Cripple Creek B-B-Q
Athens, TX 75751
Hours: Open Mon–Thur 11–8, Fri & Sat 11–9. Closed Sun.
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Texas Monthly rating: 4.00
TEXAS MONTHLY SAYS:
2008: Though the usual fare can be found at Bill and Patty Flowers’s joint, it would be a barbecue sin not to sample their famous hog wings. The delectable hickory-smoked wing—actually a pork shank—looked like a juicy meat lollipop. Instead of dipping this treat in the unremarkable barbecue sauce, try the sweet, hot Mae Ploy chile sauce, traditionally served with Thai barbecue.
BBQ SNOB SAYS: 2009: This little joint in Athens is known for “Hog Wings,” and they are incredible. Petite pork shanks cut to resemble chicken legs are rubbed and smoked to a perfect tenderness and served with a sweet and spicy Asian Mae Ploy dipping sauce. The smoky meat didn’t need the additional sauce, but they did work well together.
Other meats are offered including the standard brisket and ribs. The gray ribs failed to impress. A hint of smoke could be found in these tender ribs, but a well-formed crust was lacking, as was any complex flavor. The tender brisket was better with a nice smoke line and a good flavor. Besides the standards, a great version of hot links are available. These links have no resemblance to the hot dog–like variety found so often elsewhere. The coarsely ground meat had a deep red line below the casing, and a good black pepper kick contributed to the flavor.
The sides here all seemed to start right out of the can, but they had all been doctored up a bit to make them Cripple Creek’s own. The baked beans had flecks of dried onions, and the potato salad had a good mustardy punch. Service was friendly—I was offered a free hog wing as a starter just for asking what they were.
