Okay. I knew I was possibly setting myself up for disappointment. By nature, BBQ loses quality as…read morethe day progresses. Once the meat gets pulled from the pits, the clock is ticking.
The chances of keeping even a perfect brisket tender and juicy by the dinner service are very slim. It's possible, depending on how you portion and hold the product. But it's unlikely.
If your one of those people who stand in line several hours before a place opens in Central Texas, you might have a shot.
I took my chances and went on a Sunday, about 5:30pm. I can't say I'm disappointed, because I knew the odds. The brisket was sliced super thin. Probably less than 1/8" thick. Very lean. No trace of fat cap or streaks of fat.
It wasn't bone dry, but it wasn't super moist either. Some more fat content would've helped the cause. It was generously sauced and flavorful. But it wasn't as tender and juicy as it could've been
The food came out lightning fast, so I was surprised the fries were as good as they were. They were made before I got there if they made it to the plate before I even got my drink from the soda fountain. But they were hot, crispy and tasty.
The beans were flavorful, but I think some fat drippings would've improved it. There were noticeable bits of meat (brisket and burnt ends) mixed in with the beans, but it lacked that special something. And heck, they invented cholesterol meds for a reason.
The service at the counter was genuinely friendly. Not the fake friendly you get from the budtender at a cannabis shop who wants to know what you're doing this weekend and if you're going to the Dave Matthews concert later...
I usually complain about prices in the Seattle area. $26.49 for the brisket sandwich and 2 sides. With a little over 20% tip ($6.00) that came to $35.24. But with a unlimited soft-serve included for dessert? (the machine is in the dining room). That's very fair (even though I'm a no lactose guy and couldn't partake). If you have a family to feed, that makes this place reasonable. They also get props for the suggested tip options on the tablet. Their max option is 16%. I still chose "other" and entered a dollar amount.
And thank god this isn't one of those hipster places. It's a nice place with a pleasant, genuinely comfortable atmosphere. Plenty of seating inside and outside.
And its worth noting you don't need a combination number, secret password or safecracking skills to use the restroom. It's just a normal door to a restroom. My faith in humanity is restored.