Mad Hatter Cafe

When I read about the Mad Hatter Cafe on Thrillist I thought little about trying to find a parking spot in downtown Dallas to try this place out, that is until I saw a brisket sandwich on the menu. The first free lunch hour I had, I made my way to try what was promised on the menu as a sandwich "piled high with slow smoked chopped brisket". I found a mostly legal parking spot and walked up a few blocks to place my order. The cashier noted my confusion when looking over the menu, so I asked what had happened to the brisket sandwich. He suggested I try the 'smoked' pulled pork sandwich instead, and even bothered to add that the menu had not changed since opening day. I guess he was thinking "Why is this crazy man asking for smoked brisket at this downtown cafe". I was asking for it because it's on the online menu - still - taunting me.



The pulled pork would have to do, and I watched as the cook poured out some presauced pork into a saute pan. I inquired about the possibility of an on-site smoking apparatus and was told that their food supplier smokes it. Who is the food supplier? A specific name wasn't given, but my guess is Sysco.

Back at the office I dug into the behemoth. If I hadn't ordered it myself, I would have sworn it was a sloppy joe with a poorly chosen mustard accompaniment. The meat had zero smokiness, a singular mushy texture, and very little pleasing qualities. While I didn't expect greatness out of this cafe's barbecue offerings, this sad imposter for 'smoked' meat was disappointing. I have a feeling the brisket wouldn't be any better.

- BBQ Snob