Early Saturday morning, my oldest son, Stephen, and I head to Dallas for his six-month check-up at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Diagnosed with Legg-Perthes Disease when he was six, Stephen has struggled with this childhood hip condition for half his life. There are certainly times when, like any of us coping with aches and pains, he struggles more. However, he continues to handle his “thorn in the flesh” quite well for a young man on the precipice of his teenage years.
In November 2010, Stephen and I embarked on our first Father/Son road trip to Big D. Apart from time spent in DFW Airport, that was my first trip to the land of the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks and, Ewings. In spite of my built-up prejudice against all things Texas because of too many stories from congregation members about how “better” things are in that state, I found that I really liked Dallas. I’m not sure that I would want to live in the Metroplex, but it is a neat city to visit.
From the Farmer’s Market to Dealey Plaza to the Galleria Mall (and Five Guys Burgers and Fries, yum), Stephen and I had a blast. While I am not looking forward to the long drive, I am looking forward to spending some quality time with my son. As a Baptist pastor, one way that we will spend time together in Dallas is eating. I will probably eat too much on this trip, but having lost 25 pounds since the beginning of December (thanks to an emergency appendectomy), it won’t hurt to splurge just a little.
In addition to finding the nearest 7-11 and indulging in a Slurpee or two, Stephen and I will be on a quest to find a good BBQ joint in Dallas. I say “good” because everyone knows that truly “great” BBQ is pork based (as in pulled/sliced pork and pork ribs) and Texas is not known for great pork BBQ. 🙂 Although I have come to appreciate good brisket, give me pulled pork or pork spare ribs with a great sauce (not that NC vinegar stuff, either) and I’ll be a very happy camper.
So, to my readers in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex (or those familiar with the area), I ask for your help. If you know of a good (or even great) BBQ restaurant that my son and I can eat at that serves killer pork or pork ribs, leave a comment telling me why you think it is worth our trying. Even if it’s in a neighboring community, we don’t mind driving for good BBQ. We’ll pick at least one (maybe even hit a couple of cue joints) and let you know what we find. Enjoy the weekend and I’ll catch back up with everyone on Tuesday when I have a post about the SBC Name Change (most likely to be announced on Monday night). God bless!
Baby back shack, not far from the medical district. You can also go to sonny Bryan but the shack has unbelieveable ribs. You can look them up on the interweb
Hit twisted root for a fantastic burger. Better than 5 guys
Eric
Eric,
Just about to get on the road to Dallas. Thanks for the info about BBQ and Burgers in Dallas. We almost ate at Sonny Bryan’s last time, but ended up doing something different. As for burgers, someone here in Alamogordo had raved about Twisted Root. We might just have to try them and Five Guys on the same trip! Thanks again for the advice. God bless,
Howell
Our favorite is Spring Creed Barbeque. There are several stores all over the DFW area.
Spring Creek, that is.
Howell,
There’s a brother in my church that I will put up against any bar-b-q restaurant in the DFW area. I’ll have him to do you some pork ribs and I’ll also have him to do some smoked oxtails, my favorite.
Just let me know when your next trip will be and we’ll be ready for you and your son. Trust and pray all goes well for you and your son while in Dallas.
Bro. Dwight,
Thanks for the invite. I knew that I should have told Bro. Alan Stoddard (who I serve with in the same Association) to tell you hello and that I was coming your way 🙂 That will just give me something to look forward to in the summer. We usually come out twice a year for Stephen’s appointment at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. In the summer, we bring my wife and all three boys. Never had oxtails, but if it’s smoked, it can’t be bad 🙂 Thanks for your prayers. Have a great Lord’s Day and God bless,
Howell
Hi Howell: If you’re looking for good ribs in Dallas you have three good choices, all pretty close to Scottish Rite.
First, Pecan Lodge is located at the Farmer Market in shed no. 2, tremendous all-around BBQ & sides. Website: http://www.pecanlodge.com/
Next, Lockhart Smokehouse uses Central Texas recipes and techniques, located in Oak Cliff. Website: http://www.lockhartsmokehouse.com/
Another reader mentioned Baby Back Shak, located south of City Hall. Great ribs, one of our lunchtime favorites. Website: http://babybackshak.net/
I would stay away from any chains, ie: Sonny Bryan’s, Spring Creek, etc. Average at best.
Safe travels and you can check out our Texas BBQ Posse website for more Texas BBQ joints and info, http://www.texasbbqposse.co
Posse,
Thanks for the great info. We usually come to Dallas twice a year for my son’s check-ups at Scottish Rite. We did eat at Spring Creek BBQ (Preston at LBJ). Let’s just say we will be trying other BBQ places when in Dallas. Thanks for the travel well-wishes. We had a great time in Dallas and look forward to bringing the whole family in July. I’ll be sure to check out your website for additional information. Thanks and God bless,
Howell