Meshack’s Bar-be-que is in a shack – trust me on this.  Maybe that is the meaning of the name – Meshack (My shack).

Or could the name be a reference to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who survived the burning fire as recorded in the Bible (Daniel chapters 1-3)?  I see the analogy – the pure meat is placed in a fury furnace and survives as a pleasant reminder of God’s deliverance.  God is glorified.  Okay, maybe I am taking this analogy too far.  But this is glorious barbecue and well worth a trip to Garland.

Getting to Meshack’s is no easy task.  You have to go around Jake’s barn to get there.

The neighborhood consists mainly of used car dealerships  and storage buildings.  Since Avenue B is a one way street, you have to drive through the industrial area to get to the shack (There is no way I could call it a restaurant).

I must admit that when we drove up, I was a little worried.  Luckily, there was a steady stream of cars making their way to the grassy barren weedy parking lot, and that was encouraging.   On day one, we arrived about 1:30 p.m. and the nice lady at the window explained that they were  out of all the meats except hot links.  That got our attention.  Also. there was the smell of pecan smoke that was being exhausted out of the shack.  That aroma was what one dreams about when they think of barbecue.  It was divine.  I liked it.  I loved it.  I wanted some of that meat.

So, we returned the next day determined to experience Meshack’s Bar-Be-Que. You order at a window that is covered with iron bars.  There are no tables.  You can sit on a  stump or one lone bench while you wait, but this is exclusively a to-go type of place.  The emphasis is on the meat, and I guess that is the way it should be.   The tender, tasty, smoky meat is what makes Meshack’s an award worthy barbecue joint.

They did go to the trouble of painting the menu on the side wall next to the window.  The barbecue is reasonable – $13.00 a pound, and it was well worth going around Jake’s barn to get there.

Ribs – Sweet Mother of Pearl.  Delicious!  They had a nice smoky crust and were moist and tender.  A little sauce was served over the ribs.  It was very mild and certainly did not overpower the meat.  Spicy sauce was also offered as an option.

For testing purposes, we also brought home brisket.  It was very good – tender and tasty.  Smoking the meat over pecan gives it a wonderful flavor.

Meshack’s gave us a few slices of white bread and a little potato salad with our order.  The potato salad was sweet, and not my favorite, but if you like it, it is okay.  We can still be friends.

Meshack’s deserves to be on the Texas Monthly Best BBQ list.  Franklin’s is still my favorite, but Meshack’s Bar-Be-Que is plenty good, and we will return. (Garland is a lot closer than Austin.)

Blessings to you and yours,

Meshack’s is located at 240 E. Avenue B in Garland, Texas

Open:

Tuesday 10:30-5:00

Wednesday – Saturday 10:30-7:00

Or until the meat is gone.  Which I hear happens often.