Whup’s Boomerang Bar-B-Que
Marlin, TX 76661
Hours: Open Thur–Sat 10–8. Closed Sun–Wed.
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Texas Monthly rating: 4.25
TEXAS MONTHLY SAYS: 2008: Restaurant is named for: Whup Washington, the owner’s dad.
No, this is not some newfangled, Aussie-inspired, Marlin-born culinary calamity. Have no fear, smoked kangaroo is not a featured menu item. “Boomerang,” in this instance, is meant to indicate that you’ll be so satisfied you’ll come back. Turns out there’s truth in advertising. Whup’s is tidy and small, but there is no indoor seating, so enjoy the mesquite-and-post-oak-smoked offerings at one of the three tables under the awning out front, or get it to go.
BBQ SNOB SAYS: 2012: At this tiny joint (home to a compact patio and tight parking) the traffic in and out of the driveway is brisk given that most customers take their orders to go. We took ours to one of the small tables to sample the meats.
The brisket and ribs were a contrast in textures. The meat from the ribs, which were overcooked and lacked seasoning, fell from the bone while the brisket, which boasted a nice smoke ring and black crust, proved tough and chewy.
By far the best items were the sausage and hot links. Some smoke had been put to the sausage, which was the same as they used at the Que Shack, and the casing had a great snap. The moist-but-not-too-fatty hot links featured the unnecessary red food coloring, but at least they didn’t have that awful hot dog texture. The spice was good, with a depth beyond straight heat.
