I Got Schooled by The Best New BBQ Joint in Texas - Bar-A-BBQ
When Texas Monthly Magazine came out with their 25 Best New BBQ Joints in Texas list, nobody was more surprised than Cooper Abercrombie and the team at Bar-A-BBQ, who 6 months earlier went from operating a BBQ food truck on weekends to opening Bar-A-BBQ in Montgomery, Texas. Here is their story - and their advice on how I (and you) can up your BBQ game the way that they did. Watch • I got Schooled by Gold... next!
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Chapters in this video:
0:00 Bar-A-BBQ - a Texas Monthly’s Top 25 New BBQ Joint
1:04 Tasting Bar-A-BBQ’s BBQ Tray
4:40 The Story of Bar-A-BBQ
5:47 BBQ Prep: Trim & Season
15:10 Fireside Chat - Al’s Take on Bar-A-BBQ and Montgomery, TX
18:31 Stage 1 - Cold Smoke
23:28 Stage 2 - Hot Smoke
31:47 Stage 3 - Wrapping the Meats
34:33 Bar-A-BBQ Rib Glaze - The Rib Secret with Caleb Abercrombie
39:04 Serving the Community Before Serving the Customers
40:16 Tallow Cowboy Cookies with Shelby Abercrombie
45:50 Coach Abercrombie - The funniest story in all of BBQ
47:00 Tasting the BBQ We Made Together
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Is this family incredible or what?!?!?! Who should I go learn from next? Oh - and don't worry I'm growing the hair back out natural!
The Brisket Shoppe in Tampa.. Trust me you won't be disappointed by the food, the story or what they do for the community
go to barbs
HOLY COW - could they have been any more real and authentic? Loved that hospitality.
@@craigfuhr right? The whole family was incredible.
Lil’ Miss BBQ in Phoenix Az
This is how it's done folks! A top 10 BBQ tutorial, literally showing from A-Z. No gatekeeping, no secrets. Thanks for posting Al.
Thanks Ryan! This is by far my favorite video of the over 200 I've made for the channel so far!
This is by far the best video you have ever made. It's because BBQ is more than just a story about food. It's a story about the experience of making and sharing BBQ, and of the hardworking people who do it for a living. You nailed it. You captured the story of a wonderful family who took the lessons they learned from the gridiron to the pit iron and are now winning on the competitive field of Texas BBQ. They showed you their entire playbook because they care about the future of BBQ and are paying it forward. To the Abercrombie family, thank you for showcasing the best of small-town America. And when the next Texas Top 50 list comes out, I hope you rock the BBQ world.
I love this. No secrets, just wham bam this is how we season and smoke. I have learned so much on my journey to be a backyard pitmaster. Matt Pittman and Jirby from Goldees have really helped me a lot get better and better and this guy is no different. Hope he has tons of success.
You're spot on, Justin - it's the generosity of guys like Cooper, Matt and Jonny (and if you watch my other I Got Schooled videos Barrett Black, Harry Soo, Winnie Yee, James Mack and more) that make the BBQ community so special.
@@EatMoreVegansyou are absolutely right. The bbq community is so special. The genuiness of the people to open bout their methods how they are willing to show you everything that has made them successful. I love all the I Got Schooled videos! Ive learned a lot from each of them. The fact that each and every one of them allowed you to post videos about the ins and outs speaks volume about them as a person. They really want you so succeed as well.
That’s one proud father right there! That right there is what America should be! What agratpace
You’re absolutely right Brian. The whole thing was quite an experience.
This video turned out awesome Al.. you are gunna break the internet with this one. It was such a good time working with you and Nick. Cooper, Caleb, coach, and the team were all great people to meet.. Anyone watching should definitely make the trip to Bar-A-BBQ and experience their great bbq.. thanks again for inviting me to help yall with this!!.🇨🇱
Thanks, Randy. It was so fun working (and hanging out) with you on this shoot. I'm really proud of what we all created here. Thanks for your help and your friendship sir!
I will admit I haven’t seen all of your videos, but I’d be surprised if any were better than this. It was EASY to sit and watch for 50 minutes and I was bummed when it was over. Well done, sir!!!
Wow thanks! This was definitely a labor of love.
Wow didn’t even realize was that long. How long did they keep in the warmer
I'm glad these boys aren't trying to hide anything. Making BBQ isn't about secret rub n glazes. I've been doing it for years, and I still mess things up. Time, temp, feel, are the most important. Keeping things consistent. What a great family , and I'm going to make those cookies.
You're spot on. And I'm making the cookies tonight! (Video in a few weeks!)
Cooper and everyone were so generous with their time and experience. It's no wonder why they are so successful and deserve all the praise they garner. I wish I could go there someday and try their bbq and have a beer with Coach.
Do it Dave! The only thing better than the food there is the people. And I guarantee your beer with coach will be time well spent!
Great video and your fireside chat was sweet. Well done!
Great interviews and the explanation of everything including glaze and cookies amazing! Wish I had the magic touch like he does but it comes over time!
Your best video yet! Really enjoyed learning about that family.
Yay! Thank you!
This was the best videos I have seen on how to cook bbq boy I learned a lot thank you to all
Watched for years. This content made me subscribe. Thank you brother.
Wow thanks man. I really really like making this kind of content. Look for more of it in the future!
A true representation of Texas families the kindness and thoughtfulness and the BS from Dad man I can't tell you how many times in my life these type of stories and experiences everything was perfect even the smoking but now I'm hungry heading to Kroger's their ribs are on sale thank you for sharing also if I'm ever there tell coach I'll be seeing him I wondering if it will be a Lonestar longneck of course
Great video. This is the second one I have seen featuring them.. They seem like a great, fun and humble family. Would love to try their food. Thanks for sharing Al.....
Thanks Allen. If you ever find yourself near Houston I can’t recommend stopping in enough!
Thanks for this video. It's the best one I have ever seen on youtube.
Fantastic video and fantastic family. This is just 50 minutes of joy. If I come to Texas this will definately be on my list. And kudos to the new haircut :D
one of the best BBQ stories ever , I hope to see them @ #1 soon & definitely drinking a beer with coach !
Man I learned more watching this video than any other video on here. I’m definitely about to switch up my bbq skills
I really learned so much and these guys are so down to earth and friendly!
They really are. Thanks for watching Jeffrey!
This video was incredible. I'd love to fly down to Montgomery TX and try it. So glad you guys got to go down there. Y'all did an excellent job with the production.
Thanks so much! You should go. I’m definitely going back!
Love the new look Al! Spent lots of time in Montgomery and Conroe glad to see them featured. Also love reading the comments and your replies of class to crass!
Awesome behind the scenes video, thanks!
Thanks for watching!
What a warm and wonderful episode. This is spectacularly watchable. Way to go, Al.
Thanks Robert!
@@EatMoreVegansU betcha.
You did an awesome job with this video! All the food looked amazing!
Thanks William!
What an incredible video, that is a new level you reached, Al. I have learned a lot from these guys.
Thanks so much Bernard! I wish I could make only these videos. I truly love meeting and learning from these good people!
Coach is the absolute man. Legend right there!
Do you make your own garlic butter? Is there a temp, time or touch determined for length of cold smoking? Everything looks great, keep doing what you do!!!
That was a heck of a video Al, felt like I knew this family by the end of it. Food looked great too, thanks!
Thanks Troy. We are really proud of this one!
any help on how to convert that rib glaze to a smaller backyard cook portion? i would love to try it. this is a great video!! i would love to come eat at your restaurant!!
Been looking forward to this !!! ❤❤❤
I apologize for putting another place on the list for your travels - but trust me it's worth the trip!
@@EatMoreVegans 👍🏻 ❤️
Fantastic video. One of the best ever. Looking forward to a trip to Montgomery.
Thanks! Make sure you tell them Al sent you!
great video,very educational ...thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wow! what a great tutorial! Thank you! Great show, great people! where can i get one of those Bar-A-BBQ Hats?
Amazing 👍🏽. Definitely going to stop by when I’m close by.
Tell them Al form Eat More Vegans sent you!
Hey man you’re killing it. You definitely have the right personality for what you do. I enjoy watching your vids, keep it up! 👍🏾
Dude, your comment made my day! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
I've been waiting ❤ Excellent BBQ
This is it! I hope you've got a big screen you're watching on Karen!
Great video Al! Man, Cooper would be clowning on me too since i wear heat gloves haha. This is my second video of Bar-A BBQ video and this was very well done and entertaining, the 50 mins flew by
Thanks man. I do feel like less of a man when I’m working next to these guys who live and breathe fire. Such natural talent too!
Damn fine video. Great to see a family business with so much love and care for the food they make and for their surrounding community. Makes me miss Texas.
Thanks man. When you go back go down and stop in.
@@EatMoreVegans guess need to do another family reunion in Texas🤣
@@medvetz7010 invite me!
Montgomery is a chill little town, just up the road from Conroe, and far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Houston. Wish I still had my deer lease 20 miles from there. Great vid, looks like a good reason to take an hour trip back to Montgomery.
I'm in West Haven Ct. When I get to Texas I'll be there, Thank you, it's refreshing without egos.
You should definitely go! Have you been to HooDoo Brown BBQ in Ridgefield?
There are many BBQ channels on KZhead, I only subscribe to Eat More Vagans! I love your channel, keep up the great work this video is a game changer. Completely different than how we are use to doing it. I will change the way I smoke now! It's amazing how humble they are to give out their secrets like that. The most important thing I learned is Love what you do! Amazing
Thanks for the kind words George! This is why we do what we do!
That was one awesome video. Nice work and I will definitely be trying some of these techniques. Keep it simple. Use good protein and good fires. Sounds too easy...... keep the great videos coming.
Thanks Keith!
Definitely need more vids like this!🔥
Thanks! That’s the plan!
200 miles from me…road trip! Great video and success story. Good luck to a long successful business!!
spreading that bbq love! love the content
Thanks!
I love to cook and only wish I could have a setup like that but it makes me want to spend the money to invest in a good smoker and make my backyard the talk of the community.. Great Video...Keep it up
🔥🔥🔥Strong work baby. So proud!! ❤
Thank you sweetheart!
This was a great videowith some great looking food
How long do they rest the briskets before service?
Bar-A looks like just a family cooking for family kind of place
Al, what a great video. You just get better and better. Looks like a great family restaurant and team. I'm learning so much from your videos. By the way, you are looking sporty. Great look for you. 😇😋👍
Thanks a bunch for the love! Glad you liked the video ......and my sporty vibe!
Best video to date. Well done 👍🏼
Wow thanks!!!!
What temp did you pull the turkey at?
This is one of your best videos yet. I'm definitely going to try them out. They're only 45 minutes away from me.
Thanks! And definitely go check them out and tell them you heard about them on the show. I know they will appreciate knowing you saw the background and decided to stop in!
Video turned out great Al! The Bar A BBQ food was delicious and they’ve definitely earned that Top 25. They’re such humble,nice people and it was a privilege to see them in action! The only thing I wish is that the entirety of Caleb and Coaches interviews made the video 😂 great people, great food, fun time!
Thanks, Christy - Nick and I really appreciate you and Randy coming down to help. And you're right about those interviews - it was really hard deciding what to cut. I think we'll see some more of that content come out in future videos though!
Al, Great video! Can’t wait to see you recreate it! That “cold smoke” time may make a difference, but you should test it for comparison. It is amazing they have time for that at a restaurant. No more red hair! So the whole red color scheme is now gone! Keep up the great content!👍
Thanks Ben! I can tell you the cold smoke is a game changer. Video coming soon!
I came when it was the trailer and now the shop, both great. Cam,e from the UK and loved it. Great team there
I'm jealous - I wish I could have met them before it blew up. These are some amazing folks!
David, I am wondering how efficient is this Kamado, or really any of the other "big name" ceramic kamados vs. one of the better insulated pellet grills or even a metal kamado like the Weber Summit? Is it more or less expensive to fuel this vs. wood pellets? I'm just over it with my CharBroil Kettleman, so looking to add a different charcoal option to my Members Mark pellet grill...
I think charcoal efficiency is by far the best thing about a kamado. Once the unit is hot burns through the fuel really slowly
I will make sure I visit the next time I travel to Houston. This family is wonderful.
Tell them I say hi when you go!
need a bit of colour on your scalp my friend Wow, what an amazing place to be able to visit and learn from - and the humbleness of them all Looking forward to watching you try their way of making amazing flavourful goodness
Oh trust me after 3 days in the Texas sun I took some color home with me! And yes this was a trip that had a huge impact on me - both the people and the food.
This was great. Makes me proud to be a Texan.
4:15 I am pleasantly pleased to hear the mention of no carbs and carnivore. Good that more people are aware of the dangers of carbs at least we have a choice to eat it or not. A thank you to Mr. Cooper Abercrombie for sharing your recipe you rock. 😁
Hey AL I've been a longtime Subscriber through a mutual friend A.K.A Dash lol 😂. I've to say this video is off the charts ...well done buddy. Cheers 🍻....from Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹
Hi Stephen! I just talked to Dash the other day. Thanks for the kind words. We plan to make lots of these going forward if we can keep finding sponsors for them. They really are the videos I’m proudest of!
Earned a sub from this video. Cooper is awesome, glad to see no secrets just good food.
Thanks - and welcome! Cooper is one of my favorite people in BBQ and I’m thrilled to have learned from him. 2 of the back home cook attempts are up on the channel now (beef ribs and turkey) if you want to see how I did!
That feista season all salt is my favorite, I put it on all my meats!! He mentioned Amir at red bird bbq, that place is legit I tried a month ago!! Great video Al, I enjoyed it!!
Thanks Mike. I’ve been cooking with it the last few weeks (as you know since you watch the show lol) and it’s impressive. I need to go pay Amir a visit - you’re like the 5th person to tell me that!
Fantastic video
Thanks!
Fantastic. I will say, you can force the meat to sweat using salt first on ANY meat then pepper vs. binders. I don't use them.
On location thank you for your vids. Also head looks good, like a tough guy, or Kojack. Lol😂
lol thanks for the kind words. And…Who loves ya baby?!?!?!?
What a nice family. The food looks awesome.
They were - and it was!
Great video Al, one day ill get to America and can try this restaurant !!!!
It would definitely be a worthwhile stop when you come Steven!
I now have a reason to go to Texas and say I need a beer with Coach!
Yes! And tell him Al sent you!
So was the first thing to touch them briskets the match light charcoal fumes? Serious question but that lit off fast for not being match light and a sealed up pit
I didn't see the brand of charcoal - but I guarantee that's not a problem AT ALL in a smoker that big - the real smoke doesn't start until the wood is on that coal is just producing heat.
This is a upmost awesome show I’ve watched in a wile awesomeness awesomeness’s thank for sharing
Thanks for the awesome words!
Everything looks amazing, picked up a few great pointers and I gotta try them cookies 😉
I made them last night and they were so good! (Video coming in a few weeks!)
@@EatMoreVeganswhat type of flour did you use?
Great video. Will definitely have to try to talk my mother into baking those cookies. She's the baker in the family and the one with a stand mixer.
Thanks! I haven’t tried making the cookies yet but I’m excited for them!
Meater Thermometer... Seriously best wireless thermometer made. Get the extended range or the block for best results.
Is the butter/garlic sauce for the turkey homemade, or a pre-packaged product? Great video, thanks.
Ventura Foods Phase with Garlic Liquid Butter Alternative
@@BleeBleeChicken thanks, I took a screenshot, zoomed in, found it. I'm waiting for the video to drop Friday featuring the turkey cook. Thanks again!
By now you've watched the video and know how it turned out, eh? :-)
Ive never seen a place play with temp so much. Very interesting.
Yeah he really uses it to his advantage. It requires harder work but Cooper's not afraid to work hard that's for sure!
Loved the guy.. Will go there and work someday when i get to texas, with some brazilian picanhas. Cheers and amazing video.
He's one of a kind that's for sure. Let me know when you go - maybe I will come down and cook with you!
@@EatMoreVegans If ever come to brazil, Barbacoa is the place. But as far as american bbq goes, look out for the guy Panhoca, quite a pioneer around here.
I live a half mile from this place. Always working and seen 1st time on your youtube. Gonna check it out and have a beer with coach.
You live a half mile from there? I'm jealous! Say hi to everyone for me when you go!
Did you have a bbq sopt in Jacksonville FL before?
Nope sorry must have been another great looking Pitmaster!
I’ve never cooked a brisket myself, but I am determined to be the guy that my family calls!
You've come to the right place!
Gonna hafta drive the 3 hours up there and take "a break" with Coach! 🍺🤠🇨🇱
i grew up in that part of texas. damn i miss it. twenty years removed now, but once a texan, always. i will be back. plus, texas has the best food. not just barbecue. when i get back home, i am gong to have a meal at this place. no doubt.
saw the pepper and salt, what is the red stuff he adds to the meats?
This is it: amzn.to/4dDbHH6
Love to get down there,good people for sure
Yes they are! Make sure you tell them I sent you!
The turkey breast that you have smoked is natural cut. What Bar-A-BBQ is using is way larger, it is made with a number of chunks of turkey breasts fused together with natural binders and likely injected with a saline solution.
Interesting take - It didn't seem like multiple breasts, just a very large turkey but I could be wrong. I'm going to have to figure this out!
@@EatMoreVegans On second thought I have looked at the original video, the turkey breast at Bar-A-BBQ is not very bulky such as those bulky ones I referred to.
The hospitality from Texas is the essence of America
Amen to that.
Saying hello from the U.K Thank goodness the red mop has gone 😅 to be honest the skin head suits you 👍 Loved every minute of watching this and im going to have too visit this place its now on my to do list 🎉 My first ever brisket was a 5.7kg on a kamado joe turned out the best darn brisket ive ever had, made it Texas style . Thank you for the cookie recipe. You know we all have to try it out Thank you Keep up the good work all
Thanks for all the kind words! Yes you should definitely try it when you come to the US!
If you’re using a pellet smoker would you place your meat on while it’s cold and then turn it on?
Give me a few weeks to test it, but I think that’s exactly what I’m going to try.
I’ll volunteer my time to learn, hell yes
Wow that was an incredible video from your team and their team. Keep it simple stupid! There was nothing simple about this cook, it takes talent to create and repeat this cooking experience. Glad Cooper and his team shared so much on how they made it work. It will be interesting to see what you do Al, try both your offset and then the smallest kamado cooker you have to see how close you can make both taste to Cooper's. They have huge smokers that must allow great smoke even with cold smoke, their fires are burning good even when damped down, but there is such a volume to heat, that there is not that much heat. I can see why their special glaze is so good with all those components to it. I might be seeing a new requirement for my cooking and that is the long hold after the cook for the protein to settle in with all the flavors that comes from wraps over a long time. I was surprised by your new look, I never thought about bald head, which looks great. Nick your videoing, sound and editing is top notch and really adds to these videos in watching and enjoying the cooks. Great use of mutli-cameras.
Thanks for all (and I mean all!) of your kind words Keith! I know you can tell this was a labor of love - and the kind of video that Nick and I want to make many more of!
Yum factor looks HIGH!! I'll try both the beef ribs and especially the turkey, using garlicky schmaltz or duck fat. Thanks, Al! and ... Hallelujah! #nored
Yes and yes!
Did you ask if the Turkey is brined? It likely comes pre brined from the meat supplier. Pretty important I think for Turkey. The cold smoke is a fascinating idea.
Too big to be scared of fire lol. Awesome line and great video
lol not a lot of men who can get away with calling me a big puss 🤣
Awesome!! Great job! Looks amazing. Made me want some Texas BBQ. Maybe Coop should get his wife her own small to mid sized smoker for her cookies and beef tallow cornbread 🤔🤫
Now that's a good idea!
I wonder if you use smoked tallow, and just cook them in a regular oven, if that will do the same as regular tallow and smoking them?
I like how you think!
@@EatMoreVegans I’m not just looks Al! lol 😂
It looks like he doesn't season the sides on the briskets and beef ribs. And when he lifted the end of one of the briskets, it was hard to tell if the underside had any seasoning or just less than the top/presentation side. How long does he hold the wrapped proteins in the warming cabinet? Great video of a down home family.
We don’t season the sides with pepper. Pepper attracts smoke and heat, something we are trying to avoid on thin sides. They are in the warmers for anywhere from 14-18 hours
@cooperabercrombie8493 thanks for answering - and for your amazing g hospitality!
@@cooperabercrombie8493 Thanks for the quick response. I live in Beaumont and go to Austin often to visit family and friends. I will stop in on my next trip to Austin. See you soon ! Looking forward to having a beer with Coach.