Saturday, January 16, 2010: Black's Barbecue (Lockhart, Texas)

For our 2nd of 3 lunches in Lockhart, we headed over to Black’s Barbecue and had a really great time. Electro-Fish Media was there, filming a promotional video for Black’s, which was neat to observe. In the words of Todd, Blacks’ “oozes history, including a cutting block from the 1940s.” I look forward to seeing some of that history highlighted in the video (assuming I have the chance to see it sometime).

We weren’t surprised that our pick for Best Service of 2008 once again provided terrific service. The folks at Black’s are simply a pleasure to be around. (They’ll have a table at Gettin’ Sauced!, so you’ll have a great opportunity to meet them yourself. Also, in case you haven’t already entered, our current Texas BBQ Giveaway is courtesy of Black’s. It’s open until March 10, so don’t miss out on your chance to win a great gift from Black’s.) I spent the entire time visiting with the staff and the folks from Electro-Fish, so I actually didn’t eat; but I can tell you that next time I go, I’ll be trying Black’s beef ribs, which they added to their lineup just a few months ago. HUGE.

As for the reviews, Bo—who gave us our first and only haiku review—now rolls out some dope lyrics, set to the tune of AC/DC’s Back in Black:

Back at Black's
I hit the sack
I've been too long I'm glad to be back
Yes, I'm get’n my thrill
From the grill
In Lockhart Texas baby
I've been looking at that meat
'Cause you can’t get cold feet

Man Up just can’t be beat
They got a new beef rib
Gonna need a bib
It’s a pound n half and running wild
'Cause I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back
Yes, I'm back
Well, I'm back, back
(Well) I'm back at Black's
Yes, I'm back at Black's

Classic.

Jenny, reacting to her 2nd Man-Up meal of the day (and ever) writes, “Awesome atmosphere! Service and hospitality were all excellent. I realize that the entire Black family legacy was present that day, along with their documentary crew, but I have a feeling that the hospitality would be just as good, even if they weren't all there. Also, the decor was phenomenal! I have never seen so many mounted animal heads in my life! They weren't just ordinary mounted animal heads, though, oh no. They were kinda fancy. One set of longhorns actually had marbling in it, creating beautiful striations of color for my eyes to gaze at during my BBQ-induced stupor. Oh yes, and one of the employees came out from the kitchen and explained their procedure for how to get sides there, since they have a special way of doing this. He came out just because he knew we were there, explained everything very nicely to us, then went back to doing his job in the kitchen. I thought that was wonderfully considerate of him. I believe there was a sign that explained to us how to do this, so his explanation wasn't really all that necessary, and was therefore, very generous. (A lot of us these days just don't read direction signs. I feel that he had a heart for us.) I know the mashed potatoes were from a box, but I don't care. I ‘made’ mashed potatoes from a box the day before that, and they didn't taste anything like that! So good! Also, the macaroni was super creamy, just like it should be.”

Russell writes that “Blacks was at its classic best on Saturday. The deer mounts and other classic BBQ joint décor, the Black family walking around showing hospitality and warmth, just oozing history and cordiality at every turn!, as the film crews documented it all (including our little vid cam)!! First-class atmosphere and hospitality, as usual. What was a bit unusual ,as compared to my prior recent visits though, was that the food was extraordinarily exquisite! Even delightful, as I think Jenny put it! The new ‘Texas Babyback’ ginormous beef ribs were a definite 10, and are rapidly becoming a staple even in Lockhart, having migrated from Taylor and Elgin, evidently. Pork ribs and brisket were also very solid….and while I don’t like the greasy kind of sausage with the tough skin that you so often get in Lockhart, their jalapeno cheese sausage does have good flavor --- I just can’t man up on a lot of it anymore.”

Jason is short and sweet: “Turkey – I like their turkey; they do it right! Solid as usual. Beef rib – Could use pepper; but very big; juicy and flavorful. Sausage – Not too bad. Good flavor, nice garlic taste. Banana pudding – It was ok. Service – Always such a friendly establishment!”

Russell’s scores – Brisket: 9.49; Beef rib: 10; Pork ribs: 8.88; Jalapeno-cheese sausage: 7.89; Atmosphere: 10; Service: 10; Overall experience: 9.94

Jason’s scores – Beef rib: 9.2; Turkey: 9.4; Sausage: 9.3; Banana pudding: 7.5; Service: 10; Overall experience: 9.3

Todd’s scores – Brisket: 9.3; Beef rib: 9.7; Turkey: 9.8; Mac & cheese: 9.9; Banana pudding: 9; Norma Black's BBQ Sauce: 9.9; Yams: 9.6; Service: 10; Atmosphere: 9.4; Overall experience: 9.5

Amir’s scores – Brisket: 9; Beef rib: 9; Turkey: 7.5; Overall experience: 9

Jenny’s scores – Sides 9.4; Atmosphere: 10; Overall experience: 9.4

Dave’s scores – Brisket: 8; Sweet potatoes: 10; Sausage: 6.5; Overall experience: 9

Overall Man-Up Score: 9.3567