Hard 8

7/22/11 Coppel, TX. Just don't get side items. They're good, but you won't have room for them. Yes, that's chicken in the pic. Figured it's time to start branching out. This world wasn't made on brisket and ribs alone was it? Anyway when you're at Hard 8 just resist the temptation to get ANY sides and here's why. First off, you will get a bunch of meat. That's just how it is when they stick everything under the sun in that big metal pit for you before you even get inside. Next, the beans are free. Well, you've already paid for them, and they're in a big pot in the back with fully jalapinos and bacon strips floating around like Cracker Jack prizes. The last and most important reason for no sides is this. The banana pudding is second to none, and must be consumed regardless of belly condition at the end of the meal.

The chicken was good. I missed the more standard BBQ fare, but hey, another day. Nicely seasoned and good smoke flavor. The white meat was a little drier than I... ahem.... usually cook in my Weber bullet, but the dark meat was just as good. You have to get the 1/2 chicken as they wouldn't sell me a 1/4 like I asked. "Well, they sell me 1/4 at Boston Market" was not a response to that denial that produced results. In any case, this place packes 'em in at lunch and there's a reason for it. Good BBQ, good atmosphere, and fantastic banana pudding.

Bartley's

7/15/11 Grapevine, TX. The best BBQ business in Grapevine is Bartley's. Though North Main BBQ and Hard 8 are not too far away, Bartley's rules the land within the well defended borders of Da 'Vine. I always order too much at Bartley's. A two meat plate is a heck of alot of food, mostly because the sides are self-serve. Have you ever seen a grown man make a tower of potato salad? I'm a &$#^% architecht. This place has been around forever, which should tell you something. And that something is this:

Must haves: Ribs. "Fall off the bone" is overrated and the ribs at Bartley's have just the right consistancy to get you where you want to be. They are the smaller, St. Louis style with just the right amount of bark and smoke flavor. Sweet tea. It's good and since it's Texas, having sweet tea always scores bonus points. The sides are pretty good as well, with two different types of beans. They have a traditional style and a sweet style. They also have good potato salad AND macaroni salad. It's really a good selection, one you would expect at a medeocre chain restaurant. Chains always seem to have hundreds of sides, perhaps to make up for dry-ass rubber brisket, which leads me to....

Must Run Away Froms: Brisket. 2 parts dry & 1 part bland. Just don't bother.

There are also 2 types of sausage (one is good, the other is not but I forget which is which), pork chops, turkey, and I want to say bologna. Will have to verify that last one next time. Don't knock it 'till you try it. Until next time, smoke it if you got it.