Rudy's "Country Store" & Bar-B-Q

Rudy’s "Country Store" & Bar-B-Q

14620 Northwest Fwy, Houston, TX

(713) 462-7954

http://www.rudys.com/

A few years ago I had constantly heard stories of people jumping in their cars and driving towards Austin to get some great barbeque. What took me by surprise was that they were heading to a little gas station by the name of Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q. I never quite understood people taking a drive that far just to get a bite. Could the food there be that great? I was on a mission to find out but luckily they had just opened a new location right by my house. I know what you are all thinking, “You don’t review chains”. Well this is true but I felt that for Rudy’s I would have to make an exception. I had to find out what made this barbeque so good. Were people just overhyping it or is it really that good?
I felt a beautiful Saturday afternoon would be a great day to pick up some barbeque so I headed down the street to Rudy’s and prepared myself for what I was told is the best barbeque in Texas. Here they do everything by the pound so forget about getting that three meat combo with two sides. From the meat to the sides, Rudy’s is slicing it up and weighting on a scale. Your only other options are sandwiches. I had a few people to feed so I decided to try a few pounds of pork ribs, lean brisket, sausage, pulled pork and some potato salad on the side. Within seconds the cashier calls out the order and the guys in back get to slicing and dicing. They pack up your order like a butcher and you’re ready to go. I have heard some complain about Rudy’s being a little on the high side and while I can see their point, the look and smell of the food I felt it might be worth it. As I headed home the aroma of the smoked meat filled the car. I couldn’t wait to get home and chow down. As I walked in the door I rushed to the table to tear open this food as if it was Christmas morning. I couldn’t get too carried away so I took just a little of everything. I love ribs when they are smoked just right and the meat falls off the bone, so I chose to start with Rudy’s pork ribs. As I picked up the rib the meat all slid of the bone. I don’t know about you but for me that’s a great sign of perfect barbecued ribs. A heavy but even smoky taste fills the month as you take a bite. The meat was so tender and juicy. I didn’t even put sauce on them. With the ribs alone I felt I was in barbeque heaven. I personally like to judge places on their ribs and their brisket so I knew what I was planning on trying next. The brisket had a very beautiful smoke ring in the meat. It carried a very heavy smoked flavor but it was not over the top. This was some very tender brisket with a peppery seasoning. I was head over hills and I haven’t even made a dent in the food. I didn’t even know where to start with the sausage. The skin was soft and it was packed with flavor. The pull pork which is one of my favorite barbequed items was a masterpiece. It was very succulent and moist. I threw a nice slab between a slice of bread and poured on Rudy’s signature barbeque sauce. The sauce had a nice little kick to it that made everything pop not that the food even needed sauce but it did help bring more flair to this already perfect meal. How could I forget the potato salad? This creamy and chunky mustard potato salad was delicious! The mustard wasn’t too overbearing and all together made a very mellow blend of potato salad bliss. I have to admit I was truly taken aback by the quality of the food. I usually wouldn’t expect to find such great barbeque at a place that doubles as a gas and convenient store. So if your driving across Texas or just looking for a local bite stop on by Rudy’s Country Store and Barbeque and tell them Bite Me *Houston* sent ya!