Photograph by RioGailTX
Luling Bar-B-Q
Luling, TX 78648
Hours: Open Mon & Wed & Thur 7:30–7, Fri & Sat 7:30–8, Sun 7:30-6. Closed Tues.
Share:
Texas Monthly rating: 4.25
TEXAS MONTHLY SAYS: 2008: Notable decor: Barn-red exterior paint job.
Locals were in cheerful abundance: law enforcement, men in blue jumpsuits, kids lingering by the cooler of sweet tea. One taste of the juicy mesquite- and-post-oak-smoked brisket and ribs and we understood why. The potato salad and coleslaw each set the gold standard, and the red sauce was so rich and smoky that one diner committed his entire ration of white bread to it.
BBQ SNOB SAYS: 2008: There is ample competition just on the other side of the square from the famous City Market, but this joint holds its own. Ordering is done at the counter, and prices here are very reasonable. The sliced beef was perfectly moist with a good black crust and smoke line, but it needed more flavor—and more smoke (definitely not as robust as its neighbor). The ribs also had a great crust with good exterior flavor, but the flavor and smoke did not permeate the meat. The tenderness was fine, but there was too much unrendered fat under the layers of meat. With a more robust rub—and more time in the smoker—this meat could really contend.
