Nathan's BBQ  Review (Brenham, TX)  

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On the way down to the Houston area (and the 4th annual Houston BBQ Festival) I decided to stop here to pick up lunch. I’d seen this place advertised on road signs on previous trips to and from Houston. It’s gas station BBQ located in Brenham, TX. Let’s see how it compares to the other places I’ve formally reviewed when making this trip.  

It’s your typical counter order place. They have a wide selection and it is reasonably priced. They seem to do a lot of traffic business but also a lot of local business. I decide to order a three meat plate (brisket, pork shoulder, and sausage), and tack a pork rib on extra.  

Sausage: The sausage has a good snap. It is tender and juicy. There is an excellent flavor of pepper and a touch of sweetness (honey?). It’s good stuff. Call it 8.0/10.  

Pork Rib: The pork rib has a good crust. It is a touch tough, but has am excellent good flavor (pepper and that sweetness again). It is juicy (note: juicy and tough are not contradictions). Call it 8.0/10.  

Pork Shoulder: The pork shoulder is tender and moist, and not too greasy (yay!). It has a light smoky flavor and (again) a touch of sweetness. Call it 8.0/10. 

Brisket (moist): The brisket has a decent bark. It could be a little more moist, given I ordered moist, but the flavor is excellent. There’s a great smoke flavor, pepper, and yet again that touch of sweetness. Call it 8.5/10.  

Nathan’s is a prime example that you shouldn’t judge a book by the cover. It may be gas station BBQ, but it’s pretty damn good! 

Is it worth a visit? Definitely.  

Is it worth a trip? Well, I was headed to Pearland (in preparation for the Houston BBQ festival), but I thought to myself “If I turned around and went home, this would still have been a good day”. So yes.

(Al's comment: It would have been worth it just for a trip to the "little creamery in Brenham." BBQ is the plus side!)

 

-Tom