Dining Guide
Fargo’s Pit BBQ

Pitmaster Alan Caldwell prefers to keep his exact smoking method a closely guarded trade secret. Even the woodpile is hidden behind a cinder-block wall and a tarp-covered gate. We’ve spotted some oak back there, and the flavor of the ribs suggests commercial charcoal, but Caldwell refuses to confirm or deny either one. No matter the method, the meats that come out of his mystery pit are spectacular.
The spareribs are hefty (Fargo’s uses a larger than normal rack), and the well-seasoned pork and layers of expertly rendered fat come away from the bone more easily than you’d expect for such a large rib. As for the brisket, well, rarely will you find a deeper smoky flavor or a thicker smoke ring. Beneath a bark that almost crackles is juicy meat with just enough salt to keep you coming back for more.
City: Bryan
Cuisine: Barbecue
Method: Unknown
Pitmaster: Alan Caldwell
Pro-tip: Always choose ribs over rib tips.
Price: $$
Address: 1701 S. Texas Ave., Bryan, TX, 77803
Hours: Tue-Sat 11-7
Phone: 979-778-3662
Year Opened: 2000
Last updated: May 3, 2013
Reviews
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Fargo’s Pit BBQ (Top 50)
We foolishly thought pitmaster Alan Caldwell might finally be ready to chat about the secrets of his smoking method. Ha. Caldwell said only, “You can ask . . .” and then broke into a big smile followed by silence. When …
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Fargo’s Pit BBQ
A few months back Fargo’s moved out of its original building, a cramped place that lacked indoor seating—or outdoor seating, for that matter. Though the restaurant is now located just a few blocks from the first location, the large dining …
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Fargo’s Pit BBQ
Most professional food critics will make at least three visits to a restaurant before completing a review or issuing a star rating. Given the miles that I travel (without a traveling budget) in search of smoked meats around Texas, I …