225 degree BBQ, Arlington

 

https://www.facebook.com/225BBQ/

sampled 8/6/26 about 11:30 am

Scott had a birthday last week, so to celebrate, we went out to try a couple of joints we had not tried before.  This one is a winner.  We arrived about 11:30 and found no line and only a couple of other customers in the building.  Usually not a good sign.  I got my usual Texas trinity and added some pork belly burnt ends.  It took a few minutes before the lady delivered our trays but the first bite got our attention.  The brisket was top notch with great smoke flavor.  It was super moist and tender.  Ditto the ribs and sausage.  The jalapeno cheddar sausage had a very nice spice and the green flecks were visible in every bite.  The pork belly burnt ends were also awesome.  I thought the mac & cheese was pretty average, but the rice was very tasty and not something you see on too many BBQ menus.

This place is less than 1300 feet, as the crow flies, from top 50 Hurtado BBQ.  I have eaten at Hurtado many times, but I think this joint is better.  It's a little off the beaten path, but I think it deserves some serious attention.  I will be eating there again very soon to confirm our first visit.  Oh, and the plate I had cost just $47.  That's a big bargain compared to many other joints around town.  I don't think this secret will last long.

Jambo's Barbecueshak, Arlington 8/6/26

 

https://jambosbbq.com/

sampled 8/6/26 about noon

I had a taste of Jambo's a couple of months ago at a music festival and wanted to give it a try at the restaurant.  This is another place that does not include ribs on their plates.  Instead you have to order a rib plate, then add other meats.  I have never understood why some joints do this, but that's what I did, adding brisket and jalapeno sausage.  I also tried a popper, plus some mac & cheese and tater salad.

The brisket was so dry it was almost crumbly and there was zero smoke flavor.  The ribs were ok, but also pretty dry.  I think I might have gotten the regular sausage instead of the jalapeno because there was no spice and no sign of green in the sausage.  Overall, the best thing on my tray was the mac & cheese, made with white cheddar.