Cool Vibes Smoke & Flame — Restaurant in New Braunfels

I'm almost reluctant to review because I want to keep this place under the radar but that wouldn't be fair to the two incredibly nice men who make and serve this outstanding barbecue. I don't have much to add to what others have already said here - this is some of the best BBQ I've ever had and I've been to many of the top rated spots.

But I do have an observation I would I would like to share. If, like me, you don't normally care much about sides, sauce or chicken when it comes to your BBQ joints, you should absolutely ignore those instincts. The corn and coleslaw were terrific and I'm not a fan of coleslaw. The sauce is a magical concoction. It's plenty spicy but its heat does not substitute for flavor or cover up the subtle medley of spices that give it its flavor. And the chicken? Oh my. The chicken is moist, fall-off-the-bone tender, flavored by incredible seasoning that, like the sauce, accentuates rather than distracts from the chicken. Easily the best BBQ chicken I've ever had.

I'll add one more observation. The incredibly tender brisket did not leave me with an upset stomach or feeling heavy as much of the otherwise excellent brisket I've eaten in the past often does. There is a subtlety to their cooking that one might not expect given its Caribbean flavoring that should not...

If I could give the service 10 stars I would. Both of the guys working seemed genuinely happy to be serving people when I consider to be outstanding barbecue. I’ve eaten at every heralded barbecue place in Texas to include the Michelin star places in Austin. If you had a blind brisket test between this one and one of those, you likely, wouldn’t know the difference. Perfectly cooked with a perfectly smoked flavor. The chicken was different in a good way. Still smoked chicken with just the right amount of jerk flavor. The corn and bread were both outstanding and I would get them again. Mac & cheese was good, but it was a little too spicy for my pallet so I can’t give it a fair rating but that’s more about me than them. Very unassuming location inside a convenient store with a smoker on a trailer out front and as soon as you get out of your car and smell, the Smoke, you know they are doing it right. If you’re in the area and looking for barbecue, give these guys a shot and you won’t be...

All I can say is DAMN!!!! Located Inside a gas station called Market Stand. Found it by chance. Started out with an amazing aroma. Decided to give it a shot. So happy I did. Sean was extremely cool and took his time explaining the menu. Had the brisket sandwich on their homemade bread with a side of their corn. Amazing!!!! The brisket was hands down the best I’ve ever had, insanely tender, perfect smoke, and topped off with their own house sauce that was outstanding. Their homemade Johnny bread was soft and delicious, and enhanced the meat perfectly. The corn was also a wonderful compliment to the meal. Will definitely be back and highly recommend you give them a try. Other than the great food and fantastic service what really got my attention was the little sign they had posted along with a jar next to the register!...