#14 - STILLWATER BARBEQUE: THE PRIDE OF ABILENE (and Kevin Bacon)

In Footloose, the greatest movie in history, Kevin Bacon moves from Chicago to a small midwestern town to find that dancing and rock music have been banned. Hilarity, dancing and teen angst ensue. Despite the town's efforts to repress its teen population, they rise up through tremendous choreography and music by Kenny Loggins to win the day. 

If you're a fan of Footloose, or any underdog, or barbecue (of course) you will love Stillwater Barbeque in Abilene, Texas. It was the 14th BBQ joint I visited on Texas Monthly's Top 50 list. And Stillwater Barbeque is the Kevin Bacon of Abilene. It's a big-city, craft BBQ joint in a small town.  Except instead of repressing barbecue, the great people of Abilene don't seem to understand that there is greatness in their midst. 

Stillwater Barbeque is doing things right. Outside, they have all the trappings of a quality 'cue joint. Smoker in front, shady trees, free beer on their sign, patio for enjoying said free beer. Inside, the restaurant is decorated with an interesting mish-mash of Texas kitsch, church pews and cool interior lighting. And they have free beer. 

Surprisingly, when we stopped by on a recent trip to Lubbock, there were very few people in the place. After dining at Stillwater, I'm telling you, if this place was in Dallas, they would have quite a line.

A new twist on an old favorite

The Stillwater menu is very traditional with a few added twists. You can find all the meats plus some great sides like brisket baked beans and brisket mac and cheese. They've also got a new twist on an old favorite, the All You Can Pork Ribs.

I don't know about you, but when it comes to ribs I'm definitely a man of the pork. Hey, I get it, the barbecue world is evolving and people are willing to experiment. They'll try all types of meats and rubs on their ribs before smoking them. That's cool, you do you, Porky. Oh, but no sharing please at Stillwater. It's a free country, but you gotta pay for the All You Can Pork Ribs. Then you can pork all you can to your heart's content.

Staying true to my monogamous relationship, I passed on the pork ribs and ordered the brisket and sausage with a side of Mexican street corn and the brisket mac and cheese. The brisket was soft and tender, and the sausage was terrific too. Just what you would expect from one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ joints. As for the sides, the corn was a great change of pace and the brisket mac and cheese had its own unique twist. Stillwater pours queso on the brisket and macaroni instead of encasing it in cheese. Smart move.

I'm sure you're wondering what that dark thing is on the tray. That's the burnt end, which one of the friendly staffers offered to me for free. It was very moist, full of flavor, and after that, I was hooked on Stillwater Barbeque.

After our meal, we hung out at the counter to talk with the friendly staff.  Wouldn't you know it? The Free Train was back on track and they offered to let us sample everything we hadn't already eaten. I mean everything...cheesy potatoes, green beans, pecan cobbler. Last but not least, they scooped us a hefty sample of Grandma's Homemade Banana Pudding, which they told us is one of the top-rated banana puddings in Texas. IT WAS OUTSTANDING.

If you live in West Texas or if you're funding your child's collegiate party weekends, you need to stop at Stillwater Barbeque. It's well worth the trip. Plus you can ponder the eternal question..."How many ribs would Kevin Bacon pork if Kevin Bacon porked on the All You Can Pork Ribs at Stillwater Barbeque?"