The secret is now out about the little BBQ joint on Avenue B in old downtown Garland. Meshack's Bar-B-Que Shack has gone from obscurity to stardom over the past year.
Their chopped brisket sandwich, on the menu at a cool $2.75, may very well be the best BBQ bargain in the DFW area. You can also buy a pound of chopped beef for $7.00.
Travis and Donna Mayes opened Meshack's in May 2009. They had been in the business 15 years earlier and wanted to make another run at BBQ greatness. Donna said they prayed about it and decided to give the new business three months to gain momentum. Full Custom Gospel BBQ blogger Daniel Vaughn came along in August with his first review and the rest is history, as they say.
In July 2010, D Magazine awarded Meshack's with the "Best Barbecue" award in their Best of Big D 2010: Food & Drink rankings. Donna says their lives have been a whirlwind since then. Business has tripled and people are coming from near and far to order at the small take-out window.
On the breaking news front, Travis and Donna are expanding to a second location in east Dallas. More details to come, but they promise the same great food and low prices. The new joint will have ample parking and seating, but no need to be alarmed. They will keep the original location running as well, for all you BBQ purists who have come to appreciate to skills of one of the top pitmasters in Texas!
Meshack's Bar-B-Que Shack, 240 E. Ave. B, Garland, TX, (214) 227-4748. Open Tues 10:30 am-5 pm, Wed-Sat 10:30am-7pm.
(Photos by Chris Wilkins)
