Very happy you enjoyed your BBQ experience in Texas. The sandwich buns you referred to are the type most places use because they are not too thick or crusty. After all, "the meats the thing".
Those fresh, hot yeast rolls they bring around are habit forming i’m afraid.

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Originally posted by danimal15

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Originally posted by twinwillow

Nix Sonny Bryans. I think you’ll be OK with the Railhead or Spring Creek. I didn’t know there was a Spring Creek in that area. Don’t forget, ask for your brisket to be chopped from the large piece on the board-not from what they might have already chopped ready to serve. Especially if your going between normal eating times.
I don’t know about the Railhead, but Spring Creek is "buffet" style.
I won’t eat at a BBQ that isn’t. Check with your hotel to tell you about how far the restaurant is. If your taxi driver doesn’t know where it is, get another taxi!
BTW, Tolberts will have the VERY BEST (Texas style) chili!
Enjoy your stay and, ya’ll come back soon-ya hear.

I just talked to the concierge at my hotel and he recommended Spring Creek and said it’s not too far. He also recommended Tolberts (so maybe I’ll stop for a bowl of chili the next day before I leave town). Can’t wait to try both!

Good thinking!

Nix Sonny Bryans. I think you’ll be OK with the Railhead or Spring Creek. I didn’t know there was a Spring Creek in that area. Don’t forget, ask for your brisket to be chopped from the large piece on the board-not from what they might have already chopped ready to serve. Especially if your going between normal eating times.
I don’t know about the Railhead, but Spring Creek is "buffet" style.
I won’t eat at a BBQ that isn’t. Check with your hotel to tell you about how far the restaurant is. If your taxi driver doesn’t know where it is, get another taxi!
BTW, Tolberts will have the VERY BEST (Texas style) chili!
Enjoy your stay and, ya’ll come back soon-ya hear.

danimal

I lived in the Grapevine area for 10 years up until a year ago and have been to all of these places. IMHO Railhead Smokehouse in Grapevine beats them all for a total BBQ experience. Chopped Brisket is outstanding, as are the ribs and fries. They also have the coldest draft beer around. I never thought much of the Grapevine branch of Sonny Bryans except for the Onion Rings which are the best I have ever eaten. Spring Creek is decent for a chain but is in the middle of the resturant row area which has every chain you can think of.

The Embassy Suites you are staying in is across the way from the Gaylord Texan Hotel, which trust me is MUST see.
If you are not set on Barbeque, Ama Lur in the Gaylord (one of several resturants) is partly owned by Stephen Pyles of The Mansion On Turtle Creek Fame. They serve very good Southwestern/Cental American cuisine in a very unique environment.

danimal-

Spring Creek is the best- and go for the chopped brisket
they also have HOMEMADE style rolls- desserts not so great but BBQ awesome

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Originally posted by danimal15

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Originally posted by twinwillow

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Originally posted by twinwillow

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Originally posted by danimal15

Can’t do pork, unfortunately, as I just don’t eat the stuff. So I’m hoping to find a really good brisket sandwich.

I’m actually getting in around 4 p.m. on Tuesday night, so I imagine I can get a good one shortly after.

Well, in that case, Any Sonny Bryan’s would do for a brisket sandwich. I would still try Bakers Ribs for a brisket sandwich.
The only other place that I do BBQ in Dallas is a place called "Big Al’s".
But, They close early in the afternoon, I think.

A tip: Ask for your brisket to be "chopped" rather than sliced. If they have already a mound of chopped brisket on the board, ask them to chop it "fresh".
Chopped is always more tender than sliced.Be sure to have onion, and a little sauce on it. Ok, I’m hungry again.

Thanks for the tips!

Danimal, before you go for that meal, I’d suggest you phone first. Hate to see you experience a repeat performance of "Jakes."

CSD

http://www.tolbertsrestaurant.com

well, texas food.
and the chili there is the real deal.
frank tolbert was one of the originators of the
terlingua chili cookoff.

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Originally posted by danimal15

Looks like there’s a Sonny Bryan’s right in Grapevine, on Park. Is that near the Embassy Suites? Even if it isn’t, it’s probably not too far, and is probably my best bet. Is that one of the decent locations for this chain?

That’s a great Embassy Suites. It has a Bass Pro Shop attached to it and right behind the hotel is a Whataburger.