Texas ShopBotters

[kartracer63]

Hi guys, or should I say Howdy?

I'm heading down to Texas this week to visit all the best BBQ joints I can fit into 6 days. I'm going to stuff my face with Brisket, Sausage, Ribs, etc... every lunch and dinner while there.

I'm going to have a little free time between BBQ joints, and wouldn't mind paying a few of you guys a visit if I'm in your area.

Here's a link to a Google map I made with where I'll be stopping.
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/u/0/edit?mid=zblZvlrDlBMo.kWNok4zY5RqQ

Anybody care for a visitor?

[steve_g]

Eric…
You left the best off your list!
http://www.hardeightbbq.com/ (http://www.hardeightbbq.com/)
The Coppell location is close to DFW … I’m not doing much in my shop, still waiting on my back surgeon’s approval. If you’re eating alone and want company in the Dallas area give me a call! Just PM me.

SG

[Bob Eustace]

Steve dont you reckon its the worst fate on earth being allowed into your shop but not allowed to work the bot!!! I have just come through the worst month of my life with no driving or worse Shopbotting after an op! There is a hell on earth. Although it pays to listen to the medicos as I had a mate go back into hospital last week with serious complications after thinking he felt real good after a week out of hospital, so went back to his CNC.

[dana_swift]

You are only allocating 6 days for your trip and planning to try and drive around the Austin area? The traffic is unbelievably congested, especially between January 1 and December 31. This will make sense when you get there.

There are lots of awesome BBQ joints in Texas, its a huge place "like another country". You might like to check out the hill country more, the traffic is far more reasonable there :) the drive on Texas 16 is to be recommended (beats I35 any day (either fork)) between Ft Worth and Fredricksburg, (Stop by Luckembach, get a cold one while you are passing by) then all the way down to Medina and Bandera. Then you can head back over to Austin and park nearby, I mean drive around. In Medina stop for the worlds best apple pie. That is worth a trip to Texas all by itself. Amazing.

Hitting the little towns really gives the flavor of Texas much more than the cities. And the guys in the cafe's are not wearing cowboy boots for show. That stuff on 'em often isn't dirt.

The best Q is found in way out of the way places. They look like they were once gas stations for a good reason. If its a good place you will be able to ask how did it look before the fire and they will be able to tell you, or ask "which one?". If you really want the TxQ experience ask for their "special" sauce. They will ask if you are really sure.. they will always have their best stuff below the counter away from tourists that may not be prepared for it. Try some, just a drop or two to find out how hot it can be. This will make sense once you get there, kind of like the worlds biggest parking lot named Austin.

If you meet a botter who knows the locals, you might be able to get something special to go with your Q. I will come in a clear jar. No questions asked please, if they don't know you, or your bot friend- don't even ask.

Another hint for someone new to that part of the world, when you get out of the cities if a car pulls up behind you on a Texas two lane highway (four lanes wide with paved shoulders), you are expected to pull over and drive at highway speeds on the shoulder. Not doing so is considered rude. When they pass you they will wave all five fingers. Be sure to wave back with all five.

I must say the BBQ tour sounds like way fun! You will enjoy it! Good luck.

Have a great trip! The shopbots will be really fun too :)

Write when you get past Austin!

D

[kartracer63]

Wow Dana... that's a lot of good advice there.

Most of the places on my list were on the list Texas Monthly magazine put together as the "top 50 bbq joints in Texas". Unfortunately, there are a lot of great BBQ joints in and around Austin. Fortunately, I'll have plenty of time between meals to get around.

I'm with you on avoiding the interstate, and taking backroads to get the real feel of Texas. And having been to Texas before, I already found out about folks pulling over to the shoulder to let faster drivers get by. I'm one of the faster drivers and have only had to move over once for a driver faster than myself.

I know what you mean about the best places looking pretty shabby. I actually eliminated a few possible places because they looked too nice!

It'll be nice to get out of the shop for a while, and away from the frozen tundra of Wisconsin (land of bad BBQ). High temp for tomorrow is -12, with a low of -30 (real temp, not wind chill). I'm actually a little concerned my flight might be canceled because of the arctic temps.

I'm planning another BBQ tour in April for some Q and Blues in Memphis.

Cheers!