Nice, un-pierced folks running this joint and it was pleasant to sit under a canopy with the breezes a-blowin' on a hot day. Had ribs, sausage, tater salad and fried cabbage. Ribs were incredible. Very peppery and basted with a vinegar-based mop sauce. Quite different from The Shack's (Lubbock), which lean more sweet. Sausage was outstanding. Quite possibly the best I've had anywhere. I assume they have it prepared to a proprietary recipe given all the sausage production in and around Slaton. The sides were good, but not as good as the meat. Mustard-based tater salad was of the mashed rather than chunky variety. Good mustard flavor, but I prefer chunky tater salad. Never had fried cabbage before, but this was very good with lots of bacon in it. I'd definitely order it again. Pleasant although primitive atmosphere at this joint. It's located in an ancient gas station/auto repair building and they haven't done anything to fix it up. But it absolutely fits with the food they serve. BBQ ain't alta cucina and in some ways the more rude the setting, the more appropriate it is. At any rate, they played good music--CCR, Fleetwood Mac, America, Dion and the Belmonts, etc. Bottom line, as long as joints as good as Pitforks and Smokerings and The Shack are open in the Lubbock area, I don't see any reason to be bothering with the lines and lack of seating at Evie Mae's. These are the local joints that are getting my cue money for the foreseeable future. read more

One of the best BBQ joints in Texas. Put them up against Evie Mae's in Lubbock or Dayne's in Aledo and it would be a great contest. Very flavorful and lots of choices. read more

Got catering for daughters Tech Graduation for 40 people. Super amazing and easy to work with! The brisket was great but the Turkey was out of this world and stole the show! The only thing that toped it was the house made tortillas ! read more

I don't write reviews but I had to with this place. Been here three times in the last month passing through and I am addicted! If you pass this place on HWY 84 on the few days they are open then STOP read more

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Excellent BBQ Not as well known as Evie Mae's, but I think just as good. Certainly better than Bingham and J&M read more

Love finding excellent food in unexpected places! This is an old gas station that has been converted into a bbq joint just off the highway. Friendly service and great food are always the best combination! read more

Best chopped brisket sandwich I've ever eaten. Sides are delicious and generous portions. Terrific place for barbecue!

If I could give 10 that still wouldn't be high enough. As others have stated in their reviews, DO NOT judge the outside of the place. The food was amazing and the service was so friendly and helpful. Then free beer for your meal. Music playing and nicely decorated. read more

Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ - Burnt ends and brisket - Barbeque Near Me - Slaton, Texas

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As advertised, this place is not much to look at on the frontage road of the highway. It's a converted old gas station, and they have outdoor seating under a big shade, but also in the actual old garage work bays. Ordered a half pound brisket, moist, one length of regular sausage, and a side of fried cabbage. Grabbed me a cold, big red out of the cooler and headed outside where they brought me my food. Brisket 8.6 it had a really nice flavor, even if the bark wasn't that thick and perhaps the cut of meat could've been more top-notch. Still a quality Texas brisket. The regular sausage 7.9 was just like I like a sausage to be. A little bit thinner diameter than most, but almost had that smoke to kielbasa flavor solid. Even though it was sliced for me, it had a crisp snap to the casing. The side of fried cabbage 9 was unique and wonderful and had spices bits of ham, red pepper, celery, and other things in it. Love hometown places like this and they're only open from 11 to 2 minimal days a week. Clearly a passion for the owners. When I told the lady I was a first time from Virginia she was super welcoming and helpful. read more

There are times in life when you stumble upon the apex of an industry. As we were passing through Lubbock Friday we needed somewhere to eat lunch and gate delivered us here. Cream corn and Brisket Mac-n-cheese were legendary before we even had a bike of smoked meats. This is a must stop if you are anywhere around the city. read more

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Great service and friendly folks. They had a good place to sit outside for nice weather days. Since it was cold and rainy for us, we dined inside. Portions were very generous. It was what you want in a BBQ joint! read more

Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ - Mac n cheese, Fritos and BBQ all in one - yes please. - Barbeque Near Me - Slaton, Texas

So good! Just like everyone said - we got lean brisket and super tender. Peppery run, loved it got the brisket Mac and cheese and frito pie as well. All delicious, highly recommend. Cooler outside with Tecate, Lone star and Michelob Ultra - you can take one for free Friendly staff!! read more

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This place is amazing! Driving through on vacation and lucky enough to hit this spot at lunch time. Amazing brisket - just absolutely delicious. Get the frito pie (a small is still a ton of food). The Mac and cheese is great. You'll have to sit outside, but it's worth it. Can't recommend enough! read more

What the heck!!!!! We opened my trusty Yelp app to find something to eat for lunch on the way to our Tennis Weekend adventure and found this LITERALLY off the main highway in Slaton, TX. (And the cheapest gas for 300 miles right next door) When we saw the building, we were worried, but the smell emanating from this little shack of a place convinced me we hadn't made a mistake going there. Where do I begin..... It's pretty cool that they have a hand written menu and as they run out of items/meats, they use painters tape to cover that food from the orderer's view. Pulled pork disappeared right before our very eyes I ordered hubby and I a Brisket hamburger topped with -- you guessed it, two slices of brisket. Holy Cow !! (Pun intended) The burger combo at comes with chips and a soda of you want or a side item - sold separately. The burger was so large I almost , almost - couldn't get it into my mouth. Hamburgers come mostly naked but onion, sliced jalapeño and pickles are served with the meal- or entree and it's also available al a cart so don't get it inside, it will come with the meal. The burger was a lean meat like Buffalo but had the smoked brisket flavor. I ordered the side of fried cabbage which was amazing, rich flavored without being greasy especially considering how much bacon it contained...just amazing. I sampled the cowboy beans and they were really good. Better than than I've had at other BBQ stops. A friend ordered the brisket burrito. It was enormous and ONLY had meat inside. She couldn't eat her side of beans because the burrito took up all her tummy space. She loved it!! There were many items normally seen at BBQ stops like smoked turkey, pork, "ends", ribs, etc. ... so I'm sure you can find something you like. But get there early, or it may be sold out!! If you are driving south into Texas, and are near TX-84 toward Slaton, TX you've got to stop and give them some love. I hope to stop on our way back home -- hope they are open at midnight ...hahahaha! read more

Great experience! Moist brisket, pork ribs, pork steak, sausage were all great . I was very happy with the potato salad good balance of mustard and mayo with creamy/potato texture and a fresh crunch from celery. Sorry we missed the skillet fried cabbage...Ashley described it and sounds AMAZING! read more

Amazing bbq in a surprising location. While the brisket and ribs are amazing I absolutely love the Brisket Frito Pie. Don't forget to get the homemade tortillas it pairs perfectly with the brisket! read more

Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ - Brisket Frito Pie - Barbeque Near Me - Slaton, Texas

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Oh my goodness!!! Some of the best bbq I have EVER had! While everything is wonderful, the brisket burger and Mac and cheese is to die for. Service is quick, and there is a cooler of free beer to enjoy while your food is being prepared. Plenty of outdoor seating with shade, or if you prefer to sit inside, there is a new indoor seating area. They sell out quickly, so get there early. read more

Best brisket I've ever had...Period! The pork ribs are awesome, too. Get there close to opening time, it doesn't last very long.

If I were to choose a restaurant based on looks alone, I wouldn't have even given this dilapidated converted gas station a second glance... or even a side eye. Don't be deterred by the tiny hand painted sign, cracked glass on the front door, or menu written on brown paper and marker stuck to the back wall. The food is DELICIOUS. The brisket is amazing in both texture, flavor, and juiciness without being too fatty. The brisket Mac n cheese was great (got the last serving) and the green Chile mac n cheese was a special that day and was the best version of mac that I've EVER had. I was disappointed by my pork ribs. It was a scrawny end piece that was a bit charred and overdone to my liking, but the spicy rub they use is quite good. I'd knock it down A star due to that but everything else was great and I'd like to think it was just a fluke. Not a fan of their bbq sauce but that's all just personal preference and the meat definitely doesn't rely on sauce for flavor like some places. The jalapeño sausage and potato salad are both perfectly good. The tortillas are hot and fresh. There was only outdoor seating under the old gas station canopy (covid?) but the eclectic tables and seats, cornhole, and homemade boom box made out of an ammo can playing oldies in the center of it all added to the charm of this place. The staff was super friendly and food came out in good time and portion size. Things to watch for- their hours are Fri, Sat, Sun from noon til 2 or until they sell out earlier... so I'd call ahead. They also only have bottled drinks in a small case that isn't very cold. If you want fancy, go elsewhere, but if you want really great BBQ (and I've had a lot), come check this place out. I hope they do well and are more consistent with their rib quality. read more

Very friendly and great food during the cool weather you can sit outside and enjoy the weather

One of my favorite places to stop and grab lunch when I'm passing through Slaton, or sometimes when I'm craving great barbecue so I make a special trip. The food is great, the people are amazing. Don't let the little old gas station look scare you off. This place is constantly being updated and renovated and the food is always top notch. Support Texas Barbecue! read more

Brisket is so tender, you don't need a knife. Beans and potato salad were great, served with a homemade tortilla. Relaxed atmosphere and wonderful employees. read more

Sausage wrap was awesome. I'll buy some Jackson Bros. sausage soon. Brisket was also good. I wish I'd tried the lean. It was 113 outside so I didn't try sides or eat on the patio. Bonus - homemade flour tortillas. Likely the star of the meal. read more

Finally got to try this place out today for lunch & it was amazing! My husband got the sliced brisket plate & I got the chopped brisket sandwich. They were both very good. Meat was really tender, had great flavor & the portions were large. The staff was very friendly...awesome service. We will definitely go back. read more

Not much in the ambiance department but it's made up when you taste the best brisket in West Texas.

I ordered 2 pounds brisket 1 pound ribs and a pound of ends. I got 4 slices of brisket, 5 skinny ribs and 8 pieces of ends. Cost 72 dollars. Asked for moist and it was a little dry. And it took 20 minutes. We rolled the dice and lost. Live and learn. It was supposed to be a birthday surprise for my dad. Should have waited til Lubbock. read more

Awesome oak smoked BBQ! Had the spare ribs, brisket (moist). They opened at 11am and by 11:30 the beef ribs were sold out. Aqui no andan con chigaderas, this is real Texas BBQ! read more

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Pitforks is not what most people visualize when you think BBQ joint. Located in a former Texaco service station on the frontage road of US 84, you'll drive right by it if you don't know what you're looking for but the locals know and stop by every Friday & Saturday. They open at 11:30 for lunch and you need to get there before 11:30 to get in line. It won't be a long line by any means but the later you wait the greater your chances of them running out of something. The staff is wonderful, helpful, happy and very involved with your dinning experience. Pitforks has indoor and outdoor seating, indoor being a converted service bay and outdoor the gas pumps have been removed and you sit under the triangular canopy. It's plain and simple because all their hard work goes into the food. We tried the moist and lean brisket as well as the turkey. All had wonderful flavor with no sauce added (available by request). The smokemaster knows his/her stuff because they got great smoke penetration on all the meats and wonderful bark. The turkey and lean brisket were quite moist, all sliced thick. Meals are offered as sandwiches or 1, 2 or 3 meat plates, with two sides. The sides offered: beans (w/brisket), potato salad (mustard based) or brisket mac-n-cheese. We tried all three and liked all three because they are homemade. If you can't make it to Pitforks for Friday lunch you need to make the effort to go on a Saturday. If it's football season you can order by the pound to take home and watch the college games on the tube. Either way put this place on your BBQ schedule because it is worth it. read more

What a treat to be traveling through the area on a day when this place was open (Fridays and Saturdays) and serving up some of the best bbq I've had! We came about 1,5 hours after they'd opened for the day and they were clean out of all the sides, but it didn't matter because the brisket was melty good and the ribs were incredible and so moist and flavorful! I honk the brisket may have been the best I've had in a mighty long time! Its owned and run by a super friendly couple who also run a mechanic garage in the same spot so there were two nice hot rods parked out front, which we loved. There is some space to sit, and the feel is really familial. Loved it! read more

Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ - Pound of brisket and half pound of ribs - Barbeque Near Me - Slaton, Texas

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Great BBQ stop whose stock is rising amongst the ranks of other great BBQ greats. I hope to see this this place continue to gain. A brisket and/or sausage burrito (or taco) made with their homemade tortilla takes me back, although the meats are quite a bit elevated compared to the fare I was raised on! Higher, further, faster, more! read more

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Is this little bbq joint in an old gas station off the highway in Slaton worth the drive? Yes, and you should do it ASAP before everyone else figures out how good this place is. Brisket is a solid 8/10, which would have made it the best in Lubbock before Evie Mae's. Pork ribs, however, may be the best I've had in a long time. Incredibly tender with a perfect crust. Also tried the cobbler, which was spot on - flaky with lots of cherries. This place rocks. Some of the best meat in the region. read more

It is the perineal question: What's for lunch? Shannon Taliaferro and I decided to go to a standby- Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ. We have enjoyed their ribs, brisket, etc but now have tried their latest- smoked bologna! 1/2 pound sliced on site, warm, with all the fixings (pickles, onions, and jalapeños) and Shannon finished the deal with the making of excellent sandwiches. The best part of the deal is that they are a local business! Great food that does not beak the bank. Thanks for being in Slaton Pitforks and Smokerings BBQ!! Shop Slaton FIRST!!! read more

This place is seriously a Diamond in the Rough. Texas Monthly listed it as 1 of the top 25 places to eat Barbecue. Everything is great! read more

We don't live in the area anymore so we haven't had the opportunity to eat here, but had heard great things about their food. This weekend we were in town for a high school class reunion where Pitforks and Smokerings catered the meal. What a treat! The brisket was so tender we were able to shred it with our fork and the turkey was just as tender! And the taste of both was mouthwatering! The sides of beans and loaded mashed potatoes were prepared perfectly! I highly recommend this place! We will definitely go when we are in the area! read more

Brisket and Ribs were excellent. Some of the best we have had. The sides could uses a little more work in my opinion.

Bets beef ribs in Lubbock county. They are a nice little hole in the wall here in Slaton. They do a really good job with all of their smoked meats, but the beef ribs are where it is at. read more

Please make the effort to visit this wonderful TX BBQ place! It's so delicious! Both the meat and the sides were tasty. I think the ribs were our favorite, followed by the brisket. The sides of macaroni and pinto beans were very well done. read more

Everything I've had there is excellent the service is great and the price you is average I wouldn't bash anyone that wants some good wood smoked bbq to stop in they will enjoy it very much And don't forget while you're waiting I have a beer or 2 read more

This is incredible bbq! I live in the Dallas area but have family in slaton. Dallas has some great bbq but I have never had ribs like these! Amazing! Also, try the beef shoulder, delicious! So, if you happen to be traveling in or out of Lubbock on hwy 84, you must stop! Fair warning though, they open at 11:30 and sell out fast! read more