The Best Texas BBQ

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Lets Talk BBQ-Texas

Texas is known for their BBQ right? But how do you know where to go when there are so many options? Let me share my experience with you. Prior to my trip to Texas, I did some serious research on BBQ joints. I must have read over 30 blog posts on “The Best Texas BBQ”. One of my husband favorite foods is barbecue and of course, what better place to try the “real deal”!

There are a few “Hot spots” that most recommend but I like to take a step off the beaten path and try something new. We happened to stumbled across this place while heading back to Austin from San Antonio. It is centrally located right off the highway in San Marcos, Texas.

I do want to give you a heads up- google maps will bring you around the building to a residential area. No it is NOT a back home BBQ! We pulled up to house and knew that this was not it. We decided to head down the road and there it was!

There is a Large parking lot with a welcoming front. They have a huge sign in the front and also a beautiful classic truck for the customer’s to admire.

The real deal-

As soon as you open the door, your senses will go wild! Your nose will tell you that you are in BBQ paradise! AUTHENTIC bbq that is! There is a cooler with side dishes and desserts and you order the hot side dishes as well as the meat at the front counter. I love that they have an open kitchen and you can see them preparing your tray.

I was greeted by a cute young lady with a beautiful smile- “How y’all doin”? Between that greeting and the delicious bbq aroma, I knew this was the real deal! I asked what was their specialty item and she said that “everything is good Ma’m”. A gentleman behind the counter who was busy at work, popped up his head and said- “Everything here, I guarantee you will like”. So we decided to give it a try.

We ordered and choose an array of items.

For the sides –Hatch Chile Mac-n-cheese,regular Mac-n-cheese, hatch Chile creamed corn.

For the meats– we choose- half a chicken, jalapeño & cheese sausage, brisket and pork ribs.

For dessert– a brownie and of course, banana pudding!

My foodie input-

I had to try the menu items with the Hatch Chile because that is not something common on the menu in California. The Mac n cheese was tasty and had flavor, but I really enjoyed the hatch creamed corn. Again, something not very common in California. Okay… lets get to it! THE BBQ!!!!!!

The brisket was so beautiful. It had the perfect crust on the outside and it was juicy and tender on the inside. It didn’t just LOOK good, but it also TASTED good!

The ribs melted in your mouth and had a very unique flavor to them. They were not covered in a overpowering BBQ sauce either. You really could taste the “smoky” flavor.

The jalapeño sausage was flavorful! You could tell that these were handmade. No imitation there, pure quality ingredients.

The chicken- probably the juices and most flavorful chicken that I have ever had.

All the meats were cooked PERFECT! This is a huge compliment coming from 2 people that are kinda food snobs! My husband is very particular about his BBQ and how it is prepared. There were no complaints at all, just compliments!

TIPS- Order a small amount of each meat so that you can try them all. You can also serve the side orders “Family style”. Buy one of each so you can try them all! They also offer complimentary pickles and onions as well as slices of bread (FYI-this is a Texas thing), get there early for lunch-we arrived at 11am and beat the crowd.

The menu

They offer soda, tea and have beer available for purchase. Here is a list of some of the items- There prices are very reasonable especially for BBQ.

Customer service-

All the staff members were very friendly and busy at work. The gentleman that we were speaking to earlier, came out from behind the counter and went around checking in with the dining guests. We started chatting with him and he told us a little about the establishment and we talked BBQ for a few minutes. I found out that he actually was the “pit master”.

About 15 minutes later another gentleman came by and we started chatting with him, a few minutes into the conversation I mentioned that I was in Texas for my travel blog. He said, “Come see me when you’re finished eating”.

The restaurant was clean and welcoming. Lots of parking and also seating. Fun decor throughout and they even have an outdoor patio and a fire pit. They do offer catering and welcome parties and events.

Lucky me-

Guess what? I got a private tour of the “pit” and an in-depth conversation about the restaurant and how they do their bbq @ Hays Co. I may have even learned a few of their “secrets”.

Omar Baca is the General Manager of the store and he was kind enough to give my husband and I a tour of the establishment. During our time there he explained a lot to us about their BBQ process there at Hays CO and what sets them apart from other BBQ joints. I even had a chance to step into the room where the BBQ “magic” happens…. and boy was it HOT in there!

What sets this BBQ restaurant apart from others?

Well first of all, it is independently owned and not a chain restaurant. The employees show love for the company and pride in their work. Their bbq method is a little different than others. They use a “Post Oak” wood. They let it set to “season”. Basically you want the “green wood” to dry out and become seasoned. Using this type of wood and process gives the meat a more consistent flavor. It gives the meat the “perfect” amount of smoke.

Hays Co. BBQ also was voted TOP 50 BBQ spots in the World!

They also use a different system to smoke and BBQ. You can see from the photos that it is not the typical round smoker that you normally would see.

This joint doesn’t use temperature gauges to judge the doneness of the brisket. They believe in slow and low…. It’s all about how the meat looks and feels to the touch. The brisket which is Certified Angus is cooked for 18-24 hours. The Pit Master mentioned to me-“You need the right temperature and the right amount of time to make a good brisket”.

PIT Master Jesse defiantly knows what he is talking about, because this my friends is the BEST brisket that I had in Texas.

I am glad that I had a chance to dine here and it was a Pleasure to meet Pit Master Jesse and General Manager Omar. Two great guys that truly love BBQ!