Corkscrew BBQ in Spring, just north of Houston. (Photos by Jim Rossman)

For several months I've been monitoring the buzz around Corkscrew BBQ, a trailer operation in Spring TX, between Conroe and Houston.

My parents had forwarded me an article from the Houston Chronicle praising a new classic of Houston BBQ and decided it would be a priority on my next trip to visit my parents.

Fast forward and today's the day.

I got to Corkscrew just after noon and there were about 15 people in the line that stayed about that long until 1:30 p.m., when Pitmaster Will Buckman finally caught up enough to talk.

He and his wife Nichole have been in business since Nov. 2011 and he said he'd sell about 600 pounds of meat today, which is the capacity of his smoker.

The line moves pretty fast. Will was on the block, while Nichole prepped and wrapped the orders.

Seating was at about a dozen picnic tables and various lawn chairs scattered about. There's a large roof over the area where customers stand in line and about half the tables are under the roof and half are outside.

Will said there are plans to enclose the roof with walls and garage doors to give the place a more permanent vibe. Customers are welcome to bring their own beer and wine.

How about the food?

In a word, it was great.

It's the best meat I've found in or near Houston -- by far.

The moist brisket was perfectly cooked with a very silky fat cap and a really salty/peppery crust that melted wonderfully in my mouth. This is brisket that can stand with anyone's, including the best offerings in Austin or Lockhart.

The ribs were really good. I got the last three ribs of the day in my order and Will apologized because the meat was falling off the bone. They had been on the heat a bit too long, or perhaps stored too long, but were the last of the ribs and tasted really good. No complaints there.

The turkey breast was very moist with a peppery crust and was a favorite at our table.

The sausage was cooked perfectly and tasted fine. It's not homemade, but still was good enough that my brother went back for a few links to take home.

Corkscrew has more than just straight BBQ on the menu.

I saw more than a few loaded baked potatoes moving out of the trailer before I got to the front of the line. In fact, before I reached the front of the line, potatoes were sold out.

I also saw some really interesting looking brisket tacos. Almost hate to say it, but there's also a spinach salad (with our without meat).

Sandwiches, including the Poncho and Lefty (brisket, pico de gallo and mayo) were moving well too. Sliced brisket, turkey and pulled pork will run you $10.95 per pound, sausage is $6.95 per pound and ribs are $16.95 per rack.

Back in June of 2012 we toured Houston BBQ and really didn't find any outstanding meat.

I can confidently say Corkscrew BBQ is miles better than anything we ate that weekend. Speaking only for myself, Corkscrew is the best BBQ in the greater Houston area.

Corkscrew BBQ, 24930 Budde Rd. (Near I-45 and Sawdust Rd.), Spring, 832-592-1184. Open Tues-Sat 11am-til the meat runs out. (Will said that's about 2:30pm on Friday and Saturday.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Owner and Pitmaster Will Buckman

 

 


Gary Jacobson

11 years ago

Damn, that brisket looks great!!

Woodzy

11 years ago

Corkscrew has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in the past 18 months.
We wrote them up just after they opened in November, 2011.
The flavor and quality is still just as good, if not better.
http://thewoodlandseats.com/corkscrew-bbq/

Barbeque Smokers

11 years ago

Nice arrangement

Jade Graham

9 years ago

The Smokin'O did put out a good amount of smoke. http://thebestgrillsever.com/best-gas-grills-under-1000




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