COPPELL: Ben & Al's BBQ
171 N Denton Tap Rd, #600
Coppell, TX 75019
972-471-4200
Open M-F 11-9, Sat 11-5
Update: This joint is CLOSED.
05/2009: Walking into this strip mall storefront just 15 minutes before closing during a rain storm didn't bode well for the possible protein related outcomes, but the wash of smokiness that came over my nostrils as I passed through the glass door got my tastebuds working. To-go was my only real option at this late hour, so I sat in the front seat of my car alone with the seductively scented styrofoam container. Inside it, I found mediocre green beans and better than average sweetened mustard potato salad. Also included were dark crusted ribs and tender slices of brisket.
According to the owner (presumably "McCoy" from the available business cards) the meats are seasoned only with thick hickory smoke. Smoky they were. The ribs were deeply smoky with a nice crust. The moist meat could have more tender with better rendered fat, but I'd definitely eat them again. The brisket wasn't quite as smoky, but this meat was both moist and tender. Bites outside of the crust were slightly roast-beefy, but this was good 'cue. I think both meats would benefit from a light rub given that they both lacked the bold flavor that the mixture of smoke and salt can provide. I look forward to trying what this joint can do during a lunch rush when their meat as at its peak.
Rating ***
Can you tell me where this meat was cooked? I live in Coppell and I know there are not any pits outside Ben and Al's. I have avoided this place because of the dubious nature of their meats. I always assumed they were coming from non-wood smoked origins. BBQ Snob, were you able to ascertain anything about the origin of the meat on your visit?
ReplyDeleteHad lunch there one time. Brisket. It was OK, not more than average. Sides were grade-school cafeteria. No matter, though, the business is closed. Leasing signs posted on the door. Oh well...
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