Bar-B-Cutie

ALLEN: Bar-B-Cutie
208 North Greenville Ave.
Allen, TX 75002
214-383-7555
Open Sun-Thur 10-9, F-Sat 10-10
www.bar-b-cutie.com

Bar-B-Cutie is a small chain, currently 16 locations. Although they are located primarily in the Nashville area, there are also franchises in Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Kansas and Texas. It is probably unfair to judge their meats by the standards of Central Texas smoking when they may be completely unaware of the craft. However, they do bill themselves as “The World’s Best Barbecue Since 1950!” With that in mind, I pull no punches The brisket had no crust but a bright smoke line. There was a slightly smokey flavor in the first bite that quickly disappeared. It was well done yet fairly tender but had no character to speak of. It rates right in with the good-quality food service fair that some might call “commercial grade.” This is a very common result we find in places with a more professional background. The ribs were quite tender and moist. Again, there was little smoke flavor. I found myself distracted by the rub. I would bet a nickel two of the main ingredients are seasoned salt and brown sugar. This added a texture I didn’t care for. It probably works better served “wet” with a slathering of sauce in the Memphis style. Then, I’d have nothing to tell you about the ribs themselves. They’ve got a nice spot, good side dishes, friendly staff and I see no reason why they won’t be successful. Still, Bar-B-Cutie misses the mark we’ve set, possibly by design.

Rating **

Little Bob's State Fair Bar B-Q

DALLAS: Little Bob's State Fair Bar B-Q
4607 Village Fair Dr Ste 101
Dallas, TX 75224
214-375-4909
Open M-Sat 11-6

Texas-style hospitality is the hallmark of this long-standing establishment (est. 1974). Unfortunately, Texas-style smoked meats are not their strong suite. In fact, I would characterize Little Bob’s as southern-style comfort food rather than barbecue. Some of the sides and the tea reminded me strongly of my time in Alabama. The brisket was tender but with little flavor. The ribs were over done before having been wrapped in foil and set on the steam table. Not a pleasing combination. We also sampled the hot-links. I’m not sure of the origin of these, but they were more akin to specialty frank than a real sausage. Fine smoked meats can’t be found. If you are looking for some comfort food that reminds you of your youth in Dixie, this is the place.

Rating **

Outlaw’s Texas Style Bar-B-Que & Grill

GRAND PRAIRIE: Outlaw’s Bar-B-Q
2334 S. Belt Line Rd.
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
972-263-6063
Open M-Thur 6:30-9:30, F-Sat 6:30-10, Sun 7-9:30
www.outlawsbbq.com

I’d prefer a big-ass picture of Lorenzo Lamas to the creepy desperado character on their marquee. Plus, they serve breakfast. This Grand Prairie establishment, in my mind, is trying to be a few too many things to a few too many people. The results in brisket and ribs were both very pedestrian. We suspect they trimmed the brisket of crust and fat, so that is essentially a non-starter for me. The ribs were cooked acceptably but lacked in flavor. The rest of our experience was fine. It’s just that barbecue appears to be more of a component of the restaurant’s theme than a critical part of their dining experience.

Rating **