Melt-in-your-mouth meats around The Enchanted Circle
By Ellen Miller-Goins
Folks in the so-called “barbecue belt” spanning from Texas through Kansas City and Memphis to the Carolinas – know there is one hard-fast rule: True barbecue is meat cooked low and slow over indi-rect name (no, it’s not grilled). This may be the only point on which regional aficionados agree, but whether you love the messy joy of ribs slathered in sauce or brisket that is both crisp and tender, we found a few places around the Enchanted Circle to savor.
CASA DE VALDEZ
Where else can you go for fresh, hickory-smoked barbecue and traditional Northern New Mexican cuisine? One on line reviewer noted this is the place to go for brisket and ribs. “Good value, good BBQ!” Diners also have the option to try delicious chi le rellenos, stuffed sopapillas, blue corn enchiladas, fajitas, tamales, and more.
1401 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur 575-758-8777
SUP – CRAFT BBQ.
Owner Aya Trevino smokes brisket and pork for at least 17 hours and then finishes it in a basting brine with pineapple juice. Non-meat-eaters can sample tasty soups, salads and quiche, and “amaizeballs” (blue corn honey fritters dipped in a cacao, red chi le and cinnamon glaze). Plus, SUP is 100 percent gluten free!
832 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur 515-240-1567 suptaos.com
SHOTGUN WILLIE’S
Self-described as a “quaint, no-frills mainstay for down-home breakfasts, BBQ, Southwestern specialties & burgers,” Shot-gun Willie’s has been a Red River institution for over 30 years. If you haven’t already indulged in one of their HUGE breakfast burritos, grab one with melt-in-your-mouth brisket, sausage or both! Shotgun’s also caters events for 10 to 500 guests.
403 West Main Street 575-754-6505 shotgunwilliescafe.com
RED RIVER BREWING COMPANY
Red River Brewing Company & Distillery is a family owned and operated business with great beer and cocktails, fantastic food, and top-notch service. Enjoy traditional and fusion-inspired barbecue and brews in their beautiful space, or order brisket, pork ribs or chicken to go.
217 West Main Street 575-754-4422 redriverbrewing.com
STATE-SANCTIONED BBQ COOKOFF
This year’s 8750’ BBQ & Music Festival in Red River features BBQ, red chili and green chile competitions, and, for the first time, the festival is an official state champion-ship, sanctioned by the Lone Star BBQ Society.
575-754-1708 August 15 –17, 2024 8750festival.com
SMOKE RINGS BBQ
Owners Grant and Jennifer Gergen took a passion for backyard smoking and are liv-ing the dream with their food cart at Frontier Park. Jennifer notes, “Grant’s the meat cook and we make our own sauces.” In fact, Jennifer adds, “Everything is homemade,” including all the sides that accompany their barbecue meals.
Frontier Park, 3367 Mountain View Blvd 806-333-5653
