ADKINS: Home of Da Smoke BBQ 13433 Us-87
Adkins, TX 78101
210-649-2498
Open W-F 11-8, Sat 11-8:30, Sun 11:30-5
Robert Nelson is the long time pitmaster here at Home of Da Smoke. The sign in front of the place says "Nelson's" which is what Robert goes by because, as he says, "there are too many Roberts around here". He's given a name to each of his smokers as well. Big Bertha sits out front while Big Tex sits in back full of briskets. Each meat here gets a different wood because Norman wants them to all have a unique flavor. Ribs get post oak, the house made sausage gets a dose of pecan while mesquite and hickory team up on the brisket. I had to try them all.
I took a bite directly from the to-go container as I was paying. I could not stop there. The slices were thick with a nice layer of rendered fat and an incredible crust with a slight crispiness. The smokiness was perfect and the overall flavor was great. Norman saw the look on my face an offered a tour. While showing off Big Tex, his pride showed as he implored me to try the sausage and ribs that were in the box.
The sausage was also impressive. It had a great snap, bold levels of spice and black pepper and incredible flavor. Ribs were the weakest meat. While the smokiness and flavor were there, the crust had too much rub, and the slightly dry meat was a bit tough. I'm guessing a guy with such a deft hand on his brisket was just having a bad rib day. I can't wait to get back there and double check.
Rating ****
I dined here on Friday evening, and I cannot say enough how disappointed I was with visit. My chicken, which I ordered with ribs as the 2 meat plate, was cold. (I watched the cook pull it out of their walk-in cooler when we ordered it.)
ReplyDeleteWhen I asked our waitress to have them reheat the meat, all they did was put it in the microwave oven. Sadly, I was not the only one whose meal suffered the same fate. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
home of da smoke is the best secret in san antonio, though it just a little outside of san antonio, it is well worth your drive! Everything is good from the bar b que, to the soul food! greens, yams, stewed okra amd more.... and let me not forget to mention the Sunday specials, smothered pork chops,and oxtails! thats right... you gotta be there to believe it. i have many friends and family that dine there and Mr. Robert Norman has a full house for lunch and dinner every day! Keep up the good work! see you soon
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