Hard Eight BBQ - The Colony, Texas

Hard Eight BBQ
5300 TX-121
The Colony, TX 75056

http://www.hardeightbbq.com/

Hard Eight BBQ is a new voice in the world of Texas barbecue.  Family owned and individually served directly from the pitmasters themselves.  I can't speak to the other 3 locations but the one in the Colony has a labyrinthine set of stacks that deliver the smoke from the fire pit to the smokers.

 
The firepit is outside the building, however the smokers are inside the entrance area and serpentine lines allow the experience to start from the moment you walk in.  There is a bar out front so that you can grab a cold one on the way to the pitmaster.  

Based on the smokers alone, there is plenty of capacity for smoking 'cue at this location. They can really turn it out.  And from what I can see, they need to be able to in order to feed those hungry Texans standing in line for some lip smackin' good eats.

The pitmasters serve each person directly.  In addition to brisket, sausage, pork and ribs, they have rib eye, prime rib, sirloin, turkey, 2" think pork chops, shrimp poppers, chicken kabobs, sirloin kabobs, ham and more.  It's a very extensive menu.  

I stuck with the standards.  

Ribs, brisket, jalapeno sausage and bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers.  Ok...so maybe I ran the rim on the standards but I just had to try the poppers.

There are several things to like about this place.  Scale.  They know how to serve it up big and right.
Sauce is kept in a warming pot and there is spicy and regular.  They were quite different from each other.  I like the regular the best.  Pinto Beans. The beans are exactly what Texas pinto beans are supposed to be.  Juicy, think and not baked or molassesy.  They are also free and serve yourself right by the sauce and drinks.  Nice touch.

In order of preference...

Ribs - the ribs were smokey and tender.  Not much spice though.
Brisket - this is a lean brisket but very tender and tasty.
Sausage - the sausage has a good firmness to it and excellent flavor.
Poppers - the meat inside the poppers was a little dry but other than that, they were good.

On sides, I've spoken about the beans but haven't yet mentioned the jalapeno cream corn.  Well worth it.  I thought it was great.

They even have multiple options for bread.  White, wheat, a ciabatta toasted bun that was fabulous.

In summation, I highly recommend Hard Eight.  It's not top 3 but it's some of the best prepared city barbecue that you will find in the heart of Texas.