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Last year we talked about some BBQ joints here in Texas that are justifiably famous – some for the BBQ, some for longevity. Now that the edge is starting to come off of summer and a lot of folks from up north start drifting thisaway, or at least the thought of drifting thisaway starts popping up in their minds, I thought we could talk today about south Texas BBQ.
If you’re not from Texas you probably wonder how south Texas BBQ is different than regular old Texas BBQ. Let me start off with saying this: Texas is huge, so there’s a pretty big regional difference in sauces and the wood used to fuel the fires under the BBQ between Amarillo up north and Laredo down south, or from Houston on the east side to El Paso on the west side.
South Texas is down in the Mesquite Belt, so you can expect that wonderful mouth watering smell of mesquite smoke when you’re walking up to a south Texas BBQ joint. Also, the traditional South Texas sauces are a little different than in other parts of the state. South Texas BBQ sauce tends to be thicker and helps keep the meat moist.
So, let’s get specific about where to taste some good ol’ south Texas BBQ. If you’re traveling south out of San Antonio for Corpus Christi for example, you’ll be on I-37. Stop in Pleasanton, TX at McBee’s BBQ and give it a try. If you’re not hungry yet, keep on heading south. When Hwy 281 branches off of I-37 toward Three Rivers, go ahead and take it on town and try Sowell’s BBQ right there in town, or Van’s BBQ which is closer to the turnoff. If you’re still not quite hungry, wait until you get to George West, TX and try Slap Ya Mama BBQ!
Do you have a favorite spot for brisket and links on I-37? Drop us a line in the comment section below and tell us about it! And be sure to swing by our website for all your parts and accessories!