McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers: Huntsville

What a better way to start off the week much less a Monday with a blog about a good ol' hamburger? 

Started in Huntsville in 1995 by Kevin and Lisa McKenzie, McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers is truly a family affair.  Expanding their operations to Conroe and Montgomery, McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers has continued their excellence by winning the Best BBQ in Montgomery County for 11 years in a row and Best BBQ for Huntsville for 14 years.

My first visit to McKenzie's was five years ago.  I dropped in for a hamburger, and I fell in love with the then smaller, intimate location.  Forget the award winning barbeque, this girl sticks to their hamburgers.  Wednesday's lunch special is the hamburger basket, and guess what today is- Wednesday. 

As you can see, the shredded lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and pickles are overflowing- makes me feel better about eating a burger- healthier?  On this day, the beef patty is medium in thickness, slightly smaller than the buttery bun, seasoned well, though a bit overcooked and charred in some areas.  Overall, a pretty good burger.  The french fries are hand cut style.  Little to any seasoning, quite greasy, and slightly undercooked for my liking.

Maybe on this day, McKenzie's is just out of whack.  Overall, it was still a very edible burger basket.  Due to their popularity, they moved into a much larger location across the road a few years ago.  I am hoping this isn't part of the issue. 

As I was waiting in line, I noticed another familiar logo in McKenzie's- Bodacious BBQ Sauces and Seasonings.  According to their website, their sister, Shannon, owns a Bodacious BBQ.  Ummmm, I guess I will have to go back and try their BBQ since we all know how much I like Bodacious BBQ. 

If you are in Huntsville and you want to experience the Best of Huntsville and Montgomery County BBQ, check out McKenzie's Barbeque and Burgers.  Did I mention that they have free pinto beans?

McKenzie's Barbeque & Burgers
1548 11th Street (Hwy 30)
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 291-7347
http://www.mckenziesbarbeque.com/

Bodacious BBQ: Longview

When I got my first job, every Wednesday we would head to a BBQ joint on Division Street in Arlington, Texas.  I loved this BBQ place for the Postman sandwich- chopped brisket and chopped sausage.  Imagine this- it was named after the Postman that would come in and order. 

This BBQ joint was my first taste of Bodacious BBQ.

Years later, when I see a Bodacious BBQ, I will always stop.  On this day, I'm grabbing a late bite at the Bodacious BBQ on the Loop in Longview.  I grab up my new usual: chopped beef with a side of cole slaw.

As expected, the freshly chopped beef is in surplus and filled with smoke.  Bodacious's BBQ sauce is served on the side.  It is the perfect balance for me- just a little bit more tang than sweet.  It is on the watery side, but still just the right consistency to coat the beef and to wet the bun.  The cole slaw is sweeter than sour and mayonnaise based. 

Overall, Bodacious BBQ takes me back to the days when I was younger.  To date, it always satisfies my craving for BBQ.  If you are in East Texas, I can guarantee you can find a Bodacious BBQ.  They've grown and franchised quite a bit since starting in 1965.

Bodacious BBQ
1300 W Loop 281
Longview, Texas
(903) 759-3914

Tyler Bodacious BBQ Website:
http://www.thebodaciousbbq.com/

The Noonday Store: Noonday

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged about my Tasty Texas Travels.  Sometimes you just fall out of rhythm, but what a great way to start back with a good ol’ hamburger from the Noonday Store.

Located just outside of Tyler in Noonday, this gas station/convenience store has been serving up hamburgers and comfort food for the last 20 years.  Short on space and jam packed with people, the Noonday Store offers a food journey from hamburgers to country comfort food to even a fresh meat market.  Note to self, pack a cooler on the next trip because this beef was some of the best looking that I have ever seen.

Place your order, try to find an open spot where you are not in the way, and watch the magic of their kitchen.  Buns come out buttery golden with the condiments eagerly getting in line.  Then, the burgers- oh the burgers!

All I can say is TASTY!  I only imagine how well seasoned the griddle is- this is truly one of the best burgers in Texas.  A third pound of pure beef, seasoned to perfection, lettuce and Noonday onions overflowing, mayo and mustard oozing, and the cheese gooing- do I really need to say more. 

Did I mention the buttery bun?  The French fries are hand cut style.  Cooked to perfection, and just salted enough.  Overall, pure perfection and stomach satisfaction!

If you are anywhere near Tyler, you’ve got to stop in at the Noonday Store.  It’s truly an experience.  Everyone inside makes you feel like you are one of the locals- kinda like Cliff from Cheers.  It’s a place where everyone seems to know your name, and if they don’t, they’ll just make it up!  Check it out because it is truly a Tasty Texas Travel!

The Noonday Store

16822 State Highway 155 S

Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 534-9498