Monday, May 18, 2009

Soulman's Bar-B-Que


MESQUITE: Soulman’s Bar-B-Que
1125 Gross Rd

Mesquite, TX 75149

972-289-2300

Open Daily 11-9

www.soulmans.com


After trying countless mediocre meals of subpar smoked meat, I've come to recognize the flavor of the meat before I take a bite. It's kind of like biting into a McDonald's cheeseburger. You know exactly what it's going to taste like before you even take off the wrapper. I've come to refer to this type of BBQ as "corporate 'cue". Soulman's is the epitomy of corporate 'cue.



The sliced brisket was moist and tender, but it exhibited a slight crust and a meager smoke line. The meat lacked smokiness, and bites without crust had little flavor at all. The ribs were a bit better, but they suffered from a soggy crust brought on by being stored in plastic wrap for too long. The meat had a good level of tenderness, but it was missing any robust smoky flavor. While both meats were nothing special, the sides were great. The pinto beans had been kicked up with some pico de gallo, and the cabbage was tasty with bits of sausage. The sides may have been given some love, but my eyes didn't deceive my taste buds on this day, and that meat tasted exactly as I imagined it would as I watched it being carved...corporate 'cue.

Rating **
Soulman's Bar-B-Que on Urbanspoon

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DISCLAIMER:

Each joint is judged on the essence of Texas 'cue...sliced brisket and pork ribs. Sausage is only considered if house made. Sauce is good, but good meat needs no adornment to satisfy. Each review can only be based on specific cuts of meat on that particular day. Finally, if the place fries up catfish or serves a caesar salad, then chances are they aren't paying enough attention to the pits, so we mostly steered clear.

-THE PROPHETS OF SMOKED MEAT