AROUND THE BEND 5 BEST
Barbecue Joints FINGER-LICKING-GOOD BARBECUE IN THE COASTAL BEND BY: TYLER SCHULTZ PHOTO BY: RACHEL BENAVIDES
LISABE LLA' S BIST RO & B A R
There’s nothing greater than barbecue, and South Texas is known for offering up some of the best. The Coastal Bend is home to a handful of mouthwatering options, so the next time you find yourself with a craving, here are five legendary local spots to check out.
Salty Oak BBQ 4855 S Alameda St.
In the heart of Bay Area lies Salty Oak Barbecue, which has been smoking delicious meats for more than four years. Its barbecue is made in an outdoor offset pit, with an array of perfectly paired house-made sides. This spot has taken the crown for Best Barbecue in The Local’s List for the fourth year in a row.
Hoegemeyer’s Barbecue Barn 711 Concrete St.
A Corpus Christi classic for barbecue, Hoegemeyer’s serves up delicious meats out of a 90-year-old renovated warehouse, using simple methods focused on spotlighting South Texas mesquite goodness. Hoegemeyer’s is a local favorite—no sauce needed. SALTY OAK BBQ
Mike Cotton’s BBQ 15013 Northwest Blvd #111
This spot is owned and operated by thirdgeneration barbecue enthusiasts and has served the Coastal Bend tasty mesquite-smoked meats for decades. From open-plate brisket sandwiches to mouthwatering ribs, Cotton’s serves up classic fall-off-the-bone flavor.
Butter’s BBQ 104 South HW 359
Just a 30-minute drive to Mathis will get you a plate at one of the top barbecue joints in Texas. Butter’s was recognized in Texas Monthly’s Top 50 Best BBQ Joints list in 2021, and for good reason. Pit-smoked barbacoa, jalapeno-cheese sausage and homemade pickles are just a few of the delicacies waiting for you.
Julian’s BBQ 1818 Baldwin Blvd.
Right around the time you’re hitting the hay, Pitmaster Julian Zapata is preparing BBQ perfection. The flavor, of course, comes from the hand-selected wood Zapata drives seven hours to procure. The Big Beef Ribs are hands-down the star of the show. thebendmag.com 21
