Harmons BBQ
Texas BBQ · 102 S Main St, Cibolo, Texas 78108
★★★★★ 1 review(210) 658-8889
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Reviews
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Decent BBQ But Lacking Uniqueness. Junk Beans are a Must Try
This was my first visit to Harmons BBQ, and was one of about 100 places I have on a list of places to try. As soon as you enter, you see old an old fashioned looking place, with wood counters, and brick walls. The menu is a whiteboard on the front wall, with a variety of items, a wood ice chest houses an assortment of beers and beverages, and a small cooler with some dessert options.
I always look for things restaurants do differently, and here it was a sampler plate that included 1/4 lb portions of brisket,sausage,turkey,chicken,& pork, all for $23. However I do not think the sampler includes anything else. I also noticed an item
called "junk beans" which I later got a description of and decided to try. They are a $0.75 upcharge on plates, $3.95 a serving, $6.95 a pint or $12 a quart. The beans contain hamburger, crumbled brisket, hot sauce, sausage, chicken, and BBQ sauce.
I ordered the 2 meat plate which was $19.95 and includes your choice of any 2 meats not including ribs which are available for an upcharge. I went with the brisket and sausage. The plate also comes with 2 sides, I chose the junk beans (out of curiosity) and the creamed corn because I love creamed corn. Also offered was a wide selection of Texas beers, one of which was an apricot Wheat beer from Aquabrew in San Macros. I figured, why not add one more new item to the meal?.
The food came out fairly quick, but I had just enough time to wander around and take a look at the back room which had plenty of seating for large groups. The food was served on brown butcher paper, with a pile of raw onion, pickles, and bread. A pretty common serving arangement for Texas BBQ.
I tried the brisket first, and thats when I realized, I forgot to ask for marbled or moist brisket. Surprisingly the meat was still moist, not overly lean, with a small bit of fat running along the edge. The meat had a decent bark, with good smoked flavor, a crispy edge and good pepper coating.
The sausage while tasting familiar, was just a bit different, and I didnt think it really stood out, but it deffinitely wasnt bad. I just felt it was very similar to sausages I have had elsewhere. I later found out while reading an Express News article that the sausage is made by Opa's in Fredricksburg, specially for Harmons with a modified seasoning.
The creamed corn was good, very creamy, already salted, and not overly bland. I've had some amazing cream corn and some with nearly no flavor.. and this stuff was in the better half of the ones I've tried.
Last up was the "junk beans". The very first spoonfull had visable pieces of shredded brisket, and the BBQ sauce flavor was imediately apparent. These beans are super filling, and could easily be eaten on their own with some crackers or bread as a meal. The flavor and consistency reminded me of the "ATM Beans" I get at Ericks Tacos, which also contain asada meat, oaxaca cheese, cilantro and a slice of avocado. These type of beans make for great late night food, and also hit the spot when its cold weather outside.
Overall the food was good. While I wouldn't put this place in my all time top 5 best BBQ restaurants, I could see it maybe making it into the top 15. Its definitely a place I would recommend to people. I'd give this place a solid 7.5/10.
I almost forgot about the beer. While not unique to Harmons, it did pair nicely with the BBQ. It had a decently strong apricot flavor with a sweetish wheat finish that is a perfect option for summer BBQs, if your a fan of fruit flavored beers.
Harmons made Express News's 25 Iconic Restaurants list in 2021.
102 S Main St, Cibolo, TX 78108
https://goo.gl/maps/KeGQvnijm88pGVyn7— Paul
