Missing Mama Mac

If you stopped by Mac's in Dallas last week you probably encountered the sign below. Mama Mac was a fixture at the cash register right next to her son Billy for years at this joint on Main St. just outside of Deep Ellum. Patrons in the last couple of years may not be familiar with her level of hospitality, as she's been away for quite some time due to illness. They reopened this week, and I dropped in for lunch today to pay my respects and chew the fat with Billy.


Photo by Irwin Thompson

In a sentimental gesture, Billy has reverted to an old recipe for beans that was used when the joint originally opened. The beans had a slight kick to them from more dried chiles, but they wouldn't diappoint anyone who was a fan of the old recipe. While we talked he insisted I grab a copy of the latest Dallas Observer on the rack in the corner so we both could witness the atrocities on their 2010 Best of Dallas list. In their pick for best BBQ there was little grunting at the choice of Mike Anderson's. It's a solid joint that deserves some attention, but the Reader's Pick of Dickey's BBQ made us both chuckle. For those of you who voted for Dickey's, have you tried any other BBQ joint in Dallas before choosing it as the best?

All my sorrows vanished once I sat down to a plate of fries, beans and a chopped beef and hot link sandwich. The best part about this combination of ingredients is that as you eat the sandwich, you can let the excess meat fall onto the fries. When the sandwich is finished, pour some sauce and beans on top of the meaty fries and dig in. This also allows you to have the pleasure of eating the best fries in Dallas, no matter what the Observer says. Stop in and get your order, and pay your respects to Mama.

- BBQ Snob