Smoke Daddy’s Review of Bartleys BBQ
Smoke Daddy, XO, and Phil Chelf would come back for the brisket, beans, and cobbler. The ribs were nearly done, and if fully rendered would also be very good. 20+ year history and nice folks make this a pleasant surprise in strip center barbecue.
MAIN FARE:
- Brisket – Beefy & fully rendered. Tender meat with just a bit of chew. Good. Not too much smoke, but it is evident around the edges.
- Rib – Good color. Lightly rubbed. Good meaty flavor and finished with a sweet glaze. Mine was ‘mostly done’, But XO and Phil’s needed more time in the smoker — not fully rendered.
- Sausage – Commercial texture with a ‘unique’ spice blend. Spice profile clashes with the sauce. Not a favorite.
- Hot link – Richer flavor with a bit of kick. Consistency is still commercial-style, but flavor is good.
OTHER FARE:
Smoke Daddy, XO, and Phil Chelf would come back for the brisket, beans, and cobbler. The ribs were nearly done, and if fully rendered would also be very good. 20+ year history and nice folks make this a pleasant surprise in strip center barbecue.
MAIN FARE:
- Brisket – Beefy & fully rendered. Tender meat with just a bit of chew. Good. Not too much smoke, but it is evident around the edges.
- Rib – Good color. Lightly rubbed. Good meaty flavor and finished with a sweet glaze. Mine was ‘mostly done’, But XO and Phil’s needed more time in the smoker — not fully rendered.
- Sausage – Commercial texture with a ‘unique’ spice blend. Spice profile clashes with the sauce. Not a favorite.
- Hot link – Richer flavor with a bit of kick. Consistency is still commercial-style, but flavor is good.
OTHER FARE:
- Potato Salad – Soft taters. Very mild flavors in the mixture. A few bits of veggie for crunch/texture. Bland.
- Slaw – Cream based sauce, but watery. Leaf has lost some of its crunch. Very mild flavors… bland.
- Pintos – Simple, but good flavors. Beans are soft, and there’s just a touch of spice on the finish. Nice.
- Sauce – West Texas Style (Red, translucent, with flavor that doesn’t cover the meat).
- Banana Pudding – Standard mix with Nilla Wafers and banana slices on the bottom.
- Cobbler – Apple/Peach mixture is spiced like an apple pie… with peaches as an added bonus! Robust cinnamon spices and crispy texture make this cobbler great.
ATMOSPHERE: 
- Strip mall location – Bartley’s has been here about 20 years. They moved from Main St where City Hall bounced them from their original location citing eminent domain.
- Nice folks using a J&R pit that is busy 24 hours a day.
- Moist towelettes on the table were a nice touch after the sticky (glazed) ribs.
