DOROTHY AND I WERE FIRST IN LINE AT LAVACA BBQ ON DECEMBER 31, 2022.

Lavaca BBQ
532 N.Virginia
Port Lavaca, Texas
361-894-2333

Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥    (Eight Out of Ten Hearts)

The last day of 2021 seemed like a good day to visit Lavaca BBQ, the BBQ joint located in Dorothy’s hometown of Port Lavaca that made Texas Monthly’s list of the top 50 BBQ joints in Texas.    As we neared the location, Dorothy realized it was just down the street from her father’s old medical office.  We also realized that the joint was in an old filling station that had been outfitted to house a BBQ joint —  not very promising upon first sight.  But as we parked and surveyed the outside, while we waited for the joint to open, we realized someone had put a lot of creativity and effort into decorating the place.  A young man who came outside to double check the outdoor seating just before opening time was very friendly and welcoming, and did not hesitate when I asked him to take a picture of us.  His friendly and cordial attitude set the stage for a very enjoyable visit.

Upon entering the joint, we were greeted by Christine, one of the owners.  She seemed genuinely excited that we would drive down from the Hill Country to visit her restaurant.  She was also obviously proud of her place, and the food that they serve.  Dorothy ordered a two-meat plate with ribs and brisket, and sides of corn and brisket beans.  I ordered a two-meat plate with ribs and sausage, along with sides of cole slaw and brisket gumbo.  I also ordered sides of potato salad and banana pudding, along with four brisket tamales.  The food here was excellent.  They allow you to choose your type of brisket (lean or fatty, or a combination), and Dorothy choose the combination.  The brisket and ribs were both tender, juicy, and flavorful.  Dorothy especially liked the side of corn, which had a slight green color from pureed jalapeno (but was not pepper hot).  The banana pudding was light and delicious; in fact, it was the best banana pudding I have ever tasted!  The brisket tamales were good (though the masa tasted more like a flour-based masa than a corn-based masa), and the brisket proved to be a smoky, tasteful filling.  (The tamales were even better the next day when I heated up a couple of them for lunch.)  The Lavaca BBQ facility had a comfortable family vibe, with plenty of outdoor and semi-outdoor seating in addition to the indoor dining area.  A word about bathrooms.  Their bathroom was old, but very clean and comfortable.  A dirty bathroom, especially early in the serving day, can be a deal breaker for me.  

Dorothy and I were surprised at how much we liked this little joint and how good we rated their food.  I guess we were prepared to be disappointed, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lavaca BBQ!

YOU CAN SEE DOROTHY'S DAD'S OLD OFFICE (WITH THE GREEN ROOF) DOWN THE STREET FROM LAVACA BBQ.
LAVACA BBQ IS NOT THAT IMPRESSIVE NOR APPEALING FROM THE OUTSIDE.
THE WELCOME BOARD JUST INSIDE THE FRONT DOOR...10% OFF ON SUNDAY...NICE TOUCH!
THE BEGINNING OF THE SERVING LINE, WHERE THE MEAT IS CUT IN FRONT OF YOU. THAT IS CHRISTINE, IN THE WHITE HAT.
THE MAIN MENU BOARD AT LAVACA BBQ.
DOROTHY IN THE MIDDLE OF EATING, WITH HER PLATE OF RIBS AND BRISKET, AT LAVACA BBQ.
A CLOSER LOOK AT DOROTHY'S PLATE... THE MEAT WAS EXCELLENT, TENDER, WELL-SEASONED, AND TASTY! NOTE THE SLIGHT GREEN TINT OF THE CORN (FROM JALAPENOS) AND THE BRISKET IN THE BEANS.
THE BRISKET TAMALES WERE UNIQUE AND QUITE GOOD, ESPECIALLY WHEN WARMED UP THE NEXT DAY.
THE BANANA PUDDING WAS HONESTLY THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD. THE CUPOUN IS FOR THE FREE CUP OF BLUE BELL ICE CREAM, WHICH COMES WITH EVERY MEAL.
MY PLATE...NOTICE THE GUMBO, THE CHEESE OOZING FROM THE SAUSAGE, AND THE PORK SCRAPINGS ON TOP OF THE MAC AND CHEESE.

Dorothy and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Lavaca BBQ.  The excellent food and the friendly atmosphere mandate a return trip soon!