Rockin’ Q Smokehouse

ODESSA: Rockin' Q Smokehouse
3812 Penbrook St
Odessa, TX 79762
432-552-7105
Open M-Sat 10:30-9, Sun 10:30-3

With it's cheery teenagers running the registers, the overtly spotless dining room and the order numbers being called out loudly, this seemed more like a fast-casual concept than a barbecue joint. The menu was also all about crowd-pleasing flavors.

Instead of allowing the smoke of the ribs to shine through, a sweet rub provided the most forward flavor. The meat itself was well cooked, but would have really shined with just salt and pepper. Lean slices of brisket were over-trimmed, a bit dry with barely a hint of smokiness despite its good looking black crust.

The pulled chicken would have been great if they'd stopped sort of drenching it in the sweet sauce. The skin-free meat had great smokiness and was moister than expected for white meat. The commercial sausage was decent, but nothing special. This was certainly a popular place, and would do in a pinch, but it's not barbecue worth traveling for.

Rating **