The Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ list has been a guide and light for me through these past couple of…read moremonths as I have tried so many excellent BBQ joints all over Texas. A joint that has been close to me but regularly out of reach was Rossler's Blue Cord Barbecue.
The Harker Heights-based food truck routinely sets up shop outside a dentist's office on Wednesdays and Thursdays for lunch and does a few pop-ups on the weekend as well. Thanks to having to work through the week, the stars have not aligned for me to try Rossler's until today.
Rossler's Blue Cord Barbecue set up shop outside the recently opened Porch Light Bar in Salado for the Christmas Stroll off Main Street both Friday and Saturday, and I wasn't gonna miss my chance.
I invited my cousin's fiancé to join me, and we made the trek up I-35 to get here. All in the name of stamps and barbecue.
For me, this is stamp 20. That is two fifths of the way there.
The food truck opened right after 12:30, and I had to order a little bit of everything.
For a reasonable 46 dollars, I was able to order a FOUR meat plate with two sides. That is two meals right there. Lunch and dinner.
I will share my thoughts on everything I had below:
Brisket: A quarter pound slab of dreams. It was really well rounded and the flavors were delightful. I thought the brisket was really savory.
Pork Ribs: The bark on those suckers was phenomenal. There is something special in that seasoning that really makes it stand out.
Jalapeño and Cheese Sausage: I have tried quite a few sausage variations through my journey, but I think this might be the best straight Jalapeño and Cheese sausage I have had. Most I have had is too cheesy and lacks the jalapeño kick or is just jalapeño with no cheese. I have had a few that feel like the cheese was melted and cooled off, making it stay solid. Here, the cheese melts in your mouth with the rest of the sausage. I was thoroughly impressed.
Raspberry Pork Belly Burnt Ends: I do not normally get another meat after the trinity, but a raspberry glaze talks to me. A good burnt end is tender and flavorful, and the best ones I have are sweet as well. The raspberry glaze here really tells that story. I might sound like a broken record, but again, I was thoroughly impressed.
Elote Pasta Salad: The best of both worlds. This side combines the fantastic flavors of elote with the noodles in a pasta salad, almost making a faux mac and cheese with corn. It is very sweet and flavorful.
Dirty Rice: I love Cajun food, and this dirty rice recommended by the staff really hits those seasoning notes. I could eat something like this with every meal.
Spiced Banana Pudding: Sometimes you have to throw in a dessert, and a gingerbread-like Nilla Wafer in banana pudding is next level stuff. It is an upgraded take on a Texas BBQ classic.
I also got to try a bite of the Borracho Beans and their mac and cheese. Both were excellent, and I think cohesively, Rossler's has some of the best sides in the game right now.
After getting my food, I got to chat with pitmaster Steven Rossler and learn his story from his time in the military. That is where the Blue Cord in their name comes from. I also learned what got him into barbecue. He has created something special here, and I will always celebrate somebody who has roots in West Texas. Both Steven and Kristen Rossler have cracked the code in Texas barbecue, and this is a must try location on the list.
Their specialty hours can always be found at the start of each week on social media, and I highly recommend making a trip out to wherever they are stationed to give this a shot because it is worth it. To Rossler's Blue Cord, I salute you.
RIYL: Barbecue worth the journey, but sides that make you plan the next trip.
