Barbecue joint offers big portions for big appetites

Whether it's delivering food to local law enforcement or catering to the football team at Magnolia West High School next door, Magnolia Smokehouse is determined to serve its community. Opened in early 2011, the eatery's ample portions and dedication to quality have made it a valued establishment among locals.

A long-time barbecue chef and connoisseur, owner Milford Huskey said he wants to provide Magnolia with a type of barbecue he believed it was previously lacking.

"I don't serve anything I wouldn't eat, and I'm really particular about my barbecue," he said. "We use good meat. We cook everything on the menu fresh ourselves and take the time to do it right."

Huskey said the two most important things for any restaurant are that it is clean and that the customers leave satisfied. He said his customers appreciate the good food served in abundant portions.

"When you get your food, you might think we gave you more than you ordered, but that's just what we do," Huskey said.

Magnolia Smokehouse has turned into a restaurant of choice for police officers and firefighters in the area. The loyalty of law enforcement officers can be traced back to the tri-county fires in 2011. After the Smokehouse's power went out, the owners were stuck with a lot of meat they had to get rid of. The family cooked all day and night, then drove to Grimes County with enough sandwiches to feed 60 firefighters.

"I thought those guys were gonna attack me when I took the food out," Huskey said. "They probably hadn't eaten in 24 hours."

Huskey said he hopes to add some outdoor seating in the grass area along the building when the weather gets nicer. For now, the eatery features indoor seating, outdoor porch seating and a drive-thru window. It also has several large garage doors that Huskey opens on breezy days.

Owner recommendations

• Two Meat BBQ plate—meat choices include sliced or chopped beef, pulled pork, chicken, ham, turkey or sausage and is served with two sides, pickles, onions and bread. ($10.95)
• Chopped Beef sandwich—with pickles and onions ($4.95), a bag of chips and 20 ounce drink ($6.50)
• Loaded French Fries—homemade french fries with cheese, onions and seasoning. ($4.95)
• Chocolate Scrump—Cake-like pastry made with layers of chocolate and cream, topped off with whipped cream and sprinkled with pecans. ($3.95)

Customer Comments

"They've got good food here, and they always take care of local law enforcement." -Jonothan Aldridge, state trooper with DPS

"[Owner Milford Huskey] is all about the community. I come to eat here at least four times a week." -Ryan C.

"Good barbecue and cold beer. What more can you need?" -Kevin S.

Monster portions

The Smokehouse has created a name for itself with some of its heaping platters. Two of the most daunting challenges for eaters are the Monster Sandwich ($6.95) and the Monster Double Stuffed Potato ($9.50).

The Monster Sandwich comes on a hamburger bun with any two choices of barbecue meat, as well as pickles and onions. The Monster Potato is bursting with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits and green onions.

"Most people have to split the Monster Sandwich," said owner Milford Huskey. "I've only seen a few people eat it. Once they do, that's their history."

Magnolia Smokehouse, 41902 FM 1774, Magnolia, 281-259-6363

Hours:

• Sun.–Wed. 10:30 a.m.–8 p.m.,
• Thu.–Sat. 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m.