Bodacious Bar-B-Q - Longview

Was in Longview today and decided to take mom to lunch at the Bodacious BBQ on south Mobberly Avenue across from LeTourneau University and see if the Texas Monthly ranking of fourth or fifth best brisket in the state was worth the hype. Wouldn 't you know it, as we got to the counter to order, the pitmaster pulled a freshly smoked uncut brisket from the smoker right in front of us. I knew I was in for something special when I immediately noticed it was wrapped in grease soaked butcher paper. Hand rubbed with salt and pepper only, and smoked with post oak coals in a wood fired offset indirect stick burner pit for 16-18 hours. I told the pitmaster I wanted a sliced beef sandwich cut against the grain from the point of the brisket and not to bother trimming the bark or fat between the upper and lower muscles in the point. Wow, did my taste buds come alive when biting into this remarkable cut of meat. Brisket so tender it literally fell apart almost without chewing. So good, sauce would have ruined the texture, taste, and magic created by wood, smoke, fire, and time. It was surely some of the best BBQ I 've ever eaten. It was that good. This place definitely qualifies as one of those 'joints ' that legends are made of. Lucky me. I only live an hour away. Make your plans to give it a try soon. You 're in for a treat folks.

Someone told me of a Bodacious on Mobberly in Longview that was run by a couple of chefs who use their own recipes. I decided to drive over Thursday and stock up for the weekend. There were only a couple of cars there. They were closed at 4:55 pm and the sign on the door read, 'Sold out! '. I decided to drive over early today. They were open and the line was quickly growing. I got a good sampling of their BBQ. Half a pound of chopped brisket, 5 ribs and 2 house sausage. OMG! Unbelievable! These guys have probably the best brisket I have ever eaten. It is juicy and tender and tastes so good that I don 't even want my mandatory Baby Rays BBQ Sauce for fear it may ruin the flavor. I ate one rib so far. It was great, as well. I 'm saving the house sausage for a home made cauliflower crust pizza tomorrow. The gals in line ahead of me said that the smoked turkey is to die for. I have no clue as to how they make this brisket melt in your mouth with such great flavor, but I definitely will be back for more! #OneHappyCustomer

Best BBQ, even better staff! If there's one thing that will bring me halfway across the great Lonestar state, it's the glorious smell of pristine pork and beef on a well used smoker. To be completely honest, I'm still a bit giddy from the goodness of Bodacious. I called ahead to see if there was anything left and was able to snag the last pound of brisket. While this is usually not the piece you'd want, it was every bit as delectable as the rest of it probably was. I am usually a lean brisket fan, but more than happily devoured the succulent and flavorful fat layer along with my slice of some of the best brisket I've ever had. The burnt ends were impeccably tender and juicy as well. The ribs were smoky and succulent, and clung to the bone ever so slightly, enabling me a good dip into the sauce cup without falling apart in its way to my mouth. The sauce was heavenly as well. We missed the pulled pork and free beans this time, but look forward to another trip for those. The sides of cole slaw and potato salad weren't the greatest I've ever had, but only because I didn't care for the particular style. They were well made, however. The slaw was a slight bit tangy and peppery, and the potato salad was reminiscent of a baked potato with bits of bacon, chive, and sour cream (I think)-maybe a light mayo. But then again, why are you visiting a BBQ Mecca and filling your belly with anything other than beautifully smoked meat. The staff was so friendly and even let me babble about not getting enough BBQ since I currently live overseas and even wishes my family a safe trip back. Go, as fast as you can, to this wonderful place! Just make sure to get there early and come hungry.

The BBQ was the best I ever put in my mouth. The staff was very friendly and polite and accommodating. Great atmosphere and the music was the best. BBQ, Blues and Beer only no beer so I had sweet tea. The only problem is I live in Plano Tx and there is nothing like it in the area. Not even Rudy’s, which I love. Oh, and the desert was a treat, Toffee a slice of fried bacon covered in semi sweet chocolate. Heaven!!!

This was my 39th stop on the Texas Monthly top 50 list and one of my favorites. The brisket was outstanding, loved the bark, the 44 Farms brisket was smoked to perfection. The staff was also amongst the friendliest I’ve encountered on my trek across Texas. Ate my meal then got back in line for another pound of brisket to go! Well done, Bodacious!