LUFKIN:
Stringer’s Lufkin BBQ
203 S Chesnut St
Lufkin, TX 75901
936-634-4744
The sign outside hasn’t changed but apparently Stringer’s has been prefixed to the longstanding Lufkin BBQ. By the slightly out of whack arrangement of sidewalks and streets surrounding the restaurant, you can guess that it predates the surrounding strip centers. I stopped in on my way out of town to have a quick sample. A strong smokey smell met me at the parking lot and raised my hopes. Things were pretty slow late in the afternoon but the service was quick and friendly once I found my way to the correct side of the long and slightly ramshackle dining room. There was a detailed history on the back of the menu that started in the 1950s but I was off my game and didn’t take any notes before I handed it back to my server. As this was to be a “light” meal, I ordered a sliced beef sandwich and a couple ribs. Before those arrived, I got a basket of their rolls. These turned out to be the highlight of the visit. They are deep fried yeast rolls that have a crispy crust, slightly sweet flavor and perfectly tender inside. They don’t move the needle on the barbecue meter, but they made the stop well worth it. The sandwich came with a light treatment of a sweet and tangy sauce that complemented the beef well. Those slices of brisket were nicely cooked but lacked the smoke that hit me on the way in. There was a decent crust, but it didn’t have a distinct texture. The ribs had a very similar character. My trip was probably not timed for the best as both meats seemed like they had spent a little too much time wrapped and waiting. Coleslaw and potato salad were unremarkable.
Rating: ***
Rating: ***
Sounds like you're giving them 3 stars based on the rolls alone.
ReplyDeleteMaybe so. They were tasty.
ReplyDeleteTheir brisket may have been bad... normally is but their chip beef and chicken and baked potatos are to die for ... maybe you should give them another shot. oh yeah there is a diner here called ray's you should try out their food... its good too.
ReplyDeleteRays is a little older than Lufkin Bar B Q but no joke they have both been around a long time (60+ years). I tend to like the end cuts of the brisket myself. But I’m partial BBQ because I’m in the family. Thanks For being honest and not trying to slam anyone.
ReplyDeleteThe fried rolls began in the 1960's when a bakery was next door. They bought the donut hole dough for next to nothing and fried them up for bread. I admit that I love this place since some of my earliest memories are going with my father on Saturday for lunch when I was a very small child in the early sixties.
ReplyDeleteThe barbeque is more of a southern style and only hickory is used for smoke. The beans are an acquired taste which my South Texas raised husband hates but my now adult children love. If you go back you do need to try the fried pies if they have not run out especially the peach.
To me the barbeque is more similar to those I have eaten in Alabama and Georgia so I can see where Texas barbeque connoisseurs might not like it as much as the great central Texas barbecue meccas which I love too.
Our Austin based daughter is marrying this summer and her only choice for the wedding dinner was Lufkin Barbeque. Tradition rules.