Where can I get some Carolina style pulled pork ?

[EasilyAmused]

Texas knows brisket...without a doubt. Pork...maybe not so much.

[DrLizardo]

I'm originally from the Southeast (Georgia) where the only kind of BBQ they know is pork. Growing up there I ate the stuff, but it was just okay at best. After moving to Texas I have become a huge fan of the way barbecue is done here. I've competed in cookoffs and have my own smoker now and I've become something of a purist.

The two rules are it's got to be beef (it's a state full of cattle ranchers, not pig farmers), and real barbecue doesn't need sauce. That latter point is telling, for me the reliance on sauce is just a crutch to help the taste of meat that can't stand by itself.

And I will undoubtedly rile some people with this, but there are very few decent barbecue places in Houston. I know that's harsh, but after going to some of the best places in Texas I find that too many local places don't even come close. If I had to pick one here it would probably be Burns' in Acres Homes. Or, if you find yourself on the road to Austin or San Antonio, with some time to kill, take a side trip to Lockhart and eat at Kreuz's or Smitty's. After that, you'll probably discover that your standards have been raised significantly.

[Reivax]

Originally Posted by DrLizardo

And I will undoubtedly rile some people with this, but there are very few decent barbecue places in Houston. I know that's harsh, but after going to some of the best places in Texas I find that too many local places don't even come close. If I had to pick one here it would probably be Burns' in Acres Homes. Or, if you find yourself on the road to Austin or San Antonio, with some time to kill, take a side trip to Lockhart and eat at Kreuz's or Smitty's. After that, you'll probably discover that your standards have been raised significantly.

Last time we went to San Antonio, I got "geez dad" from everyone in the car because I made trip longer by taking 290 instead of 10, because I was determined to see Bastrop. Don't know why, I have never been there, and I wanted to see it. Driven around it 100 times, but never through it.

Anyhow, I rewarded everyone's patience with me by passing through Lockhart afterwards. They forgave me. Prime rib at Kreuz's, and I cannot eat it anywhere else now.
Lockhart was more than worth the detour


As for Burns, I work about 10 minutes from Burns BBQ. I've put on 10 pounds since I took this job... That should tell you how I feel about the place.

[DrLizardo]

Originally Posted by Reivax

As for Burns, I work about 10 minutes from Burns BBQ. I've put on 10 pounds since I took this job... That should tell you how I feel about the place.

I worked right around the corner on W. Montgomery. People working there learned to be careful about announcing they were going to Burns' to get something. Almost everyone would ask, "Please bring me back a ..." and you could find yourself obligated to bring back ten or twelve plates.

[Oildog]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

Ok, we just back from Beavers and ummm..

MAYBE that was Western Carolina Shredded Pork with a whole lotta Texas in it. Definately not ECBBQ...and calling it Carolina anything is a stretch. The food was good, but the cook has a crazy fascination with Cayenne. It's on everything.

The decor was fun an hip, and it's neat to see how much that area is changing. But 50 bucks for three people, with one appie and everyone was drinking Tea, for BBQ was a little steep. Maybe I like my BBQ a little less "trendy?"

I've live nearby and have eaten there a few times, and its not cheap by any means. But I thought the BBQ wasd considered 'Carolina style' but Im no expert in what that means other than more vinegarish than saucy.

[TexasTheKid]

Originally Posted by Reivax

Speaking of fried pickles, My son and I were in Tupelo last month and found this little BBQ place called Eli's.
I won't call it exactly Carolina pulled pork, like I'm asking about, but it was really good. The sides were awesome: fried tomatoes and potato salad, and fried pickles with homemade potato chips.

I've been there, but didn't eat there. I wish I had, but I went with a non-practicing Jewish co-worker who decided after we walked in the building that beginning on that day and moving forward, he could only eat kosher food. Pulled pork was no longer on the menu. We settled on a Chinese buffet, which as I'm sure you can imagine wasn't so great in Tupelo, Mississippi.