Pecan Lodge is certain to give you the meat sweats

It was overcast, windy, and threatening rain when the soccer game finished, and we went in search of some 'cue. TheKiddo and I wondered aloud if the line at Pecan Lodge would already be out the door at 11:15. We had considered visiting many times, and hadn't yet because our Saturdays are typically packed with back-to-back activities which makes the usual line we've seen a concern about our schedule issue. 

After a bit of a discussion we decided we'd head that way to find out, and it really wasn't all that cold anyway.

We rolled slowly past on Main and were glad to see there was no outside line. As soon as we hopped out of the car, we were thrilled. The aroma of smoke smothered us from half a block away. 

"Good decision," said TheKiddo as she took my hand to cross the street. 

The line was to the door when we entered, and the folks behind us were the first ones out the door. So we'd arrived at an ideal moment. 

The line lasted about half an hour, which was plenty of time for us to watch people, scout out tables we hoped would be open, and decide on our lunch. We settled on splitting a three meat platter - brisket, ribs, and sausage - with a sides of mac & cheese, fried okra, and rolls.

The food was heaped onto the tray in a gloriously gluttonous display. We actually started giggling. Almost immediately, we shut up with reverence as we tucked into the divine.

The brisket was smoked-meat perfection. A crusty exterior, with plenty of spice that was wrapped around tender, moist, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. We originally thought we'd have some left over to save for later. The foolishness of that concept was quickly apparent.

We were cramming it into our faces with both hands along with huge scoops of the bacon mac & cheese. 

While barbecue joints aren't typically known for their sides, I'd be tempted to roll into Pecan Lodge just to snag some of this. We all know this isn't probable. I'm unable to enter such an establishment and leave without smoked meat. It just doesn't happen. 

Like the brisket and mac & cheese, the sausage was simply sublime, and we've vowed to try the jalapeno variety on our next visit. 

The only disappointment, and frankly it's a matter of context, was the ribs. They had wonderful flavor and a delightful crust similar to the brisket. They just didn't fall off the bone, and match the tenderness of the brisket.

After devouring everything we could manage, which was almost everything on our platter, we sat for a few moments sipping tea and telling jokes. 

After several minutes, TheKiddo looked at me and said, "Daddy. I've got the meat sweats." Then she pushed out her chair, stood up, and started for the door.

There isn't a stronger endorsement for barbecue than that. We'll be back, and we'll be back often.