If you've ever taken a road trip through Texas, chances are you've heard of Buc-ee's. Known for their clean restrooms, extensive selection of snacks, and enormous gas stations, Buc-ee's has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon in the Lone Star State. But there's one thing that Buc-ee's does pretty darn well, and that's BBQ.
When I was down visiting our place at Rowlett Retreat, I made a point to stop at Buc-ee's. I haven't been to a Buc-ee's in over a decade since we moved away, so I planned my entire road trip around the stop. As someone who considers themselves a bit of a barbecue aficionado, I remembered with fondness that sloppy sandwich from years ago and couldn't wait to see if it was as good as I remembered.
Walking into the store, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of the place. The Buc-ee's I stopped at had over 60 gas pumps and was easily the largest gas station I've ever seen. Once inside, I made my way to the barbecue counter, where I saw... so much BBQ. They make these things by the dozens, and they're all delicious.
The sandwich itself was a thing of beauty. The chopped brisket was piled high on a soft bun and topped with onions. I leave the pickles off because eww. I threw in a bag of Buc-ee's homemade chips, which was also delicious. The brisket was tender and smoky, with just the right amount of fat to give it a rich flavor. The onions added a nice crunch and acidity, which helped cut through the richness of the meat.
As I sat outside in the shade, enjoying my sandwich and people-watching, I couldn't help but feel like I was experiencing something truly special. There's just something about stopping at Buc-ee's on a road trip that feels quintessentially Texan. And while the barbecue might not be quite as good as some of the famous joints in places like Lockhart or Austin, it's certainly a cut above what you'd expect from a gas station.
So if you find yourself on a road trip through Texas, do yourself a favor and make a point to stop at Buc-ee's. And when you do, be sure to try the chopped brisket sandwich. It might just be the highlight of your trip.