Happy Trails BBQ — Restaurant in Palestine

A reminder to not judge a book by its cover..... As we wandered through east Texas around lunch time, we found ourselves in the beautiful quaint town of Palestine. I was in the mood for barbecue but being so far out of any big city I didn't have my expectations set high for any place I might find. With limited options to choose from, I rolled the dice and just went with the one most convenient to our route. As we pulled up to the building, which was obviously an old 1980's Long John Silver's in a previous life, I started questioning my decision due to the lack of visible smoke and smokers but we were already committed. We walked into a dining area full of beautiful wood decor and furniture and to a staff of smiling faces but that alone wasn't enough to overcome my doubt in what was to come. My first evaluation of a barbecue restaurant starts with the brisket, turkey, and sausage and progresses from there to sides, sweet tea, desert, presentation, and the lastly atmosphere, so we went with the three meat plate of those three, a couple sides and the peach cobbler. As we sat and waited for them to put the plate together and we made ourselves comfortable I tried the sweet tea and decided they were off to a good start, not even having any other fountain drinks available, but my expectations were still not high for the meat. The plate got delivered to our table and was arranged in a symmetric and, for a lack of better words, pretty manner that I was not used to in bbq which as someone who is borderline OCD, I truly appreciated it but it ultimately led to more doubt in the barbecue because it was so different from every restaurant I've loved before. As I picked up the first piece of brisket, I realized immediately that I had judged the book by its cover and I did a poor job of it. The brisket was moist, tender and had an incredible bark. I dipped it in the light vinegar traditional ketchup based bbq sauce, put it in my mouth and was flooded by memories of all the best small town barbecue I've had in my life. The turkey and sausage brought upon the same feelings. Moving onto the sides, the beans were not your traditional ranch style pinto beans you find in Texas barbecue and were closer to a Bushes baked beans but guess what....I love Bushes baked beans too so we loved it. My child raved about the shells n' cheese, my wife hyped up the potato salad, and my mom went on to say that it was the best fried okra she's ever had. Safe to say the sides also passed the quality check. This place was exceeding expectations with every bite but now it was time for the peach cobbler, which, because of my grandma, I have very high and unreasonable standards for. They delivered the peach cobbler after we finished our food warm and on a walmart paper plate, which made me feel right at home. The look of the cobbler made me immediately think of my grandma's and the first bite transported me to sitting at my grandma's old dining room table surrounded by people I love finishing an incredible meal. It was incredible. All in all, the food and atmosphere were amazing but I can honestly say I don't know if I've ever had a dining experience that flooded me with so much emotion and love. This was truly food for my soul. Thank you so much for this experience...and maybe give more thought to installing a dinner bell at the exit with a sign that reads "ring bell if you were satisfied with your experience" like the old Long John Silver's as an homage to the history of the...

Happy Trails BBQ: A Pit Stop Worth Making in Palestine Palestine, Texas, a town steeped in East Texas charm, offers more than just historic architecture and scenic train rides. Tucked conveniently near the southern edge of town, beckoning hungry travelers and locals alike, is Happy Trails BBQ. The promise is simple: good ol' Texas barbecue, served with a side of friendly hospitality. And for the most part, Happy Trails delivers. Stepping inside is like entering a comfortable embrace. The "rustic decor," as it's aptly described, leans into a familiar Texas aesthetic – think weathered wood, perhaps a few vintage signs, creating an atmosphere that feels both casual and inviting. The dining room, notably clean and well-maintained, offers a respite from the Texas heat, a welcome oasis before or after exploring the Piney Woods. The staff mirrors this inviting atmosphere, greeting patrons with genuine smiles and an eagerness to please. For those in a true Texas hurry, the drive-thru window is a thoughtful addition, a pragmatic touch that acknowledges the demands of modern life without sacrificing the craving for slow-smoked meats. But let's get down to the heart of the matter: the barbecue. The brisket, that cornerstone of any respectable Texas joint, presented a compelling case. The smoky essence permeated each slice, a testament to hours spent over smoldering wood. The flavor profile was undeniably good, a satisfying depth that speaks to a well-honed rub and patient cooking. However, a touch more rendered fat, a whisper more unctuousness, would have elevated it from good to truly memorable. Still, it’s a brisket that holds its own. The jalapeno sausage, on the other hand, was a delightful revelation. It struck that elusive balance – a pleasant warmth that dances on the palate without ever becoming aggressive, perfectly complementing the savory pork and the bright, grassy notes of the pepper. This is a sausage that understands its purpose, delivering both flavor and a gentle kick in harmonious measure. The thoughtful offering of two distinct potato salads – mustard-based and mayonnaise-based – speaks volumes about catering to diverse preferences. Opting for the mayonnaise version, I found a creamy, well-seasoned rendition, a classic comfort that provided a cool counterpoint to the richness of the meats. The beans, often an afterthought, held their own, possessing a robust flavor that suggested they were more than just a sidekick. Overall, Happy Trails BBQ offers a solid and satisfying barbecue experience. While the brisket might benefit from a touch more moisture, the quality of the meats, the friendly service, and the convenient amenities make it a worthwhile stop in Palestine. It's not reinventing the Texas barbecue wheel, but it's certainly rolling along nicely, offering a dependable and enjoyable meal for those seeking a taste of authentic Lone...

I can't tell you how the food was. Did not get it . Ordered thru door dash . Door dash has a two week trial of dash pass try it and 1/2 off next order . I do all that and order and I don't get the discount so I call them and of course it isn't them its door dash so I cancel the order . I call door dash the first one because of language barrier I have to explain it 5 times but I said a cuss word so he hung up. I call back and explain it again to be told to learn how to read fine print . Then I notice I have a message I have to go online to start the refund . I call and the reason you have to call is they wont to know if I want the refund on my card are dash credits . Then tells me 3 to 5 bus days .I tell her all I really want is dinner I told her about the last calls and that I went back and read the fine print and this is one of the restaurants that does it. So why cant I get my discount ? I went thru the legal line and explained it again told them I would be complaining to y'all also and file a complaint with the Texas Att Genral office and explained I'm on a fixed income and I needed the refund now still no. I gave them 5 chances to do the right thing. I will never place another order with anyone that has them even if I pick it up myself . Update called again same results. The only way I'm not waiting 3 to 5 days to get my money is to take door dash credit . And still not honoring there promotion and cant find out why ? I even told them I was POsting it on your site . They...