It may surprise some to hear that Opie’s BBQ has appeared on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 List twice (2008, 2013). Perhaps because of their location in Spicewood, just outside the traditional Texas BBQ footprint, Opie’s does not seem to garner the statewide name recognition or respect that a two-time Top 50 joint should have. Even so, it is evident that Opie’s has won the hearts of those that travel down this stretch of Highway 71 as the joint was packed during my Wednesday lunchtime visit.
THE MEATS
My moist cut of brisket benefitted from a decent amount of smoke. The lightly seasoned crust revealed a prevailing flavor of mesquite smokiness. The tender meat had great moisture throughout. This is a good brisket but not quite great.
The thin spare ribs featured a coarse, flavorful crust highlighted by black pepper. The meat itself held tons of smoke and each juicy bite carried plenty of moisture. The meat pulled easily from the bone.
The house link of sausage carried a ton of pepper with a good bit of spice. There was a nice snap to the casing. It was a pretty typical but very enjoyable link.
I was very tempted to order a half rack of the Sweet and Spicy Baby Back Ribs but my plate was already full. The sticky looking ribs were very attractive but they would have to wait for another visit. The chicken, pork chops and pork loin were the other meats on the menu absent from my plate. Opie's also offers pulled pork Friday through Sunday.
THE REST
Scattered tables fill the open dining area. It is large enough to accommodate a crowd, which is appropriate because they seem to draw quite a crowd. At the center of the dining area is the self-serve bar with the standard dressing of pickles, onions, jalapenos, sauce and bread along with those free pinto beans. The sauce is a thin and tangy concoction with a little heat on the back end.
Opie’s has posted closing times but that does not mean that they’ll have their full menu available until closing and it is quite possible they sell out completely before close. A couple of months ago, I took a gamble and swung by Opie’s at 7:00PM to see what would be available. Proprietor Todd Ashmore met me in the parking lot to break the news that they had sold out earlier and were closed for the day.
THE VERDICT
It is evident that those at Opie’s take great pride in their product. The staff patrols the dining area to ensure that you are satisfied. I was certainly satisfied on this visit. Opie’s is serving some solid BBQ across the board.
The brisket is probably the high point and while the pork ribs that I tried were good, I coveted those baby backs. There is plenty of reason to return to Opie’s, but the possibility of sampling the Sweet and Spicy Baby Back Ribs is at the top of my list.
Address: 9504 Texas 71, Spicewood, TX 78669
Phone: 830-693-8660
Hours: Monday – Tuesday:
11AM – 4PM; Wednesday – Thursday: 11AM – 7PM; Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 8PM; Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
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