Interstate travel usually leads to generic, unmemorable, value-meal food stops. On a recent Texas drive from San Antonio to South Padre Island, I found a BBQ place called Van's that made me want to write a story about making I-travel a more local experience. Here are three interstate BBQ joints worth an exit in Texas.
(Photo by Taylor Bruce)
Van's BBQ, Oakville: I was greeted here with the aroma of smoked brisket and a white-haired gentleman at the stand-up piano playing Willie's "On the Road Again," a five-minute experience I wish I could bottle and sell. My friend David ordered the breakfast platter, but I went classic with a mesquite-flavored BBQ sandwich and a Dr. Pepper on ice. As we ate, a group of ladies arrived, ages varying from college to golden years. They seemed to be on a wedding road trip, yet they knew Van's well. I took this 7-person table of lady regulars to be a clear signal that this place rides well in the on-going rodeo that is TX BBQ.
Van's BBQ: I-37, exit 65; open 7 days a week, 7-7.
(Photo by Taylor Bruce)
Two other interstate BBQ stops recommended to me, but yet to be tried and tested officially, are below. They are on my list of to-eats. I'll update this post just as soon as I'm lucky enough to drive nearby.
Willy Ray's Bar-B-Q and Grill, Beaumont: I-10, exit 852 (A or B). Check out their website for more info.
Hinze's Barbeque, Sealy: I-10, the Sealy exit. I hear they smoke their meat with pecan wood. How to get there.
READERS: If you have any favorite locally-run, stop-worthy restaurants off any interstate in the South, let us know by commenting on this blog post. Thanks for reading.
