Wesley's Bean Pot

AMARILLO: Wesley's Bean Pot & BBQ
6406 River Rd
Amarillo, TX 79108
806-381-2893
Open Tues 11-7, W 11-2, Thur-F 11-7, Sat 11-3

Other online reviews warned that you had to get to this joint early to get the ribs because they sold out so fast. I was looking forward to getting some meat in Amarillo that had a real following, so I arrived just after opening time on a Saturday. The joint sits in a lonely strip center north of town. The interior is white painted concrete block with artwork supplied by the patrons. A very reasonably priced menu hung above the cash register, so I went for the $8 three meat combo. After my order was placed, a well oiled machine of a team behind the counter slapped together meat, sides and bread like I'd never seen. Thirty seconds later I had a complete order ready to travel, ribs included.



Jalapeno cornbread was a nice touch instead of cheap white bread, but it was dry and flavorless. Those famous ribs were thick and meaty baby backs that were way overcooked. The meat was moist and the black on the crust was a good sign, but it actually tasted like a burnt layer of sweet sauce. Hot links were nothing more than spicy hotdogs with no smoke. Falling apart roast beef had been cut thick to hold itself together, but this brisket didn't taste like it had come near a smoker. I hoped that maybe the beans would offer some interest given the name, but they were just warm pintos straight form the can. The only item that didn't disappoint was the lightly dressed and crunchy cole slaw, but that's not enough to bring me back.

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