The new Texans monthly BBQ list came out in November of 2021 and there were many surprises on it. The new number 1 spot was Fort Worth area Goldees BBQ, and three of the top ten were in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Now, being from Houston, we jokingly refer to Dallas as Mordor. My own children think that "Dallas Cowboys" is a curse word, and we obviously have never taken the Palooza to Oklahoma South. However, it was time to venture into enemy territory to see what all the fuss was about. We were going back to our roots of a smaller group since this would be our furthest journey yet, but we were taking the Palooza into a new era of exploration. The blog will also be different this year. Fist of all, I apologize for the delay as I had major shoulder surgery two days after returning. My wife gets 50/50 credit as she is currently transcribing so I could get the write-up out. Instead of the usual chronological review, I will be breaking down our trip into tiers. Since I usually refer to the Dallas/Fort Worth area as hell, we will call these tiers the three levels of meat heaven as an olive branch that reflects the change of heart we had on this amazing journey.
TIER 1 THE INNER CIRCLE
CATTLEACK BBQ
Even though we are not going chronologically, our first spot is a great place to start as we all agreed that it contained the greatest collection of smoked meats of BBQ Palooza 2022. We packed up and headed out of Houston in the 4am hour loaded with coffee and a stack of BBQPALOOZA stickers to hand out (courtesy of my bro-in-law). Before we entered Cattleack BBQ, we first had to take care of some business. This would be the first year that our good buddy and long-time veteran of BBQ Palooza Eric Cummings would not be with us. We lost our good friend in August of 2021 and there would be a noticeable void this year. Before any meat was consumed, our fellowship had a toast to a great friend and meat lover who will always be remembered. After the toast, as we were waiting outside amidst the fantastic murals of BBQ icons along the wall of Cattleack, Misty came outside to give us the run down on what to expect. Misty David definitely knows how to get you ready for a feast, and a big plus for our group was that despite having an already early opening time of 10:30 am, we were actually first in line and entering before 10:15 am. Once we got inside, the smell of meat was overpowering. Misty had basically talked us into ordering some of everything. Along with the Texas Trinity, we also got a beef rib, pastrami brisket, and even smoked bologna. This is one of the best plates of meat we have ever had. Every one of the cuts was smoked to perfection and nothing was left on the plate. Brisket was top shelf, ribs were immaculate, sausage was juicy with a great casing, the beef rib in my personal opinion was in my all time top three, and the pastrami brisket rivaled hometown Roegels and Tejas. I was slightly weary of smoked bologna but this was not the Oscar Meyer junk your mother packed in your lunch. I witnessed one man as we were eating, sit down with what looked like three pounds of smoked bologna and after tasting it, I understood his fascination. This was an all timer for our group. A clear top ten BBQ joint with meat that could rival any location. The one side that we did have of mac and cheese was tremendous. This was an excellent start to the trip.
PANTHER CITY BBQ
On day 2, after the Oak Texas BBQ himself joined us, we visited my personal favorite of this year's trip: Panther City BBQ. It is widely known my love for Texas and Mexican culture so Tex-Mex BBQ spots hold a special place in my heart. Panther City is firmly on my Mount Rushmore of Tex-Mex BBQ joints. First of all, the location and set up for Panther City is fantastic. The people working there love what they do and take extreme pride in their work. One of the owners, Ernest, was extremely kind and showed us where all the magic happens in the pit room. Here they turn out brisket, ribs, and sausage that can rival any old school Texas Smokehouse. But on top of that, they literally have a taco station right next to the smokers where some of the greatest tacos that have ever met this Houstonian's mouth are churned out daily. And the sides???? I would literally go to Panther City every day if all I could order was the sides. The best corn and beans that I've had at a BBQ location. If I was on death row and had to choose one place for my last meal, I can't tell you that it wouldn't be a heaping tray of meat, tacos, and sides from Panther City BBQ before I die with a giant smile on my face. I love this place!
HURTADO BBQ
Speaking of places that I love, the last but certainly not least location we visited was Hurtado BBQ. For the entire ride home, there was Hurtado vs Panther City debate raging in the car and honestly, you can't go wrong with either. Perfect brisket, juicy turkey, and amazing tacos were a part of our meal. Top tier sides of corn, mac and cheese, and green beans were a perfect compliment to our last meal. My personal favorite was the bbq tostada. How this place was not in the top ten, I cannot give you a solid answer. Pitmaster Brandon came over to our table and discussed all the awesome things they are doing at his mecca of meat. I definitely look forward to my next meal at one of Texas' best joints....Hurtado BBQ.
TIER 2 THE PEARLY GATES
GOLDEES BBQ
Let's address the elephant in the room right off the bat. Stephen, how can you relegate the number one BBQ joint in Texas to tier two? First of all, I can. Secondly, this is not as big an insult as you would think. The three locations above were some of the best meals I've ever eaten and in my opinion all worthy of top ten. Goldees' was a fantastic meal. The best comparison for me would be Snow's BBQ which is one of my all time favorites. An early forming line, a secluded location, and a very traditional menu brought these feelings on. I can definitely see how Goldees could be number 1 on their best day especially if you value a very traditional plate of Texas BBQ. The brisket was slightly below the first three. The ribs were pristine. The sausage was fantastic, and the turkey was delicious. You are not going to find BBQ birria tacos on their menu or smoked bologna, but what they do... they are pros at. The one side we did have, kennedale stew (basically pork hash), was one of my favorites of the trip. Goldees was a fantastic meal and well worth the experience of waiting in line for it.
ZAVALAS BBQ
Gringos Beware: Zavalas puts the MEX in TEX-MEX. Their verde salsa and pizza pepper sausage will have you reaching for the nearest cold beverage in haste. This is a giant plus for this Houstonian. I enjoyed everything about my meal at Zavalas. The brisket, turkey, and pulled pork were perfectly smoked and deliciously complimented by the homemade tortillas and pico. The potato salad was a perfect creamy respite from the smoked heat of the Mexican meats. The people here couldn't have been nicer. A special shout out to my man Joe who talked with us while giving us the pit tour. I cannot wait to return to Zavalas and get a chance to try the breakfast tacos and house made coffee that we heard several raving about!
DAYNES BBQ
Unfortunately, we got to Dayne's too late for some sides. Really, the only regret I have from this year's trip. We were; however, able to get in an order of brisket, ribs, and pork belly that was as good as any meat plate we ate that weekend. They also found us the very last link of sausage from the day and that turned out to be the best surprise of the weekend. I am so glad we didn't miss that sausage as it was my favorite of the trip. Dayne's is a four star BBQ experience that is going to demand a return trip to be able to try the sides that I was so looking forward to, and expect to perfectly compliment the amazing BBQ that this trailer puts out. We didn't have one, but we were immediately regretting not ordering a smoked burger when we saw several being brought out. What little I had of Dayne's left me thirsty for more like a traveler getting a small cup of water in the desert. I will be back!
SMOKEY JOES
At the end of our first day, we decided to get a little crazy and add a fifth stop before hitting the hotel. We were all glad we did. Smokey Joes is a true "neighborhood" BBQ joint. Almost everyone we saw in here seemed like a regular....and we could see why! The brisket was great, the giant pork ribs were an arm workout to lift and a meal in themselves, and the mac and cheese, could rival any top ten sides. The star of the show was their homemade buttermilk pie that is the stuff of legends. By far my favorite dessert of the trip. Smokey Joes is definitely worthy of a top 50 spot and I love to see a smaller joint so embraced by it's community get the recognition it deserves.
TIER 3: OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
THE SLOW BONE
First let's get to the positives....the slow bone has some of the best fried chicken I've had and one of my all time favorite sides, sweet potato praline (two items I don't usually order). As for the meat, it left a lot to be desired. For sure, the least impressive brisket on the trip and very pedestrian sausage. The slow bone has a super sexy logo but the day we went lacked the sexy meat to back it up. I would occasional dine here if I lived nearby, but my order would be fried chicken and sweet potato praline.
TERRY BLACKS BBQ
The best part of this restaurant is the location and space. This is BBQ I could imagine a northern transplant taking their family to on their first visit to Texas. It looks the part, but it is trying to coast on looks alone. There was nothing inherently wrong with our meal, but the meat, sides and desserts seemed like something I could put together at a local church potluck. How Terry Blacks is in the top 50 and not a prestigious joint like hometown, underrated Roegels BBQ is a mystery for more prestigious "smokeheads" than myself.
In closing, this trip brought me a new appreciation for our neighbors to the north (Especially Fort Worth). I can see why the top 50 list was so controversial. I wouldn't want to be in charge of it and have a ton of respect for those who put it together, but I definitely have more questions than in past lists. One thing that is for certain, much like Houston, Dallas has become a beacon of tremendous BBQ. God Bless Texas (even Dallas) until next year, friends!
