Mr. D's BBQ — Restaurant in Leary

Until today, my Dad's smoked chicken was the best chicken I've ever had. It is now the second best. I was driving through Texas this morning and pulled off the freeway in the middle of nowhere to take a break. After my break, while turning around to get back to the freeway, I spotted this little shed at the front of a property that had this old little house. Everything around the outside of the property fence was overgrown and wild. Not sure if that many people lived anywhere near. The shed had a sideways sliding window installed in front with a shelf under it sticking six inches out and thought it looked like a makeshift ordering window. I also noticed they had stuck styrofoam cups in the chain link fence spelling bbq and there was a really giant smoker over by the house and away from the shed that was currently billowing its own tiny cloud. I realized that I had to check it out, so I turned around and parked my truck again. I got out and as I was walking up this lady started talking through a walkie-talkie that I didn't notice was sitting on the windowsill saying to order through the walkie-talkie when ready. I noticed a menu stuck to the inside of the window. I ordered the five meat sampler plate for $27 because you know I had to try this place out. This dainty little southern lady then walked out the back of the shed over to the smoker, grabs our ordered meats, and walked back into the shed. She was a cute little black lady in her early 20's. caught me off guard as I was expecting some burley guy or girl in like their 40's or 60's. They had a rusted out old car on the corner of the property on the lawn, a 15 or so year old semi truck in the middle of the lawn, a new Harley by the house, a 5 or so year old focus and small truck in their driveway, a Rottweiler sleeping peacefully on the lawn, and some other things out there screaming that I was down south. I really didn't expect an early 20's dainty southern bell to be running that. I had smoked chicken that was to die for. Her brisket that was about as good as dad's. Dad's has a little stronger of a smoke flavor, but her's was seasoned a hair better and cooked to perfection. Just melted in my mouth. I also had the best ribs ever. Smoked more than the brisket, but not too much smoke either. The ribs also melted in my mouth. I sucked on the bare rib bone for a while as it had flavor coming out of the bone as if it were a smoked bbq flavored lollipop. The pulled pork was still really good, but nothing too terribly unique. And quite surprisingly, the best part of the plate was the smoked sausage. The sides included were bread, homemade baked beans with teeny chunks of shredded beef in it that was really good, potato salad, and some really good BBQ sauce. Not sure what possessed me to stop at this rundown place in the middle of nowhere in the middle of Texas, but I'm sure glad I did! My only regret is that they had gumbo on the menu. I should've ordered a giant thing of it to go as that would've been authentic southern gumbo. If I'm ever on that road again, then I'll surely fix this...

Did a ten hour break here. I ordered the half slab ($15.00). The meal included potato salad, baked beans, two slices of bread and two small cups of BBQ sauce. They do have drinks available for purchase.

I’ll start with the ribs. They were very moist, tender and great smoke flavor. A bit on the salty side but the bark and the moisture blend the salt nicely. The ribs have no dry rub. It’s different from Kansas City BBQ and refreshing to the taste buds. The temperature of the ribs was spot on. Really good portion for half a slab and I felt I got my money’s worth. I alternated between eating a plain rib and then drenching a rib with the BBQ sauce. It was so good!

Now the two sides. The baked beans were hot! Temperature wise. I like food when it’s meant to be served hot and baked beans, in my opinion, should always be served this way. The potato salad was cold and seasoned well. It had the right balance of Mayo and a splash of mustard. It also married well with the main choice of meat.

Overall the meal was great. The food is fresh and the service was fast. I was the second person in line and didn’t wait long for my order. This little hole in the wall is literally right off the highway across from the truck stop. All I had to do was walk over and place my order. They take plastic as well as cash. I will definitely be back to try your chicken and other meats. Great job and a spot on place to have customers...

I don’t remember how I learned about this establishment. But I’m glad I did. It’s about 1 1/2 hours from our home. I knew we were going to be in their area soon after learning of them. After reading the reviews I knew we had to go there. Man o man let me tell you. The food was cooked to perfection and delicious. The service was exceptional. When I was at the window to order (over a walkie talkie 🙂) I was so excited that I bumbled my order twice. When I told her of my excitement which was creating my confusion I bumbled the order third time. By the third time she had gotten an idea of what we wanted. She called out what I actually wanted and said “I got you no worries”. Boom boom bam. She hit it right on the nose. *Large Smoked Gumbo *3 meat plate: Ribs, Double Brisket, Baked Beans and Potato Salad *Sample Plate: Brisket, Pulled Pork, Smoked Sausage, 1/4 Chicken, Ribs, Potato Salad and Baked Beans. I apologize for not taking a picture of the food. We took a few bites while it was hot then hit the road. Prices were fair, food was delicious and service was excellent. Highly recommended. Thank...