Sunbird Barbecue — Restaurant in Longview

“Like a cowboy who rode into town five minutes too late for the hoedown, we came hungry and left humbled.”

TL;DR: Sunbird Barbecue’s menu reads like a meat-lover’s dream and (I suspect) tastes like smoke-kissed heaven; but you better show up early. By 1:00pm, the pit is picked clean. We missed out, but now we know: first in line gets the brisket. Last in line gets the door photo.

The third stop on our East Texas meat tour was supposed to be legendary. Big D and I were high on smoke and road dust, bellies half-full, spirits soaring. Two joints down, two to go. We were ecstatic with anticipation. Sunbird Barbecue was next, and all signs pointed to meat nirvana.

We’d been tracking them like two brisket bounty hunters all morning, checking social posts, drooling over every new photo. My mouth hit max moisture capacity when Big D read the day’s specials aloud like a preacher reciting the Book of Revelations:

Maple bourbon blueberry pork belly burnt ends Brisket boudin Creamy mac and cheese

Sweet mercy. I tightened my belt and said a prayer to the BBQ gods.

ETA locked in at 1:10. I told Big D we had this. It was only two hours past opening. We’d be just in time for that first bite of brisket to hit like a country love song.

But the BBQ gods are jealous and cruel. At 1:00pm sharp, the bad news dropped like a cow off a cattle ramp: SOLD OUT.

We stared at that hand-scribbled sign like it was a breakup letter taped to the fridge. Blue painter’s tape never looked so heartbreaking.

We walked up anyway. Maybe we could smell the smoke. Instead, we met the pit crew, who were wrapping up the day’s magic with the kind of humble pride that only comes from turning oak and meat into pure happiness. They were kind, tired, and still smiling. We thanked them. Took a photo of the menu. Promised ourselves a redemption trip.

And we will be back. But next time, Uncle Sean’s gonna be in that line before the rooster crows, folding chair in hand, cooler of Shiner in tow, ready for brisket glory.

Stamp Count: As a consolation prize (or out of pity) they stamped the passport saying something about the rules and no purchase is necessary. Number 20. the mission continues.

Final Dad Line: I didn’t get any meat, but my hunger pangs got a full-course meal of disappointment.

FYI… I’m giving them 5 stars for everything, except food, because they were sold out. We met the pitmasters, they are great, and they must be doing something right to sell out so fast! Upon my return visit, and a tray of deliciousness, I’ll review the...

Today I made the 1.5 hr drive to Sunbird Barbecue in Longview, Texas for lunch.

This was my first time to try this restaurant, I am glad to have made the trip. The staff were friendly, courteous and interested in how their items were received. The parking lot is not large and shares space with a neighboring restaurant. Service hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11am- 3pm or when items are sold out. I arrived at 1pm on a Friday and a couple items had sold out with another selling out while I dined in. I ordered a variety of items based on their menu and which were currently available.

Brisket: I ordered half and half moist and lean. There was light and soft bark with great flavor, the fat was rendered well throughout and the meat had great flavor. The moist/ fatty portion I had was fork tender but did not fall apart. The lean portion required a knife to cut, would break apart with a fork and had great consistency.

Turkey: Consistent and moist throughout with light seasoning and no need for sauce. This was great on its own and would make a great sandwich which is offered on their menu.

Pork belly: great flavor with a mix of moist and lean in each slice. Light flavorful bark. This is an item that is served in tacos, that would be a great option in the future.

Charro beans: Pinto beans with stewed peppers and onions, this was great on its own and did not require adding flavors or other menu items.

Macaroni and cheese: soft noodles in creamy cheese sauce with great seasoning and layers of cheddar cheese.

Sauce: sweet and smoky, great flavor to add but was not necessary for this visit.

This was a great visit, I stamped my Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ Joints passport that Sunburd Barbecue was added to this year. I will definitely return in the future to try more of their menu and hopefully plan ahead to dine with friends!

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Wanted to give a 3.5, I've gone there twice first time I had the Ribs and House sausage. The 2nd time I had a slice beef Sandwich and I'll Break down each food.

Ribs - 3.5 - To me ribs either need to have good season or a good smoke to them. Whatever bit of season and smoke these ribs had were masked by the amount of black pepper that was on it. I like ribs with black pepper but there has to be some other flavors underneath it. I also believe they could have been cooked a bit longer. Had a bit too much bite and looked a bit undercooked.

Sausage - 2 - It simply was not to my taste. Others might like it but it kinda reminded me Chorizo... maybe. Bit too much chili powder.

Slice Beef/Brisket - 3 - It was tender, no smoke ring (but that doesn't count for anything) It was too salty and I like salt. The combination of Salt and pepper and whatever else was on it made it actually taste like a Hamburger. But I wasn't there for a burger. The pickles were old and they could have done better with onions. if you have time maybe get some sweet onions from the farmers market.

Service - 5 - people were friendly, food didn't take long. I really like the atmosphere.

BBQ Sauce - sweet runny sauce not bad / not great

I'm most likely going to remove this review. It popped up and realized I made some errors and edited so it made it seem like a new review. I Have been back again when you all were located near the crust & crumb and I still feel the same. But I will remove most this till I have a chance to go to your...