The Big Bib

SAN ANTONIO: The Big Bib
2427 Austin Hwy
San Antonio, TX 78218
210-654-8400
Open Tues-Sat 11-8, Sun 12-6
www.thebigbib.com

The first time I saw the listing for the Big Bib, I just assumed it was a typo and it was supposed to be the Big Rib. Not so. A few barbecue folks around town directed us here, so on the way out of town we stopped at this tiny storefront. What is pictured below is far less than what I actually ate. As I ordered at the counter they asked if I'd been there before. When I said no they started setting out samples of nearly every meat they served, although I had only ordered a simple combo plate.

It was hard to remember all of those rapid-fire meat samples, but the turkey was moist and smoky whole muscle meat. The pulled pork was juicy and studded with bits of crust. The sausage was forgettable, but the chicken was smoky and better than I expected. Back in the car I had a bit more time to contemplate the brisket and ribs alone. The baby backs had a generous rub, but a nice crust was still allowed to form. The meat had great tenderness, but had dried out a bit. It needed a bit more smoke, but was a good rib overall. The brisket also needed some of that smoke, but the meat was well cooked with a good crust, nicely rendered fat, and good flavor overall.

It might be a tiny joint, but the Big Bib displayed some hospitality in a big way. Their barbecue was better than average which is worth noting in a city that doesn't have a huge number of great barbecue options. I'd be happy to return.

Rating *** 

BREAKING: John Mueller Meat Co. Opening in Austin

You may remember last October when John Mueller was shut out of his well regarded JMueller BBQ trailer on South First St. in Austin. To say the least he wasn't happy about it, but stayed quiet plotting his return. That return will occur in just two weeks, and for smoked meat lovers everywhere, let's hope it's a triumphant one.

Wednesday, February 20th (Now Saturday, February 23rd) will be the opening day of John Mueller Meat Co., and the trailer will be set up in the parking lot of Kellee's at 2500 E. 6th St. This will put John a stone's throw from Franklin Barbecue and spitting distance from Live Oak Barbecue in East Austin.

The new trailer will be open Tuesday - Saturday with the same menu that I applauded at John's old location. Just like his previous set-up you can eat at one of the picnic tables in front of John's trailer or you can take your barbecue inside and buy a beer at Kellee's.

If you're too impatient to wait two weeks, you can get a preview in Houston where John will be smoking brisket, ribs and sausage for "Q for a Cause" from 12-4 at Cottonwood Bar at 3422 N. Shepherd on this Saturday, February 9th.

Finally, for all the folks with unfulfilled hope that the Aaron Franklin v. John Mueller barbecue rivalry would blossom, they can now shift their focus to a genuine intracity family feud. John's sister LeAnn Mueller (who ousted him from the trailer on South First St.) and (I'm guessing former) friend John Lewis now head up the pits at la Barbecue in John Mueller's old barbecue trailer. Sparks are gonna fly.

- BBQ Snob

BBQ Openings in D/FW

A few years ago there were few BBQ openings that would garner a mention by even local media. Most joints didn't bother even making an announcement, but things have changed. These days with every opening there seems to be a press release, a new website and maybe even a chef. More than once I've been frustrated at the lack of marketing prowess of those that make barbecue their business, but that doesn't seem to be a problem any longer. Here are a few of those openings:

FM Smokehouse is coming to Irving. They've announced a March opening at 660 Walnut Ridge Rd. This joint will be from the owners of Holy Grail Pub in Plano.

Slow Bone will open in Dallas in late February or early March. It'll be in the old BW's BBQ building across the street from Off Site Kitchen. Jack Perkins of Maple & Motor is at the helm with a solid staff behind him.

3 Stacks Smoke and Tap House will open on February 8th in Frisco at 4226 Preston Rd. Trace Arnold known as the Rib Whisperer will work the pits, presumably taking some time away from the Ultimate Smoker & Grill that he designed.

Kenny's Smokehouse in Plano has already opened despite their Facebook banner that still says "Coming Soon". It's from chef Kenny Bowers and is located at 5760 Legacy Dr.

Peak & Elm Cocina y Bar isn't a barbecue joint, but they will be cooking barbacoa. I haven't confirmed the cooking method, but via their Twitter account I've learned that they will offer whole head barbacoa (barbacoa de cabeza) and the more popular cheek meat (cachete). They'll open Friday, February 8th at Peak and Elm Streets in Dallas.

Brooks Backyard BBQ opened in Garland two months ago without any fanfare. They're doing some decent barbecue and they cure and smoke their own bacon.

You'll have to wait until later today for the biggest opening news so far this year. I'll be sure to give a full report on all of them.

- BBQ Snob