Friday, April 13, 2018

Hidden Gem: The Big Bib BBQ in San Antonio, TX


The menu items in this post were provided by The Big Bib BBQ but the opinions expressed here are my own.


After a historical walk through The Alamo, it was time for some lunch. When in Texas, it’s always BBQ time! Everything in Texas is big so we stopped at The Big Bib BBQ. They offer true Texas-style BBQ, slow-cooked for up to 14 hours every day with aged oak and mesquite woods and their special dry rub. Being a KCBS Certified BBQ Judge, I had to see what kind of BBQ they were packing. We were so glad we stopped!


Just like any true BBQ joint, there is a queue to get to that ‘que. The interior is very casual but has a friendly atmosphere with southern charm. They also have an outdoor patio where you can get a true backyard BBQ experience.

You can order your BBQ any way you want – meat by the pound, sandwiches, plates, and family packs along with sides, desserts, and drinks. Here’s a look at what we tried:

Rib Tips are the ends that are cut off when butchering a St. Louis-style spare rib. Chicago-style BBQ utilizes these scraps into rib tips. When done right, they are like the “burnt ends” of a brisket. The Big Bib BBQ does them just right. They were smoky, tender, and juicy. One of the best I’ve ever had! Rating: 5/5

Baby Back Ribs were perfectly cooked, competition-style. The meat comes of the bone, not quite fall off the bone, which would be overcooked. It had a great rub for full flavor along with the smoke. I could eat a slab of those with no problem. Rating: 5/5

Brisket is made with certified Angus Beef. This brisket was one of the best cooked I’ve ever seen in a restaurant. Normally in restaurants and in competitions, I find that brisket is either under cooked or way over cooked. It should be sturdy enough to slice and not fall apart. When sliced, it can relax over the finger without snapping in half or be straight as a board. I also love when the fat cap is left on the brisket, which a lot of KCBS judges do not like. I personally think it helps to keep the brisket juicy and adds more flavor as it cooks. That said, this brisket checked all the boxes for me. I could eat a pound of this all by myself. I just love brisket and when it’s cooked like this, I love it even more. Rating: 5/5

Mild Sausage is hardwood smoked and crafted. Their sausage was a medium grind sausage with a good flavor of pork, smoke, and spices. I liked it sliced but also thought it would be great just inside a bun (like a hot dog) or sliced up in a sandwich. The casing had a nice snap to it which would make it perfect inside a bun. Rating: 5/5

Jalapeno Sausage is a stable in Texas BBQ. It was a medium grind sausage that was just a tad spicy, not uncomfortable. It was juicy and had a good flavor. This would be great in a sandwich or in a bun with melted cheddar cheese. Rating: 4.8/5

Turkey Breast is smoked all day until melt-in-your-mouth tender. This was one of the best smoked turkeys I’ve ever had. Juicy and tender yet still easily sliceable. I could eat this as is or stacked inside a sandwich with melted cheese on top. Rating: 5/5

Baked Potato Casserole tasted exactly like a loaded baked potato. It was creamy from the butter and sour cream along with the flavor of cheese and smoky, salty bacon.

Sweet Potato Casserole was thick and has the aroma of sweet potatoes. It was almost like eating sweet potato pie! Rating: 5/5

Chili Beans is not just beans but more like a meaty chili. Unlike the sweet barbeque beans in California, theirs were savorier and hearty like chili with chunks of meat. You could just have a side of chili beans and bread for lunch. Rating: 5/5

Time to hit the road and continue to El Paso, TX.

For more information:
104 Lanark Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78218
+1.210.654.8400
Hours: Closed on Monday, Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Parking: Free lot in front of restaurant

If you enjoyed this post, continue reading these:

The Big Bib Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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