2019 - Brenham

With my wife out of town, I made a quick trip to Brenham for some really great barbecue at LJ's BBQ.  Here's the video I made of this adventure:

On our way back home from our Houston barbecue road trip, my wife and I stopped off at LJ's BBQ in Brenham.  But they had sold out for the day and were closed when we got there.  That just gave me an excuse to go back. . .

The Barbecue

For years, Brenham has had one major claim to fame: it’s the hometown of Blue Bell Ice Cream.  Look in the freezer of any Texan and you’ll find a half gallon or so of some flavor of Blue Bell.  But I drove to Brenham for barbeque.

LJ’s BBQ is located in a small white building at 1407 West Main Street.  Their parking lot was crowded when I arrived, the air filled with the sweet smell of barbecue cooking.  I found a parking spot and walked inside.  The dining room was pretty full and there was a small line of people ahead of me, but it moved very quickly.  I was greeted warmly by Matt, a big guy with a huge smile.  He cut off a small sample of brisket as he prepared my order and gave me a taste.  Oh my goodness. . .  I paid my bill, got some tea, pickles, and onions from a side table, then settled in to eat.

As always, I ordered a half pound of moist brisket and a couple of pork ribs.  The brisket was outstanding: great outer bark, rich smoky flavor, super tender.  Each bite was buttery and just melted in my mouth.  Chewing was optional.  Oh my goodness. . .  The pork ribs were also great.  Big and juicy, the meat falling off the bone, each bite a treat.  There was a squeeze bottle of sauce on the table, savory with just a little spicy kick.  It paired well with the meats.  This was some really good barbecue.

After I ate and finished putting my tray and trash away, I got back in line.  When Matt asked me what I needed, I told him I wanted to speak to the manager.  His eyes grew wide, then I told him the barbecue was too easy to eat. I’d put a bite in my mouth and it would simply disappear.  He and the other good folks behind the counter got a good laugh.

LJ’s BBQ – tremendous barbecue served by really nice people.  The next time Texas Monthly publishes their Top 50 list, I suspect there will be a spot on it for LJ’s.  Either way, people have another great reason to visit Brenham. 

I rate this barbecue two Hook ‘Ems!

2019 - Spring

The third leg of our Houston area barbecue road trip: Corkscrew BBQ in Spring.  Here the video from this adventure:

The Barbecue

After spending the night in the Houston area, my wife and I headed to Spring for lunch.  Corkscrew BBQ is located at 26608 Keith Street in the Old Town area.  Bounded by a railroad track on one side, they are situated in a residential neighborhood.  They have been at this address for a few years now, so the neighbors must be used to the sweet smell of Texas Perfume (barbecue smoke) and the sight of people leaving with full bellies and big smiles.

My wife and I got there a little before they opened at 11:00 AM.  The smell of barbecue cooking over red oak wood permeated the area.  A line was already snaking around the corner of the building.  This gave us a chance to visit with the people near us and check out some of their memorabilia and signs posted along the walls, both outside and inside the restaurant.  We made our way to the head of the line by around 11:40, placed our orders, and found a table. 

My wife ordered a green salad (yes, a Texas barbecue joint that serves salads).  She also got some lean brisket and pulled pork.  I got my usual moist brisket and a couple of pork ribs.  With the first bite of a pork rib, I thought I had died and gone to barbecue heaven.  Meaty, juicy, tender, with a rich smoky taste.  Great ribs.  The brisket was… unbelievable.  Superb outer bark, really tender and juicy, deep smoky taste, almost buttery when it melted in my mouth.  Wowser…  My wife enjoyed her salad and brisket, but thought the pulled pork needed some sauce.  The couple of bites I snuck were just fine.  Speaking of sauce, there wasn’t any on the table and we didn’t see any anywhere.  And we didn’t miss it one bit. 

As we were eating, Corkscrew’s manager Kamm Wallace walked through the dining room, cleaning tables and talking to patrons.  A big, friendly guy, he stopped at our table and we had a chance to speak with him.  I told him I eat a lot of barbecue and theirs easily ranked with some of the best I had ever eaten.  He broke into a wide smile, his pride clearly showing.

In 2017, Corkscrew BBQ took the #7 spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50 list.  It’s easy to see why.  Corkscrew has hit the trifecta: a warm, comfy atmosphere; friendly people who put lots of love into what they are doing; and absolutely terrific barbecue.  Great oogly-moogly, was this ever good.  So good in fact, I am already thinking about my next Houston road trip.

I rate this barbecue two Hook ‘Ems!