Best Barbeque to be had in...

[humanpest]

Tennessee!?!

So I'm driving own from NYC to New Orleans to work at one of John Besh's Restaurants for 5 months as part of my CIA Internship (Culinary Institute that is...)

I'm sticking along route 81, and figuring I'll be taking a pit stop somewhere in Tennessee in the Knoxville Region around dinner time.

I'll be somewhere in Pennsylvania or one of the Virginias for Lunch however if there's better 'cue to be had.

I'll be taking more time on the return trip up (Maybe getting some in each of the 7 states along my path), but that's going to be sometime in March or April of next year.

I've looked at yelp for a few backups, but you-all haven't steered me wrong yet :)

[Habanero Smoker]

Congratulations! I don't know any BBQ joints on your route, but I live about 26 miles from the CIA, and just wanted to say every time I have visited that campus I have found nothing but the finest and most polite people you every want to meet. That goes for the students to the top chefs, and all the support staff.

Again congratulations.

[BuyLowSellHigh]

I want to echo HabS comments.  First, landing a slot at the CIA is an accomplishment.  Second, getting to intern at one of Besh's restaurants is a major kudo and speaks well of your dedication. 

Enjoy NOLA (but remember, you are still working and studying    ;) ).  There are few places in the US where the cuisine and the culture are so deeply intertwined.

[humanpest]

Cool stuff guys! Thanks for the well wishes.

Luckily I think I've partially worn out my ability to party and go to work the next morning so ill be behaving for the most part of my trip :)

When I'm back in town Habs ill give you a yell with a price list from our meat store room in case you ever want to order something @ wholesale prices.

[KyNola]

Congratulations on your internship with Besh.  Which one of his restaurants are you going to be working in or do you know yet?  August, Luke, the one in the newly renovated Roosevelt Hotel or the one in the World War II museum?  I would deem it an honor to be in the same kitchen with John Besh.

Please report to us periodically and let me be the first to say "Welcome to NOLA".  Wish I were headed there too.

KyNola

[Habanero Smoker]

Cool stuff guys! Thanks for the well wishes.

Luckily I think I've partially worn out my ability to party and go to work the next morning so ill be behaving for the most part of my trip :)

When I'm back in town Habs ill give you a yell with a price list from our meat store room in case you ever want to order something @ wholesale prices.

You won't have to ask me twice. That would be great. Good luck with your internship, and by all means contact me when you return.

[humanpest]

Ill be at August, Besh isn't always in the kitchen but I'm pretty pumped anyway.

Im living about 15 min north in the 'burbs, landlady said "no smoking in the house, but you can smoke anything you want in the backyard"...

I'm not sure if were on the same page, but ill have to jury rig a smoker to find out >:)

[KyNola]

August, the flagship!  Congrats to you.  Certainly Besh isn't always in the kitchen.  Not with that many restaurants and irons in the fire.  I don't blame you for being pumped.  You should be.

On one of your nights off, head over to Donald Link's restaurant Cochon on Tchopatoulas for smokey goodness.  Don't miss the butcher shop there too.

I am so happy for you.

[Redneckinthecity]

I'm from TN, but the other end of the state.  If you're taking 81 to 40 and going into Nashville/Memphis, I'd recommend breakfast at the Loveless Motel just outside Nashville or a barbeque in Mason, TN (a little out of the way, but definitely worth it if you have the time) at a place called Bozo's on Hwy 70.  There's not much in Mason, so you won't miss it.  Congratulations on your program and internship.  My wife and I had the chance for a lunch at the CIA several years ago.  It was great!

[Caneyscud]

Congrats humanpest.  I dream of the CIA - may I live vicariously through you?  It shoud be rewarding to be under Besh's tutelage even though not directly all the time.  I still can't believe he did not win that CIC contest.  I guess not "edgy" enough!

From the middle part of the state of TN.  Have spent some time in the East part of the state, but never did find a good BBQ place that I would recommend.  I know they are there, but I haven't found one yet.  

Yeh, the Loveless is there.  Not a place I frequent, in fact it's been about 15 years.  Nothing wrong with it, but I'd as soon go to Cracker Barrel rather than travel 30 minutes to eat breakfast.  Problem is, in Nashville, I haven't found anything better - and there is room for something better.  There are some people who wait in line for an hour in the rain to get into Pancake Pantry.  I have never understood why - their pancakes are just like everyone else's.  Same as another place called Pfunky Griddle.  But there you pay them, but you cook your own pancakes at the table.  MUST be a Nashville thing.  If you like smoked fish and bagels, and such deli type stuff for breakfast - you have to try Noshville.  It's great.  Athena Greek Restaurant (on DD&D one episode) does make a killer breakfast with lots of choices - and not much of the foo-foo stiff little finger brunch stuff - but great food in hearty quantities.  

For a different place near Nashville, there is a floating restaurant on Center Hill Lake that I wanted to swing a deal with to cook BBQ for them 2 days of the week last year when I was underemployed.  But I got called back to work full time before we could get it started.  They have pretty good food there anyways - not your usual grub.

Anyways - BBQ in Nashville or near, I currently recommend 2 places.  Judge Beans in Brentwood (bedroom community of Nashville) and Martin's in Nolensville - about 10 miles south of Nashville.  Jack's on Lower Broadway (Honky Tonk capital of the world) is supposedly very good - but I haven't tried it yet.  Hog Heaven next to Centennial Park has a smoke pulled chicken or turkey sandwich with their white sauce that is pretty darn good.  Their fried pickles ain't bad either.  Tex's isn't bad - just has some weird hours.  South Street has some pretty good ribs - they are sauced.  There is a new one on 12th and Porter, but none of my friends have been there yet.  I don't go out for BBQ much.  We are pretty satisfied with what we do at home - so why pay someone else?

Ridgewood in Bluff City gets rave reviews from East Tenn.  Knoxville has Sonny's which isn't bad, but the rest are chains.  Johnson City has a Fire Station Themed restaurant (can't remember name) that makes some mean ribs.  

But it is West TN that has the BBQ.  It is pork and ribs - so if you are looking for brisket - probably better in Nashville.  Lots of recommended bbq places there.  

[humanpest]

Ok...

So I've been in NoLa for about a 3 weeks, and besides learning that one can always work much faster... I've definitely had a few good meals!

On my road trip down I stopped by Smokey's  Bar-BQ in Wytheville Virginia and got some ribs that were pink-smoked all the way through, and pretty damn awesome... I tempted my fate though in Birmingham and had some pretty average ribs @ Dreamlands.

I went to the Saints Games today (31-13, woot!), and actually saw ABTs on a pregrame parties grill (I guess we're getting around ;) ).

We've been doing some pretty awesome food at August... one of our catered specialties is a suckling pig thats stuffed with jambalaya/gumbo... friggan delicious. We also do ungodly delicious things to elk, pheasant and boar :)

I've been debating a trip into Texas if I ever get a two days off in a row again. Dallas is about an 8.5 hour drive, with some other places being closer. Any good BBQ in that region? (I'm usually able to draft a few people for a quickie like this).

-me

[Habanero Smoker]

I'm tempted to get on a plane to fly down and dine at the restaurant, and I don't like to fly.

[KyNola]

Sounds like you're enjoying yourself.  Great win for the Saints yesterday.  Have you had any of the Benton's bacon that they serve over at Luke's?  That's some good bacon.

Will be heading back down again in the latter part of April.  Can't wait.

Keep reporting in to us.

KyNola

[Caneyscud]

I tempted my fate though in Birmingham and had some pretty average ribs @ Dreamlands.

Thats pretty much normal. 

We've been doing some pretty awesome food at August... one of our catered specialties is a suckling pig thats stuffed with jambalaya/gumbo... friggan delicious. We also do ungodly delicious things to elk, pheasant and boar :)

I've been debating a trip into Texas if I ever get a two days off in a row again. Dallas is about an 8.5 hour drive, with some other places being closer. Any good BBQ in that region? (I'm usually able to draft a few people for a quickie like this).

Funny thing about Dallas, considering Texas, and so close to Fort Worth you'd think there would be great 'cue on every corner.  But the ugly truth is that Dallas doesn't do 'cue all that well compared to the Brisket Belt,  Dallas is a big cosmopolitan city, and with that civility and sophistication you also get chains, and with chains you get mediocre barbecue.   Lots of lists are made by people who make up lists, and not real "cue aficionados who glean their data from numerous road trips.  These guys have cholesterol levels out the roof!  Those are the guys to trust.  For instance in Dallas most lists will include Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse in the top ten.  A real road trip 'cuer would not list them.  It's a legendary business and internationally recognized.  But, sadly, Sonny Bryan's has joined other regional big-name barbecue chains that are designed to cater to corporate 'cue shindigs. These bastions of predictable mediocrity seem to hog all of the press whenever a "best of" list emerges for the area – any area!  Don't get me wrong, you can get a good meal, but it just doesn't "shine".  You get something that a pimple faced kid produces after pushing a button on a gas fired stainless steel rotisserie monstrosity.  Not something produced by a guy who was at his joint until 10 pm last night and showed up at 5 am this morning, has soot under his nails, wearing a brown cap with a sweat stained rim and that was once white, who knows his fire and knows his meat, knows what the weather does to his pit – and cooks over wood.  There is a very discernible difference! 
Dallas / Ft. Worth (DFW) has a plethora of 'cue restaurants – it is in Texas isn't it?  However, you have to look for the good places.  Funny thing – Dallas is a hickory area – not as much oak and mesquite as the other areas of Texas.  The other thing about Dallas, is that you will not generally find the good sausage of other parts of Texas.  You'll find good 'cue in DFW, but it you could stand to  drive another 3 to 4 hours to Lockhart, Elgin, Luling, Taylor, you will be in Texas BBQ heaven. 
Back to Dallas.  As it has been 6 years since I've been in Dallas other than flying through, I called up a buddy to see who he thought was good.  He had the warning about Sonny Bryans. 

And in no particular order, he likes these
Bakers Ribs – on most "best" lists, and they deserve it – they have several locations
Cousins – It is a local "chain" but has really good brisket and ribs.  I've eaten there – and they are very good
Off the Bone in Ft. Worth he says is very good
Longorias has great sausage made from brisket and has very good brisket.   I've had their sausage and yes it is good.
Randys he says is good
Macs he recommends and so do I – some killer jalapeno sausage.  Been doing it for decades.
Downtown you have the Baby Back Shack – that has been good, but has just reopened after a fire and he hasn't had a chance to sample it.

There is a highly marketed place called The Smoke Pit.  Advertizes "cold beer, good barbecue, and hot girls".  He says the cold beer was good, did not have any complaint about the hot girls, but the 'cue was so-so at best.  But the same guy has another joint called the Williams Ranch House in Ft. Worth that he says is well worth the drive. 
Just a few selections from just 2 guys. 

P.S.-  I may have a little bit of a prejudice against Sonny Bryans.  I lived in Dallas for 3 months before being transferred to Nashville. Fresh outta college.  Six foot tall, 205 pounds, 34 inch waist, 20 inch neck, big biceps, delts and trapz., but butt ugly.  Asked a co-worker where would a good place to eat barbecue and go dancing (Country Western).  Probably asked the wrong guy.  He recommended Sonny Bryan's and the Longhorn Ballroom.  Went to Bryan's and had some decent brisket, but did not make up for what came after.  Went to the Longhorn, and it must have been middle aged lush get in free night.  I walk in with my dancing boots, tight wranglers, big belt buckle and my black XXX Beaver (and for all you dirty minded 'cuers – that is a very good quality cowboy hat).   Mind you I was still butt-ugly, but when I walked in, the looks I got, made me feel like I was uncovered for the world to see – all them wannabe cowgirls were undressing me with their eyes.  I had to get out – it was overwhelming and disturbing.  I'd been to a lot of Honky Tonk dance halls, but nothing like that.  To this day, I equate Sonny Bryan's to that unpleasant experience.  Ended up the guy who recommended the Longhorn did it to be funny – he knew I was an Aggie, knew what night it was and the reaction. 

[BuyLowSellHigh]

Well, if you're headed to TX, let me join with Caney and suggest something other than Dallas for good Lone Star barbecue.  I have nothing against Dallas or Fort Worth, and there are some fantastic eats there. Currently the rage is Tim Love and his Lonsome Dove Western Bistro in the Fort Worth stockyards.

But for barbecue, I would suggest just a bit further and a 2-3 day trek.  In no particular order, choose your travel route ...

In Taylor TX just NE of Austin, Louie Mueller's check out this post also.  Bobby Mueller (deceased) received the James Beard Award in the American Classic division in 2006.  His son now runs it, the exact same way.

The heart of TX brisket country is Lockhart / Luling.  You have several choices.  But at the top of your list should be Kreuz  (the Bush family favorite) and Smitty's in Lockhart and City Market in Luling.  Gizmo recently did a tour of the area when he travelled through headed to the Houston area.  He didn't get to all of them, but he did get a good sampling of two.  His thread on that trip is here.  My suggestion - hit 'em all and take coolers for leftovers.

If you're headed through the area you probably will be travelling I-10.  Be sure and stop in Houston and check out more great eats.  If it's barbecue, then it probably should be Goode  Co..  But Houston has about anything you want, and some top Chef's as well, like Robert Del Grande of Cafe Annie (and others) fame.

If you get into the Houston area, let me know - I'm just south and maybe we can grab lunch or something together.

edit - just after posting this I realized that I failed to include the Salt Lick, west of Austin in Driftwood.  Famous for their brisket, it's where Gov. Rick Perry chose to celebrate his primary election win last year.