SuZan Klassen

You know you may be in a good Texas barbecue restaurant when . . .
. . . the cowboys in line still have their spurs on their boots.
. . . the aroma and sight of the food makes your mouth water.
. . . a helicopter lands on the front lawn of the restaurant to bring hungry patrons.

Yes, the Hard Eight Pit Bar*B*Q in Stephenville, Texas meets all three criteria. It’s so popular that occasionally some people even fly in for lunch.

The Hard Eight served their delicious food “Texas Style” straight from the pit by the Pit Master who prepared the food. We lined up outside and waited our turn to walk past. We could see everything on the pit, but even more was available. A sign suggested we let the Pit Master know it was our first time at the restaurant. When we did so, he made certain we understood all the wonderful choices.

You need to see their full menu for yourself, but here are a few items: smoked and grilled meats; fried okra, giant puffy onion rings, stuffed baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, and grilled jalapeno poppers (with chicken or shrimp, an onion slice and wrapped with bacon).

The prices were not exorbitant. Even those of us who didn’t arrive by helicopter could afford to dine. This restaurant was among many of the best parts of our visit to Texas.

Texas Hill Country Favorites
We definitely enjoyed the food in Texas hill country, as well as the scenery, and the wildlife. But those weren’t the best parts of our trip. And no. It wasn’t driving the ATV—fun though that was.

The Texas sky on the game ranch was another favorite, from sunrise to sunset to nighttime. Isolated from city lights, the stars glittered against the night sky’s black velvet fabric. But still, that wasn’t the best part of our trip.

So, what was the best part of our trip to Texas Hill Country? Hands down, the best part was seeing our friends again. They’re originally from Texas. We always knew they’d move back someday. But I had missed them. I needed to know they were okay. It was good to see them settled on their ranch, enjoying the life they had chosen. I pray they will experience God’s love and blessings, always.

Travel Light Tips
Hard Eight Pit Bar*B*Q at: 1091 Glen Rose Rd., Stephenville, TX, (254) 968-5552
Hours: Mon – Thurs 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri – Sat 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. Check website for additional locations: https://hardeightbbq.com/locations/
Menu: https://hardeightbbq.com/menu/

Feel free to peruse all my recent posts about Texas Hill Country. In case you have not read them all, I’ve included the links here:
• Texas Bluebonnets
• Texas-Sized Portions Served Here
• Memorial Day 2018, Fredericksburg, Texas
• Smack Dab in the Middle of Texas Hill Country
• Does that Critter Belong in Texas?

Tell me which post or Texas location in this series was your favorite. Write it in the comments below.

Until next time . . . Travel Light,
SuZan

Note: June, July, and August blog posts will be bi-monthly
© 2018 SuZan Klassen