Henk&#x27;s Bar-B-Que

Fantastic! Tyler is a magician with his BBQ. I highly recommend this place…read more I had the brisket and the sausage. Legit. He said the short rib is available on Saturdays. I am going to have to drive back on a Saturday. Strong work.

I was really looking forward to trying some of the great barbecue I'd read about and hoped to add…read moreanother Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ spot to my list. Unfortunately, the experience was ruined at the counter. I stood there for several minutes while the young man directly in front of me failed to acknowledge me--not even a quick "I'll be with you in a moment." Instead, he and a coworker spent several minutes discussing a chopped beef sandwich while I waited. When a customer is standing right in front of you, that lack of acknowledgment and basic service is unacceptable. I seriously considered walking out, but decided to order some food to go. The brisket had a solid, flavorful bark, but the ribs were overcooked. I also tried the jalapeño-cheese sausage after being told they did not make their original sausage in-house. Overall, the disappointing service overshadowed the food. This was a terrible customer experience and unlike anything I've encountered at a barbecue restaurant in the Texas Panhandle.

Interior ordering counter

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Haven't touched the doors but the smells have hit me

Nine Line BBQ

4.5(40 reviews)

6.8 mi

The service is great! They are super fast and very kind. The ribs are absolutely delicious. The…read morebrisket was tender! The jalapeño cheddar sausage was crisp and Juicy. Also the banana pudding dessert is the absolute best!

Not good. Chewy brisket. Over priced. Basic sides. I'd get better bbq and sides at a fundraiser…read moreplate for 1/4 the price. And actually help someone. Please don't eat here. I'm done in the pic.

Two meat plate. Terrible

Superb BBQ!

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1/2 lb. Chopped Brisket

Spicy Mike's Bar-B-Q Haven

4.6(382 reviews)

6.2 mi

The food was great, wanted to try a spot while working out here was recommended here and me and my…read morewife loved it, the service was good the lady behind the counter recommended some food options and they did not disappoint, and the rustic Americana vibe it brought was very country themed over all good food good ambiance and service would highly recommend.

Spicy Mike's was a real pleasant surprise. We had the smoked turkey, and it was perfect-- just the…read moreright amount of saltiness from the brine, and the smoke was nice & flavorful without overpowering the delicate flavor of the turkey itself. The ribs were also on-point with the dry rub having pops of tasty pepper & other complex seasoning-- you know these tender ribs are good when they require ZERO sauce! We tried 4 sides and all of them were delicious... the soft-cooked greens were classic & tasty, the potato salad was great, the pinto beans were particularly good, and the cole slaw was fresh, crunchy & rich in flavor. The people that worked there, from the counter folks to the servers were ALL great, super nice & friendly. I'm not sure what more I could ask for-- they even have a back patio that was dog-friendly so our guy could stay cool, and not be in the hot car as we passed through town.

Potato salad, and the sandwich is in my stomach

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Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q

4.1(239 reviews)

4.8 mi

Customer service was good, they gave samples and were patient with us as we tried to decide what to…read moreorder. Brisket and pork BBQ were really good.

After a drive from Santa Fe to Amarillo, we had arrived in town in the early evening. My parents…read morewere in the mood for some bbq. After some searching, in the end, we decided on a good old classic, Rudy's. It was a random weekday. There weren't many people so it was nice with plenty of seating as opposed to when Rudy's can get quite packed. We opted for the usual suspects - brisket, jalapeno sausage, pork ribs, and turkey - at about a 1/2 to 1 lb of each. Interestingly, I mentioned getting cutter's choice and the cashier had no idea what I was talking about. I feel like it's a nice option to get some variety between lean and moist. It usually works at Rudy's I go to back home in Webster area and other bbq places. In the end, we just went ahead with lean (to watch our figure of course) All of the bbq was good to above average. My favorite was still the brisket. Even though it wasn't "moist", I'd say it still was. Went well some sauce and bread. Before we left, we topped off our car with some gas which I remember was pretty reasonably priced at the time. Lowest in the area from what I recall. I usually do prefer going to non-chain places but if it had to be a chain for bbq, I'm glad we went to Rudy's!

Menu 2025 July

CHOCOLATE PUDDING PEACH COBBLER

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Menu July 2025

Pork N Things BBQ

4.6(61 reviews)

4.7 mi

Today I witnessed God. Not the Jesus on the tired, listing billboard with its rusted iron roots…read morepulled up by the prevalent wind scouring this dusty patch of North Texas but from this innocuous, humble piece of chopped brisket before me that has just changed my reality in a way that will never change back. I am on one of those once-in-a-lifetime walkabouts with my daughter as we hop from asphalt lily pad to lily pad in her beat-up RAV 4, journeying ever Eastward from the gently lapping waves of Santa Barbara to Miami's Solla Salew shores where she will matriculate for her marine mammal masters (The Tripple M they call it in various job posting and loan application sites). Its been triple digit Temperatures for the last 20 hours of driving. A tour of hades realm. I will remember the specific moment today when my wonderful, non-red-meat-eating daughter, in an enduring act of kindness suggested that we go to a bar-b-que during our brief run through the Texas pan-handle as recompense for going to visit her friend in OKC rather than run the southern grill gauntlet through Dallas. I pressed the yelp button and we went down the Amarillo rabbit hole...across some train tracks, around the aforementioned canted "Jesus is here" billboard (but before the better tended "Jesus is Coming" promissory), past two cows too hot to stand, down a lane next to an grain silo, stood a sign. It stated simply but profoundly, "Beer Open" Surviving the sweep of ages, what more is there really in life? Beer? Check. Open? Always on so many levels. As my eyes wandered over to the more traditional homage to this establishment's Nome de guere- "Pork n' Things". I was able to surmise the primary offerings from the initial noun but I was intrigued by the 'n' things' and what they might entail (or perhaps entrail). Girding our loins, we crossed the heavenly air conditioned threshold. Suffice to say, God had not yet made his/her/their/them/they appearance and it wasn't until after we ordered our sweet tea/lemonade that I made the decision that changed my life. I asked for some of the brisket (my choice was chopped) and some of the ribs I saw walking out the door with a Harley driver into the teeth of that Texas summer furnace heat. We sat idly, my daughter pondering her phone and striking up a conversation with a shy, angelic little girl who had bravely helped her mom set the table for us and shared her Lilo and stich drawing. It was at this moment that my world tilted. I figured that I would go for the brisket first as an appetizer to the main course of ribs. They had chopped it finely and I sporked half of it into my mouth. Epiphany. So many images colliding at once, each visually shouting over the other to be heard... To be RECOGNIZED. I remember a childhood national geographic where the Eskimo dad offered the still pumping seal heart to his son as he bit down and the blood flowed. I thought of Jody Foster trans-warping to another dimension mumbling "I didn't know! I didn't know! at the grandeur of the cosmos. I thought of the show 'Chopped' where they lectured recalcitrant chefs on not just making a meal but rather transforming it...elevating it to some other plane of being. That first bite punched though my mortal coil like a coherent beam of light from a collapsing neutron star raising my orbit to a plane of being I did not know existed. Stripping away layers of civilization, I felt primal and powerful. Like Dungeon Crawler Carl, I had been converted...elevated to something greater than my constituent bits. Part dire wolf, part berserker, part 90th level undead necromancing mage. The fat and smoked meat sat in my mouth, my brain shutting down my throat muscles not wanting this oral carnality to end. Imagine stripping away every vestige of civilization, de-evolving a million years when survival and procreation were equal partners in a race to the future. My body was humming and I felt alive in a way that I had not since that weekend in Tiajuana with those carny workers. I had a brief moment of panic that my newfound vigor would cause me to spontaneously combust or that this magical alchemy would somehow bind with the brisket and miraculously impregnate a wandering waitress out of sheer will...like the reproductive equivalent of magnetic induction such was the primordial essence of that single bite. But I digress. Suffice to say, I am a California lifer. I can tell you what cheese is on a charcuterie board and whether the uni is fresh but I don't have sufficient reference for what is considered presentable bar-b-que. My data set is certainly sparse but in my humble, untrained opinion, if you need a reference point...a place to start your own bar-b-que walkabout, Amarillo's Pork n' Things is a guiding star to what brisket and pork ribs can be in the hands of a master truly anointed, perhaps divinely, in their craft.

It's a fun little spot you wouldn't know about unless you had heard about it from other people or…read morelooked it up. Everyone is so friendly when you walk in and very thoughtful. You order food at the register and then sit down, so when you order a dessert, they can put a little note to serve it to you at the end. Speaking of dessert, that pecan cobbler ala mode smacks! The perfect ending to a delicious meal. The meat is so tender and falls off the bone. You don't need a knife to cut anything. A plastic knife will do the job easily. They say the brisket is the star of the show and I can attest to that. However, the turkey is the runner up. I don't know what they do to that Turkey, but my husband and I might have to grab more to take home with us tomorrow. They were so nice too because we ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs and they ran out, so we got the last of the ribs. The also doubled all our meats! We wound up getting 1/2 a lb of turkey and 1 lb of brisket! We are going to be eating some good sandwiches for the next few days. We definitely plan on coming back the next time we are in Amarillo. If you're in the area, definitely come in and grab a bite! They also have plenty of choices in beer too.

Nice, clean, and roomy spaces in the back.

2 individual Pork Ribs $7.00 & 1/4 lb Sliced Briskets $8.25

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Beef ribs

Mitch’s Texas Style Bbq

3.7(62 reviews)

2.9 mi

Aside from the smoked chicken being on the drier side. This place being packed with people waiting…read morein line is fully warranted. My first time here, the Tootum Gas Station is CLEAN, I think this is a really good alternative for truck drivers if they are willing to forgoe taking a break at Petro or even Pilot. I wanted Protein today, was almost inching on parking my rig at the Big Texan again to get myself some steak, but I quickly opted for Mitch's BBQ Texas Style off the exit 75 in Amarillo Texas. Service is fast, lady and elder gentleman were super nice. Food overall no complaints, great brisket. Albeit a bit cold, but decent pork ribs, pretty good Johnsonville*ish polish sausage with cheddar jalapeno. I'd say for value this would beat any Dickeys BBQ located in California with a huge tray of food coming out under 28.00. Think I found my new spot to take a breather in Northern Panhandle Texas. Makes me want to rewatch the Yellowstone series because everyone in there was dressed like the Duttons.

3.5 stars Stopped into Mitch's Texas Style Barbecue in…read moreAmarillo, which is tucked inside a Valero gas station but don't let that fool you. I was just looking for a quick bite before hitting the road again, and the Yelp reviews didn't steer me wrong. I ordered the four-piece combo: two ribs, two chicken tenders, waffle fries, and a drink. Everything was served hot and fresh. The barbecue sauce was solid, nice flavor without being overpowering. The ribs were decent, and the chicken tenders were cooked perfectly, though the breading was way too spicy for me (I ended up peeling it off and still enjoyed the chicken inside). Waffle fries were crispy and satisfying, and the price felt fair for the portion. Nothing fancy--again, gas station--but definitely better than expected. Would I go out of my way for it? Probably not. But for a quick, hot meal on the road? It hit the spot.

Order area

2 meats plate

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Seating

Shi Lee's BBQ and Soul Food

4.6(148 reviews)

3.3 mi

Everything on the menu was the pinnacle of that flavor. The brisket was perfect, the ribs melted…read morelike butter, the catfish fried perfectly and flavorful and the smoked sausage was a treat. Best food I have had in Alabama, Mississippi or the rest of Texas.

Wish I could have eaten here more than once!…read more On a solo trip and was craving real food. Not much else to say except the food here is just so comforting and makes me nostalgic for my grandmas cooking. Just legit. Everything was SO. GOOD. Ribs, catfish, Mac and cheese, cornbread and sweet potatoes.

Inside

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Wesley's Bean Pot & BBQ

4.6(61 reviews)

5.7 mi

Under new ownership. Food is just as good as the previous owners, with generous portions. Service…read morewas quick, efficient and our order was correct! The laid back atmosphere makes it easy to dine without worrying about expectations.

I come to Amarillo every September for a small western music fest. I always try to only eat local…read more While in an antique store on 6th St. the owner asked if I like bbq. It's just my favorite food!(after Maine lobster, of course ) She said Wesley's had the best bbq in town. Of course, we had to try it. It was quite a way from our hotel. 9 miles, but well worth it! I had the small rib plate. 3 meaty smokey ribs so tender the meat came right off the bone. With the sweet hickory bbq sauce adding just the right flavor, I was sold. The pinto beans were cooked just right. The cole slaw is the type I like, not over mayonnaised and not too sweet. Crunchy cabbage. There were 7 of us, and everyone cleaned their plate! The bonus was a young singer, Nelson mckinney entertained us with his wonderful voice and guitar playing. This is a don't miss place to eat if you are in Amarillo.

Inside

Pulled pork sandwich

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Inside

Crazy Larry's Pit Bar-B-Que

4.0(149 reviews)

5.6 mi

This place is amazing! You can tell the owners actually care about their food and their customers!…read moreTheir potato salad is the best and that which we measure everyone else's we've ever found. Great value and and local!

This is the first time I've entered and ordered food from this Restaurant. I ordered a half rack…read moreof ribs for $17 to go. They prepared eight slices of ribs and the ribs tasted excellent. The two people upfront that took my money and prepared the rib order were very cordial, welcoming, attentive and pleasant. Thank you for the ribs. It was a great lunch and I will definitely be back to eat more of your ribs and other stuff.

Frito pie- Red plate Ribs, Brisket, Sausage, Potato Salad, Beans- Green plate

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Huge menu!

The Big Texan Steak Ranch

3.4(3.4k reviews)

2.3 mi

•$$$

We had to stop at the Big Texan while traveling Route 66 through Amarillo!…read more Our original plan was to come for dinner. I tried getting a reservation just a few hours before we arrived, but there was nothing available, and I wasn't able to get anyone on the phone. Once we drove past that evening, we understood why, the place was absolutely PACKED! I had seen that waits can sometimes reach 1-1.5 hours. That said, if you do have to wait, this is probably one of the better places to do it because there is SO much randomness to explore. Between the gift shop, Western décor, photo ops, and everything else going on, you could easily entertain yourself for an hour. We changed plans and made a reservation for 9 AM the next morning instead, and I'm actually really glad we did! On a Thursday morning it was quiet and relaxed, and we basically had our pick of all the goofy photo opportunities without fighting the dinner crowds. We shared the steak and eggs, and it was a perfect breakfast for two. The steak was seasoned perfectly and cooked really well. The entire place is exactly what you hope for from an over-the-top Texas Route 66 roadside stop: rustic, quirky, cow prints everywhere, a big gift shop, and lots to look at. We also discovered a whole crew of cats hanging around outside near the patio in the morning, which was an unexpected and entertaining bonus. One disappointment for us as Route 66 souvenir collectors: they have TWO penny press machines, but unfortunately BOTH were out of order when we visited. We were so sad! Overall, going at 9 AM turned out to be a great move. You still get the full Big Texan experience, but with way fewer people and plenty of time for pictures. Definitely one of those classic, quirky Route 66 stops you have to experience at least once!

It's a cool restaurant, and has its western charm. However, I was just completely disappointed in…read morethe service. We did get seated quickly, but the service was just slow. We did arrive for during the early lunch service so it was still fairly empty, however the food took quite a bit to come out. When it did come out, it had me questioning how long it was actually out for. The food just came out cold/lukewarm. We also shared our meal with our 2 adopted flies who wouldn't stop pestering us. The server was not great as well, they would help us and then disappear for a period of time before coming to check. Overall, it would be a really amazing place if the food and service were A1, but unfortunately the only good thing about this place is the cool appearance.

You can get RIBS, BRISKET & SAUSAGE TO GO by the pound. Sides also OuiOui.

The best french fries too yum yum yum yum :)...

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The Best Strawberry Shortcake EVER! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to Moi! Yum Yum Yum Yum OuiOui :)...

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Tracy S.

2

37

1

13 years ago

I am in town for a week on business and found this on yelp so I decided to try it and when I drove up it was a hole in the wall and I thought I could go either way , I must say this place had great BBQ and very friendly read more

Anthony M.

0

17

0

4 years ago

The BBQ is the blandest, Laziest, appalling version of Southern Food I've had the displeasure of eating at. This is the perverted fantasy of a "great BBQ" restaurant of a doomed soul. read more

Dean B.

63

42

2

7 years ago

Great great place to eat. The people that work there are very friendly, you get a ton of food for a great price. I will eat here again. I liked it a lot. read more

TJ M.

0

21

14

10 years ago

The ribs and beans were awesome!!! Older place and a lot of flies but I am seeing that at most places around here. I will go back!!!

Terry H.

0

8

1

15 years ago

Always affordable and for years some of the best in town

Laura F.

14

49

28

14 years ago

Get the ribs they are amazing!!!!

Henk's Bar-B-Que - bbq - Updated October 2026

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People who viewed Henk's Bar-B-Que also viewed

Doug's Bar-B-Q

3.9

(55 reviews)

0 flavor, 0 smokiness, beans were literal dog water, brisket tasted like water and mush, chips and…read moreyellow jalepenos probably the only good thing. The potato salad was sweet and not in a good way. Bbq sauce couldn't even save it and buns were cheap. And it was overpriced. Your better to spend your money at Rudy's that's a 5 min drive do NOT come here!!

I'm glad Doug's is open again. Been going there for over 70 years. However, the new prices are very…read morehigh. My wife and I each got a 2 meat plate. When I checked out, I thought I heard the lady say that it would be $50. I asked for a receipt to make sure I heard right. Couldn't believe it. We each got 2 ribs and 3 pieces of thinly sliced sausage. When I told our guest the, they were floored. He said there is no way what we got was worth $50. The ribs weren't all that good. I've always looked forward to going there, but at that price, I might not be going back. Our friend got a chopped beef sandwich with a drink, and it was $16. I don't know how long they will stay open with those prices. I even heard the staff talk about how the Cole slaw and potato salad were bought in bunches. Weren't homemade.

Wesley's Bean Pot & BBQ

4.6

(61 reviews)

Under new ownership. Food is just as good as the previous owners, with generous portions. Service…read morewas quick, efficient and our order was correct! The laid back atmosphere makes it easy to dine without worrying about expectations.

I come to Amarillo every September for a small western music fest. I always try to only eat local…read more While in an antique store on 6th St. the owner asked if I like bbq. It's just my favorite food!(after Maine lobster, of course ) She said Wesley's had the best bbq in town. Of course, we had to try it. It was quite a way from our hotel. 9 miles, but well worth it! I had the small rib plate. 3 meaty smokey ribs so tender the meat came right off the bone. With the sweet hickory bbq sauce adding just the right flavor, I was sold. The pinto beans were cooked just right. The cole slaw is the type I like, not over mayonnaised and not too sweet. Crunchy cabbage. There were 7 of us, and everyone cleaned their plate! The bonus was a young singer, Nelson mckinney entertained us with his wonderful voice and guitar playing. This is a don't miss place to eat if you are in Amarillo.

Mitch’s Texas Style Bbq

3.7

(62 reviews)

Aside from the smoked chicken being on the drier side. This place being packed with people waiting…read morein line is fully warranted. My first time here, the Tootum Gas Station is CLEAN, I think this is a really good alternative for truck drivers if they are willing to forgoe taking a break at Petro or even Pilot. I wanted Protein today, was almost inching on parking my rig at the Big Texan again to get myself some steak, but I quickly opted for Mitch's BBQ Texas Style off the exit 75 in Amarillo Texas. Service is fast, lady and elder gentleman were super nice. Food overall no complaints, great brisket. Albeit a bit cold, but decent pork ribs, pretty good Johnsonville*ish polish sausage with cheddar jalapeno. I'd say for value this would beat any Dickeys BBQ located in California with a huge tray of food coming out under 28.00. Think I found my new spot to take a breather in Northern Panhandle Texas. Makes me want to rewatch the Yellowstone series because everyone in there was dressed like the Duttons.

3.5 stars Stopped into Mitch's Texas Style Barbecue in…read moreAmarillo, which is tucked inside a Valero gas station but don't let that fool you. I was just looking for a quick bite before hitting the road again, and the Yelp reviews didn't steer me wrong. I ordered the four-piece combo: two ribs, two chicken tenders, waffle fries, and a drink. Everything was served hot and fresh. The barbecue sauce was solid, nice flavor without being overpowering. The ribs were decent, and the chicken tenders were cooked perfectly, though the breading was way too spicy for me (I ended up peeling it off and still enjoyed the chicken inside). Waffle fries were crispy and satisfying, and the price felt fair for the portion. Nothing fancy--again, gas station--but definitely better than expected. Would I go out of my way for it? Probably not. But for a quick, hot meal on the road? It hit the spot.

Dyer's Bar-B-Que

3.6

(184 reviews)

The service is fast here. My favorites was the sausage, potato salad, brisket. Nice spot for fast…read morebbq service

It's cute inside! And the wait staff is nice, but I sat about 5 minutes before anyone came up to…read moreme. I got the Texas sampler which was HUGE, and it was all decent. But nothing stood out as amazing. Texas sampler: Three (3) onion rings, three (3) Dyer's end ribs, three (3) Dyno Bites and three (3) mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, served with ranch and BBQ sauce

Robinson's BBQ

4.8

(5 reviews)

I had a brisket sandwich that was excellent. It had a great flavor and was very tender. I like…read morehaving the option of spicy or mild sauce available at the table. The service was great. Very quick and friendly. The small town, small building fit in well and it was very clean.

The brisket was so tender with a drizzle of BBQ sauce. The mac n cheese was creamy and full of…read moreflavor, the coleslaw was crunchy and completed the meal. Nice country music and nice seating. Service was all around perfect.

Nine Line BBQ

4.5

(40 reviews)

The service is great! They are super fast and very kind. The ribs are absolutely delicious. The…read morebrisket was tender! The jalapeño cheddar sausage was crisp and Juicy. Also the banana pudding dessert is the absolute best!

Not good. Chewy brisket. Over priced. Basic sides. I'd get better bbq and sides at a fundraiser…read moreplate for 1/4 the price. And actually help someone. Please don't eat here. I'm done in the pic.

Delvin's Restaurant & Catering

4.8

(122 reviews)

I had heard they were from Louisiana and combined cabbage and collard greens. Wife and I went and…read moreit was incredible. Everything was incredible. When asked how good it was I said a beam of golden light came down from the sky. We went back and had my wife's phone hidden and set on a gospel choir singing Hallelujah. Same delightful young lady asked if the golden light came down. I said no but I think I hear Angels singing. Wife hit play, the whole place heard it. better go early they fill up quick.

My first experience with Delvin's was roughly 8-10 years ago when my aunt decided to order their…read morefood for Thanksgiving. I remember it being very delicious. One thing of note was that it was my first time eating sweet potato casserole. One bite and I was instantly hooked. Today my wife and I decided to eat here for lunch. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. She picked the sausage and brisket with sweet potato casserole and greens while I chose the jalapeño sausage with brisket, beans, and potato salad. The beans were DELICIOUS! While everything on my plate was top notch, my wife can attest to just how much raving I did about those baked beans. We ended up sharing a few bites of each others food and I had some of her sweet potatoes. I was instantly taken back to my first experience having them years ago which reminded me just how good this place is. Definitely will be back again!

Pork N Things BBQ

4.6

(61 reviews)

Today I witnessed God. Not the Jesus on the tired, listing billboard with its rusted iron roots…read morepulled up by the prevalent wind scouring this dusty patch of North Texas but from this innocuous, humble piece of chopped brisket before me that has just changed my reality in a way that will never change back. I am on one of those once-in-a-lifetime walkabouts with my daughter as we hop from asphalt lily pad to lily pad in her beat-up RAV 4, journeying ever Eastward from the gently lapping waves of Santa Barbara to Miami's Solla Salew shores where she will matriculate for her marine mammal masters (The Tripple M they call it in various job posting and loan application sites). Its been triple digit Temperatures for the last 20 hours of driving. A tour of hades realm. I will remember the specific moment today when my wonderful, non-red-meat-eating daughter, in an enduring act of kindness suggested that we go to a bar-b-que during our brief run through the Texas pan-handle as recompense for going to visit her friend in OKC rather than run the southern grill gauntlet through Dallas. I pressed the yelp button and we went down the Amarillo rabbit hole...across some train tracks, around the aforementioned canted "Jesus is here" billboard (but before the better tended "Jesus is Coming" promissory), past two cows too hot to stand, down a lane next to an grain silo, stood a sign. It stated simply but profoundly, "Beer Open" Surviving the sweep of ages, what more is there really in life? Beer? Check. Open? Always on so many levels. As my eyes wandered over to the more traditional homage to this establishment's Nome de guere- "Pork n' Things". I was able to surmise the primary offerings from the initial noun but I was intrigued by the 'n' things' and what they might entail (or perhaps entrail). Girding our loins, we crossed the heavenly air conditioned threshold. Suffice to say, God had not yet made his/her/their/them/they appearance and it wasn't until after we ordered our sweet tea/lemonade that I made the decision that changed my life. I asked for some of the brisket (my choice was chopped) and some of the ribs I saw walking out the door with a Harley driver into the teeth of that Texas summer furnace heat. We sat idly, my daughter pondering her phone and striking up a conversation with a shy, angelic little girl who had bravely helped her mom set the table for us and shared her Lilo and stich drawing. It was at this moment that my world tilted. I figured that I would go for the brisket first as an appetizer to the main course of ribs. They had chopped it finely and I sporked half of it into my mouth. Epiphany. So many images colliding at once, each visually shouting over the other to be heard... To be RECOGNIZED. I remember a childhood national geographic where the Eskimo dad offered the still pumping seal heart to his son as he bit down and the blood flowed. I thought of Jody Foster trans-warping to another dimension mumbling "I didn't know! I didn't know! at the grandeur of the cosmos. I thought of the show 'Chopped' where they lectured recalcitrant chefs on not just making a meal but rather transforming it...elevating it to some other plane of being. That first bite punched though my mortal coil like a coherent beam of light from a collapsing neutron star raising my orbit to a plane of being I did not know existed. Stripping away layers of civilization, I felt primal and powerful. Like Dungeon Crawler Carl, I had been converted...elevated to something greater than my constituent bits. Part dire wolf, part berserker, part 90th level undead necromancing mage. The fat and smoked meat sat in my mouth, my brain shutting down my throat muscles not wanting this oral carnality to end. Imagine stripping away every vestige of civilization, de-evolving a million years when survival and procreation were equal partners in a race to the future. My body was humming and I felt alive in a way that I had not since that weekend in Tiajuana with those carny workers. I had a brief moment of panic that my newfound vigor would cause me to spontaneously combust or that this magical alchemy would somehow bind with the brisket and miraculously impregnate a wandering waitress out of sheer will...like the reproductive equivalent of magnetic induction such was the primordial essence of that single bite. But I digress. Suffice to say, I am a California lifer. I can tell you what cheese is on a charcuterie board and whether the uni is fresh but I don't have sufficient reference for what is considered presentable bar-b-que. My data set is certainly sparse but in my humble, untrained opinion, if you need a reference point...a place to start your own bar-b-que walkabout, Amarillo's Pork n' Things is a guiding star to what brisket and pork ribs can be in the hands of a master truly anointed, perhaps divinely, in their craft.

It's a fun little spot you wouldn't know about unless you had heard about it from other people or…read morelooked it up. Everyone is so friendly when you walk in and very thoughtful. You order food at the register and then sit down, so when you order a dessert, they can put a little note to serve it to you at the end. Speaking of dessert, that pecan cobbler ala mode smacks! The perfect ending to a delicious meal. The meat is so tender and falls off the bone. You don't need a knife to cut anything. A plastic knife will do the job easily. They say the brisket is the star of the show and I can attest to that. However, the turkey is the runner up. I don't know what they do to that Turkey, but my husband and I might have to grab more to take home with us tomorrow. They were so nice too because we ordered a 1/2 rack of ribs and they ran out, so we got the last of the ribs. The also doubled all our meats! We wound up getting 1/2 a lb of turkey and 1 lb of brisket! We are going to be eating some good sandwiches for the next few days. We definitely plan on coming back the next time we are in Amarillo. If you're in the area, definitely come in and grab a bite! They also have plenty of choices in beer too.

Shi Lee's BBQ and Soul Food

4.6

(148 reviews)

Everything on the menu was the pinnacle of that flavor. The brisket was perfect, the ribs melted…read morelike butter, the catfish fried perfectly and flavorful and the smoked sausage was a treat. Best food I have had in Alabama, Mississippi or the rest of Texas.

Wish I could have eaten here more than once!…read more On a solo trip and was craving real food. Not much else to say except the food here is just so comforting and makes me nostalgic for my grandmas cooking. Just legit. Everything was SO. GOOD. Ribs, catfish, Mac and cheese, cornbread and sweet potatoes.

Crazy Larry's Pit Bar-B-Que

4.0

(149 reviews)