OPIE’S BARBECUE

Texas Monthly Magazine: “Restaurant is named for owner’s old dog. The prime rib at Opie’s is so tender you almost feel sorry for it. How will it protect itself? It lacks the brisket’s seasoned black bark, the baby back ribs’ sweet, chewy crust, or the all-pork jalapeño sausage’s threatening heat. The prime rib is defenseless, a perfectly smoked pink prey. Show it some mercy. Also try the tater tot casserole and the homemade, bigger-than-a-child’s-head cookies. Sauce is smoked in a pot alongside the meats, giving it an unusual mesquite-infused bite.” J. Silverstein