Headed for Texas in a few weeks

the best Texas memories money can buy

For me being based in Virginia most of my career, working the road in power plant construction led me always to BBQ places in many States (don't ever discount the Carolinas....just a different flavor, but wonderful) but Texas in the early to mid 1970's just could not be beat....especially after a day of walking the high iron.

East Texas, specifically Texarkana, had a relatively small place, but.....oh man! The brisket, the sausage, no matter what your meat choice was.....the homemade pickle relish served as a "large side" (spooned out in great big Texas size dollops) right on your platter...........you needed to get down off the high iron by 11:15 if you were the selected "goffer du jour" and be in line at the place no later than 11:45 if you wanted a chance to eat.

West Texas, same thing, a small place outside Midland-Odessa, no big sign or advertising.....just top notch BBQ, and the side was kinda funny for a "flat land furriner" like me....it was raw stalks of sugar cane...........or just "Cane" to the oldtimers. You did not eat it with the BBQ.....just put it in your pocket for a real decent "chaw" during the afternoon. Talk about a sugar high.

Haven't visited in years, but remember everyone carried but had to leave it (them) in the truck before going in the gate, however if wintertime.......those Carhart's will never print anything...probably up to an RPG!

OP, a visit to Texas brings home the definition of "BBQ guns and leather" in my humble opinion and I'm going to try my darndest to get to the Symposium and relive some of that food while gazing on probably some of the finest S&W's anywhere.
 
San Antonio has lotsa good Tex-Mex. my favorite is MiTierra. the atmosphere is one of a kind and the food is outstanding. They also make a great Margarita if that's your thing.
 

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Just in case you haven't heard, just a bit north of Fredericksburg, there's a much better than average barbeque place called Coopers. They charge you by the weight of the meat you choose directly off the smoker. Danger! Your eyes, goaded by that wonderful smell, will cause your hip pocket to be sore when you pay out. But, you can carry out what you don't eat and make another good meal from it!!!
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Ah yes, Coopers in Llano. They also have a location downtown in Austin. Just ate there a couple weeks ago!
 
I don't think it has been mentioned, but you can't carry in establishments which derive 51% or more of their sales from alcohol. There will usually be signs to that effect in such establishments. So don't carry in bars.

Everyone who visits SA ends up downtown, but the bars and restaurants there are mainly for tourists, not natives. Most natives don't go downtown unless they absolutely have to. There are far better restaurants located outside the downtown area than there are downtown. There are some good places in Fredericksburg. Don't miss the Museum of the Pacific War. If you are driving up I-35 to Azle, you will go through Waco. So don't miss the Texas Ranger Museum there either. I worked close to Azle for quite awhile, so unless it's something new, there is not much there.

Fiesta in SA starts in about six weeks if you are interested in big crowds.
 
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You are going to my favorite part of the state. Friendly folks, great food, good highways and sensible gun laws. When living in Abilene I was stopped for a tail light out, I told the officer I had a firearm or two in the vehicle with me, he said, I figured that, you have Texas tags. No ticket, have a nice day. Hope you have a fun and safe trip.
 
If you have time while you are up in Azle area, have your friends take you to Loco Coyote BBQ outside of Glen Rose. Get the "Pig Out for Two". It will easily feed 4, possibly 6. And it's absolutely fantastic.
 
Depends on the LEO, if you get stopped. Most are O.K.
I had one, years ago, ask to see the weapon, he removed the clip, bullets and handed it all back. I waited for him to drive away before I reloaded.
Best B-BQ in Texas is in Lockhart, not far from San Antonio.
You will NOT LIKE San Antonio traffic!
 
anytime you see a "Rudy's" bbq joint, you will find very good brisket and plenty of sides. Rudy's, though it's a chain, is very consistent. i've never had a poor eating experience in a Rudy's. so much good bbq in Texas, and so little time. Coopers in Llano is a must stop.
 
Eagle Mountain lake is nice ( Azle) but it’s sure to be crowded in the next couple weeks with spring break. Austin generally thins out during that time, but it’s still like hell with the fire put out. (I suggest driving around)
 
oldiegoldie said:
San Antonio has lotsa good Tex-Mex. my favorite is MiTierra. the atmosphere is one of a kind and the food is outstanding. They also make a great Margarita if that's your thing.
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Best Tex mex in the state, IMHO, and a historic restaurant as well. It’s been in Saveur Magazine.
 
When living in Abilene I was stopped for a tail light out, I told the officer I had a firearm or two in the vehicle with me, he said, I figured that, you have Texas tags. No ticket, have a nice day.
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Of all of my various experiences with LEOs and their reaction, or lack of one, to my Texas carry permit, was the time I was stopped in Plano and as I fiddled around with my wallet to get both my TDL and my CHL the officer said, "I don't need to see that. Every car in Plano has a gun in it."

I always like repeating that story.

Somewhere in and around Austin (Driftwood, TX) is the Salt Lick BBQ. I understand that it is outstanding. The fun news is that the number one airport restaurant in the country that made the news yesterday is the Salt Lick BBQ - both in Austin (Austin-Bergstorm International Airport) and in Dallas-Fort Worth (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport).

I ate at the Salt Lick in Austin's airport and I recollect it was very, very good.
 
Kiwi cop said:
It’s also full of crazy drivers, crazy enough to scare a Kiwi boy from driving in the city.

We hit Austin about 11 am on a Sunday morning. 25 miles out from the city centre on the freeway traffic was crawling, and it got worse the closer in we got.

At one point we were in the right lane of two wanting to turn right at a Y intersection. Drivers kept coming up in the left land and stopping at the junction with the Y. They were totally blocking traffic and forcing themselves into the right lane when the lights turned green. One place we wanted to get through was on a one way system, but you couldn’t get there cause all the roads were closed off.

The only place we found that was worse was Vegas on a Saturday afternoon with all the Los Angelosers in for the weekend.
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Texas has signs posted very frequently reminding everyone to "Drive friendly". In my experience too many folks drive aggressively, and some seem to take every opportunity on the road to audition for NASCAR competition.

Nuff said.
 
This place is real close to Azle and worth a stop. They have a new restaurant opening in White Settlement real soon. They usually sell out everyday, so go early. Ask for the "brisket burnt ends" it is unbelievable.

Heim BBQ & Catering
 
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LoboGunLeather said:
In my experience too many folks drive aggressively, and some seem to take every opportunity on the road to audition for NASCAR competition.

Nuff said.
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I totally agree, until we move to Pensacola, Austin was the worst city I had ever had the displeasure to drive in. Believe me, Pensacola drivers were not to be undone. The city could have saved tens of thousands of dollars by not putting up speed limit signs. If the sign says 55 you will get ran over doing 70! And signal lights...green means go, yellow means go faster, red means take your chances. Austin does have killer bar b que.
 
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