Thursday, April 2, 2009

Pit Stop BBQ


SMITHVILLE: Pit Stop BBQ
Corner of Hwy 95 & NW 4th
Smithville, TX 78957
512-?
Open Sat 11-?


Caddy corner from Zimmerhanzel's is a large portable smoker and a trailer decorated with a giant Texas flag. Inside the trailer, Ralph was trying to get things squared away for what he hoped would be a busy day. He officially opens at 11:00, but we were persistent enough to get three large sliced brisket sandwiches at 10:30. Meat was piled high on a bun and covered with a thick, sweet, and spicy sauce. The thick slices were moist, but not incredibly tender. My guess is that it was supposed to rest for another half hour before being served so I'll let that slide. The few additional moments of mastication required by the smoky protein was anything but unpleasant. The flavors were intense and unique from a mixture of oak and mesquite smoke, and the crust added to the robust smokiness found throughout the meat. Ralph suggested that he and Zimmerhanzel's were friendly, but at its peak, this meat may be able to give their more established neighbors a run for their money.

Rating ***

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DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT