I went to Reveille this morning as I had planned. I have to say it was excellent. I can't say it was better than Corkscrew, or Killen, or Feges, which I would say are the Top 3 in the Houston metro area, but I'd say it is definitely deserves consideration, and is easily 4th, with potential to move up.


I got there about 10:30, not knowing if there would be a line. I was there first one there by a good margin. Chatted with the mom of one of the owners a little bit. Nice lady.

After a bit but before they opened, one of the owners called me over to the window and gave me a little Barbecue "amuse bouche" from the chef.



Brisket chowder topped with bacon and Sriracha. This was pretty amazing. Never would have thought of doing this but it was delicious.

Since it was my first visit I wanted to try as much as I could, so I got four meats. Sausage, brisket, pork ribs, and pork belly.



They were all really good. The sausage was kind of crazy, they put beer and citra hops in it. You really taste the hops! No imagination needed to detect them. But it's not bitter at all. I love creative stuff like this.



The elote style corn was sweet and a little charred, really nice.



Brisket, ribs, and pork belly were all really well done.





If I had a "complaint" it would be that the rub on the ribs was straight up savory and I like them a little sweet. The sauce was fine but more tomato/vinegar than tomato/molasses or brown sugar. So it's kind of a personal preference thing.

Also, there were a lot of honey bees buzzing around. Much better than wasps as these guys are pretty harmless 99% of the time, but my wife would have been freaking out.



All in all, great stuff and I hope they have a ton of success.

Awesome review

Not so humble brag... We cooked our asses off this weekend for the Grand Opening of Brett's Backyard BBQ in Rockdale! Sold out at 3:30 on Saturday and 4:30 on Sunday!

Sunday was a "who's who in Texas BBQ" for the Grand Opening Party. Tootsie and the Snow's crew... Bryan from Bodacious... Scott from Tejas... And too many to count!

https://instagr.am/p/BpdvU1vhhDh

https://instagr.am/p/BpgCNlEBXxM

https://instagr.am/p/BpfQ4RThQpw

It was good seeing you, JH. I'm glad you're up and walking again.

As far as value, it's all subjective but anytime time you can get all you can eat Franklin (and others) and drink for $100, it ain't bad...it's just a shame I don't drink! I do wish Franklin had offered more than brisket and sausage (like the May Pot Luck event where he had ribs and turkey).

Speaking if what was served:
Franklin: brisket and sausage
Leroy and Lewis: smoked beef cheek
Sam Jones: smoked whole hog sandwiches
Cracklings B's: ribs
Macaron station (apple caramel, pecan pie, pumpkin spice)
Pie station: apple, pumpkin, pecan

Before we walked in, I talked to Russell Roegel from Roegels BBQ here in Houston. I've known him for a long time so it was good to catch up. He's doing a smoked Cuban sandwich at his restaurant on Tuesday. I may have to go check it out (I love a good Cuban).


I talked to Aaron very briefly about his personal backyard smoker project. He said it's moving along, that they are almost done with the production building in south Austin and he should have the first prototype done next week. He said there are 53,000 people on the list. Surely not all will but but if they did...wow. I did the math based on a $2k smoker (I figure they will go for $2000-$2500).

53,000 x $2000 = $106,000,000
Even if just 10% bought: $10.6mm...not a bad side business.

All in all, a good night. Perfect weather, good people, good food. I can't wait for the next one.

Only pic (hands too greasy after this point)