A Tried and True Tradition - Texas Barbecue

Barbecue is among the great traditions of Texas. Texans are passionate about their favorite barbecue as they are about football and politics. I've heard barbeque, football, and politics should not be brought up in mixed company. All three are contact sports here.

We take our barbecue seriously, and we know we smoke it the best way. Folks are known to plan road trips across the state to remedy a hankering for barbecue at legendary joints, like Louie Miller Barbecue in Taylor, Black's Barbecue in Lockhart, or City Market in Luling. Let's not forget one of the world's best barbecue cook-offs is held every year at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Folks ask me all the time, "Where do you go for good Texas barbecue?"

My choice, hands down, is located practically in my backyard--Tin Roof BBQ in Atascocita. There are few places I would rather be than sidled up to a table at Tin Roof, catching up on local conversations with neighborsand enjoying authentic Texas barbecue.

Tin Roof has been a staple in our community for 14 years, and over the years, I've eaten there so often that I consider the owners, Ronnie and Nancy Webber, to be friends. Ronnie and Nancy decided to open Tin Roof soon after Ronnie retired from the Houston Police Department. Not content with retirement, they purchased a historic home, located close to Memorial Park, which was used during World War II to house military personnel at Camp Logan. A developer was going to tear it down until the Webbers saved it. They moved the structure to Atascocita and outfitted it in Texas -themed decor.

The restaurant has grown from the original house with several additions, including a Texas -sized covered deck. On a typical Saturday night, folks fill the place to sample delicious, homemade cooking, from Texas' bestbarbecue to side dishes made from scratch. Of course, there's Ronnie's delicious homemade sauce, sweet tea, and live music.

Family-owned restaurants, like Tin Roof, are the heart of our community. Ronnie and Nancy are deeply rooted here, and it shows. They give back whenever they can. They provide food, friendship, and support for anumber of neighborhood organizations, area schools, and our local law enforcement officers. Recently, they participated in a charity cook-off to help the Banded Brigade Outdoors, an organization that provides morale-boosting events, such as hunting, fishing, and target shooting, for those who have served our great country.

Many love barbecue for its taste. Aficionados love it for its craft. Texans love it for its tradition, steeped in community with friends and family gathered around a picnic table, making memories. This weekend grab the family and head to the nearest Texas barbecue joint. Just be careful if you mix it with football and politics.

And that's just the way it is--y'all