Barrel & Bones - The Colony

Near the Austin Ranch community in The Colony is Barrel & Bones. A restaurant that I just started hearing about recently, and the news was so good that I had to have the Que Crew pay them a visit.

The décor feels more like a trendy bar, with a wall of alcohol choices and a main room that is mostly high tables. There’s also a side room with 2 pool tables and a couple of Golden Tee games, and there are several outdoor tables along with a fire pit that makes for a nice place to spend an evening with a drink and some good food. Speaking of the food, you’ll find all the Texas barbecue staples along with a few original items that you’ll have to give a try.

The originality begins with the appetizer list: Poblano Corn Fritters, Buffalo Fried Deviled Eggs, Smoked Brisket Queso, Smoked Fried Chicken Wings and Towered (Black & Tan) Onion Rings. All were tempting, but I wanted to try plenty of the entrees too, so I ordered the Corn Fritters and Fried Deviled Eggs for the table. The fritters are not like any other I’ve had. The outside is a crunchy cornmeal breading while the inside remains very soft and creamy. A departure from the usual more cornbread-like filling. The fried deviled-eggs are a must try. Crunchy breading on the egg white and then topped with the creamy whipped yolk is like nothing I’ve ever had before.

The meats are sold by the ½ pound, as well as 2-meat and 3-meat combos, or you can go with a whole rack of ribs. I had to get the 3-meat so I could sample as much as possible. I chose brisket (moist), jalapeno sausage and porkbelly burnt ends (I also traded with another crew member for a rib) and my chosen side was loaded baked potato salad.

First, for the meats! The jalapeno sausage is good, but it is very similar to what I’ve had at several other restaurants. The pork rib was good – could have been a little more tender - and it was topped with a sweet, sticky sauce. I saved the best for last! The moist brisket rivaled the best that I’ve had! It was tender, smokey, juicy and flavorful. No matter what I order on my next visit, it’ll have to include the brisket!

The loaded baked potato salad was also very good. All the flavors of a loaded baked potato, with a firmer bite of the potato salad chunks. All of the meals were also served with a slice of Texas toast and pickled onion and cucumber, which was really good and a good contrast to the barbecue.

As far as value, I’d have to say it’s average. The turkey and chicken are the best values at $10.99 per ½ pound, with 2-meat combos for $15.99 and 3-meat combos at $18.99. All in line with what you’ll pay at most barbecue restaurants.

Our service was terrific. Our server, Daniella, was attentive yet not bothersome, and she was very friendly and helpful. This is a great spot for dinner and drinks in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Ribs, Jalapeno Sausage and Brisket with Borracho Beans

Jalapeno Sausage, Brisket and Porkbelly Burnt Ends

Buffalo Fried Deviled Eggs

Poblano Corn Fritters

Crunchy outside, creamy on the inside