Saturday, January 15, 2011

I Ate Stanley's Brother-In-Law
























That’s what one of the bumper sticker affixed to the window says. Accolades and pictures hang on the wall under a set of horns from a longhorn steer. Framed articles from BScene, IN Magazine, Texas Monthly and County Line pepper the wall. 

Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Que has been a Tyler, TX, institution for over 50 and has been a repeat honoree on the Texas Monthly best BBQ list for years.

But their most recent award came this past year at the inaugural Texas Monthly Best BBQ Festival. Out of all the competitors from around the state, (Texas Monthly only invited about 20 out of the 50 on their Best BBQ in Texas list) Stanley’s took home the people’s choice award for best BBQ, which owner Nick Pencis considers a truly prestigious honor.

The sign out the door lists the sold out items as they get devoured, which happens often since everything is made daily. It’s not quite 11am and there’s already a line that’s formed. Lunch runs from 11-2 “or ‘til it’s all gone.” 

One of the favorites on the menu is the Brother-In-Law sandwich which consists of a grilled hot link, cheese and either chopped brisket or pulled pork. The sandwich is then bathed in barbecue sauce goodness before the top of the bun goes on. Try it with a little onions, jalapenos and hot sweet pickles.

After serving up so many brother-in-law and ex-wife sandwiches, you’d think Stanley’s would have done run out of extended family. But until the steady line of customers dies down, or it hits the sold out board, they just keep making more.

Also, don’t let the full parking lot discourage you, there’s more parking out back.

Just like the bumper sticker says, I ate Stanley’s Brother-In-Law. And I’d do it again.




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