July 8, 2017
Corpus Christi, Texas – Last time I was in Texas, I was just passing through. (Yeah, it took a LONG time). This time we were attending an event in Texas. Though our time here was limited, I knew I wanted to have either a Texas-sized steak or some barbecue before I left the state.
I had seen this place a few times over the weekend as we passed by it. It came time for dinner on our last full day in Corpus Christi and we still had not decided where to go. It became a now-or-never proposition. Pretty much on the spur of the moment, we decided to try this place.
I found out that Rudy’s “Country Store” Bar-B-Que has about 40 locations across five states – 32 stores in Texas alone. This particular location looks like it used to be a gas/service station in its former life. As such, it was easy to find and easy to access, right on South Padre Island Drive.
We walked in and headed toward the back. Inside, the place seems to be divided between market and counter, and the dining area. You’ll probably have to get in line to place your order (don’t worry. It moves pretty fast). To keep the line moving, try to decide what you want before you get to the front. What you’ll find once you get to the front is a counter with all of the different meats available on display.
The meats are sold by the half-pound. Not sure what you want? They provide samples. Barbecue prime rib was one of the meats on offer. I absolutely love prime rib. I had made up my mind to order some but got a sample anyway.
Rudy’s meat options number a baker’s dozen. Sandwich lovers have half a dozen sandwiches to choose from. I was happy to see they offer about ten sides, one of which is green chile stew. I’ll have to try that next time. The menu also lists over a dozen breakfast tacos. Yes, breakfast tacos, not breakfast burritos. Desserts? Yes. There are six of them.
All of Rudy’s meats are cooked in a wood-fired pit with oak as the wood of choice. They also make their own special dry rub. To compliment your meats, choose from two types of “sause” (that’s how they spell it): Original and Sissy.
After pondering over all of the available items, I finally made my decision.
My order today was a half-pound each of brisket, prime rib, and pork spare ribs. My drink? Sweet tea, of course!
Once our orders were prepared for us, we took our bounty over to the dining section and sat at the picnic tables. With a nearly full room, long rows of tables covered with gingham tablecloths, and food spread out over the tables, the dining area looked like a large, indoor barbecue. I couldn’t wait to dig in.
Normally I will have unsweetened tea. But it was nice to have some sweet tea for a change. It certainly complimented all of the food we had today.
The barbecue prime rib was not quite what I expected. I guess I was somehow expecting some of that slow-roasted flavor. But, this is a barbecue joint. No ‘slow roasted’ here. Must be me not being used to smoke flavor in prime rib. Once I got my mind right, I began to enjoy it.
The ribs had a nice flavor. They were tender and juicy. The sauce went well with them. I appreciated that these were the larger type ribs.
I wasn’t prepared for how the brisket hit me. It was fall-apart tender. Properly smoked. Rudy’s rub adds to the flavor while still allowing the meat to be the star. This was the best brisket I have ever had! I couldn’t stop eating it. It was so good I had to tell one of the workers how much I enjoyed it.
Ever decide to stop somewhere based solely on intuition and have it be way better than what you imagined? That is what happened at Rudy’s today.
If you didn’t get enough at the store, some of their meats and ‘sauses’ are available online.
Rudy’s “Country Store” Bar-B-Q – 5 forks. Very highly recommended. Surpassed all of my expectations.
Kanale Eats 