Cackle & Oink: "Officially the best BBQ" Sherman Restaurant Tip by jayhawk2000

This man knows his BBQ! Aaron Vogel is his name and BBQ is his claim to fame. He has only been in Texas a short time but he's twice taken the title of Overall Grand Champion at the Texas BBQ Cookoff and for two years running his little restaurant in Sherman has been voted the best in the Texoma region.

The secret is in the smoking they say, and he relies on apple wood. My brother used to work in the restaurant, which was an old Taco Bell. These days it looks more like a big red barn. Not long after we called in, Aaron himself came in with his daughter to grab a bite. It turns out he's younger than me, but he has worked his way through the trade and has obviously picked up some secrets along the way.

Service is friendly and super fast - by the time you've grabbed a drink from the self-serve fountain your plate of food is ready. They have a drive-by window too, perfect if you're travelling through.

Favorite Dish: The baked beans were the best I'd had in years (my brother gave me the recipe), the coleslaw was fresh and the BBQ beef brisket was magnificent - melt in your mouth soft and terrific with a zingy dash of hot BBQ sauce. A plate like this - a large portion of meat, 2 sides and a slice of thick white bread - costs less than 9 dollars.

Sides include potato salad, black eyed peas, boiled cabbage (which my brother swears by) and turnip greens - but no fries. Baked spuds and salads round out the menu. Kids meals are only $3.50 and the lunch special is a sandwich, side order and drink for $5.99. Apparently baby back ribs are the house specialty, but I will have to save those for my next visit!

As well as the cackle (chicken) and oink (pork) they do beef, turkey and sausage either on the plate or in a sandwich. If you are having a picnic or family reunion they can set you up with smoked meats by the pound, sides by the quart (or more) and family combos. Full catering is also available.

Address: 3210 Texoma Pkway, Sherman TX 75090
Comparison: less expensive than average
Directions: 1/4 mile north of the junction of US Highway 82 with State Highway 91 Texoma Parkway, the old route of Highway 75
othercontact: ribcooker@hotmail.com
Phone: 903/891-3200
Price: less than US$10
Rating: 5
Theme: Barbecue
Website: http://www.cackleandoink.com