New Member (Kansas City - Memphis - New Orleans - Austin - Oklahoma City - Kansas City)

I am making a one week road trip primarily for BBQ and looking for ideas on where to eat along the way.  I am from KC so good there and pretty familiar with the Memphis area as well as all the Lockhart, Elgin, Luling, LaGrange and Taylor Texas spots.  Memphis will likely deviate from BBQ for Acme Oyster House and Central Grocery. 
 
Ideas are appreciated.

welcome, john. tell us your route.
Is it in the order you've given?

Yes, it is in the order presented.
 
KC through Springfield, Missouri and Jonesboro, AR (US13, US65, US63) ending in Memphis one day.
 
Then Memphis to New Orleans (straight down I55 through Jackson, MS).
 
After a stay in New Orleans for a day or two I will shoot across I10 through Baton Rouge and Lafayette, LA ending up just West of Beaumont, TX.
 
Continuing West on I10 through Houston and hitting LaGrange, Luling, Lockhart and Bastrop, TX.
 
Up Hwy 95 hitting Elgin and Taylor, TX and merging up with I35 through Temple, Waco and Dallas.  Possibly stopping at a giant casino just over the Texas/Oklahoma border...forget the name.
 
I35 the rest of the way back to KC stopping in Williamsburg for a slab of ribs at Guy & MAe's Tavern (one of my local favorites...it's only an hour from KC).
 
Not sure how many days this trip will end up being.  I know I will have to get to New Orleans in the first tow days to meet up with my wife who is flying in but after that I will be flexible on days.

Sounds like a fun trip. Welcome to Roadfood.

I know you are interested in trying good Memphis BBQ. Here are the top choices.

A & R Bar B Que @ 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN. 901 - 774 - 7444.
http://www.aandrbbq.com/
BBQ Shop @ 1782 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN. 901 - 272 - 1277.
http://www.dancingpigs.com/
Central BBQ @ 2249 Central Ave., Memphis, TN. 901 - 272 - 9377.
Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous @ 52 S. Second St., Memphis, TN. 901 - 523 - 2746.
http://www.hogsfly.com/
Cozy Corner @ 745 N. Parkway, Memphis, TN. 901 - 527 - 9158.
http://www.cozycornerbbq.com/
Interstate BBQ @ 2265 S. Third St., Memphis, TN. 901 - 775 - 2304.
http://www.interstatebarbecue.com/
Neely's BBQ @ 670 Jefferson St., Memphis, TN. 901 - 521 - 9798.
http://www.neelysbbq.com/
One and Only BBQ @ 1779 Kirby Pkwy., Memphis, TN 901 - 751 - 3615.
http://www.oneandonlybbq.com/
Paynes BBQ @ 1762 Lamar Ave., Memphis, TN. 901 - 272 - 1523.

The BBQ Shop and One and Only are my favorites but Payne's is famous for their pulled pork sandwich.

South of Jackson on I 55.  For good BBQ get off I 55 at Exit 72 in Crystal Springs, MS and go E on Highway 27. Go E for about a mile to the Intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 51 to Louise's for outstanding BBQ. Google has Louise's home address so a GPS may take you to the wrong place. Just go straight from I 55 on Highway 27 to the IS of 51 and 27. It's in a brown frame building with a high yellow sign. Here's a link to their menu. They are open to about 9 PM.
http://www.urbanspoon.com...rbeque-Crystal-Springs
Bring an ice chest and pick up some custom processed meat from Wilson's Meathouse in Crystal Springs. Get off I 55 at Exit 68 towards Crystal Springs and go E for .4 mile to Highway 51. Take a right and go 1.1 mile and Wilson's will be on your left.
Louise Open Pit BBQ @ 26164 Hwy. 27, Crystal Springs, MS. 601 - 892 - 5003.
http://carpejackson.com/2.../louises-open-pit-bbq/
Wilson's Meathouse @ 23086 U.S. 51, Crystal Springs, MS 601 - 892 - 2951.
http://www.sararoahen.com/Sara_Roahen/Active_Blog/Entries/2008/9/9_MIssissippi_Meathouse.html
If you want good soul food near Summit, MS get off I 55 at Exit 20 and go W. Take your first right on Old Brookhaven Road and go N to Doretha's.
Doretha's @ 1139 Old Brookhaven Road, Summit, MS 601 - 276 - 9594.
For the best southern cooking in the US go to Dinner Bell in McComb, MS. They are open for lunch only Tuesday through Sunday. Get off I 55 at Exit 17 and go E on Delaware Avenue to S Broadway. Take a right and go 2 blocks to 5th Avenue. Take a right and go to Dinner Bell. You will sit around large lazy susan tables filled with southern specials like fresh vegetable casseroles, fried eggplant and fried chicken. Stop by on your way N.
The Dinner Bell @ 229 5th Ave., McComb, MS. 601 - 684 - 4883.
http://www.thedinnerbell.net/index.html
If you take a rest stop near the LA/MS state line at Osyka, MS get off I 55 at Exit 1 and go E on Highway 584 and go to Second Street. Take a right and go to Nyla's for outstanding burgers. The nearby town of Kentwood, LA is the home of Britney Spears who is a frequent visitor at Nyla's.
Nyla's Burger Basket @ 1071 Second Street, Osyka, MS 601 - 542 - 5032.
BBQ Station is a good stop in Independence, LA. Get off I 55 at Exit 40 and go E on Highway 40 to Railroad Avenue. Take a right and go two blocks for good BBQ.
Bar B Que Station @ 563 W. Railroad Ave., Independence, LA. 985 - 878 - 3747.
If you have never been to Middendorf's Restaurant you must stop at Exit 15 off I 55. Go E to Highway 51 and turn right. Go S about a mile to some fine fresh seafood right off the boat. They also serve great salads, gumbo, sandwiches and steaks. Stop to rest even if you don't eat. Get a cold drink and head back.
Middendorf's @ 30160 Highway 51, Akers, LA 985 - 386 - 6666.
http://middendorfsrestaurant.com/
If you stop in Jackson, MS on your way N/S and you would like outstanding fresh seafood or steaks in a great atmosphere get off I 220 Bypass at Exit 1B and go E on Highway 80 to Crechales. It's in an old run down joint on the right but they serve some fine food. Be sure to try their Cumback Sauce. Get a few bottles to take home.
Crechale's @ 3107 Highway 80 West, Jackson, MS. 601 - 355 - 1840.

On your way W from NOLA on I 10 get off I 10 at Exit 157A in Baton Rouge, LA to Perkins Road and take a right to Parrain's for outstanding fresh seafood for lunch or dinner. Or get off I 10 at Exit 157A in Baton Rouge, La to Perkins Road. Take a left and Acme Oyster House is on your left open for lunch or dinner serving outstanding fresh seafood.
Parrain's Seafood Restaurant @ 3225 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 225 - 381 - 9922.
http://www.parrains.com/
Acme Oyster House @ 3535 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 225 - 906 - 2372.
http://www.acmeoyster.com/
Get off I 10 at Exit 115 in Henderson, LA and go E on Highway 352 to Henderson Levee Road to Pat's Fisherman's Wharf for good cajun food. Go to Whiskey River Landing for good music and cold drinks.
Pat's Fisherman's Wharf @ 1008 Henderson Levee Rd., Henderson, LA 337 - 228 - 7512.
http://www.patsfishermanswharf.com/
Whiskey River Landing @ 1365 Henderson Levee Road, Breaux Bridge, LA 337 - 228 - 2277.
http://www.whiskeyriverlanding.net/
Get off I 10 at Exit 109 in Breaux Bridge and go S on Rees Street or Highway 328 and go to Le Cafe for outstanding Po Boys. Or get Off I 10 at Exit 109 and go N on Highway 328 which is Anse Broussard Highway also to Poche Bridge Road. Go N to Main Highway and Poche Market and Restaurant for good Cajun cuisine for lunch. This is a buffet so you might really like it if you are in a hurry.
Le Cafe @ 124 Rees St., Breaux Bridge, LA 337 - 332 - 2500.
Poche's Market and Restaurant @ 3015 Main Hwy., Breaux Bridge, LA. 337 - 332 - 2108.
http://www.pochesmarket.com/
Get off I 10 at Exit 101 in Lafayette, LA then go S on Hwy. 182 which is N University. Go less than a mile to Creole Cafe for good country breakfast or plate lunch.
Creole Cafe @ 1227 N. University Ave., Lafayette, LA 337 - 266 - 4648.
Or get off I 10 at Exit 101 in Lafayette, LA and go S on Hwy. 182 which is N University. Go S on University and it becomes W University. Take a right on Johsnton St. and go three blocks and take a right on W St. Mary Blvd.then go one block where you will find Old Thyme Grocery for good road food and the best po boys in LA.
Old Tyme Grocery @ 218 West Saint Mary Blvd., Lafayette, LA 337 - 235 - 8165.
Or get off I 10 in Lafayette, LA at Exit 101 and go S on Hwy. 182 which is N University. Go S on University and it becomes W University then it becomes E University. Go to Pinhook and take a right then go about 6 blocks to Blue Dog Cafe for great road food.
Blue Dog Cafe @ 1211 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 337 - 237 - 0005.
http://www.bluedogcafe.com/
Get off I 10 @ Exit 64 in Jennings, LA and go S on Highway 26 to Frey's Crawfish House for good cajun food for lunch or dinner. They only serve dinner on T/F/S. Be sure to check their hours.
Frey's Crawfish House @ 919A North Lake Arthur Ave., Jennings, LA 337 - 246 - 5023.
http://freyscrawfish.com/
Get off I 10 at Exit 82 and go N to Hawk's for fresh crawfish.
Hawk's Crawfish @ 415 Hawks Road, Rayne, LA 337 - 788 - 3266.
http://hawkscrawfish.com/home.htm

SUPER helpful, thanks.  I have already started the excursion today so I missed you Memphis suggestions but ended up eating at both Cozy Corner and A&R.  Both were good for sure.  The Cornish Hen at Cozy Corner was very good but the ribs were just OK...a little tough.  I got a whole slab, ate tow and gave the rest to a couple of Memphis police officers that had come in for dinner.  A&R's ribs were spectacular...just the right amount of "bite" to them...somewhere between fall off the bone and competition BBQ bite.  The A&R sauce was unusual, I think I tasted some anise in there?  Prior to Memphis I hit Pappy's Place in Springfield, MO which served decent KC style ribs in a really interesting little place in the middle of a neighborhood.  I love my KC style BBQ but must say that I like the way the Memphis places trim off the tips to make such perfect looking creatures out of a slab of ribs.
 
For reference, my favorite KC BBQ places are:  Arthur Bryants for brisket and turkey, Gates for pork ribs, Jacks Stack for lamb ribs and chicken, and Smokehouse for beef Ribs.  I used to favor Sneads for burnt ends but just can't find any that I can fall in love with anymore.  Sauce is the weird and grainy Bryants with GAtes running a close second and Jacks Stack in third for a more traditional KC flavor.
 
I'll try a few of your suggestions as I continue through New Orleans and on to the mecca of BBQ in Lulling/Lockhart/Taylor/LaGrange/Elgin. 
 
 

On your way back on I-35, stop for lunch at B&C BBQ in Wichita. It is a buffet in an old garage, only open at lunch time Monday - Saturday.
 
Outstanding que and sides. The pulled pork and garlic slaw are particularly good.

In Waco, just off the I-35 and near the Baylor campus try Vitek's for BBQ. When I was in school there 28 years ago, the BBQ was awesome. I know they have grown and gotten more commercial but hope the BBQ hasn't suffered. Didn't get a chance to eat there last Spring.

good call on guy & maes

Guy and Maes is a consistent winner for me.  Some folks fault it for using the foil wrap process to make the ribs too "fall off the bone" and not having enough smoke but I like them.  The sauce is a nice change of pace as well..kind of a light alternative.  And the spicy pickles are good there as well.  I don't like the way those tiny napkins stick to my finger tips though.
 
Last time through Wichita I did Pig In Pig Out and thought it was pretty good.  I like the smoked bologna there.  I'll try B&C this time through although I may be redirecting my travels back from the Lockhart area into Arkansas to make a stop at my lake house on Table Rock Lake instead of doing I35.   What is it about old gas stations and BBQ that seem to go together?  I may have to devise another road trip someday that hits only BBQ joints in old gas stations. 
 
NOLA was a bit of a disappointment because Central Grocery is not open on Sunday or Monday (the days I was there) and I really wanted a mufletta from there.  Johnny's Po Boys, Acme Oyster House and Cafe Du Mond were all great though.
 
I tried hitting Jerry Lees' Kwik Stop in Baton Rouge for Boudin and Cracklins but it was closed...lesson learned...always call ahead.  That delay plus a late start made me miss out on all of Littleman's great suggestions but does leave an excuse to do it again in a few months.

Just curious (and a little off topic...) but you are from KC and didn't mention Oklahoma Joe's as a favorite?
 
ALL I ever hear is that OK Joe's is the place in KC.  I have been to Original AB's, Gates on Main (I think) and Jack Stack (can't remember which one) in recent years, but never OK Joe's.
 
What is your take on them?
 
Oh, also, have a great trip.  :)

I'm another KC area member. I put Oklahoma Joes at about #8 in KC. It would go a few spots higher if it wasn't so famous. The long lines and wait take some of the blush off the rose.
 
The BBQ places change over time. Right now, I give the top spot to LC's. But the place to go depends a lot on what meats or sides you are wanting. There is no place that stands out so much that it is the must place to go.

Good question about OK Joes.  I'm not a huge fan of pulled pork compared to the other forms of BBQ and that is why I didn't list OK Joes as it IS my favorite place for pulled pork when the urge arises.
 
Not to make the rest of the members jealous but I am sitting inside of Kreuz as I type this enjoying a hot link, beef shoulder and prime rib.  The sausage is just a bit off today...not enough binder or something as it is too soft and just crumbles away after the casing is broken.  Up until today Kreuz has been my favorite in the sausage category in the Lockhart area...BUT...today I also dined at Prause in La Grange and it now holds the top spot!  I also had the opportunity to hit City Market in Luling earlier today and the ribs and brisket were top notch.
 
Sfreader is correct about KC BBQ...each place seems to best at one form or another so you have to mix and match.  I suppose if I could only eat at one for the rest of my life I would do AB, however, I woudl say that Jack Stack probably produces the most complete roundup of quality stuff.  I think I mentioned lamb ribs and chicken at Jack's stack but it also has awesome beef short ribs (they are HUGE).

I may try to post a Trip Report although I'm not much of a writer.  In the meantime just a final note of my favorites.  Also, thanks for all the ideas and contributions.
 
* Louie Mueller's in Taylor, TX for the best beef ribs ever and my overall favorite of the trip.  Super friendly, awesome food and great atmosphere.
* Best sausage was Prause's in LaGrange, TX.
* Kruetz in Lockhart, TX had the best smoked prime rib.
* City Market in Luling for best pork ribs (A&R in Memphis, TN was a very close 2nd).
* Cozy Corner in Memphis, TN for best cornish hen (the only cornish hen but still awesome).
 
Brisket was really great at all of the places so there isn't just one that stands out as the best.
 
I'm not sure how to post a picture, otherwise, I would show you the most awesome beef rib ever from Louie Mueller's.  I was told it was a chuck rib.  It looked kind of like a short rib but longer with the ends perfectly rimmed for holding.  Flat, around 10 inches long and beef on top around 2-3 inches tall.  Amazing!