In 2021, Texas Monthly listed the Top 50 BBQ joints in Texas. Two San Antonio restaurants made the list: 2M Smokehouse and Pinkerton's Barbecue. I recently visited 2M and provided my thoughts. A Birthday Dinner - 2M Smokehouse, San Antonio - Pitmaster Club (amazingribs.com)
Today I had the opportunity to try Pinkerton's. As with 2M, my wife and I were joined by my niece and her husband.
As a quick aside, my niece is an Army nurse practitioner serving as a company commander at Fort Sam Houston. She spent almost a year deployed to the Middle East supporting special forces. She was selected for Major last month. As a retiree with 24 years, I am very proud of her.
When we decided to go to Pinkerton's, we were all a little apprehensive. It is located in the middle of downtown SA, and we were worried it would be your typical tourist's trap. Turns out we had nothing to worry about.
First, I want to apologize for the photo. The food looked so good, we all dove in, Before I thought about pictures, we were filling up a to-go box.
What you see is what was left of the brisket, jalapeno cheese sausage, pork ribs, potato salad and jalapeno cheese rice. Not shown - we also had the chopped brisked, South Texas beans, Rosemary Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Banana Foster pudding.
I went back to the serving line, and they cut open a fresh brisket so I could get at least one good picture.
How would I rate the food? Brisket, ribs and jalapeno cheese sausage were all exceptional. Potato salad and beans (very different from typical borracho or pinto offerings) - above average. Jalapeno rice and Mac and Cheese - average. Banana Foster Pudding - above average.
Comparing 2M and Pinkerton's,
Brisket - I would have to call it a tie. Brisket at both places was fantastic - probably the best I have ever had. 2M's had a little better smoke and a fantastic bark. Pinkerton's was a tad more tender. Both were equal in flavor.
Pinkerton's had fantastic ribs (how can they be a perfect bite yet almost fall off the bone?). 2M didn't offer ribs.
2M's pulled pork was average. Did not try that at Pinkerton's.
Pinkerton's easily had the better sausage.
Side dishes - we all thought the variety and flavor at Pinkerton's was better.
Dessert - we all liked Pinkerton's Banana Foster pudding. The cheesecakes at 2M are a must.
Bottom line - We would return to Pinkerton's first, but both places are top notch and worth a visit. Just make sure you have a fat wallet. With price of meat today, these places are not cheap. But the quality and experience of both is worth the cost.
Next, we plan to visit the Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin, TX. Strange name for a BBQ joint but they made the Top 50 list also.
Today I had the opportunity to try Pinkerton's. As with 2M, my wife and I were joined by my niece and her husband.
As a quick aside, my niece is an Army nurse practitioner serving as a company commander at Fort Sam Houston. She spent almost a year deployed to the Middle East supporting special forces. She was selected for Major last month. As a retiree with 24 years, I am very proud of her.
When we decided to go to Pinkerton's, we were all a little apprehensive. It is located in the middle of downtown SA, and we were worried it would be your typical tourist's trap. Turns out we had nothing to worry about.
First, I want to apologize for the photo. The food looked so good, we all dove in, Before I thought about pictures, we were filling up a to-go box.
What you see is what was left of the brisket, jalapeno cheese sausage, pork ribs, potato salad and jalapeno cheese rice. Not shown - we also had the chopped brisked, South Texas beans, Rosemary Bacon Mac and Cheese, and Banana Foster pudding.
I went back to the serving line, and they cut open a fresh brisket so I could get at least one good picture.
How would I rate the food? Brisket, ribs and jalapeno cheese sausage were all exceptional. Potato salad and beans (very different from typical borracho or pinto offerings) - above average. Jalapeno rice and Mac and Cheese - average. Banana Foster Pudding - above average.
Comparing 2M and Pinkerton's,
Brisket - I would have to call it a tie. Brisket at both places was fantastic - probably the best I have ever had. 2M's had a little better smoke and a fantastic bark. Pinkerton's was a tad more tender. Both were equal in flavor.
Pinkerton's had fantastic ribs (how can they be a perfect bite yet almost fall off the bone?). 2M didn't offer ribs.
2M's pulled pork was average. Did not try that at Pinkerton's.
Pinkerton's easily had the better sausage.
Side dishes - we all thought the variety and flavor at Pinkerton's was better.
Dessert - we all liked Pinkerton's Banana Foster pudding. The cheesecakes at 2M are a must.
Bottom line - We would return to Pinkerton's first, but both places are top notch and worth a visit. Just make sure you have a fat wallet. With price of meat today, these places are not cheap. But the quality and experience of both is worth the cost.
Next, we plan to visit the Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin, TX. Strange name for a BBQ joint but they made the Top 50 list also.
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