I recently stopped in with several friends to sample this new addition to the DFW Barbecue scene on a Sunday afternoon.
The reviews from the group were mixed. Some said they wouldn't come back, while others said they would gladly be back. Clearly barbecue beauty is in the tastes of the beholder! In fairness, one needs to break down some of the details to make a good evaluation of a barbecue restaurant.
First of all, the service - easy enough, you go through a cafeteria-style line as you select your meal from a large chalkboard hanging behind the counter. From the food service, to the register, to the staff offering to refill drinks and take away dirty plates, I found the service to be as good as it could be.
Cleanliness - Top marks again. No concerns about the food service or dining room areas.
Meat - The meat selection was great, with lean, moist and chopped brisket, two types of sausage, ribs, pulled pork, chicken and turkey, there's something for every carnivore. The flavors are where the personal preferences start to come in. The chopped brisket was already tossed with the house sauce - which was not to everyone's liking. (I presume that they would gladly chop some additional brisket and leave it sauceless, if you ask.) Both the lean and moist brisket was good, but not very smokey, and the fat in the moist brisket didn't render in the mouth as would be ideal. The ribs had a really good seasoning and came clean off the bone, but weren't very meaty. The two sausages were very different, they offer a German sausage, which was really no more special than sausage I've bought at a grocery and fixed at home. The jalapeno sausage, on the other hand, was especially good and had a real peppery, spicy kick. I didn't sample the turkey or chicken, so you're on your own for those!
Sides - Good selection of typical sides. None jumped out at us. Cole Slaw, Pinto Beans, Green Beans, Mac n Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, Corn and Fried Okra (I'm probably leaving a couple out) all typical of the style you'd expect with Texas Barbecue.
Value - I have to give the value a C+. The portions were a bit small for what averaged around a $10-$13 plate.
I know the owner is from a Barbecue family and I'm sure a few changes are probably in store as things get up and running. I'm rooting for Back Forty Smokehouse to succeed and I firmly believe that you need to stop at any restaurant (especially BBQ!) at least twice before making a final decision, so I'll be back.
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