Editor's note: This joint is now closed.
We loaded up the truck and headed north to Clark's Outpost BBQ in Tioga on Saturday. We'd heard a lot about Clark's and wanted to investigate, they've been featured in both Bon Appetit and Gourmet magazines. In the past I've been known to say, "The words barbeque and gourmet should never be used in the same sentence," so I was a little suspicious.
The drive from Plano took almost an hour, a little longer than we expected. The distance was almost 50 miles door-to-door. We rolled through beautiful rolling horse country and the small towns of Aubrey and Pilot Point on the way to Tioga. Rumor has it the wealthy oil barons and horsemen have landed their helicopters at Clark's for a BBQ lunch.
We almost smelled Clark's before we saw it driving northbound past Pilot Point on Hwy. 377. The overwhelming aroma of smoke was everywhere as we pulled in the parking lot and entered the simple front door. Inside Clark's you feel like you're visiting an old friend. The walls are lined with old photos among numerous of tables covered with green checkered tablecloths.
My brother Jonathan and I decided to split one pound of brisket and one of ribs, with sides of french fried corn-on-the-cob. Our plates came within ten minutes and the posse members dug in. The meats had a great smoke taste, though the brisket was a little dry. The ribs were cooked almost perfectly, the addition of the sauce made them even better. We passed on ordering their world-famous lamb fries.
Both the service and ambiance were great. I had heard the prices were high at Clark's and this trip was no exception. Our lunch of one pound of brisket, one pound of ribs, 2 corn-on-the-cob sides & two soft drinks was over $50 with tip. Ouch. But if you stick with the daily specials you can eat far more affordably. The Texas BBQ Posse looks forward to their next trip to Tioga.
Clark's Outpost BBQ, 101 Hwy. 377 at Gene Autry Drive, Tioga, Texas. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m; Friday and Saturday - 11:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Sunday - 11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Photos ©Chris Wilkins/Texas BBQ Posse