Texas BBQ Enthusiast : Lockhart Smokehouse Dallas,TX

Lockhart Smokehouse

400 W. Davis St
Dallas,TX 75208
214-944-5521

Open everyday 11 AM until we're done!

http://www.lockhartsmokehouse.com/

(Thursday - Sunday) they have extended bar hours and usually throw more meat on the pit)

I actually discovered this place when watching a barbecue contest on some obscure cable TV channel. When they did the back story on Jeff one of the pitmasters at Lockhart they referred to Lockhart Smokehouse so I had to try it. Jeff and Jill Bergus own Lockhart Smokehouse and Jill is the granddaughter of Edgar "Papa" Schmidt of Kreuz Market now Smitty's Market or "both" depending on what side of the family you're on.

My bounty and the Holy Trinity

So onto my first visit of many. Located in the Bishop Arts District south of the Trinity River (catty-corner from Hatties for you locals) this place brings Central Texas barbecue to Big "D". The Schmidt family connection helps to procure Kreuz Market sausage which is smoked here and helps to continue the legacy of the German meat market style of barbecue. Yes they even sell chunks of cheddar cheese just like at Smitty's and Kreuz Market in Lockhart. On my first visit I ordered ribs, brisket, and sausage with sides of pinto beans and Lockhart slaw (a spicy version of coleslaw - it's great). The brisket is solid and has been on follow-up visits, simple salt & pepper rub with great bark and very moist. The ribs were also very good but have been a bit hit and miss on other visits. The Kreuz Market sausage is always good but can be too greasy for some folks but I always like it. The barbecue overall is excellent and accurately represents Central Texas barbecue that one can find in Lockhart, TX. However, what sets this place apart from many other barbecue joints is head Pitmaster Tim McLaughlin and the meats he offers outside the usual realm of ribs, brisket, and sausage. I will admit I have not tried these other cuts but I will and based off of the culinary skill of Tim and his crew they sound great. Just an example of choices offered outside of the Holy Trinity are habanero glazed chicken, turkey, burnt ends (Thursdays only), porchetta just to name a few. These of course are offered on certain days and a great way to know what's on the menu is to 'Like" their Facebook page. They are great about posting daily on what's on the menu and what other events may be coming up. They also have a good bar scene on top of great barbecue.

Memorial Day lunch with family

Another quality that set Lockhart Smokehouse apart from the rest continues with the emphasis on culinary arts and quality food. The meat is great but the sides are not to be missed. Let me repeat myself, don't pass up on the sides! I don't say this lightly because all I really care about is the meat. So, the sides vary from day to day but here's a list of a few. Baked beans, pinto beans, habanero macaroni and cheese, blue cheese coleslaw, spicy Lockhart coleslaw, deviled eggs, potato salad, and the occasionally blue cheese bacon hominy (the hominy is ridiculously good). Also, the relish bar with various pickles, jalapenos, and onions all pickled and cured onsite is something not always found at other barbecue places. You can taste the culinary experience through everything offered. I highly recommend a trip to Lockhart Smokehouse and for those of you living in DFW it beats driving 200+ miles for Lockhart, TX barbecue when you can find it just south of the Trinity.

I leave you this week with some more pictures from Lockhart Smokehouse. Next week, Hutchins Barbecue McKinney, TX...until then!