Hitting the Lubbock Barbecue Trail

Let's be honest: lots of places claim to know barbecue, or what they THINK barbecue is.

In North Carolina, it's saucy pork with a vinegar base.

In Memphis, it's pork, dry rubbed. Sauce on the side.

In New York....let's move on. It's garbage.

Kansas City likes beef with a sweet sauce.

And here in Texas, brisket and beef ribs, with a spicy saucy kick. That's the correct way.

Here in West Texas, there is certainly no shortage of good to great barbecue. Although, with COVID-19 restrictions making all businesses take a hit, some shops have done better than others.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of checking out a West Texas barbecue giant: Evie Mae's in Wolfforth.

Even though they are in a fairly new-ish building, the cookers and wood couldn't look any more old school. And the 'cue was fantastic. I had the two-meat plate with pork ribs and burnt ends. If I died right now, I'd be a happy man. Plus, grabbing a can of Lone Star or Shiner out of the tub doesn't hurt at all, either.

The next day, I was still in a BBQ mood, so as I took care of some business. I stumbled upon another place that I had read about online: The Shack on Frankford Ave.

I saw the sign and whipped my truck around to stop, only to be greeted by a smack of disappointment.

"WE ARE PERMANENTLY CLOSED"

The 'For Sale' sign was the kick in the stomach that I needed to help me realize just how fragile the line between success and failure is in the barbecue business. I honestly thought they'd be open, and wondered how outdated my internet research had truly been.

Of course, we still have plenty of great places here.

I stopped into Rudy's on the South Loop Frontage Road earlier this week to pick up an order for some co-workers, and was immediately taken in by the aromas around me. Plus, their drive-up window seems to be always packed.

Bone Daddy's is another place I've had takeout from in recent days. Definitely a chain, but still hit the spot with their beef ribs.

I have not been able to check out Pitforks & Smokerings on the Slaton Highway, nor Klemke's in Slaton. I also need to hit up Hill Barbecue in Lubbock at some point.

If you have any other 'cue suggestions on the West Texas Barbecue Trail, hit us up!