CEDAR HILL: Christopher's Smokehouse Barbeque
107 Main St.
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
888-489-9873
Open W-Thur 11-2 & 5-9, F-Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-8
www.christopherbbq.com
Pegasus News originally reported last month about the Traeger pellet smokers used by this joint that's been open since last February. Pellet smokers use compressed pellets of wood, and the pellets are dropped into the fire automatically when it's needed. I spotted their 'Double Commercial Trailer' sitting in a fenced in area adjacent to the restaurant. It wasn't smoking on this Saturday morning, but I headed inside to order anyway. This joint is tiny. About a dozen stools line the bar at the perimeter of the U-shaped dining area. A paper menu is taped to the wall exemplifying the low overhead operation where all orders come in a styrofoam container. I thought low overhead might translate into lower prices, but the $15 brisket and rib combo cleared up that assumption. This is expensive BBQ.
The meats showed potential, but need work. Brisket had only moderate smoke with most of the flavor coming from a thick rub, and the meat was tough and a bit chewy. Another hour on the smoker would probably help things significantly, but a dip in the thin and abrasive sauce didn't remedy anything. A heavy salt and pepper rub covered the meaty ribs. The meat was moist and tender enough, but the lack of bark and smoke makes me think these were wrapped while cooking. I doubled up on beans, and these sides were both good options. Green beans were well seasoned and the baked beans had what tasted like pico de gallo added in. Both sides and meat show that the owner is trying to do things well, but the protein just needs more unabated smoke.
Rating **
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