Up In Smoke BBQ

1/21/10 Abbott, TX. Just south of Hillsboro lies Up In Smoke, a good BBQ joint that is in the perfect spot for quality BBQ during a road trip on Interstate 35. The brisket is good, but not very interesting. If you like brisket that is minimally messed with, you'll dig it. However, their sauce is pretty good and adds enough flavor to make it tasty. The beans are also good, again just sort of out-of-a-can bland. The green beans, broken record, were ok but I wouldn't get them again. They give you a slice of Texas toast with the meal instead of white bread which is fantastic. I am curious about the "Texas Trash" on the menu, which appears to be their version of Frito Pie. Up in Smoke is the best place I have found for BBQ between Ft. Worth and Temple/Belton so far, and it shouldn't be long before I head back there to try their Texas Trash (and some banana pudding, it looked awesome). They did have tea, but am uncertain if it was sweet or unsweet. Until next time, B+

Bill Miller BBQ, I-35 and Ben White

1/15/10 OK, we all knew this day would come so let's just get it over with, shall we? If you ever get the craving to pay $9 for ass on a plate, welcome to Bill Miller's. The brisket isn't eaten, it's dealt with. The sweet tea is brown colored water. The sides are actually ok and the pecan pie is not bad because you have to TRY to fk up pie. They do give you all the free butter you want so by all means, go to town on their cold dinner rolls! The decor leaves one almost perplexed enough to ignore the food, just look at the pic. She's HOT!!!

It's not all doom and gloom for Bill Miller's, but for the Sake of Pete just go with the special. I passed up a brisket sandwich and fries plus drink for under $4. Four bucks is exactly what you should be paying at Bill Miller's and not a cent more. In that regard, they get an A for value. However for my "regualr plate" and pie, $9 is as far away from a good deal as you can get. F+

The Pit Barbeque

1/5/10 Austin, TX. The Pit Barbeque has great chopped beef sandwhiches, so I hear. Of course my curiosity gets me every time and I ended up with the brisket and sausage plate. Good food, but the brisket was dry and the sausage was unremarkable. I suppose it's like going to Rome to eat their sushi, you just don't do it. Next time, I faithfully pledge to order the 3 chopped beef sandwiches for $5.25 instead of the $8 plate of average whatnot. Ok, now that we're done with that, the ribs looked fuckin' great. Might have to sample them as well as the chopped beef next time. The potato salad was above average, had a distincitve mustard taste while retaining a white mayonase color... Chamelion potatoes?? The beans were, well, beans. BBQ sauce was good. The color, consistancy, and taste reminded me of the sauce from the Salt Lick. Hmmmmm. Who's been sleeping in MY bed?

I don't even remember the banana pudding so it must have bee good. They definitely dress it up right with a mixture of whole and crushed Nilla wafers. Bottom line here, go with the deal that they're known for and stick to the plan. Happy New Years! And a message to the couple of BBQ reviewers in the next booth over, YES THE BRISKET IS DRY, I DISCOVERED THAT BEFORE YOU AND YOUR NECK NAPKIN DID, SO THERE! :)

Southerner alert: This establisment does not offer sweet tea...