One of the biggest restaurant events of 2014 is the fact that Pecan Lodge – the people who smoke some of the best brisket in the world –  has moved from Shed 2 of the Dallas Farmers Market to Deep Ellum.  People all around Dallas have stood around the water cooler cussing and discussing the merits of this move.  Will Pecan Lodge ever be the same?  We wanted to see for ourselves, so we headed to 2702 Main, Dallas, Texas to find out.

Wow!  The front of the building did not disappoint.  I loved the color of the building, the sign, and the tin covered porch.  We got there early, but some people got their earlier.  Yes, there was a line, but, barbecue aficionados are right friendly folk.  Visiting with friendly people who love barbecue helped pass the time.  On this day there were threats of major storms, and I wondered if the line would have been longer on another day.

Be still my heart!  I did love the indoor decor.  It was nothing fancy, but the different tables and chairs gave the place a relaxed feel.

The chairs that were upholstered with feed sack were my favorite.  What a good look!

Along the walls are ranch sign that remind me of West Texas ranches.

Is this not the most wonderful picture of cattle in the snow?

I believe that pit master and owner Justin’s grandparents were named Minter.

Of course there were the bazillion awards on the walls.  When you have been named the best barbecue in the world, (If it is the best in Texas, it is the best in the world.) you would have plenty of awards to display also.

Finally we ordered and got our food.  The wait was so much shorter than the wait at Shed 2, and I for one really appreciated that.

Friend Betty ordered the Hot Mess.  It is a baked sweet potato topped with chopped brisket, and all the fixin’s.  Sweet Mother of Pearl!   To my surprise, this monstrosity of a sweet potato was wonderful.

Ever-Lovin’ and I thought we would be smart and split the three meat platter and then order extra sides.  The brisket was just as tender, moist, and delicious as before.  The house made sausage gets high marks.  On this day, we got a funky rib.  Tastewise there were no complaints, but the rib seemed to have extra bones, and it was difficult to eat.  We ordered okra, mac and cheese and cole slaw for our sides.  In our opinion the meat is the star of the show at Pecan Lodge.  It is not that the sides are not good – they just aren’t anything to write home about.

The couple behind us ordered the chopped beef sandwich that is topped with cole slaw and jalapeños.  It was so pretty, I just had to take a picture.  They remarked later that it was GOOD.

This is called the “Big Feast”.  It is suppose to serve 4 – 5 people., and it cost $69.00.  I am here to tell you.  It is a feast of some of the best meat that will ever pass your lips.  (Sides are extra.)

Pecan Lodge now has an inviting patio.

At the back of the patio is the smoke house.  Just imagine smellavision.  We felt blessed because we found a parking space directly across the street from Pecan Lodge. We opened the car doors.  Be still my heart!  The aroma was unmistakable.  It is the stuff dreams are made of.  The smell of smoking meats made our mouths water and our stomachs growl.  When we finally got the metal trays filled with barbecue, we were not disappointed.  Even at a new location, Pecan Lodge still knows how to cook.

I love their new digs and their brisket.

Blessings to you and yours,