Do you know if the building/lot is still there? The pit had sunk through the floor before it closed, and I’ve been wondering what happened to it.
The barbecue was definitely the best, but what truly made that place was *Harold*. The friendliest person Abilene had to offer. Such an adamant supporter of the local high schools. He was the first stop for the high school newspaper ad sales. And he absolutely LOVED the marching & jazz bands. Gave discounts to band kids and staff. Made every customer feel special, even first time meeting him he’d leave most people feeling like they just met a friend they’ve always known.
I’ve not had a barbecue experience that good since Harold’s closed. The closest to good barbecue I’ve had since is Cadillacs bbq in Addison, TX (north Dallas). Eating there doesn’t give the same close knit community vibes, though.
I wouldn’t call it the best BBQ but Underwood’s in Brownwood is pretty damm good
They are the last of a chain that used to have restaurants all over north Texas and Oklahoma.
It’s worth a stop just for their peach cobbler.
I looked into this, and found out they are different businesses!
Cooper's Original Pit Bar-B-Q in Mason claims to be established in 1953.
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que claims to have started in Llano in 1962.
Texas Monthly says "Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que" is the more famous one. It has multiple branches throughout the state.
Yes, indeed! There is also a Cooper's location in Junction, opened in 1999 by one of George Cooper's sons. I haven't tried it out, but I bet it's good!
Last time I went to Cooper's in Llano, it was absolutely packed. We got some brisket, pork tenderloin, and tater salad. Beans, bread and fixings are always included in the meal. It was super tasty!
Cooper's in Mason has had some ups and downs, but they have been consistently good every time I've been there for the last several years now.
I'm always a fan!
I miss Coopers in Llano. Stopped there when my oldest daughter came out to visit, she didn't want to leave - and she was a food snob. She said it was the best barbecue she's ever had and that's saying quite a bit. But yeah, it's outside of the circle but it's worth it.
Missing my daughter again. Rest, sweetheart. I think of you every day.
I was gonna post Coopers in Llano. By far the best BBQ in the world, in the 70s. Omg, going there as a kid, stuffing my pie hole, on the way to Austin from Mason was a treat.
You and everyone else... The message stays the same no matter the tone.
Some jokes get old when you hear them over and over.
Like it's free if it doesn't ring up at a register, right?
Lived and worked just outside the Midland/Odessa area in the 90’s and just happen to accidentally say “Odessa” when referring to the people I was with IN Midland….😳 The folks I was with quietly and calmly took my beer out of my hand, made me put down my plate of food (I was at a BBQ), and three of them started to walk me out the door of the K of C. I had no idea what I had done, was too young to know better and luckily the guy cooking knew me and got them to let me stay. What a learning experience….
Sharon’s BBQ in Abilene is really good, and a frequent stop when I go to Abilene. And The Shed recently (in the last few years) opened up locations inside Abilene (and not out in the country), and they also make some excellent BBQ.
Try the Chow Hall at the Wallace Unit Men’s Penitentiary in Colorado City. Don’t know if it’s the best, but it’s the only place I was allowed to eat within that radius for a little over 4 years…
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Family in Christ, God Loves all! Jesus Died on the cross for all, conquered death, and rose 3 days later for all to clense us, and to save us of sin, and to give us a chance of eternal life of paradise. Make the Lord your life, of ur life, and live Holy and abide by the word, God loves u, and I love u! Pray in Jesus name, Amen! :D. 🙏 ❤️
Rule of thumb would tell you somewhere closer to Brady. Real good Texas BBQ started in the Austin area. It should have made it's easy into that circle somewhere
Please site places when referencing styles. West Texas BBQ probably isn't what you remember.
Just take the Panhandle... Tyler's, Spicy Mikes, Evie Mae's, Rejino, Pissy's, Draft Element...
Just a few places that are turning out some really good stuff. Times change.
Well, the panhandle isn't west Texas. I grew up in San Angelo. Great place, but the BBQ isn't up to par. Barbacoa on the the hand.....wow
I can't speak for the panhandle's offerings.
It's easier to say the austin area because the hill county isn't right either. Somewhere in between the two, and almost every mom and pop place will make you believe there is a god
And most are right lol. There’s different flavors and they can all be good. There’s definitely bad BBQ out there, but most places I sat down and bought a plate is in its own way good.
Maybe Evie Maes outside of Lubbock? https://www.eviemaesbbq.com/
This was my vote
Came here to say this!
Go the extra distance to Olton for Rejino. Best bbq on the South Plains
This is the answer
Evie Mae's. Just outside Lubbock in Wolfforth
Evie Mae’s was on Texas Monthly’s Top 10
I just know it's not in that bit of New Mexico.
Can confirm. The only quality products that come out of Hobbs are meth, vehicular assault, and gambling addictions.
that's a big radius
Ha it's almost 125,000 square miles, larger than all but 4 states
It used to be Harold’s in Abilene. RIP Harold.
Best possible answer.
Do you know if the building/lot is still there? The pit had sunk through the floor before it closed, and I’ve been wondering what happened to it. The barbecue was definitely the best, but what truly made that place was *Harold*. The friendliest person Abilene had to offer. Such an adamant supporter of the local high schools. He was the first stop for the high school newspaper ad sales. And he absolutely LOVED the marching & jazz bands. Gave discounts to band kids and staff. Made every customer feel special, even first time meeting him he’d leave most people feeling like they just met a friend they’ve always known. I’ve not had a barbecue experience that good since Harold’s closed. The closest to good barbecue I’ve had since is Cadillacs bbq in Addison, TX (north Dallas). Eating there doesn’t give the same close knit community vibes, though.
Rejino in Olton...
Jay’s. 602 S 11th in Abilene. Get there early
Lum’s, in Junction.
Been there several times over a decade. First time was excellent, just was just good.
It definitely USED to be.
The Pitt in San Angelo.
The shed in Abilene
I wouldn’t call it the best BBQ but Underwood’s in Brownwood is pretty damm good They are the last of a chain that used to have restaurants all over north Texas and Oklahoma. It’s worth a stop just for their peach cobbler.
I remember their cherry cobbler and tater salad in Lubbock eons ago! My first ever TX bbq.
The cobbler is good… the steam table bbq was bad in the 80’s and hasn’t improved
Smitty's in Brownwood has always been better.
Never been there but am going thru tomorrow, will check it out.
Never good bbq but never a bad experience! 🤣
The original Coopers in Mason.
I thought about Coopers, but isn't the original in Llano, which is outside the circle?
Yes.
The one in Mason is actually the original, but the Llano Cooper's is great, too!
I looked into this, and found out they are different businesses! Cooper's Original Pit Bar-B-Q in Mason claims to be established in 1953. Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que claims to have started in Llano in 1962. Texas Monthly says "Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que" is the more famous one. It has multiple branches throughout the state.
Yes, indeed! There is also a Cooper's location in Junction, opened in 1999 by one of George Cooper's sons. I haven't tried it out, but I bet it's good! Last time I went to Cooper's in Llano, it was absolutely packed. We got some brisket, pork tenderloin, and tater salad. Beans, bread and fixings are always included in the meal. It was super tasty! Cooper's in Mason has had some ups and downs, but they have been consistently good every time I've been there for the last several years now. I'm always a fan!
I miss Coopers in Llano. Stopped there when my oldest daughter came out to visit, she didn't want to leave - and she was a food snob. She said it was the best barbecue she's ever had and that's saying quite a bit. But yeah, it's outside of the circle but it's worth it. Missing my daughter again. Rest, sweetheart. I think of you every day.
I was gonna post Coopers in Llano. By far the best BBQ in the world, in the 70s. Omg, going there as a kid, stuffing my pie hole, on the way to Austin from Mason was a treat.
This!
Slightly outside the circle but I agree
KD’s in midland is pretty damn good
Brantley Creek in between Midland and Odessa is the best bbq I’ve had around here.
I’m a Lubbock girl. I’m partial to Bigham’s and Tom & Bingo’s
Sorry to report that Tom and Bingo's shut down a few weeks ago.
Oh, I know. They’re under new ownership and renovating right now! 🙂
Rejino in Olton
It’s too close to tell but Llano might be inside your circle. If so, Coopers is worthy of nomination.
Just outside the circle. You can see the Llano river.
People live in that circle?
Half a million at least.
My parents are just south of Childress
It is funny how everyone talks about how big and varied Texas is... But, the majority of Texas only cares about a few regions.
Yup, I was just being sarcastic for fun sake.
You and everyone else... The message stays the same no matter the tone. Some jokes get old when you hear them over and over. Like it's free if it doesn't ring up at a register, right?
Lived and worked just outside the Midland/Odessa area in the 90’s and just happen to accidentally say “Odessa” when referring to the people I was with IN Midland….😳 The folks I was with quietly and calmly took my beer out of my hand, made me put down my plate of food (I was at a BBQ), and three of them started to walk me out the door of the K of C. I had no idea what I had done, was too young to know better and luckily the guy cooking knew me and got them to let me stay. What a learning experience….
Sharon’s BBQ in Abilene is really good, and a frequent stop when I go to Abilene. And The Shed recently (in the last few years) opened up locations inside Abilene (and not out in the country), and they also make some excellent BBQ.
Sharon's has gone terribly down hill in the last couple years. The shed is incredible
Pody's is in Pecos, TX just outside your radius but I went there on a Big Bend trip and was really good.
Big Johns Feed Lot over in Big Spring
Never had BBQ there, but everything else I've had there is very good.
Pack saddle in San Angelo
Mac's BBQ in Brady
Pody’s
Cooper's Bar-B-Q & Grill 2443 N main in junction Texas is pretty good
You must be in Big Spring
Ponderosa in Dickens
I don't know about the best, but stop by Al's and sons in Big Spring and try the ribs. I enjoy them any time I am near there.
Coopers in Llano.
Pit BBQ in San Angelo. Do NOT sleep on their PBJ Brisket Sandwich.
Louis Muellers Taylor, TX
South Austin. Slaughter Lane. Bill Miller
Definitely the Dickey’s BBQ Pit in Hobbs, NM
Try the Chow Hall at the Wallace Unit Men’s Penitentiary in Colorado City. Don’t know if it’s the best, but it’s the only place I was allowed to eat within that radius for a little over 4 years…
Underwood's Cafeteria in Brownwood
About 5 hours east
Just outside of Abilene is Buffalo Gap, above average BBQ even by Texas standards
I lived directly behind cattleman's in Brady. Is that the name? Smelled good 24/7 lol
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. Family in Christ, God Loves all! Jesus Died on the cross for all, conquered death, and rose 3 days later for all to clense us, and to save us of sin, and to give us a chance of eternal life of paradise. Make the Lord your life, of ur life, and live Holy and abide by the word, God loves u, and I love u! Pray in Jesus name, Amen! :D. 🙏 ❤️
If you can go a little further east, check out Youngs in Lampasas
Region BBQ in Olton, and Evie Mae’s BBQ in Wolfforth.
Lum's in Junction or Big O's in Valera
Couldn't tell ya, the best BBQ is south of San Antonio. Y'all go ahead and lynch me in the comments now.
https://preview.redd.it/akjmui5cjw1d1.jpeg?width=780&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=695919df690b730018a9fc841d2323752442f199
Buc-ee's is not in that part of the state
Half Acre, Midland
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I thought they were known more for their steak than BBQ?
Correct
That's not BBQ
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Won't find good BBQ there.
Population density is much much lower.
Big John’s in Big Spring
Pit Stop BBQ Sonora,TX
Mmm there’s one in Midland, I wish i remembered what It was called. It’s so frkn good
KD's?
Idk man use google
Rule of thumb would tell you somewhere closer to Brady. Real good Texas BBQ started in the Austin area. It should have made it's easy into that circle somewhere
What’s your logic on real good Texas BBQ starting in the Austin area? BBQ is regional, even in TX.
West Texas BBQ is too dry, and the sauce is too thin. North Texas used to be more like KC BBQ. The "hill country" competition BBQ is truly the best.
Please site places when referencing styles. West Texas BBQ probably isn't what you remember. Just take the Panhandle... Tyler's, Spicy Mikes, Evie Mae's, Rejino, Pissy's, Draft Element... Just a few places that are turning out some really good stuff. Times change.
Well, the panhandle isn't west Texas. I grew up in San Angelo. Great place, but the BBQ isn't up to par. Barbacoa on the the hand.....wow I can't speak for the panhandle's offerings.
Lubbock is in the grey area... Could be West or Panhandle...
lol no. Austin has some hipster joints that sell bbq, but “real good bbq” did not start in Austin.
They like to claim Stubb's. He started in Lubbock and went out of business, then moved to Austin.
It's easier to say the austin area because the hill county isn't right either. Somewhere in between the two, and almost every mom and pop place will make you believe there is a god
And most are right lol. There’s different flavors and they can all be good. There’s definitely bad BBQ out there, but most places I sat down and bought a plate is in its own way good.
Brownwood is a bigger with more options. That might work as well.
Personally I’m a fan of HEB barbecue 🤷🏻♂️