A morning reserved for waking up at 5:00 AM, meeting three friends at a Whataburger for coffee, and heading West on I-10 towards the hill country usually would involve a vehicle filled with shotguns, ammo, and the nostalgic future smell of gun powder. Today, a different nostalgic smell was on our minds. The sweet smell of hot coals of oak and mesquite uniquely reserved for Central Texas BBQ. Each region of Texas has their own unique twist on how to prepare BBQ, and in my opinion central Texas ‘ ol’ G fashion style of smoking meats in brick pits offers an experience to satisfy all the senses.

7:56 AM

A short two hour drive and the sun is starting to peak through the clouds as we arrive at our first spot on the list, City Market in Lulling, Texas.

Walking into the room of soot covered walls and sweet smoke let’s me step back in time to a world void of the desire of professional culinary kitchens and stainless steel. The man behind the counter takes our order; 4 slices of “wet” brisket, 4 ribs, and a link of sausage, which the pit boss promptly states as a “ring” rather than a link. The one defining aspect of the of the three meats is the sausage, a grainy texture unlike any of the other places we will visit. The brisket, with edible pieces of fat, speak to the mastery of preparing the meat properly prior to smoking, while the ribs have all the characteristics of a well cooked slab. Fall of the bone ribs really one means you have over cooked the meat or steamed them. In what world where this is allowed should have the pit master lined up for a firing squad.

8:32AM

Smitty’s Market, Inc., Lockhart, Texas

To be continued…brisket won’t be available until 10:00. Like every spot on the list this morning, the BBQ will be fresh.

8:36 AM

Chisholm Trail BBQ, Lockhart, Tx

A place not originally on the menu, we stop in to try what some people say as up and coming que in Lockhart.

Upon initial inspection, both the brisket and ribs are dryer than City Market in Lulling, but the spice rub is better with a saltier overtone. Like all well made sausage in central Texas, beef rather than pork is the primary meat component. This one is too heavily flavored with pepper but still better than 99% of the BBQ served in Houston.

9:08 AM

Black’s Barbecue, Lockhart, Tx

As we wait for Black’s to open at 10:00 AM and then onto Smitty’s at 10:30 AM, we decide to sit in a parking lot, to enjoy as one participant of this Tour de Que calls, nectar of the Gods.

Black’s is one of those places that ever BBQ aficionado should have on their bucket list. When you say BBQ in the US, what that means depends on what part of the country you say it in. In Texas, it means beef, and at Black’s, the beef rib is a force to be reckoned, in size and flavor.

As usual, Black’s brisket is the best there is and the jalapeño link sausage is a nice break from the traditional sausage found at other markets. Of the four places we will visit today, Black’s is the only one that will serve a beef rib. Based on previous experience, Mueller’s BBQ has the best beef rib in Texas.

10:36 AM SMITTY’s Part 2

There is something special about walking into Smitty’s with its open floor plan allowing patrons to view the BBQ pits. On the menu, as with every spot today, is of course brisket and sausage, but also an additional delicacy of beef clod or beef shoulder. Comparing Smitty’s to the others, the ring of sausage is the winner here. Again beef sausage, but here the meat inside the casing is more like butter, with each bite inviting the next.

10:59 AM Kreuz Market

Kreuz use to be were Smitty’s was but family feuds after the father died separated the business. After leaving their original location they opened this behemoth restaurant just down the street.

A little word of advice, 5 BBQ Meccas before noon is a challenge. The last bite should be stored between your cheek and gum though to savor the flavor for as long as possible. Kreuz’ BBQ is good, like the others, but falls somewhere in the middle on quality and atmosphere when compared to the others. There is a hint of black pepper that dominates the brisket, a little too much to my liking, but still on point. One great thing about Kreuz Market is you can take freezer packed sausage home with you to cook/heat up at a later date. Also a great option because at this point I have had to stop short on finishing my portions. A facts my mates will soon not let me forget.

As the leader of our pack described, ranking the previous BBQ spots is difficult and could possibly change from visit to visit due to the real challenges preparing and cooking world class BBQ takes. After much deliberation the winner per category is listed below. For anyone who appreciates great BBQ, planning a road trip to Lulling and Lockhart, Texas is an experience best left to where you are not the one driving home.

Good luck.

City Market, Lulling, Tx — pork ribs

Black’s, Lockhart, Tx — brisket

Smitty's, Lockhart, Tx — jalapeño sausage ring