
Digging into Texas-Style Barbecue
You can't come to Texas without feasting on delicious, meat-falling-off-the-bone, finger-licking barbecue. Slow-cooked meat with a variety of delicious marinades, spice rubs and sauces isn't unique to the Lone Star State, as barbecue is beloved around the world. But there's no denying there's something special about smoky Texas-style barbecue. And we invite you to try it for yourself to see what we're talking about.
In Texas, beef brisket is king. But barbecue combo plates also will include smoked sausage links, pork and beef ribs, and pulled pork. Texas barbecue starts with a dry spice rub, sometimes as simple as salt and pepper, so that the meat does all the talking. Meats are smoked low and slow over a hardwood fire until reaching tender, juicy perfection, and sauce is always served on the side.
Is your mouth watering yet? When you stay with us at Hotel Giles, take a barbecue journey that will excite your taste buds. Whether you want to stay close by in Comfort or are ready for a barbecue road trip, here are a few of our favorite barbecue joints to check out during your next Texas Hill Country getaway.
Lani's Smokehouse and Cheesecakes │ 510 State Hwy 27, Comfort, TX
Start your Texas barbecue journey right here in Comfort at Lani’s Smokehouse and Cheesecakes. This family-owned restaurant is committed to serving up some of the best brisket around, as well as smoked chicken and sausage. Lani's smokes their brisket for at least 10 hours in authentic post oak wood, which gives the meat a bold and slightly spicy flavor. Be sure to try the brisket tacos with rice, charro beans and roasted poblano cheese sauce. And a bonus: there's cheesecake for dessert! Lani's cheesecakes are sinfully sweet creations that are worth every last calorie. From strawberry swirl to triple chocolate espresso, a slice of cheesecake (or the whole thing) is the perfect finish to a Texas barbecue meal.
Black Board Bar B Q │ 1123 Sisterdale Road, Sisterdale, TX
Black Board Bar B Q is known throughout Texas Hill Country for its elevated craft barbecue. Located in Sisterdale, less than 20 minutes east of Hotel Giles, this tasty barbecue joint specializes in slow-smoked wagyu brisket, house-ground sausages, unique sides and homemade desserts. And if you want to try something different from your usual barbecue fare then this is definitely the place for you! With menu choices like wild boar jalapeno-cheddar smoked sausage and buttermilk-marinated, deep-fried quail lollipops, Black Board Bar B Q takes Texas barbecue to the next level.
Eaker Barbecue │ 607 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX
Many of our guests at Hotel Giles love to spend time exploring nearby Fredericksburg, about 30 minutes north of our historic inn. While there, we recommend stopping at Eaker Barbecue, consistently ranked among the best barbecue joints in the state. This food-truck-turned-restaurant operation is a relative newcomer, opening its brick-and-mortar location in downtown Fredericksburg in 2020. But the tantalizing flavors of their mesquite-smoked brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage, complimented with unique Korean-inspired sides, have earned Eaker Barbecue an impressive reputation and loyal following.
Texas-style barbecue is truly something special – an addictive combination of smoky flavors and tender meats that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a Texan looking for a taste of home or visiting from out of state, make sure you get yourself some good ol’ fashioned ‘cue during your next stay at Hotel Giles.