Riley's Bar-B-Q - Blanco, Texas

Address	318 4th St, Blanco, TX (map)
Phone	830-833-4166
Open	M-F 10- 8, Sat 10-7, Sun 11-3
Date Visited	April 21, 2007
Reviewer	Tex

Open in 2003, Rileys has two Hill Country locations one in Dripping Springs and the other in Blanco. Today I tried the Q at their Blanco location. The restaurant is the remains of an old Ford Model A show room. located right on the main square of Blanco. You can miss it. Two doors down is one of the most unique restaurants in the Hill Country the Blanco Bowling Club Cafe, but thats another review for another day.

I entered in on the side door and was kind of lost in where the line started when i first walked in. If you come in the front door like you're supposed to, you walk into the the second dining area, which has a cozy feel (apparently its an add on). Nothing fancy, just a few picnic tables in what looks like an old porch (actually it was where the gas pumps once sat) with some rustic decorations and photos of visitors. Paper towels on the table, along with ketchup etc. The back dining room has pretty much the same feel, but has old antique ceramic tables.

The order line is through a door into a sort of kitchen area. I asked the gentlemen if they had plate dinners, and like a lot of Hill Country place, there are no plate dinners offered, everything is by the pound, sliced and weighed in front of you. They also offer fried chicken as of February of 2007.....interesting, is the Q not selling well? as you move down the short line, you can pick up the refrigerated sides (i.e slaw, tater salad, etc) or cobbler. As for beans they're out with the pickles and onion in the dining room, you just tell the cashier when you pay at the end of the line and they'll give you a bowl. Pickles, onions, bread, and sauce are all serve yourself outside in the dining area. They offer 2 kinds of sauce "Spicy" and "Sweet" from ketchup pump type dispensers (you know like at Wendy's) and its cold. I guess theres a first time for everything, not a real problem with that, was just different. As for drinks they have the usual to offer. Fountain drinks, sweet and unsweet tea and of course beer. One note on the pickle bar, the onions they had were unique. They looked like they had been marinating in a peppery vinegarette of sorts....very tasty. I bet they would be good on a sandwich.

On to the food. I wasnt too impressed with the way the meat looked when i took it back to my table, it looked like it had been sitting in a warmer for a while and the way the "sliced" the meat kind of resembled more of a "chop". Digging in it wasnt too bad. The ribs were probably the weakest of the 3. just kind of bland, and dry. A little smokey flavor but thats about it for the ribs. I didnt even finish the 2 I had on my tray, which is unusual for me cause I'm a rib guy. My guess is these had been sitting out for a while. The first bite of brisket was great! It was just right with a little fat and some crispy crust, but as i continued on it got a little chewy and drier. Sausage has a nice taste to it, but again dry. I suspect its pretty good when hot off the smoker. The sides, sauce, and vibe were the best things. I really enjoyed the slaw. It was a vinegar based slaw almost reminding me of a Cajun style slaw. Beans were great! Something about the places that serve beans in those pots that sit out all day.....Of the two sauces I liked the "Sweet" one better. I didnt think it was sweet at all. just a good ol semi thick tangy sauce.

Ribs	Brisket	Sausage	Sauce	Sides	Atmosphere	Overall Score
2.50	3.00	2.50	3.50	3.50	3.50	3.08

Bottom Line

Overall not bad. The place has a good vibe going on and was pretty consistent. I was a little disappointed with the meat being a little dry, other than that it was better than average. Of the 3 meats, brisket is king at Riley's.... oh and dont forget beans.