CenTex Guygood barbecue
June 16th 2008 08:09
Texas Monthly magazine recently released its list of Top 50 barbecue places in the state. Impressive list. I've scanned the list and off the top of my head only know that I've eaten at 3 of these places. I plan to get to the other 47 eventually, but there are just so many to choose from...heck my four favorites aren't even on the list.
But I will heartily recommend the three that I've tried that are on the list.
I'll start with Stacy's barbecue in Jacksonville. I used to live in this area and Stacy's was always one of the places that everybody raved about. It took me a while to ever go there because it's usually crowded and one of those places where there's sometimes more spots to park than spots to eat, because it's a relatively small place. That adds a lot to the atmosphere.
I really recall that the meat was good, but not spectacular. What I do recall is some good sides. It's the heart of some great East Texas farm land, so fresh corn, onions, tomatoes, etc...were readily available, and while I have no clue if Stacy's bought locally, they did seem to make the sides taste as if they were down-home good.
Next is Cooper's in Llano. This joint kind of became noted because it let customers pick their own meats from the big grill, then they'd slap it on the Wax paper, you'd go get your sides and be done. Plus, they have decent stuff. They have a wide variety of meats to choose from, and in some places that can be disastrous as many places try to do it all, but do nothing well while others focus on the one or two they do well and ignore the rest. Cooper's does em all well, usually. Now their idea of letting customers pick from the open pit is being copied elsewhere around the state and there are a lot of places who are getting it done right.
Finally is Schoepf's in Belton. This is a little dive that you can easily drive by and never see it. It's not hard to find, nor is it real real small, but it's near the Interstate on a busy road in Belton. It's easy to find, but easier to miss. But once you eat there, you won't wanna miss it again. I used to work at a spot that had Schoepf's catered every Friday for their evening meal. They'd usually bring it in around 5:45. You go to eat at 6, you may be stuck with a slice of bread and a slice of onion. They brought in enough, but it's so good that people pile it on. I love the sausage the best, but the brisket is extremely popular, and also a very good selection.
Again these are just reviews from memory as it's been a while since I've had any of them. But again, I have my Texas Monthly list, and am out to eat some good barbecue.
But I will heartily recommend the three that I've tried that are on the list.
I'll start with Stacy's barbecue in Jacksonville. I used to live in this area and Stacy's was always one of the places that everybody raved about. It took me a while to ever go there because it's usually crowded and one of those places where there's sometimes more spots to park than spots to eat, because it's a relatively small place. That adds a lot to the atmosphere.
brisket is a top item for barbecue
Next is Cooper's in Llano. This joint kind of became noted because it let customers pick their own meats from the big grill, then they'd slap it on the Wax paper, you'd go get your sides and be done. Plus, they have decent stuff. They have a wide variety of meats to choose from, and in some places that can be disastrous as many places try to do it all, but do nothing well while others focus on the one or two they do well and ignore the rest. Cooper's does em all well, usually. Now their idea of letting customers pick from the open pit is being copied elsewhere around the state and there are a lot of places who are getting it done right.
Finally is Schoepf's in Belton. This is a little dive that you can easily drive by and never see it. It's not hard to find, nor is it real real small, but it's near the Interstate on a busy road in Belton. It's easy to find, but easier to miss. But once you eat there, you won't wanna miss it again. I used to work at a spot that had Schoepf's catered every Friday for their evening meal. They'd usually bring it in around 5:45. You go to eat at 6, you may be stuck with a slice of bread and a slice of onion. They brought in enough, but it's so good that people pile it on. I love the sausage the best, but the brisket is extremely popular, and also a very good selection.
Again these are just reviews from memory as it's been a while since I've had any of them. But again, I have my Texas Monthly list, and am out to eat some good barbecue.
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Comment by Anonymous
All you need is a bit of cracked pepper, maybe some salt and cook it properly, then you can taste the lovely real meat taste. The taste of a real Aussie bbq.
Try it one day
Comment by CenTex Guy
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I'll agree too much seasoning or sauce or whatever ruins a steak. When I cook sirloins or t-bones, i usually do just use salt and pepper, cook to a medium to medium-well setting, and serve. I'm not into steak sauces, unless the steak is just extremely dry or tough.
Barbecue is all about the preparation and that's where we like to use sauces and rubs.
That's the taste of real Texas bbq, and one of the reasons people worldwide know about Texas.
And there is a growing population of vegetarians in Texas. And some mighty good places that cater to that fact. I may post some top vegetarian dishes when I review some of these establishments.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
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