Saturday, April 30, 2011: The Beer Kooler (Lometa, TX)

Twenty miles from Goldthwaite, en route to the BBQ & goat cook-off, I decided to stop in Lometa and take some pictures of The Beer Kooler. The sign says "Bar-B-Q & Sausage Wraps," so I wanted to check it out. I've passed it many times without stopping, but I was in no hurry, so I pulled in. I didn't intend to eat, as I was 20 minutes from a BBQ cook-off, but I did.

Granted, I've only been on a fraction of the roads in Texas, but it's the first drive-thru beer barn I've seen that serves BBQ. The kitchen is small, and the window looking into it is tiny, so I couldn't see what all was in it. The smoker is out back.

Other than sausage (regular or jalapeno), your choices are chopped beef or sliced beef. I opted for the chopped-beef sandwich, which is better described as shredded beef. (Makes no difference to me how it's cut, so long as it tastes good.) It was a fairly big sandwich. Pretty good value for $5. The best I could tell, the beef was smoked well. Good coloration. I say "best I could tell" because the sandwich came with sauce already mixed into the beef. If I'd known this, I would've asked for sauce on the side. I don't have any reason to think that the meat wasn't tasty, but I don't have a reason to think that it was - simply for the fact that the sauce overpowered it. The bun was good. The pickles were good. I just wish I could've gotten an idea of how moist and flavorful the meat was. I'll definitely go back and will try again, sans sauce - that is, if the place is still around. It's for sale (for $649,000).

Saturday, April 23, 2011: Ronnie's BBQ (Johnson City, TX)

Saturday's trip to Fredericksburg was great. I was in no rush, it was a nice day to drive, and I hit up 2 joints for the first time (and discovered a 3rd). My plan was to have lunch at just one place, Cranky Frank's in F'burg, but I saw Ronnie's BBQ as I passed through sleepy Johnson City. It was around eleven, and they were already open, so I stopped in. I was already hungry and figured a bite before my planned lunch wouldn't hurt anybody.

Ronnie's is a family business. A couple of decades ago, Ronnie Weiershausen turned his convenience store into a BBQ joint, and it's still going strong. In fact, it took 2nd place in KVET's vote for the best BBQ in Central Texas. I had seen Ronnie's before, but I don't think I'd ever passed it when it was open, so I mistakenly assumed it wasn't in operation. Since I had never heard a single word about it from anyone, I had no reason to doubt that it wasn't open. But based on the KVET results, it's a Central Texas favorite, so I was just outta the loop on this one. Not anymore.

I loved it. I had a sampler plate of brisket, turkey, pork loin, and pork rib. The loin was just off the smoker (see 2nd picture from the top, below); I had the first piece, in fact. Unlike many pork-loin slices, it wasn't dry. Combine great seasoning on the outside, and it hit the spot. The pork rib was extremely juicy but didn't have much meat on the bone at all. The turkey, again unlike at many places, wasn't dry, though it wasn't as moist as the pork loin. And the brisket: outstanding. My slice had everything I want in brisket: black bark on the outside and an inside that was not dry or chewy but, instead, was moist with rendered fat - but not fatty at all in the sense that I had to separate a bunch of fat from the meat. Unequivocally, the slice I had was among the top 5 pieces of brisket I've had.

Ronnie, his wife, his daughter, & the other girl who was working (whom they said might as well be family) were all friendly. My service was great. Ronnie, in the middle of manning the pits outside, took the time to chat with me and tell me the history of the place. It was encouraging to see someone who has been working hard for decades continue to put such effort into his business. It was a surprise stop that turned out to be a fantastic start to my day, and I fully intend to make it a regular stop anytime I pass through Johnson City.

Friday, February 11, 2011: Cele Store (Manor, TX)

It had been far too long since we made our first visit to Cele Store, so we found a Friday night that worked for the most people - and made sure it was one of the two Friday nights per month when they have live music. Our party of 18 made the easy drive from Austin for our 7:30 reservation and, after mingling and taking photos and getting drinks, we finally made our way to our tables in the back, beside the house band.

It was most people's first time, and it didn't disappoint. The music was familiar and easy to sing along with. The joint was packed. The family-style food was piled high. And the pictures were snapping like kickoff at the Super Bowl. Our waitress handled our big, loud party masterfully. We got seconds of the meats (then they ran out). And then we made our way to the dance floor, where we, no doubt, frightened the regulars.

Folks, if you've never been to Cele Store, you've gotta go. They only serve BBQ on Friday nights, and the atmosphere is quite simply unlike any other. Go when the band is playing, stay as long as you can, and soak up the experience. It's totally worth it. (Here are the first few pics. LOTS more to come.)

Thursday, January 6, 2011: CBQ Eatery (Schertz, TX)

On the way to San Antonio last Thursday for the USAAAB Welcome BBQ, Brad and I made our first BBQ stop of 2011: CBQ Eatery in Schertz. It's an easy stop as your heading down I-35, right on the access road. It's only been open for 3 months, after its owner, Chuck Stanley, departed the radio biz after 13 years to try his hand at BBQ.

Not your standard Texas BBQ, and he'll be the first to tell you such. No beans. No potato salad. Burgers, hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches. Wings, cheesesteaks, blackened chicken. And salads. Sides? Gruyere and cheddar mac & cheese. Bourbon cream corn. Fried black-eyed peas. Sweet-potato fries, Italian-spiced onion rings, and homemade BBQ chips (I rarely eat chips, but I downed mine and Brad's.).

We split two sandwiches: brisket and pulled pork. The former comes on sourdough bread with fried-onion strings, mustard, and Jar #6 BBQ sauce; the latter with the same sauce and crunchy apple slaw. Not your everyday BBQ sandwiches. The pulled pork was fine, but the (Angus) brisket sandwich was fantastic. Our clear favorite between the two. The walls are adorned with memorabilia from Chuck's radio days, and Jesus makes a few appearances on the old paint job.

Chuck took time to visit with us at the table, even as he was overseeing the kitchen. The service was absolutely fantastic. I'll go back. Check them out on Facebook.

BBQ for dessert in Bastrop

On my way back to Austin from lunch in Smithville on Monday, I made a quick stop (my first) at Cartwright's Bar-B-Q in Bastrop - different owner than the owner of the 2 Cartwright's Famous Bar-B-Q restaurants in Austin. I just wanted to try a slice of a couple of things, so I got a piece of brisket (regular cut, not lean) and pork loin. The pork loin was dry and tough, but the brisket was not. It was smokey and flavorful, with just the right amount of moistness. The guy behind the counter was quite friendly. I plan to return for a 2-meat plate (brisket and something other than pork loin) next time I'm in Bastrop.

First meal at Smokey Mo's

This past Friday night, I had my first meal at Smokey Mo's Bar-B-Q, at their Cedar Park location. (I have been to their Liberty Hill location before but just to get an iced tea for the road.) The first thing that stands out is the service I received - even before I got there. It was my first time in the area, and I had to call for directions. Carl, the GM, answered the phone and took his time getting me back on track. He also took his time when I made it to the counter, talking me through the menu and putting samples on the counter for me to try. I was gonna go with chicken (duh), but he gently persuaded me to go with "another bird." So, I ended up with a 2-meat plate: brisket, turkey, green beans, and corn on the cob. Honey-wheat bread. Pickles, Sauce. Large iced tea with lemon.

I liked the brisket more than turkey. The turkey was moist at the outset, but I ate very slowly, so the turkey dried out before long. Not surprising, since turkey doesn't have any fat to help it out. The brisket stayed moist. Made a little brisket and turkey sandwich. I liked the corn more than the green beans. I pretty much never order sausage, but in all honesty, I thought it was the best of all the samples I tasted. It was juicy and full of flavor, with a nice casing. Were my arteries not a big consideration, I woulda been all over it. The meal ended with a long conversation with Carl at my table. Super nice guy, who clearly loves his job. It was nice to see his passion and energy. Throw in 2 Texas high school football games after dinner, and it was a Friday evening well spent.

Saturday, September 11, 2010: Wilhite's B-B-Q (Creedmoor, TX)

About a week after I first heard of Wilhite's B-B-Q in Creedmoor (on FM 1327, between I-35 and US-183), Brad and I made the short drive from Austin. There isn't much along the road, we were looking for it, and we still missed it. Had to call 'em and find out that the restaurant adjoins the Valero gas station.

The man in charge (the one I spoke to on the phone) was standing in the doorway waiting for us as we pulled up. He greeted us with a smile and a big handshake. Wilhite's has a laid-back vibe. Their menu is quite diverse, but we stuck with BBQ, obviously. The rock pit area is rustic. Service is really good. The flavor and glaze of the pork ribs were pretty good, but the ribs themselves were really rubbery,. The brisket made a good sandwich. Ordered plenty to go after we finished. Didn't try the sausage. Yes on the sauce.

Brad's scores - Brisket: 7.75; Pork ribs: 5.25; Atmosphere: 8.25; Service: 8.7; Overall experience: 7.65

Drew's scores - Brisket: 7.65; Pork ribs: 5; Atmosphere: 7; Service: 9; Overall experience: 7.3

Overall Man-Up score: 7.475

Saturday, September 18, 2010: Chief's BBQ & Grill (Austin, TX)

I had heard of Chief's BBQ & Grill but had no idea it's just a 5-minute drive down the street from the house. Brad and I hit it up for lunch a couple of Saturdays ago. Since we were the only ones dining in, I didn't get the funny glances from nearby patrons I usually get when I start snapping close-ups of the food. Not that I care; just saying.

The guy behind the counter was very friendly. Not surprisingly, he was wearing a Red Sox hat. (We Sox fans are good people.) Brad and I split a 3-meat plate (brisket, pork ribs, and ham). I didn't have the fries, and the green beans and corner didn't really have any taste (I didn't care, b/c I rarely get sides - it was just a good deal.), but the meats were good. The brisket was a tad too dry, but the flavor was on, and the smoke ring was prominent. The pork ribs had a great crust to them. I would have liked a bit more meat on them, but they were not fatty at all. I would get them again. And I would definitely order the ham again. The pieces were pretty thin, but that won't be a problem next time when I order all meats, b/c I'll load up on the ham and stack the pieces. All in all, 3 good meats. I'll go back - and not just b/c it's so close to home but b/c it will be a good protein fix.

Brad's scores - Brisket: 7.5; Ham: 7.5; Pork ribs: 8.25; Fries: 8; Overall experience: 7.68

Drew's scores - Brisket: 7.2; Ham: 8.75; Pork ribs: 8.6; Overall experience: 7.88

Overall Man-Up score: 7.78

J&J Breakfast BBQ & Burgers (Austin, Texas)

I should've learned by now to keep a camera in my car, for the unplanned stops. Last night was one of them. I was on West Parmer and saw a BBQ place on the left, so I U-turned it and stopped in for dinner at J&J Breakfast BBQ & Burgers. The place was clean, had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and a couple of big tv screens (my beloved Red Sox thumping the Yankees on one of them, and the Horned Frogs and Mustangs getting under way on the other).

I ordered a pulled-pork sandwich and iced tea. The iced tea was weak (as it is at lots of places [perhaps a majority, even] - brew that stuff, people. Steep it. Tea should be dark!), but the sandwich wasn't. (I read a review from someone who found the pulled-pork sandwich to be so bad that she asked for her money back. Certainly not the case with mine.) I actually wouldn't call it pulled pork. When I think of "pulled" pork, I think of long, stringy pieces of pork that were, well, pulled piece by piece. This sandwich was chopped pork. It reminded me of the chopped pork shoulder sandwiches, with crusty ends, that I grew up eating in Alabama. The sandwich was excellent in its simplicity. Bun and pork. That's it. Good size. The size of a large sandwich at most of the places I go that offer small/regular and large sandwiches. I added pickles and sauce (which I thought was great), and the entire sandwich was piping hot. The pork itself wasn't outstanding, but the sandwich worked. $3.99 plus tax. If I'm ever in the area, I'll stop in again. Speaking of breakfast BBQ, I could down one right now, actually. Breakfast of champions. Again, didn't have a camera, so this phone pic is the best I could do:

Friday, July 3, 2010: Texas Rib Kings (Austin, TX)

A few weeks ago, Todd, Amir, and Josh hit up Texas Rib Kings in North Austin (9012 Research Blvd.), a first for Man Up. Here's the review that Todd emailed me, along with their scores:

Sandwiched in-between an Irish pub and a second hand clothes shop is probably not a typical place to run a barbecue joint, especially in Texas, but if you look close enough, you will find Texas Rib Kings. Over the July 4th weekend, Josh, Amir & myself (Todd) visited Texas Rib Kings, here's a brief recap and our scores. We visited on a Friday around lunch time and noticed the place strangely quiet and relatively empty, so walked up to the counter and ordered right away. Although they offer all-you-can-eat platters, we opted for the 2 meat plates with sides. Overall this place is good, although nothing too amazing to write home about. In talking with the owner, Dan Harrington, he mentioned they primarily focus on competition (also evident by the awards on the wall) & catering, which might explain their location and lack of traffic on a beautiful Friday afternoon. Even though this place will not be making my short list for BBQ in Austin, it is certainly a welcomed addition to the greater BBQ family.

Todd's scores - Pork ribs: 8.6; Beef rib: 7.1; Macaroni & ceese: 7.5; Corn on the cb: 7.5; Sweet ta: 9.5; Overall experience: 8.5

Amir's scores - Pork ribs: 8.3; Brisket: 7.5; Green beans: 9.1; Macaroni & cheese: 6.1; Overall experience: 7.5

Josh's scores - Pork ribs: 8.5; Brisket: 5.8; Green beans: 8.2; Macaroni & cheese: 7.1; Overall experience: 8

Overall Man-Up Score: 8