?" Because when the homeless guy walks by you with his Rahr Brewery glass that he paid $5 for, you're going to feel like a cheap, uncaring, small man.
So next time I'll purchase the glass.
Remember, you should not attend this event thinking it is just a party. A lot of people come, but I think they attend for the tour.
Come check it out for yourself on Saturdays from 1-3. I would give you directions but you would have a better chance of getting there by following a blind monkey. So I'll just post the Rahr Brewery link here and over there --->
Oh, and bring at least $4 for a BBQ sandwich and $5 for a pint glass. And remember, come for the tour, stay for the memories...or something sentimental like that.
Then I became concerned with my description and I feared that it might give some people the idea that it is a kegger and not a tour, followed by tastings of a selection of Rahr Beers. I would hate to give somebody the wrong impression. Particularly the TABC.
So, I will just say that everybody should go take a tour of the Rahr Brewery, and enjoy four free samples of some great beer. You may also purchase a commemorative glass and get four free larger beers. You can also buy BBQ by Longoria if you bring cash. If you don't bring cash, you can stare at the BBQ sandwich your friend eats in front of you. Jerk. Also, they don't always have food. And when they do, it may not always be pizza. But two weeks ago I saw a guy with a pizza there. So apparently you can get a delivery.
A note about the glass. If you walk in un-glassed, you receive four free small samples. However, if you purchase a glass, your four samples come in that glass. As a finance major, I know all about investments. This is an investment.
You're thinking, "why would I pay $5 for beer that I can get for free after a tour?" Because when the homeless guy walks by you with his Rahr Brewery glass that he paid $5 for, you're going to feel like a cheap, uncaring, small man.
So next time I'll purchase the glass.
Remember, you should not attend this event thinking it is just a party. A lot of people come, but I think they attend for the tour.
Come check it out for yourself on Saturdays from 1-3. I would give you directions but you would have a better chance of getting there by following a blind monkey. So I'll just post the Rahr Brewery link here and over there --->
Oh, and bring at least $4 for a BBQ sandwich and $5 for a pint glass. And remember, come for the tour, stay for the memories...or something sentimental like that.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Some BBQ Joint
Obviously Railhead and Angelos get all the credit as top BBQ joints in the Fort, but there are some other places that are worth going to, just so you can tell your son one day "I went to that place back when I was your age." Sons like that.
I don't know the name of the place, and frankly, it doesn't matter. In my opinion, and compared to Railhead, the chopped beef sandwich is okay. It's not bad, and considering you pay $5 for a sandwich and fries (that are good), its really not that bad of a deal. So, taking it for what its worth, I'd say its worth the trip. But not really for the sandwich. Its all about the ambiance.
This place is on Belknap and Oakhurst Scenic Drive. Its right there on the corner. You'll see it. There are lots of trucks and motorcycles out front.
The "clientele" are primarily men. That is probably because the waitresses are all wearing bikini tops and shorts. This is not why you should go there. In fact, judging by our waitress, this is a really good reason not to go. But, its the whole attitude inside. You've got guys who have just finished up a golf game, some men dressed up for work, people who have been working outside all morning and then me. The inside resembles that dive bar you probably went to in college. Plus, they serve booze there.
I don't know why I ever went in there in the first place but its probably the same reason I'll go back. To reconnect with my wild, rebellious, motorcycle dude side that I don't have.
Anyways, if you're looking for a good BBQ sandwich and the best fries in town (in my opinion) go to Railhead. If you're looking for a dirty place that you'll someday say, "I used to go there when I was younger" go to this place. Plus, its a cool place to go hang out and watch some games. There are a ton of flat screen TVs, and for some reason one of them shows a camera facing the parking lot....
Fun "fact" of the day... Despite being surrounded by feed lots full of cattle (I know because of the smell), Lubbock (IMO) has the worst selection of BBQ in Texas for a town it's size. Of the two best places, one is only open on Friday and the other is a bit pricey.
I don't know the name of the place, and frankly, it doesn't matter. In my opinion, and compared to Railhead, the chopped beef sandwich is okay. It's not bad, and considering you pay $5 for a sandwich and fries (that are good), its really not that bad of a deal. So, taking it for what its worth, I'd say its worth the trip. But not really for the sandwich. Its all about the ambiance.
This place is on Belknap and Oakhurst Scenic Drive. Its right there on the corner. You'll see it. There are lots of trucks and motorcycles out front.
The "clientele" are primarily men. That is probably because the waitresses are all wearing bikini tops and shorts. This is not why you should go there. In fact, judging by our waitress, this is a really good reason not to go. But, its the whole attitude inside. You've got guys who have just finished up a golf game, some men dressed up for work, people who have been working outside all morning and then me. The inside resembles that dive bar you probably went to in college. Plus, they serve booze there.
I don't know why I ever went in there in the first place but its probably the same reason I'll go back. To reconnect with my wild, rebellious, motorcycle dude side that I don't have.
Anyways, if you're looking for a good BBQ sandwich and the best fries in town (in my opinion) go to Railhead. If you're looking for a dirty place that you'll someday say, "I used to go there when I was younger" go to this place. Plus, its a cool place to go hang out and watch some games. There are a ton of flat screen TVs, and for some reason one of them shows a camera facing the parking lot....
Fun "fact" of the day... Despite being surrounded by feed lots full of cattle (I know because of the smell), Lubbock (IMO) has the worst selection of BBQ in Texas for a town it's size. Of the two best places, one is only open on Friday and the other is a bit pricey.
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