Barbecue report: Big Barn Bar-B-Que in North Richland Hills

They put pride into their product and ensured that it was all well-cooked.

Big Barn Bar-B-Que turkey, chicken, and sausage

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS — We arrived just in time. Not only was this the first anniversary of Big Barn Bar-B-Que, but most of the dining room was reserved for a banquet. They all got in line just behind us. My wife was game to let me sample a majority of the menu, so we each got three meat platters.

Her plate featured turkey, chicken, and sausage. The sausage was dense, well seasoned, and flavorful with great smoke and nice snap. The chicken had no smokiness beneath the skin, but the meat was perfectly moist with great flavor. The turkey was even better, with a hint of smoke in these slices that came from an actual turkey breast. On the side, mac & cheese was very generic, but the green beans were excellent.

Big Barn Bar-B-Que brisket, ribs, and hot links

My plate featured brisket, ribs, and hot links. The hot links were the best item: smoky and spicy, with great flavor and a great snap. These were not generic hot-dog-flavored links with fake food coloring. The ribs had good seasoning, great moisture, and good texture, but they were missing some good smokiness.

The brisket had a hint of smoke in the crust, but none outside of the crusty bites. The meat was moist and nicely tender with a bit of well-rendered fat along the edge. A great version of broccoli salad and mashed potatoes rounded out the plate.

Big Barn Bar-B-Que

After the meal, I talked with the pitmaster, who informed me that they use a Southern Pride smoker. I also learned that both their sausage and hotlinks come from Eddy Packing Co. in Yoakum, Texas. I'd passed over their products on the grocery store shelves in the past, but no longer. I really enjoyed them both.

While the smoked meat at this joint could use some more smoke, they really put pride into their product and ensured that it was all well-cooked. Given the fact that I enjoyed everything I ate -- although some of it tasted little more than baked -- I had to give them a decent rating.

Rating ***