Hickory Hill BBQ - didn't find my thrill on Hickory Hill

Hickory Hill



Hickory Hill is a relatively new place just off 31 between Tyler and Kilgore.  Someone recommended giving this place a try in the comment section, so I figured I would give them a try when I went out to Pat Gee's (they are very close to one another).  The place looks promising from the road, it definitely has a country feel to it with 'old timey' decor.

The spread:  They offer your standard barbeque fare:  Brisket, hot links, ribs, etc.  They have their menu on a small peg board just by the register and have a small dining area (4-5 tables).  I was greeted warmly and they took my order right away.

The verdict:  I just finished sampling Pat Gee's and I was excited to try Hickory Hill.  I ordered the three meat plate and got brisket, hot links and ribs.  The plate looked great.  The rib was large and meaty.  The brisket was perfectly cut with the right amount of meat and fat.  The hot link looked good to go.  Oh man was I disappointed.  All the meats had an acrid, overpowering smoke flavor.  It tasted like a mix between liquid smoke and an ash tray.  The brisket and ribs weren't very tender, but I only took a few bites because my palate was overwhelmed with the horrible smokey taste.  I couldn't discern the flavoring of the hot link again due to the overpowering smoke bomb.  The beans were more like baked beans and less like the 'ranch' style or 'charro' style that I prefer.  The potato salad was also a little sweet, but still pretty good.  Now I like a good, smokey tender BBQ, Stanley's brisket is a perfect example of that, but I was very disappointed with the meats at Hickory Hill.

Edible Tyler Roses: 1 out of 5, maybe they were having a bad day, but I really didn't like their BBQ.

Pat Gee's BBQ - Worth the drive

Pat Gee's BBQ



Pat's is an interesting place.  It is located off of 31 between Tyler and Kilgore in a ramshackle building that looks like it was built in another time. The barbeque pit is in a little kitchen off to the side and there is a dining area with a few scattered tables.  I was greeted warmly by an older couple, who I presume are the owners.  They are open Fri-Sun until the meat runs out.

The spread:  They offer your standard barbeque fair:  Pork ribs, brisket, hot links, etc.  They also offer the standard BBQ sides: potato salad, beans, white bread, etc. 

The verdict:  These folks know what they are doing when it comes to BBQ.  When you walk in the front door, you are hit with a wall of smoke that lets you know you have arrived at the right place for some BBQ.  The smoke has penetrated every surface in the place, so you know it has been around for quite some time.  The service couldn't have been friendlier, they figured out right away that it was my first time there and were quite welcoming (don't be scared off by the rough exterior).  The meats were all very good with nice smoke flavor, good seasonings and a tangy BBQ sauce (from a mason jar covered in foil).  The potato salad was mustard based and offer a great foil to the smokey meats.  The beans were very flavorful with chunks of meat.  The brisket had a good fatty content and was very tender.  The ribs were also very good, but perhaps a bit on the overdone side.  The hot link was great, just the right amount of spice and bit to the casing.  All together a very good meal.  By comparison, there brisket doesn't match the central texas style of Stanley's, however, I prefer Pat Gee's ribs and sides.  I will definitely be back.  This isn't the best BBQ I've ever had in comparison to the Titans of central Texas (Smitty's, City Market, Kruez, Black's), but it is very good.

Edible Tyler Roses: 4 out of 5, Go give Pat Gee's a try, you won't be disappointed.