Went to Cattleack on Friday with my buddy who flew in from Grand Junction, Co. Arrived at 12:20, ordered at 1, and by the time we left, the board which shows what is sold out by taping over the options only showed brisket. Outstanding ribs, brisket, but the sausage with cheese & hatch chiles was the star. Dear God I had a spiritual experience when the smoke taste was revealed in the first bite that lasted until there was none left.
Followed that up by going to Louie Mueller's in Taylor for lunch Saturday morning. There was a vintage car show going on and we were first in line at 10am. Watched the Longhorns jump out to a nice lead and then left knowing by the end of the game that would be reversed and chose to allow the excellent barbecue to digest properly instead of watching the futile attempt at a win against a ranked team. Brisket was just a notch below Cattlelack as were ribs. First time there and enjoyed the atmosphere and friendly discussion with others in line before opening.
Went to Miller's smokehouse in Belton to grab dinner. While the barbecue was worthy of the top 50 list, the chocolate cream pie with graham cracker crust won dessert of the trip for me.
Our plan was to come back through Arlington on Sunday and stop at Hurtado's, but both of us decided the meat coma we were just beginning to come out of would only be further exacerbated. Another reason to do this again in the near future and maybe add Goldee's to the trip if the mania has subsided any.