Monday, November 14, 2011

The Pitstop BBQ


MEMPHIS: The Pitstop BBQ
317 N Boykin Dr

Memphis, TX 79245
806-259-1234

Open Tues-Sat 7-8


Elvis was blasting on the radio as I passed the Memphis city limits sign, and I was in search of some barbecue. I knew I wouldn't be getting any barbecue spaghetti because this wasn't Tennessee, it was Memphis, Texas. A town small enough that they deliver your drink order to your table before you sit down - without asking. Combo plates with ribs were not an option, so I grabbed a brisket sandwich and the smallest order of ribs I could get which was a half rack.



Brisket smoked with pecan and mesquite tasted like it had been washed of all flavor. It had been stored for hours, possibly sitting in liquid. The texture was mushy, beyond that of pot roast, and there just wasn't much of any flavor left.



Ribs were highly touted by the server, but suffered the same texture issues as the brisket. The crust was chewy while the interior of the meat was mushy and beyond overcooked. The bones served no purpose here as the meat came away in large chunks at the slightest tug, and the burnt flavor didn't make up for it. I guess we should leave it to the Tennesseans to make Memphis barbecue.

Rating *

DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT