A Texas BBQ isn’t just about the food. It’s an authentic cultural experience. Think of it as our version of enjoying a Napoletana pizza in Naples, Italy. It’s unlike anywhere else.
From smoking meat for many hours in advance to enjoying it with live music, we do barbeques bigger and better in every way. Sure, you could recreate that barbeque elsewhere. But we promise you, it’s the Texan traditions and quirks that make the experience unique.
So, here’s a guide on how to experience it authentically with some proper Texas BBQ etiquette:
Must-Know Texas BBQ Etiquette:
Texan hospitality is as friendly as you’ll find anywhere in the country. But, hey, no one likes rudeness, right? Follow these Texas BBQ dos and don’ts, and you’ll be all good:
The Line is Sacred, So Be Patient: BBQ line etiquette
Whether your’e dining in at the restaurant or enjoying a Texan BBQ event remember that lining up is part of the tradition. Take your time, wait your turn, and savor the experience—because nothing earns side-eyes faster than cutting in line.
Don’t Ask for Samples
Everyone loves the idea of samples; we won’t deny it. But it’s not something we often do here, so at worst, ask for a smaller portion if you’re unsure of how it’ll taste.
Know Your Order in Advance
That line will move smoothly if you know your order before it’s your turn. Although our pitmasters will always be keen to help explain things to you, here’s a look at choosing your meat from the BBQ menu like a true Texan:
Brisket
Brisket is a cut of beef taken from the breast or lower chest. It’s packed with flavor, fat, and meat. But what makes it extra special is the way it’s slow-smoked over mesquite wood – true Texan style, for up to 12 hours! You’ll enjoy a smoky bark edge and an incredibly tender and flavor-rich meat interior.
Ribs
You’ve probably had pork ribs before. But have you ever had Texan ribs? We only serve up ribs that fall right off the bone with the first bite, having been smoked and hand-seasoned. You never use cutlery, just your fingers and a generous serving of BBQ sauce.
Texan Sausages
If you like sausages, then give a try to a variety of Czech or Jalapeño sausages. We love them here in Houston.
At Goode Co. Barbeque, our Czech sausages use an original recipe from an old Czech immigrant who settled in Weimar, Texas. His pointers are still followed to this day, while the Jalapeño variety gives a spicy taste of South of the border.
Smoked Turkey Breast
Turkey has a reputation for being dry and bland. Not here at Goode Co. Barbeque! We coat the bird in our special BBQ glaze and slowly smoke it over mesquite wood. It’s a tender, moist masterpiece.
Eat with Your Hands
Here’s a maybe unexpected Texas BBQ etiquette. Ribs and brisket with your hands, just like tacos and burgers. It keeps things casual, fun, and a little messy. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of cutlery for the sides like beans, coleslaw, and potato salad.
Texas Barbeques Are Meant to Be Shared!
Some people find it a shock to the system when they find Texans start talking to them openly. But we love all that and especially so at a barbeque! The social aspect and family-style dining are a massive part of the experience and can lead to significant new friendships and connections.
Sauce is Optional (and Sometimes Offensive)
Here at Goode Co. Barbeque, we make, serve, and sell our original BBQ sauces. So, we love it. But you shouldn’t drown your brisket in it. In fact, great barbeque meat can hit just as hard without any sauce at all.
But feel free to add sauce to ribs, chicken, sausages, and a gentle amount to your brisket.
Understanding Your Sides
And now, the supporting cast. These sides are essential to any Texas BBQ in Houston:
Jalapeño Cheese Bread
Our Jalapeño cheese bread is a spicy, cheese cornbread-style slice that is hearty and perfect for dipping in leftover sauce. It goes exceptionally well with brisket.
Austin Baked Beans
Slow-simmered with bits of smoked meat, our red beans have a rich and savory flavor that makes for a great addition to your main meat.
Potato Salad
Potato salad and coleslaw down here are creamy and tangy. So, be prepared for that refreshing yet tangy flavor! It’s better that way.
Mexican Rice
The rice we use is seasoned with spices and tomatoes, giving a nod to Texas’s cultural blend.
Pecan Pie
If you want to try a true Texan dessert, then go for our Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie. Made with Texan pecans, this is the best version of the southern classic you’ll get to taste! Gooier than anywhere else!
Texan BBQ Etiquette Glossary
Here are all the words you might need to know before you go to your first barbecue:
- Low and slow: The process of smoking meat for many hours at a low temperature.
- Mesquite: The type of wood fuel used to slow-smoke meat.
- Brisket: A rich cut of beef taken from the lower chest or breast.
- Rub: A spice or seasoning mixture applied to a meat before cooking.
- Pitmaster: The barbecue chef, in charge of smoking and cooking that meat!
- Crust/Bark: The flavorful outer layer of meat that is formed through smoking.
- Smoking/Smoked: The process of cooking the exterior of the meat under the smoke from a low-temperature wood fire.
Visit Goode Co. Barbeque for a Real Texas BBQ Experience
Now you know what to expect from Texas BBQ etiquette, why not try the real thing?
While there are many barbeque joints in Houston, there are few as long-standing and authentic as Goode Co. Barbeque. We’ve been grilling meat since 1977 and welcome hungry mouths from near and far!
If this is your first taste of Texan barbeques, we’d love to welcome you. Pre-book today at ‘The Original’, where it all started, or stop by our Memorial and Cypress locations for the same good stuff!