All five Texas Monthly barbecue issues

[Chris Allingham]

All five barbecue issues of Texas Monthly dating back to May 1997. Does anyone know which joints were featured as “The Big Three” in that first issue?

Shown here: May 1997, May 2003, June 2008, June 2013. June 2017.

 

[Jepprey P]

Kreuz Market, Louie Mueller’s, and Cooper’s?

 

[Chris Allingham]

Did you look that up or did you pull it from your memory bank? You're right!

Here's "The Big Three" from May 1997 (with prices):

• Kreuz Market in Lockhart, at the original location where Smitty's Market is today (brisket $6.90/lb)
• Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor (brisket plate about $4.50)
• Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que in Llano (brisket plate about $3.50)

 

[NickF]

Me personally if I’m going out to Lockhart I’m going to Black’s instead of Kreuz. Louie Millers is good but Salt Lick is closer for me and maybe a half step down in taste

 

[Dustin Dorsey]

Louis Mueller is probably my all time favorite. It's still top notch bbq and is the perfect mix of tradition, atmosphere and quality. I haven't had the chance to go to Lockhart yet.