Texas Monthly labeled True Texas the best barbecue chain in the state in 2019, and the...
is considered the king of the barbecue chains with nearly 80 locations. That could be changing, because the True Texas BBQ brand from H-E-B has expanded from its 2014 debut in Pleasanton into locations throughout the state. Set to reach 22 restaurants in the coming months, True Texas BBQ is now peppering the Texas map like a dartboard.
There is a pretty good reason for that. The post-oak smoked barbecue is way better than anything you are likely to get out of your typical grocery deli, which has food served out of steam pans and fried chicken as your only hot options. Bill Miller cooks all of its food at a central location and distributes it to the various surrounding locations, and is good at it. But at True Texas, a pitmaster slow smokes meats on site for 12 to 14 hours with the oak wood pile in view for every patron to see.
The True Texas experience, open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., is a good one. Brisket, served lean or fatty for $21.99 per pound , is the top seller. Evans also is proud of the turkey, which is moist and well seasoned without kicking you in the teeth with briny salt. The ribs are cooked to near perfection with a sticky glaze that doesn't overwhelm, and don't forget the sausage for a proper"Texas Trinity.
If you are a big fan of the True Texas flavor, there's good news, because everything that's sold there can be purchased inside the attached store, from the briskets graded choice or higher, chickens, turkey and pork to the seasonings, sauce, pickles and rubs. However, the seasoning ratios and cooking windows are on you. But here's a little insider secret ... the wood used in all locations is cut and dried from Butler Wood in Seguin.