Chuy's BBQ and Catering

The two barbeque joints in Brady, Texas, have gone upscale and now call themselves "restaurants," with prices to match. At the recently resurrected Mac's I didn't cotton to paying $7 for a bare-bones brisket sandwich consisting of several magazine perfect slices of brisket placed in a sickeningly sweet dry bun.

I drove to Mason and found they no longer have a decent BBQ joint, nor did Menard. So I drove on to Eden where I was told there was an old-style BBQ joint called Chuy's, located down a side street. Man, I wasn't disappointed. The place was small but clean enough, had that great BBQ joint smell, and was exactly what I was looking for. They charged $4.50 for a superb lean chopped brisket sandwich, perfectly flavored, and slightly peppery beans, & a bag of chips, all inclusive.  Can't beat that nowadays. Ask for the "sweet" sauce. I noticed they browned the bun on the grill before adding the meat, a class act. Cobbler was only $2.50. You can eat inside or take it out. They also cater.

There are only a few drab grey but clean formica booths inside. The corrugated tin ceiling and walls add that classic ambience for folks who just want terrific old style Texas barbeque. And the folks who work there are attentive and friendly. This is a great little establishment for some serious barbeque eating, not a snooty showplace. Other BBQ meats (pork, chicken, sausage, etc.) and sides are available at reasonable prices. I heard they offer cabrito on Saturdays but you have to get there early if you want any.

This place could easily be worthy of five stars and I might update after trying a few more things. (I've sampled only one, so far.) It's 35 miles from Brady and well worth the round trip drive. It will certainly be a stopping point whenever I go to San Angelo. The lady working there told me the bikers have discovered it also.

They are also open both Sat & Sun but closed during one weekday (Tuesday I think she said).

Really great sides (including homemade bread) and sauce and decent brisket. They serve cabrito (untried by me) on the weekends but you'll have to get there very early for it. The day we went they had barbacoa, which was great, and menudo that looked very good that I will have to go back for.