I went to college in West Texas and, despite being a California girl, quickly developed a love for Texas-style barbecue. Since Lubbock was a “dry” city at the time, beer and liquor could only be purchased at state liquor stores on the outskirts of town known simply as “The Strip.” A stop at Pinkie’s liquor store often included a visit to its legendary barbecue counter, famous for chopped brisket sandwiches, fried gizzards, and enough smoky goodness to pair perfectly with a six-pack of Coors Light. To this day, the smell of slow-smoked brisket brings back memories of West Texas.
The summer months are the perfect time to fire up the smoker for ribs, brisket, or chicken. But if you’d rather leave the all-night tending of the fire to someone else, San Diego County (plus a jaunt up to OC) is home to several excellent barbecue joints serving authentic Southern and Texas-style ‘cue with all the fixin’s.
Smokin’ J’s BBQ
Website: smokinjsrealbbq.com
Phone: (858) 463-3533…