Hard Eight BBQ - Stephenville, Texas

Address	1091 Glen Rose Rd, Stephenville, TX (map)
Phone	254-968-5552
Web Site	http://www.hardeightbbq.com/
Open	Mon-Thu 10:30am-9:00pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm, Sun 10:30am-8:00pm
Date Visited	March 23, 2006
Reviewer	Doc

I was on my way to Abilene and decided what better reason to stop on the way than to get some BBQ. Although Stephenville is a little out of the way I had heard about this place called Hard Eight. Many people compared it to Cooper's so I knew I had to go.

I pulled up in the parking lot and was immediately impressed. It was 11:15am and there was a line at the pit outside at least 20 people long of fellow travelers who just wanted to get some good mesquite smoked Q. I waited in line outside and when it was my turn I ordered the usual (3 ribs, 1 sausage and 1 slice of brisket). The person in front of me ordered the big chop with a side of melted lemon butter on it that tempted me so much but I knew I had to stick with the standard.

I walked inside to pay for my meat and potato salad. Immediately I noticed it looks like a newer building inside than outside. I paid for my meat and went to the bar for my onions, pickles, jalapenos and beans. The ribs were a little above average but nothing stood out about them. I feel the best ribs have something the others don't. Cooper's has an intricate blend of spices they use for their rub that makes them one of the best.

These were no Cooper's ribs. The brisket and sausage were a little better than the ribs. The brisket fell apart easily and had a good smoky flavor. The sausage had a good texture and could be eaten without sauce. The sauce was pretty standard but the sides were the best of the bunch. The beans were very good and the potato salad was rich and creamy.

Ribs	Brisket	Sausage	Sauce	Sides	Atmosphere	Overall Score
3.00	3.50	3.50	3.00	4.00	3.00	3.33

Bottom Line

All in all Hard Eight BBQ was worth the visit. I can see how the place is compared to Cooper's but they will know they have really arrived when people start comparing other BBQ joints to Hard Eight. They still have a way to go.