My favorite lunch spot while working in Mineola, Texas is CowBurners BBQ and Taproom. Since I love me some good cue its nice having a solid choice so close by. CowBurners is located on Johnson Street in Historic Downtown Mineola, Texas. It is a comfortable little BBQ joint tucked into the corner of an old building with a young but very friendly staff. I almost feel like Norm from Cheers when I walk in, sometimes three days in the week.
Jason Herring is the Owner and Pittmaster and is there most of the time. Be sure to introduce yourself and chew the fat discussing BBQ. The entire staff is welcoming and more than happy to learn your name and visit a spell. Jason serves up a nice variety of traditional BBQ along with some creations of his own from time to time. CowBurners also features a couple of popular recurring themes each week like Taco Tuesdays and Wingsday on Wednesdays.
Just the Meats
CowBurners serves up BBQ staples like Brisket, Sausage and Ribs. The ribs are only available for the weekend though. You will also find Pulled Pork and Smoked Turkey. A popular item that is only available on Friday and Saturday is the Rib Candy. This delectable little morsel comes from the rib trimmings and is rubbed and smoked with a little sauce.
On Taco Tuesday and Wingsday Wednesday you will find some additional meats and menu items to choose from. The tasty street style tacos are available with a choice of meets including pulled pork, chicken adobo and pork al pastor. The wings are of course chicken available in several flavor profiles and sauces.
Show Me The Sides
When it comes to sides you get several choices here as well. You’ll find the traditional sides you would expect from a BBQ restaurant but several of them are done with a bit of a twist. You can enjoy potato salad and coleslaw but the flavor profile is different from the ordinary. The cole slaw surprised me with one of its ingredients. Another not often seen BBQ side is creamed corn.
On the traditional side you’ll find pinto beans, green beans, french fries, chips and okra. If you like fried okra be sure to order the okra. They fry it up when you order it and it is some of the best fried okra I have had.
My favorite side which I ordered as my meal most days is the Pork Rind Nachos. You get a generous portion of fried to order pork rinds surrounded by a bowel of white queso. You can also choose a chopped meat to be added into your queso. Most people get the brisket but I normally got the pulled pork in mine. When they bring the tray out to you the pork rinds are still popping from the fryer, it is kind of like sizzling fajitas from a Mexican restaurant.
BBQ Sandwiches and More
Who doesn’t love a good BBQ Sandwich? At Cowburners you can get any of the meats in a sandwich from small to large and two meat choices like me. To round out the menu you can choose a Gut Bomb which is a baked potato topped with your choice of meat. Something called Q-Fries is pretty popular which is a pile of fries topped with meat, queso and sauce.
The Pitmaster also gets creative from time to time and whips up limited time menu items. During the winter months you will sometimes find brisket chili available. I haven’t had the pleasure before but you might get the chance to try the hatch chili mac & cheese. You never know what you may find on the board on any given visit.
Craft Beer in Mineola
For those that enjoy a flavorful craft beer with their barbecue Cowburners keeps a cool selection on tap and in the cooler. They tend to feature Native Texan beers brewed in the Great State of Texas. The brands can change with the seasons and availability but if you are a beer fan you will probably find a couple of labels you will enjoy.
Besides great BBQ I love a place where you can enjoy tasty food and meet some cool people to boot. CowBurners BBQ and Taproom is one of those places. You will find a cast of regulars at the tables enjoying some delicious food or at the bar exploring the world of craft beer. Next time you are near Mineola, TX be sure and save room for some good ole BBQ.
Leave a Reply