Friday, April 10, 2009

Texas Best Smokehouse


ITALY: Texas Best Smokehouse
1022 Dale Evans Dr

Italy, TX 76651

972-483-3138
Open
M-Thur 10-9, F-Sun 10-10

This roadside oasis along I-35E just 45 minutes south of Dallas advertises their beef jerky on billboards for miles along the interstate, but I had heard that they offer up some decent 'cue as well. After maneuvering the packed parking lot, we walked in to find a mini mart of ironically mega proportions. They sell everything from sodas and snacks to t-shirts and belt buckles, along with the aforementioned bevy of dried meats and BBQ at a small counter marked by a large red arrow. I ordered a two meat plate of brisket and ribs with mac & cheese and sauteed squash. The sides were both very good for a gussied up gas station, but the meats were just so-so. The brisket was tender but dry with little smoky flavor, and it was a bit chilly. The buttery tender ribs were better with a decent red crust and a hint of smokiness, but the unrendered fat needed to be picked through.



After dining, we perused the huge jerky counter trying samples of exotic dried meats. We settled on a chewy peppered buffalo jerky with a robust spice and meaty flavor. After trying both, I'd highly recommend you make this stop for jerky, but skip the BBQ unless you're really hankerin' for some ribs.

Rating **

Shell Texas Best Smokehouse on Urbanspoon

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Try NO STARS! this company has the worst owner I've ever encountered. The owner lied to me about refunding my money on a piece of worthless junk that we paid almost $100 for. Gave me a long song and dance about how sorry he was and sorry that the gift didn't work out for my son at Christmas and or 4 for me. He said he'd be glad to send full refund.
he had no intention of doing it; it's been months and not a word. Beware of purchasing anything inside of their gift shop because there is nothing to back it up.

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