Joe Allen's, Abilene report

[bishopsbitter]

Had heard a lot about this place. First the good points: The price was right (just over $20 for lunch for 2 plus tip); and the portions were decent.
But that aside, this was not quite what I expected. Things got rocky when I requested pickles and onion and was brought two micro-tubs (the sort of tiny tubs you get ketchup or mayo in) of each. Excuse me? Upon asking for more, a slightly larger tub of each was brought. Still nowhere near enough of either but I gave up. I never expected to have to beg for pickles & onions at a Texas BBQ joint. But then maybe that's it: this place has pretensions over and above joint-hood, which is a shame. I'm not complaining about their having a wine list at all. But it's like the smoke from the pit was not being allowed to properly permeate the interior of the place. I did not try their steaks which have been reported to be good. Perhaps that is their stronger suit. Unfortunately I was in town Sunday so Harold's BBQ eas closed. It sounds more like what I was after. The service here was a bit intrusive. "Is it STILL tasting alright?" Why do waiters ask such silly questions as that? Don't they really mean "Will you please hurry up and eat up so as I can turn this table and collect my tip!" ? Annoying. I also asked about cabrito and got a funny look. Again, perhaps "we're too up-market to smoke goat here fella." Well, I happen to love BBQ cabrito so that was a shame. Their brisket was a bit dry, and I found it lacked salt in a rub or whatever so to permeate the meat. The sausage was OK. The mini-ribs, OK. Everything was OK. The sauce was a step up from OK: very good sauce. But all in all something just fell short. BBQ is a chance to commune with meat, pickles and slices of onions. This was not quite a religious enough experience.

bb

[Okcfind]

We spent the night in Abilene and decided to sample BBQ. We had dinner the first night at Sharon's BBQ. We had brisket and ribs. The brisket meat was tender but lacked flavor. The regular BBQ sauce was too heavy for my taste, but the vinegar BBQ sauce was good. The sides were bland, except for the excellent jalepeno cream corn which was delicious. In all, give it a 5/10.
So then we went to Harold's the next day. It is like the difference between night and day from Sharon's. They have got it down, the decor, the sides, the flavor, everything. We had ribs, ham, brisket, and sausage. Ribs were so juicy and tender, and husband thought the ham was outstanding. As someone posted here, the side of greens makes you like collard (hard to believe). Great cornbread, sweet peach cobbler, it was like we died and went to heaven. Give it a 10/10. We'll go again the next time we are in Abilene.

[wildcatgirl]

I haven't been out to Joe Allen's in a couple of years. Does the new place still serve that old-fashioned mashed potato salad? I used to love that stuff. It was exactly like my granny used to make.

[pinotho]

Bishopsbitter , you are so right ; very nice job on describing Joe Allen's . I think Joe Allen's has gone thru a change very similar to Sonny Bryan's in Dallas . After Sonny died , things changed a lot . In Joe Allen's case it was the move to the new premises about a year ago . The old location was a barbeque joint deluxe . Why moving to a new place changed the food , I don't know , but it did . And the staff's silliness at the new place is just beyond the pale . When you walk in , they offer to seat you unless you say you want barbque , in which case they just point to the side of the building where you go for que . They clearly want you to order a steak , so why don't they just stop offering Barbque ? Fortunately , by any measure , Harold's is a great barbque joint , and Harold and Drewcilla and the rest of the staff appreciate your business....and that is very obviously not the case at Joe Allen's .

[bishopsbitter]

I saw the old JA's "joint" in Abilene but never made it to eat there. I really fancy checking our Harold's tho'

Do you happen to know if Harold's has stuff like lamb, mutton, cabrito?
Just curious. If you've ever eaten mutton BBQ in Owensboro KY you'll know what I mean. It is a great meat for BBQ.

[pinotho]

Bishopsbitter , I don't think Harold has lamb or mutton or cabrito , but don't let that hold you back because you will enjoy Harold's . Besides the que and sides , they have hot water cornbread and homemade cobblers .

[kindofabigdeal]

I don't think you'll find cabrito anywhere in the area at all. That's why they gave you a funny look at Joe Allen's. I'm sure it was not an issue of being "too upscale", but just that they had never heard of it.

[ChristieP]

No, no lamb/mutton at Harold's. Simply Texas BBQ: ribs, brisket, sausage, etc. The hot water cornbreads and greens are SO good!

[kindofabigdeal]

don't leave out the strawberry cobbler

[RandyC]

I never went there when I lived in Abilene either, we always went south to Buffalo Gap and ordered brisket sandwiches at the Red Barn. I always liked sitting in the back where the bar was, very unique and gets lively at times. Brisket sandwich with Ruffles chips, bowl full of onions, pickles, and jalapenos. I hope it's still there, I rarely go back now, usually ever other year and am wondering if the place is still open. BTW, the side order of pinto beans is good too.

[jencwalter]

any thoughts on sharon allen's? i know that people in town tend to prefer one or the other, perhaps solely on the basis of personal affection / moral stance, but how about when it comes down to the food?

[amkirkland]

I was very disappointed by her bbq joint. As for the steakhouse, I never went there when I lived in Abilene, I don't like throwing out all that money on a steak when I enjoy grilling so much, you know? From what I heard, it was basically on par with the likes of Texas Roadhouse, whereas I know people who would go to war for a Joe Allen's Ribeye. I'm not sure if you were just taking a poll, or looking for advice. Either way, sorry I couldn't be more help.

[amkirkland]

I completely agree. Locals go there for steaks, or if they feel so devoted that they couldn't admit that there's better bbq in Abilene. Harold's is far and away my favorite restaurant of any sort in Abilene. The brisket doesn't always blow my mind, but it doesn often enough to make it worth it. I rarely consider the sides at bbq joints, but Harold nails them all. He made me a collard lover. I would also highly recommend (even as a native Texan) his sausage. Or maybe the ribs. Or you can do like I do, and just be chummy in the line and Harold winks at you, disappears, and reappears with a massive plate full of burnt ends. Oh... what a day... Another place few know of is square's. It's on the west side of town, and everytime I've been the brisket has been perfection. I hear they also have a great baked potato, but seriously, baked potato?

[ChristieP]

I discovered Harold's while working a contract job in Abilene in 2002. The Abilene Police officers highly recommended the place, and they were right! Every time I have the opportunity to come through Abilene, I make a stop. (And if you call and let them know you're coming, they will wait for you!) There's nothing like the lunch crowd gospel sing-along, too. If the line is out the door, just be patient!

[ChristieP]

Yes, Harold's is definitely much better. You won't find cabrito on the menu at most Texas BBQ places. (It IS on the menu at some Mexican restaurants.)